₦airaland Forum

Mountain Club of SA -Search and Rescue
"A hypothermic hiker was rescued after a 30-hour ordeal that included surviving a cold, unprotected night during a winter storm in the Jonkershoek Mountains (Stellenbosch area). Due to the flooded rivers, the foreign tourist was forced to turn back and retrace most of his hike.

On Thursday, 3 July, the 18-year-old hiker intended to complete a challenging day hike alone. He planned to follow a circular route, including the Panorama trail and trails along the mountain ridge overlooking the Jonkershoek valley. However, by afternoon, he realised he had difficulty completing the hike before dark. His hike turned into a serious situation when, with little daylight left, he was confronted with worsening weather and a dangerous, flooded river crossing. He wisely decided not to attempt the crossing and turn around. Fortunately, he could communicate his situation and location to a friend, but due to a combination of poor cellular reception and his phone battery becoming depleted, he was unable to communicate any further. In addition, he did not have emergency essentials such as warm clothing, high-energy food, or a headlamp to help him retrace his route at night with more rain and cold brought by the passing cold front. He hunkered down in the open between boulders for a cold, wet, miserable night.

The next morning, he started making his way back (a rare exception to a bias referred to as the sunk cost fallacy). Still, despite being able to keep moving, the heavy rain and cold and his lack of protective clothing slowly made him increasingly hypothermic, and time was running out.
WSAR launched a search operation on Friday morning.

The command team formulated a search plan and mapped out several areas of interest based on the little information available. A search team, including experienced MSAR volunteer mountaineers, made their way to close to the last location where he had cellphone reception. The team, which included a tracker, was able to cross some of the flooded river tributaries and find his tracks, but no trace of the hiker was found. At that time (late on Friday afternoon), some 30 hours after starting his hike and walking close to an estimated 30km (much further than his planned distance and after getting lost on the way back), the hiker was found close to the Jonkershoek reserve entrance. By this time, he was severely hypothermic. First aid was immediately rendered by MSAR rescuers, followed by treatment and active warming under the supervision of a Western Cape Government Health and Wellness EMS paramedic. He was transported to the hospital for further medical care.

Although it is easy to be critical about some of the choices made, it is worthwhile pointing out that his decision not to attempt crossing flooded rivers and accept that his best and safest course of action given his situation was to keep moving and retrace his steps was, in part the reason why he survived. On the other hand, virtually all of the 10 essentials that we recommend hikers take with them would and could have made a significant difference to him had it been brought along - a lesson we hope hikers take note of.
We urge hikers to plan ahead and ensure that they know the nature of the hike, that it is within their ability (i.e. distance, elevation gain) and what the predicted weather is. In addition, always carry the 10 essentials, especially in the cold, wet winters of the Western Cape, to help you manage unplanned situations and prevent a minor upset in your plans from becoming a life-threatening emergency."

From crisis to catalyst: How US tariffs could spur South Africa’s defence industry
The USA has formally communicated that South African goods will be subject to a 30% tariff effect 1 August. The result is that many manufacturers are going to need to find alternative markets. Most analysis is on the larger sectors of mining and automobiles. There are the smaller manufacturing sectors aligned with the aerospace (Sling Aircraft and the many Space cube suppliers) and maritime (Robertson & Caine that support 10,000 jobs building catamarans) sectors that could be severely impacted.

The defence industry is not significantly affected by this development, but it does present an opportunity, to collaborate with countries now seeking to substitute US goods due to also being penalised with excessive tariff increases. The defence industry now has a chance to exploit dual use product opportunities.

South Africa is in an enviable international position. The country possesses established Research, Development, Test, and Evaluation (RDT&E) capabilities. Countries with a full RDT&E capability all leverage the defence sector as a technology incubator. The defence sector also requires testing and evaluation to strict standards.

South Africa is interesting in that it is the country with the lowest defence spend that has a full RDT&E capability. South Africa is still seen as a top RDT&E country – the challenge is maintaining its test and evaluation (T&E) capability with the reduction in defence spending.

According to Ben Franklin, “The best investment is in the tools of one’s own trade”.

RDT&E capability generally translates into a significant Defence Industry Base (DIB). A robust DIB requires a model of innovation in which university/academia, industry, and government, as primary institutional spheres, interact to promote development through innovation and entrepreneurship.

Where there is strong collaboration between governmental defence entities and private industries, it significantly influences private sector R& within the related non-defence commercial industry. This has been quantified to result in around a 5% to 6% increase in private sector R& activities. A Moretti, Steinwender, and Van Reenen 2019 study revealed the consequential outcome of this phenomenon. Their study on OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development) countries confirmed that the boost in private sector R& activity induced by the rise in public defence R& investments leads to a subsequent increase in national productivity.

To quote Arthur Ashe: “Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can.”

South Africa already has a functioning domestic DIB, with a full design, development and production capability established over a roughly 30-year period leading into the 1990s. The difference between South Africa and the other 19 countries on the top-20 list is that the South African defence industry (SADI) survives on exports, not local defence technology development.

The SADI problem is summed up by Will Rogers: “Even if you are on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there.”

According to an article by Vergueiro & Reyes, there are two basic dual-use technology development models. The first one is where private initiative prevails as the generator of innovation, supported by academia, and subtly guided by the state. The second, but nearly opposite approach, is the model of military-civilian fusion, whereby a highly centralised economic system requires that all projects from the outset be conceived with dual purposes regardless of whether they come from academia, “private industry,” or government technology centres, including the military.

The SADI currently has a private sector sufficiently developed and is leading innovation in defence product development; the sector is currently merely advised by government. The focus is on leveraging private investment for national objectives. The current government focus is on trying to resurrect Denel’s capability, where government wants to control development. This is characterised by a government funding focus for national military objectives. This is a good model for Denel as previous Denel exploration of commercial solutions has not been successful.

What South Africa needs is some intermediate form between the two main models. As a democratic country with a highly mobilised civil society, it is neither possible nor desirable to completely submit technological development to government preferences. South Africa currently does not have the financial strength to finance defence innovation.

South Africa can leverage the DIB by following a “procure to export” approach. This prioritises exportability of dual use products, while promoting local capability development for use in local applications. The key is unlocking the Dual-Use development environment.

Dual use development can be explained using the Reutech Radar Systems business unit. The radar technology was initially focused on defence capability needs, like the current Kameelperd radar system used by the SANDF. This radar technology was then used to develop the Slope Stability Radar technology for the mining industry. This commercial technology has then been repurposed as a 3D radar sensor for vehicle self-protection: dual use product development created for the expansion and growth of the business.

A Special Operations Forces (SOF) capability is well aligned with Dual-Use product development opportunities. South Africa has the opportunity and potential to fortify its military strengths by strategically focusing on partnerships between countries requiring SOF capabilities. This can be direct trade or, facilitated by a third-party investor in the South African economy. South Africa is in a unique position to harness experience of EU-27 and UK expertise and technological advancement, together with Gulf peninsula and Indian subcontinent needs for transfer of advanced military technologies, joint research, and improved training programmes. The SADI can engage all these countries from diverse development stages in dual-use SOF technology projects. This can establish a dynamic ecosystem that taps into various strengths without compromising national security. This opens up the dual-use market.

The key is going to be attracting long-lasting investments capable of promoting long-awaited SOF solution developments guided by recent SANDF experience. Directly associated with this is the possibility of a leap in the production of dual-use solutions for the African continent and similar global South countries.

In closing, the quote by Robert Frost comes to mind, “The only way around is through”. The SA government must now step up to the plate. We cannot go around the difficulties in the current business environment. We must face them head-on.

The opportunity lies in fully funding the new SANDF SOF product solutions and unlocking the various dual-use solutions.

As the South African defence industry the key to unlocking dual-use innovation is growth.

Written by James Kerr, Orion Consulting CC, which provides Market Entry Strategy and Bid & Proposal services to the Aerospace & Defence related industry and assists international SME mission system product suppliers to gain traction in South Africa.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/from-crisis-to-catalyst-how-us-tariffs-could-spur-south-africas-defence-industry/

Sweden confirmed as record RDM Assegaai artillery ammunition customer
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) member Sweden will be on the receiving end of South African manufactured 155 mm Assegaai artillery rounds and charges as part of the Scandinavian country’s largest investment in artillery ammunition since the 1980s.

The South African supplier is Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), a partnership between the German defence and munitions group of companies, and South Africa’s State-owned defence and technology conglomerate, Denel, the minority shareholder.

RDM last week said the order was “the largest in its history” without putting a monetary value on it saying deliveries would start this year (2025) and finish in 2027. A Swedish Defence Ministry statement dated 9 July confirming the acquisition has it contracts with successful bidders are for its Archer artillery system, valued at more than SEK (Swedish Kronor) 5 billion (R9 billion).

Norwegian/Finnish defence group Nammo (Nordic Ammunition Company) is the other beneficiary of the Swedish decision to massively boost its stocks of artillery ammunition.

“This order strengthens Sweden’s defence capability. It is a vital investment in the security of Sweden and NATO,” according to Defence Minister Pål Jonson.

A Swedish Defence Ministry statement has it: “The aim [of the acquisition] is to strengthen the defence’s resilience and ensure access to critical materiel. The agreements mean that deliveries of artillery shells will start in 2025 and continue in the coming years. Concluding agreements with two suppliers also increases the long-term supply of artillery ammunition. Artillery ammunition, which includes shells and propellant powder, has been in short supply throughout the international market since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine”.

In conjunction with the framework agreement, an initial billion-kronor (R1.8 billion) order for deliveries of Nammo 155 mm high-explosive extended range shells (HE–ER), with a shooting range of up to 40 km, will be entered into. The framework agreement, the Swedish Defence Ministry said, represents a continuation of a strategic collaboration with the company to increase production capacity of artillery ammunition in Sweden and the Nordics, backed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration and the European Commission (EU). Deliveries are set to start in 2028.

The agreement with RDM is worth SEK4 billion (R7.3 billion) and “increases the long-term supply of ammunition that can be used with the Archer system.”

The South African Assegaai projectile suits houses ballistically matched high explosive, practice, insensitive munition high explosive, illuminating, infrared illuminating, smoke, pre-formed fragmented (PFF) and rocket-assisted (V-LAP) projectiles. Rounds are compatible with 39 to 52 calibre weapon systems and designed according to JBMoU principles. The Assegai family can be fired from NATO STANAG-compatible artillery systems, including the PzH 2000 self-propelled howitzer. With a barrel length that can accommodate 39 calibres, an Assegai base-bleed projectile attains a range of over 30 kilometres. Fired from a 52-calibre barrel, the range can exceed 40km (a 2019 record shot reached 76 km with a V-LAP round).

“The Rheinmetall Assegai user group is growing rapidly across the globe, and we are delighted that another customer has now also selected Rheinmetall Assegai to be delivered fast and in volume,” said Dr Frank Dirksen, CEO of Rheinmetall Denel Munition, when announcing the record order earlier this month.

RDM has received multiple Assegai orders over the years from customers including Australia, the Netherlands, Hungary, and unspecified NATO and non-NATO militaries.

RDM’s record order comes on the back of a major 155 mm ammunition order for a local customer worth tens of millions of euros that was announced at the beginning of June.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/industry/industry-industry/sweden-confirmed-as-record-rdm-assegaai-artillery-ammunition-customer/

Breakthrough SA research promises quantum leap into our global future
This will be an entirely novel way of managing quantum information and will have revolutionary implications – we will be able to quickly solve very hard problems in fields such as chemistry, pharmacology, logistics, finance and many more.

“Beam me up, Scotty!” A brave new South African-led study aims to solve exactly the quantum physics challenge that the fictional starship Enterprise’s transporter system is designed to overcome.
Unfortunately, we’re not looking to dematerialise people and put them together again somewhere else, which certainly would be very exciting. What we envisage, however, is far more fundamental: we’re going to show people the future – and unlock South Africa’s development potential.

To make the nascent field of harnessing quantum entanglement viable, we – myself, a vibrant, young team of South African researchers and select international partners, including leading scientists from China’s Huzhou University, France’s Sorbonne University and Australia’s Monash University – aim to practically demonstrate an entirely novel way for managing quantum information.

This will have revolutionary implications: with quantum computing, which will be exponentially more powerful than current technology, we will be able to quickly solve very hard problems in fields such as chemistry, pharmacology, logistics, finance and many more.

We will also be able to truly harness artificial intelligence – without the unsustainably huge energy price (environmentally speaking) that we currently pay for it. In quantum communications, it will enable long-distance links, essential for a global quantum network that is fundamentally secure.

Our quantum physics research, which stands to offer manifest benefits for humanity, is generously funded to the tune of R2.5-million by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust through its annual Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, for which I am the 2024 co-recipient.
SA a potential global leader

I envisage South Africa, which has no Silicon Valley of its own, becoming a leader in quantum software – much like apps on cellphones, but harnessing quantum technology. I see us creating a quantum-literate workforce that will realise our country’s immense human potential and create human and economic opportunities that we cannot yet imagine.

Allow me to explain.

The big picture to consider is quantum as a new paradigm for future technologies. In the past decade or two, humanity has begun to harness the spooky property of quantum theory that had hitherto remained elusive: entanglement – a form of connecting particles no matter how far apart they are, enabling faster computing, more secure communications and measuring with higher precision.

This is an extremely valuable resource, and I (and others around the world) believe that this promises an entirely new economy for our planet, one based on quantum technologies.

South Africa has a national quantum strategy – into which significant resources are being poured – to not only move us into the quantum economy we believe is coming, but also position our country as a major global player.

It’s a very exciting time to be involved in this field; indeed, 2025 is Unesco’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to celebrate the progress made so far, but also to highlight how quantum can be used to address grand societal challenges.
Entanglement

At the heart of this promise is an aspect of quantum called entanglement that physicist Albert Einstein himself deplored; in fact, he called it “spooky”.

