Question NW4206 to the Minister in the Presidency
08 December 2015 - NW4206
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister in the Presidency
(1)Whether the National Conventional Arms Control Committee approved any export of arms to foreign states under section 14 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act, Act 41 of 2002 (a) in the (i) 2010-11 and (ii) 2014-15 financial years and (b) since 1 April 2015; if not, why not; if so, (aa) to which states, (bb) and what are the further relevant details;
Reply:
There have been exports in terms of Section 14 which were authorised by the NCACC to foreign countries in the years 2010; 2011; 2012; 2013; 2014.The reporting cycle is on a calendar year basis and not on financial year basis, in line with section 23 of the NCAC Act. Therefore the reports are from January to December of each year. This means that the 2015 export report will only be available in 2016.
The NCACC considers all applications against set criteria in terms of section 15 as provided for in the NCAC Act and this occurs after a deliberate process by various Government Departments.
The Reports on Transfers of controlled items are compiled quarterly (4 quarters), as well as annually and are tabled in Parliament through the office of the Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. These reports are subsequently referred to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence.
These exports are further reported on to the United Nations in line with International obligations of South Africa in terms of Treaties and Conventions, in accordance with International Law.
From the ensuing, it is the intention of South Africa to ensure that arms transferred do not end up with rogue elements elsewhere in the world. South Africa is committed to contributing to Peace and Security in the world.
Lastly, the NCACC activities are subject to the Auditor-General (AG) of South Africa, who perform annual evaluations and assessments on qualitative aspects of the work undertaken, per given period. The past period performance of the NCACC by the AG in this regard was found to be without qualification.
Approved / Not Approved
Mr J T Radebe, MP
Minister in The Presidency
Date: