Question NW1258 to the President of the Republic

Share this page:

12 July 2016 - NW1258

Profile picture: Marais, Mr EJ

Marais, Mr EJ to ask the President of the Republic

Whether he was present for the unveiling of a new arms factory in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on 27 March 2016; if so, (a) what was the itinerary for the visit to the specified complex, (b) which Cabinet members were present at the unveiling and (c) why in each case?

Reply:

During the State Visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we undertook a tour of the Military Industries Corporation facilities, operated by Rheinmetall Denel Munition, in which South Africa’s Denel holds a 49% stake, accompanied by the Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, who is also the Minister of Defence of Saudi Arabia.

The visit sought to promote South Africa’s defence military industry and to strengthen areas of cooperation in the field of defence procurement partnership between South Africa and Saudi Arabia. Together with the Crown Prince, we symbolically unveiled a plaque of the military facility. We met with and took photographs with personnel and senior management of the Rheinmetall Denel Munition and the South African staff who are bringing expertise to the military factory. The visit was open to the media.

I was accompanied by Ms Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation;  Mr David Mahlobo, Minister of  State Security;  Dr Rob Davies, Minister of  Trade and Industry; Mr Malusi Gigaba, Minister of Home Affairs and Mr Nkosinathi Nhleko, Minister of Police.

Source file