Entanglement is the unusual, but proven idea that two particles can be connected and if you do something to one of them, this will be replicated in the other, regardless of the distance between them (in theory, they can be infinitely far apart).

Entanglement holds enormous potential for the nascent field of quantum computing. Unlike in classical computing in which particles have only the binary, one-bit value of 1 or 0, in quantum computing, entanglement will allow particles to be 1 and 0 at the same time.

This means that you can do multiple things with one bit (in quantum computing, called a qubit). Imagine going through a maze using classical computing: every time you arrive at a junction, you have to turn left or right, 1 or 0, and then choose again at the next junction and so on.

With quantum computing, you can turn left and right, 1 and 0, and map out the maze’s pathways many times faster.

Entanglement is also fantastic for communications. Modern cryptography works on the principle of mathematical complexity – that a code is sufficiently complex that it cannot quickly be cracked – but it doesn’t guarantee security. The Enigma machine of World War 2 proved that if your adversary has a machine you’re unaware of, they can break your code.

Quantum computers will be able to decipher mathematical codes with ease. However, entanglement offers an exciting solution, too: if I send you a particle and retain its entangled partner particle, and I change something about my particle, it will similarly change your particle. But if someone tries to intercept that message, according to the laws of physics, it will be destroyed; this will enable all communications to be fundamentally secure.

Decay

But, of course, all of this is easier said than done. This is because entanglement is very fragile and it begins to decay because of “noise” – essentially, various kinds of disturbance – for example, temperature or atmospheric disturbances.

To date, our efforts have been expended on trying to preserve entanglement from decay, and we have had very limited success in this regard. Think about Scotty in Star Trek, trying desperately to lock on to Captain Kirk and beam him safely back to the Enterprise; sometimes his transporter’s capabilities have been tested by energy fluctuations, gravitational anomalies and other kinds of external forces.

But this is where the Star Trek analogy ends. We need an alternative strategy, one that abandons the notion of preserving entanglement and asks: can we exchange information even though the link is decaying?

Let’s rather think of entanglement like a cellphone battery. Even though the battery is losing charge, the phone’s apps will continue to work fully while there is power; the apps’ functionality won’t deteriorate along with the loss of charge. We have an idea on how to make this metaphor a reality: quantum topology.

Essentially, topology allows us to ignore how something looks and instead focus on a feature of that “something” that does not change. A famous example of topology is that of a coffee mug and a doughnut, which both feature one hole. Physically, they are very different, but topologically, they are the same.

With the traditional alphabet (albeit including numbers), I would send you a 1 for the mug or a 0 for the doughnut, and you would receive the communication accordingly. Topologically, however, it doesn’t matter how noisy the channel is, and if what I sent you has been deformed in any way, you would just count the number of holes in the information you receive: 0 for no holes, 1 for one hole, 2 for two holes, and so on.

This represents a topological alphabet formed out of the topology of things rather than how they look. It has two fantastic features: it is an infinitely large alphabet, not just 0 and 1, and most importantly, it is intrinsically invariant to noise: it doesn’t care how much the communication is distorted.

In the quantum world, this would mean that the communication would be preserved, even though the entanglement is weakening.

In our seminal academic paper in 2024, we showed that entanglement is inherently topological. What my team and I must now do is create a topological toolkit, with tools showing that topology can be used to communicate, regardless of entanglement decaying.

What Einstein really disliked about entanglement is that, without measurement, objects are not real. The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award will allow us to dispel his doubt and unlock myriad possibilities that will largely only be revealed as we go.

Spooky, indeed.

Professor Andrew Forbes is a Distinguished Professor in the Structured Light Laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Physics, and a co-recipient of the 2024 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, presented on 15 July 2025.

Established in 1958 by Harry Oppenheimer as an endowment trust to honour the memory of his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) has recently undergone a strategic shift to better serve the sectors it supports, namely education, social justice and arts and culture.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-15-breakthrough-sa-research-promises-quantum-leap-into-global-future/?dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link&dm_campaign=main

Lurker4Long:
Breakthrough SA research promises quantum leap into our global future
This will be an entirely novel way of managing quantum information and will have revolutionary implications – we will be able to quickly solve very hard problems in fields such as chemistry, pharmacology, logistics, finance and many more.

“Beam me up, Scotty!” A brave new South African-led study aims to solve exactly the quantum physics challenge that the fictional starship Enterprise’s transporter system is designed to overcome.
Unfortunately, we’re not looking to dematerialise people and put them together again somewhere else, which certainly would be very exciting. What we envisage, however, is far more fundamental: we’re going to show people the future – and unlock South Africa’s development potential.

