Question NW1877 to the Minister of Public Enterprises
02 June 2023 - NW1877
Buthelezi, Mr EM to ask the Minister of Public Enterprises
Whether, arising from the debacle surrounding the speculation on whether the Republic supplied Russia with arms and weaponry, the Deputy Minister for the first time visited the Denel manufacturing plant when he as the Minister conducted a site visit on 12 May 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, are site visits not undertaken routinely by either him or the Deputy Minister; (2) Whether the purpose of the site visit was to inspect the nature of the weapons produced by the plant; if not, what was the purpose of the site visit; if so, (3) Whether any of the weapons produced at Denel are known and overseen by his department; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (4) Whether the Deputy Minister appraised himself of the weapons and equipment produced at the specified plant during the site visit because of the United States Ambassador to the Republic raising his concerns publicly; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details? NW2128E
Reply:
1. The Minister did not conduct a site visit to Denel on 12 May 2023. On that specific week, the Minister was on an official visit to the People’s Republic of China. Site visits to operations of State-Owned Enterprises (SOCs) are part of the oversight mechanisms available to the Minister, Deputy Minister, and the Department to get a first-hand appreciation of the state of operations at each SOC and to interact with management and employees at the shopfloor level.
2. The primary purpose of the visit was not about inspecting weapons produced by Denel. The visit was part of the induction process for the Deputy Minister since his appointment in March 2023. The visit has given the Deputy Minister an opportunity to engage with management and employees of the Denel divisions and to visit the operations. The display of weapons on the day was the initiative of Denel to showcase the capabilities to the Deputy Minister and their relevance to national security.
3. Yes, all the weapon systems in the custodY of Denel are known by the Department. These are reported on in Denel’s Corporate Plan, Quarterly Reports and Annual Reports. Denel’s portfolio of weapons and weapon systems is regulated through the National Conventional Arms Control Act.
(4) Yes. Denel’s presentation outlined all the capabilities and product portfolio of the two divisions. Denel management confirmed to the Deputy Minister that Denel has not sold any military hardware or product to the Russian Federation.
The Ambassador of the United States to South Africa, has, in recent weeks, apologized for his unfounded claims.
Remarks: Reply: Approved / Not Approved
Jacky Molisane P J Gordhan, MP
Acting Director-General Minister
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