THE upgrading of the Naval Station Durban to a naval base marks the start of a national defence force review, aimed at improving defence capabilities as terrorism and piracy threats loom.
At a sod turning ceremony on Tuesday, 8 December, SA minister of defence and military veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula spoke about plans for an overhaul of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to increase security and economic growth possibilities.
The Salisbury Island base was established during the Second World War, and in 2002, due to governmental budgetary constraints, was downgraded to a naval station. In 2012 the decision was made to renovate the derelict facilities, which will now be returned to its former glory as a base.
“It is a process to reverse what happened in the past, when there was a decision to downscale and eventually close what was then a budding navy facility and move all the facilities to Simon’s Town. We are now wiser.
This single, giant step will mark the beginning of the process of the South African navy rejuvenation and the SANDF in general,” said Mapisa-Nqakula.
In terms of outside threats, an eastern coast tripartite agreement with Tanzania and Mozambique that has long been in action has, according to Mapisa-Nqakula, seen a visible decline in piracy. With piracy now becoming an issue in the Gulf of Guinea, a new partnership with Namibia, Angola and Guinea aims to keep the west coast safe too.
The upgrading of the naval base will also contribute towards the ocean economy.
“This initiative is significant, considering 50% of our trade is through the blue economy. The SANDF and South Africa will be making contributions to the ocean economy in this regard and further increasing capacity as an integral part and leader in Indian Ocean navies.”
The plan to improve the facilities at the Salisbury Island facility forms part of a national defence review programme for which no budget or funding has been allocated yet.
“We may not have the funding for the implementation but I think it is important to have confidence in us. We’ve targeted those areas which do not require funding and we have identified areas that require funding for 2016/17. By that time we are assured there will be some money we can use for the defence review implementation.”
She stressed the defence force is not sitting around and waiting for money but partnering with those who have the capacity and outlined an arrangement with Cuba.
“I know some people feel very uncomfortable about this in the private sector, but I am sorry, it had to be done. I have personally witnessed the skills they are transferring to our young people.”
“There is talk now about terrorism worldwide. It would be silly of us and very naïve to believe we are immune. What is important now for us is to recognise the truth and the truth is terrorism is on the rise and South African young people are being recruited by Isis and therefore the reality is we must be vigilant, we must be alert.”
She adamantly denied reports that SA has engaged in fighting jihadists in the DRC.
“We are not there yet. We have not come into contact with jihadists. We will not be caught napping – we are a vigilant nation. Our young people will be up to the task, they will be equal to the task in the event this was to find its space in SA.”
Going forward, Mapisa-Nqakula urges all South Africans to work with the SANDF to ensure the safety of the country.
“Let it not be lost on us that we need men and women to play their part to make a contribution to the safety and security of SA and ensure economic growth that will lead to the eradication of poverty and open up opportunities for all our people.
All of you individually should be the eyes and ears of the SANDF. It’s not about defence intelligence – you, whether in uniform or out, should be the eyes and ears of this country.”