To make the nascent field of harnessing quantum entanglement viable, we – myself, a vibrant, young team of South African researchers and select international partners, including leading scientists from China’s Huzhou University, France’s Sorbonne University and Australia’s Monash University – aim to practically demonstrate an entirely novel way for managing quantum information.

This will have revolutionary implications: with quantum computing, which will be exponentially more powerful than current technology, we will be able to quickly solve very hard problems in fields such as chemistry, pharmacology, logistics, finance and many more.

We will also be able to truly harness artificial intelligence – without the unsustainably huge energy price (environmentally speaking) that we currently pay for it. In quantum communications, it will enable long-distance links, essential for a global quantum network that is fundamentally secure.

Our quantum physics research, which stands to offer manifest benefits for humanity, is generously funded to the tune of R2.5-million by the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust through its annual Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, for which I am the 2024 co-recipient.
SA a potential global leader

I envisage South Africa, which has no Silicon Valley of its own, becoming a leader in quantum software – much like apps on cellphones, but harnessing quantum technology. I see us creating a quantum-literate workforce that will realise our country’s immense human potential and create human and economic opportunities that we cannot yet imagine.

Allow me to explain.

The big picture to consider is quantum as a new paradigm for future technologies. In the past decade or two, humanity has begun to harness the spooky property of quantum theory that had hitherto remained elusive: entanglement – a form of connecting particles no matter how far apart they are, enabling faster computing, more secure communications and measuring with higher precision.

This is an extremely valuable resource, and I (and others around the world) believe that this promises an entirely new economy for our planet, one based on quantum technologies.

South Africa has a national quantum strategy – into which significant resources are being poured – to not only move us into the quantum economy we believe is coming, but also position our country as a major global player.

It’s a very exciting time to be involved in this field; indeed, 2025 is Unesco’s International Year of Quantum Science and Technology to celebrate the progress made so far, but also to highlight how quantum can be used to address grand societal challenges.
Entanglement

At the heart of this promise is an aspect of quantum called entanglement that physicist Albert Einstein himself deplored; in fact, he called it “spooky”.

Entanglement is the unusual, but proven idea that two particles can be connected and if you do something to one of them, this will be replicated in the other, regardless of the distance between them (in theory, they can be infinitely far apart).

Entanglement holds enormous potential for the nascent field of quantum computing. Unlike in classical computing in which particles have only the binary, one-bit value of 1 or 0, in quantum computing, entanglement will allow particles to be 1 and 0 at the same time.

This means that you can do multiple things with one bit (in quantum computing, called a qubit). Imagine going through a maze using classical computing: every time you arrive at a junction, you have to turn left or right, 1 or 0, and then choose again at the next junction and so on.

With quantum computing, you can turn left and right, 1 and 0, and map out the maze’s pathways many times faster.

Entanglement is also fantastic for communications. Modern cryptography works on the principle of mathematical complexity – that a code is sufficiently complex that it cannot quickly be cracked – but it doesn’t guarantee security. The Enigma machine of World War 2 proved that if your adversary has a machine you’re unaware of, they can break your code.

Quantum computers will be able to decipher mathematical codes with ease. However, entanglement offers an exciting solution, too: if I send you a particle and retain its entangled partner particle, and I change something about my particle, it will similarly change your particle. But if someone tries to intercept that message, according to the laws of physics, it will be destroyed; this will enable all communications to be fundamentally secure.

Decay

But, of course, all of this is easier said than done. This is because entanglement is very fragile and it begins to decay because of “noise” – essentially, various kinds of disturbance – for example, temperature or atmospheric disturbances.

To date, our efforts have been expended on trying to preserve entanglement from decay, and we have had very limited success in this regard. Think about Scotty in Star Trek, trying desperately to lock on to Captain Kirk and beam him safely back to the Enterprise; sometimes his transporter’s capabilities have been tested by energy fluctuations, gravitational anomalies and other kinds of external forces.

But this is where the Star Trek analogy ends. We need an alternative strategy, one that abandons the notion of preserving entanglement and asks: can we exchange information even though the link is decaying?

Let’s rather think of entanglement like a cellphone battery. Even though the battery is losing charge, the phone’s apps will continue to work fully while there is power; the apps’ functionality won’t deteriorate along with the loss of charge. We have an idea on how to make this metaphor a reality: quantum topology.

Essentially, topology allows us to ignore how something looks and instead focus on a feature of that “something” that does not change. A famous example of topology is that of a coffee mug and a doughnut, which both feature one hole. Physically, they are very different, but topologically, they are the same.

With the traditional alphabet (albeit including numbers), I would send you a 1 for the mug or a 0 for the doughnut, and you would receive the communication accordingly. Topologically, however, it doesn’t matter how noisy the channel is, and if what I sent you has been deformed in any way, you would just count the number of holes in the information you receive: 0 for no holes, 1 for one hole, 2 for two holes, and so on.

