Election of chairperson

Documents handed out:
Programme of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (at end of minutes).

SUMMARY
Mr N Mashimbye of the ANC was elected as chairperson for the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.

Certain aspects of this session's committee programme were highlighted.

MINUTES
Mr Mashimbye was elected as chairperson of this committee.

The newly elected chairperson said that he admired the manner in which Mr Yengeni, the previous chairperson, had successfully managed to unite all the parties, irrespective of the politics involved.

Mr Mashimbye said the committee would focus on policy, the budget, and the morale of the SANDF.

The chairperson said that the Acquisition process is being given priority and therefore it has been set down for the next meeting on the 3 September 1999. This budget discussion will be held in 3 phases. Phase 1 is until 21 October, Phase 2 begins on the 22 October, and Phase 3 continues from 16 November 1999. Other objectives of this session are to finalise the White Paper on the Defence Related Industry and to reach consensus regarding the budget.

The various political parties took the opportunity to congratulate the newly elected chairperson. Mr Ndlovu (IFP) asked Mr Mashimbye to give members of the committee an opportunity to introduce themselves. The chairperson promised that at the next meeting, members would be given this opportunity.

Election of Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence

and discussion of draft programme, Thursday 26^th August 1999

Briefing to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence by the DoD on the

Acquisition process, 3rd September 1999

Briefing and discussion on the Transformation Process of the DoD, 15^th September 1999

DoD process and function, 15^th September 1999

Briefing and discussion of the update on the Defence Review Policy and

Resources, 21^st September 1999

DoD Budget briefing: Phase one, 23^rd September 1999

Briefing and discussion of the Draft White Paper on Defence Related Industry, 13^th October 1999

A meeting of PIOC must be held before a Bill on the termination of Integration is tabled, 19^th October 1999

Briefing on the DoD's Land Reform Policy, 27^th October 1999

A briefing and discussions of issues raised by members e.g.Involvement of the South African National Defence Force elsewhere in Africa and the financial implications.

-Possible closure of certain regiments

-Progress report on the Right sizing of the Defence Force

-Progress Report on Appointment of the Defence Secretary

DoD Budget briefing and discussions: Phase two, 22^nd October 1999

Briefing by Denel;

TRANSFORMATION

- Structures

- Process and functioning

- Mission and current state of the Industry, 10^th November 1999

DoD Budget briefing and discussions: Phase three, 16 November 1999