DoD presents Strategic Plan

The Department of Defence presented their FY2008/09 Strategic Plan and Budget to the Portfolio Committee on Defence.

The measurable objectives for Air Defence was presented as follows:

• Providing a helicopter capability of four mixed (medium and light) squadrons and one combat support squadron.
• Providing a transport and maritime capability of three medium transport squadrons, one maritime and transport squadron, one light transport squadron and nine Reserve squadrons .
• Providing an air combat capability of one combat squadron.
• Providing capacity for a 24-hour air command and control capability.

During the discussions, Mr J Schippers (ANC) wondered if the increase in the fuel price affected the number of flying hours in the airforce.

General Wikus van Rensburg (Chief of Corporate Services, DoD) stated that the fuel price did not affect the number of flying hours. Flying hours had actually increased to 1 000 hours, as the combat fleet had been phased out.

Ms P Daniels (ANC) stated that she could not comprehend why the Department wanted to increase maritime capabilities, specifically in the harbours.

General van Rensburg said that although the Department protected the oceans and coastlines of South Africa, they also had to protect the harbours, as harbours were the economic heartland of the country. The Department secured the exit and entrance to harbours when called on to do so.

Mr R Shah (DA) noted that the CEO of the South African Maritime Safety Authority (SAMSA) had told Parliament that there was a serious lack of technological capacity to track and monitor foreign vessels in South Africa's waters. He asked if there was naval capacity to track foreign vessels.

General van Rensburg stated that the Navy had the technology and capacity to monitor all foreign military vessels, but not all foreign vessels.

Mr M Moatshe (ANC) asked if there was any progress in training pilots.

General van Rensburg answered that 42 pilots had been trained to the Department's satisfaction and requirements. There were no shortages at the moment. The numbers represented the best demographics that the Department had in years. He warned, however, that the South African Air Force was losing skills to the Australian Air Force.

Source: Parliamentary Monitoring Group and edited by Dean Wingrin