This represents a topological alphabet formed out of the topology of things rather than how they look. It has two fantastic features: it is an infinitely large alphabet, not just 0 and 1, and most importantly, it is intrinsically invariant to noise: it doesn’t care how much the communication is distorted.

In the quantum world, this would mean that the communication would be preserved, even though the entanglement is weakening.

In our seminal academic paper in 2024, we showed that entanglement is inherently topological. What my team and I must now do is create a topological toolkit, with tools showing that topology can be used to communicate, regardless of entanglement decaying.

What Einstein really disliked about entanglement is that, without measurement, objects are not real. The Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award will allow us to dispel his doubt and unlock myriad possibilities that will largely only be revealed as we go.

Spooky, indeed.

Professor Andrew Forbes is a Distinguished Professor in the Structured Light Laboratory at the University of the Witwatersrand’s School of Physics, and a co-recipient of the 2024 Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award, presented on 15 July 2025.

Established in 1958 by Harry Oppenheimer as an endowment trust to honour the memory of his father, Sir Ernest Oppenheimer, the Oppenheimer Memorial Trust (OMT) has recently undergone a strategic shift to better serve the sectors it supports, namely education, social justice and arts and culture.
https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025-07-15-breakthrough-sa-research-promises-quantum-leap-into-global-future/?dm_source=dm_block_grid&dm_medium=card_link&dm_campaign=main

Wonderful!
South Africa remains the ONLY African country to have produced Nobel laureates in Sciences and Economics. Why do you think that is the case? It has more Nobel laureates in the Sciences than China has, if at all they have any laureate in the sciences.

South Korea is as developed as well yet, they have not produced laureates like you have.

Apart from this research, what other research is going on in South Africa? It is important we join everyone else around the world to contribute to man's understanding of the universe and also contribute our quota to developing the technologies that has revolutionizing effect on global culture.

Exnavyboy62:
I saw this on Reddit. Saffers or anyone pls identify the rifle.

Vektor R4

Denel pursuing R53 billion opportunity pipeline

State-owned aerospace and defence group Denel has an order opportunity pipeline worth more than R53 billion, with R45 billion in high value potential contracts for artillery, armoured vehicles, missiles, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

This is according to a presentation the company delivered in mid-June to Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). Under short and medium term possibilities (three to 18 months):
[1] Denel is pursuing a potential R15 billion artillery contract with a Middle Eastern customer which is looking to acquire 78 T5-52 truck-mounted 155 mm artillery systems along with support vehicles and Arthur radars. Denel has responded to a request for information (RFI) and proposal for localisation, and is awaiting the request for proposals (RFP).

[2] The next biggest opportunity is for the supply of 54 T5 artillery systems to a customer in a potential R12 billion deal. This is in the RFI phase.

[3] Closer to home, Denel is hoping to supply 462 armoured personnel carriers (APCs) to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for border patrol in a contract that could be worth up to R4.3 billion. Denel submitted its proposal to Armscor and is awaiting a decision in project, which has been delayed due to changing requirements and other issues.

For the SA Air Force, Denel is awaiting feedback for Armscor on funding Rooivalk Mk 1.1 Phase 1 attack helicopter upgrades in a project that could be worth R324 million. “Rooivalk Mk 1.1 is a ‘clean slate’ conceptual design, fully exploiting state-of-the-art technologies to maximise the operational capabilities,” Denel stated. Modernisation would improve capability and address obsolescence issues. “Key milestones of the programme will include the development of a technology demonstrator prototype, a fully qualified avionics upgrade suite for the SAAF’s existing Rooivalk fleet (Rooivalk Mk 1.1) and a production baseline model (Rooivalk Mk 2) for export sales.”

[4] Denel has two substantial potential missile contracts it is pursuing, including a potential R6.7 billion deal with a Middle Eastern country for 324 Umkhonto-IR surface-to-air missiles and 15 ground-based launchers. This is in the RFI phase, and requires an in-country firing demonstration.

[5] Another client, in the Middle East, is looking at acquiring 2 000 Ingwe anti-tank missiles in a potential R6 billion deal. An in-country demonstration is scheduled for this year. Denel said “a large-scale export production order is expected in 2026.”

[6] A capability demonstration is planned for a customer looking at Seeker 400 UAVs in a potential R741 million deal.

According to Denel’s 2025-26 Corporate Plan, immediate markets it is pursuing include Brazil, the USA, Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Oman, UAE, Pakistan, Malaysia, and Finland. Other targets include India, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Vietnam, the Philippines, and Indonesia.

