New arms deals must not be a replay of the last disaster

16 September 2015 - 02:07 By The Times Editorial

South Africans could be forgiven for having an abiding aversion to the purchase of weapons systems and armaments on any scale. The stench of corruption from our fledgling democracy's first major arms procurement package - struck in 1999 and sweetened with the (largely hollow) promise that significant numbers of jobs would be created through a series of offset programmes - lingers to this day.In an ideal world, the scandal might have persuaded us to follow Switzerland's approach and stay neutral in military conflicts.But, as a regional power with porous borders and significant continental peacekeeping responsibilities, South Africa does not have the luxury of opting out.Apart from our botched attempt to quell a rebellion in Lesotho in 1998, and our disastrous foray into the Central African Republic in 2013, seemingly to prop up a strongman besieged by rebels, the SANDF has performed incredibly well.Through missions and rescue operations in countries such as Burundi, Comoros, Sudan, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo, SANDF soldiers and peacekeepers have underlined South Africa's role as a regional force for good.Despite the multibillion-rand arms package - some might say because of it - the defence force is under severe strain, and requires investment to the tune of tens of billions of rands on equipment and the training of personnel to maintain its operational capabilities.Adequate border protection, peacekeeping support and our expected contribution to Africa's crisis response force are proving massively expensive and will require sufficient trained personnel and support staff, transport aircraft, helicopters and naval patrol vessels.As we make the purchases in the years to come it is critical that we learn the lessons of the 1999 arms deal by ensuring that all acquisitions are above board and that the weapons we acquire are fit for purpose...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.