The absence of a direct line of communication between government and the national defence industry has been flagged as a matter of concern by Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). It warned that this omission weakened the defence sector’s ability to help grow the country’s economy.

There was a need for stronger collaboration between the defence industry and the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) and the Department of Defence (DoD), affirmed the committee. This would allow the development of strategies that would allow the industry to achieve its full potential.

“It is important that there is a clear line of communication to clear impediments in the defence industry,” affirmed JSCD co-chairperson Phiroane Phala. “The dtic and DoD are central in providing the policy direction required for the industry to grow.”

On Friday, the JSCD met with National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) chairperson and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. They discussed issues concerning the strategic placement and regulation of the defence sector. “The argument by the NCACC that the Committee must remain insulated from the influence of applicants is both cogent and correct,” stated Phala.

In addition to its strategic role, the local defence industry also had a socioeconomic role, the JSCD pointed out. It undertook research and development, and skills development, that were critical to the country’s competitiveness in the global economy. It also had substantial potential to help with wider economic growth and job creation.

“It is in this context that a platform must be created to facilitate effective communication and coordination so that the industry can be rebuilt through collective action and clear policy direction,” he pointed out. The JSCD acknowledged the NCACC’s explanation and welcomed moves to make certain that the NCACC met regularly so that it could process regulatory applications from local defence companies, as required by the National Conventional Arms Control Act. These included a commitment that the NCACC would meet every month to make certain industry applications were rapidly processed.