Denel is placing an emphasis on seeking export clients to maintain its capabilities and ensure sustainability. As part of its turnaround strategy, it aims to drive business by investing in research and development to expand the product range, and target new markets. The company wants to be the supplier of choice to the SANDF and re-enter markets in Africa and the Middle East.

In its Corporate Plan, Denel noted that South Africa is ‘contradicting’ world military spending trends and the expectations outlined in the 2015 Defence Review by spending less than 1% of GDP on defence, below the 2% global norm. This slim budget “places pressure on Denel to seek export clients to maintain its capabilities and ensure sustainability.” The company added that the reduction in the budget limits the ability to attract and retain skilled personnel and has also resulted in small local businesses collaborating with foreign companies, taking advantage of Denel’s absence in the industry.

Denel noted the changing geopolitical landscape represents an opportunity. “The war in Europe, Middle East and instability in Africa coupled with changing global US policy has created a global need for Denel’s defence and security products.”

Denel secured a major contract for the upgrade of G6 “equipment” in December 2024 and started receiving orders for G6 support contracts from other customers and various other opportunities are in the pipeline, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga stated in a reply to a parliamentary question posed by the Democratic Alliance’s Chris Hattingh (Denel from 1 April falls under the responsibility of the Department of Defence).

Denel concluded negotiations to supply missiles to an existing customer, and is awaiting final signature, Motshekga’s reply added.

Source: defenceWeb

“I don’t want peace. I want problems always” Hehehehehe

SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP (SOG) of the Administration police - Under the operational command of Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), last week gave media access to their activities.
SOG can be credited for reducing cross-border alshabaab activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZURxVqVQt8k&ab_channel=TV47Kenya

end

Fidha254:
SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP (SOG) of the Administration police - Under the operational command of Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), last week gave media access to their activities.
SOG can be credited for reducing cross-border alshabaab activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZURxVqVQt8k&ab_channel=TV47Kenya

I don't understand the rational of using firearms from Russia, China, and the USA. Why not standardize?

Fidha254:
SPECIAL OPERATIONS GROUP (SOG) of the Administration police - Under the operational command of Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), last week gave media access to their activities.
SOG can be credited for reducing cross-border alshabaab activities along the Kenya-Somalia border.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZURxVqVQt8k&ab_channel=TV47Kenya

The reporter in the clip is a bit too dramatic
I found a better report from the same group of journalists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lhHhF_o0g8?si=r2Z1hM_Ahcvvbkr5

SAAF BK117 to the rescue
The South African Air Force (SAAF) has played a central role in the rescue of two men from a mountainside in the Eastern Cape, using a BK117 helicopter to hoist them to safety.

On the afternoon of Friday 18 July, authorities in the OR Tambo District Municipality received reports that a 26-year-old man and a 61-year-old man from the Bayiza area had fallen off a cliff while searching for missing livestock.

Search teams including South African Police Service (SAPS) vehicles, K9 units, and EMS vehicles, were deployed but due to nightfall and extreme terrain, the rescue team was unable to begin the search upon arrival. Operations were paused and resumed the following day, with the missing men subsequently located.

The SAAF had a BK117 in the Mthatha area, carrying out standby duties for Project Owethu – an initiative by the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) to bring free healthcare to communities. Air Force Command Post requested the BK117 assist with the rescue operation, and on Saturday midday, the helicopter, Commanded by Major Corrie Oberholzer (with copilot Major Achmat Salim Mtshali and Flight Engineer Flight Sergeant Letladi Mahlakwana) took off from 14 South African Infantry Battalion and routed to the rescue site approximately 15 nautical miles west of Mthatha Airfield.

The helicopter landed and a thorough briefing between the crew and rescue team was conducted via telephone, the SAAF said. The helicopter took off and the rescue team with patients was found on the downdraft side of the mountain, at an elevation of 5 700 feet. Weather conditions were windy and turbulent, with the wind blowing at some 28 knots (50 km/h).

A police K9 rescue unit was able to secure the two men on a rock just off the cliff face and awaited extraction, but this was complicated by windy and turbulent conditions. After experiencing severe downdrafts and insufficient power to hover out of ground effect, a different approach was conducted and the helicopter was able to reach the rescue site.

“A limited power hover, with limited control effectiveness on both the tail rotor and cyclic stick was conducted, and the rescuer and one patient was hoisted off the rock. The helicopter continued to the top of the mountain where the Police and medical helicopter was waiting to transport the members to the hospital. The helicopter returned to the rescue site to hoist the second patient and transport the patient to the same spot. The BK117 safely returned to 14 SAI and landed at 13:31B [Bravo time] after the rescue. A total of 1.0 hours was flown,” the SAAF said.

