Question NW1273 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
13 August 2021 - NW1273
Clarke, Ms M to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
(1) Whether Denel still has missile capability; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether designs are still being done; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the whole capability has been lost to the United Arab Emirates; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
According to the information received from Denel:
- This question would be best described by defining Capability, which is man-made creation that facilitate human endeavor. It consists of three elements: i) Science/knowledge, ii) People, and iii) Tools (materials, machines, and facilities). If any of the elements is removed the capability ceases to exist. Denel still has these three elements in terms of our missiles business, though a number of skills have been lost. Therefore, Denel still has the capability.
- The designs are still being done because Denel still has the three elements to some extent, though impacted by loss of a significant number of engineers in the value chain.
- No, Denel has not lost all the capability, but is aware of attempts by some of its people to siphon Denel capability to foreign jurisdictions.