The SAAF’s 15 Squadron based at Air Force Station Port Elizabeth operates BK117 helicopters from its Charlie Flight. They are regularly tasked with search and rescue and other duties – for example in September 2023 a BK117 rescued an unresponsive patient from a fishing boat off Gqeberha.

The SAAF has seven BK117s in its inventory. Many current SAAF pilots prefer flying the BK117 over the more modern A109 Light Utility Helicopter, even though it has fewer capabilities, because the BK117 is lightweight, easy to fly, and not hampered by the additional communications and mission systems gear that the A109 carries.

https://youtube.com/shorts/A-oPGvt7YKY?feature=share

Chapps:
The reporter in the clip is a bit too dramatic
I found a better report from the same group of journalists

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lhHhF_o0g8?si=r2Z1hM_Ahcvvbkr5

Yeah, he was I watched both, but I chose to use his report because it was told in a documentary style (24Mins), starting from the training of new recruits, deployment, explaining the NIS connection, linking the security operation to the Lamu port-South Sudan - Ethiopia LASSET corridor etc.
The K24 report was more of a highlights meant for primetime news (7min). You will notice that the screeshots I posted are actually from the K24 report that you have posted.

And speaking of LAPSSET, In August, The port of Lamu is set to receive its first-ever shipping line that will make Lamu its first point of call for transhipment cargo to other ports in the region. Once the road linking Lamu to Isiolo (54% complete) onwards to Ethiopia is complete, the region will open and insecurity will further reduce.

The Lamu port is set to receive one of the largest vessels in the world next month, as KPA secures a deal with a leading shipping line.

The vessel will first dock at the port on August 24, from where the shipping line will make three scheduled calls every week.

“We will be flagging off the first line that will set base in Lamu by making three frequent calls every week,” Kenya Ports Authority MD Captain William Ruto said.

https://www.the-star.co.ke/counties/coast/2025-07-19-lamu-port-to-receive-first-shipping-line-to-be-based-at-facility


More on Lamu port

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PUPqu9tfu2M&t=665s&ab_channel=TheKenyanHistorian

Tinfoil:
I don't understand the rational of using firearms from Russia, China, and the USA. Why not standardize?

I wouldn't know for sure either, but for small specialized units, it's not uncommon.
In training and photo ops, they do look well kitted, so maybe soldiers carry what they prefer from a selection of weapons.

fin

Fidha254:
I wouldn't know for sure either, but for small specialized units, it's not uncommon.
In training and photo ops, they do look well kitted, so maybe soldiers carry what they prefer from a selection of weapons.

The videos impressed me. I gasped at the 23mm canons.

My country made banditry seem like a unique problem until I found out it was also in Kenya and I envy how it has been met with the seriousness it deserves. Not just military and inshallah.

Double achievement for Airbus in South Africa
Airbus has marked two milestones in its South African operations by celebrating over 30 years of Airbus Helicopters in the country, and launching a new Customer Support Centre in Johannesburg.

At its Grand Central Airport facilities on 23 July, Airbus officially launched the newly completed Customer Support Centre in a ceremony attended by key customers, Airbus officials, and stakeholders such as the South African Civil Aviation Authority. It also marked over 30 years of helicopter service, and the introduction of the first H125 simulator on the continent.

There are more than 60 Airbus helicopter operators with a fleet of more than 500 aircraft across Africa – 300 of these rotorcraft are in South Africa. Customers are split across the government and commercial sectors, using their helicopters for emergency medical services, law enforcement, anti-poaching efforts, and vital infrastructure inspections amongst others.

In addition to supplying aircraft, Airbus Southern Africa provides helicopter maintenance, spares, and pilot training, including of pilots and technicians. The company recently installed an H125 full-axis simulator incorporating virtual reality technology at Grand Central Airport, and is in the process of getting it certified by the Civil Aviation Authority.

“Africa is key to Airbus. Today we are expanding our footprint. We are here to support growth,” Airbus Southern Africa MD Nam-Binh Hoang said. “We want to grow into the light twin market and the heavy helicopter market as well as consolidate our light helicopter presence.”

Airbus has a long relationship with the South African Police Service (SAPS), which currently operates a fleet of 16 AS350 (H125) helicopters, having received its last two in 2023. More are being acquired. Hoang noted that Namibia and Botswana also operate Airbus helicopters for their police forces.

On the military side, Airbus Helicopters supports the South African Air Force’s (SAAF’s) seven-strong BK117 fleet. Although the SAAF does maintenance, Airbus provides spares, and is executing a R19 million order for parts. Similarly, Airbus supports the SAAF’s Oryx fleet by providing spares to Denel, which is the original equipment manufacturer. “Denel is not just a customer but a partner. We are proud to be working with them,” Hoang said.

Maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) is an important part of the company’s business, and to improve service to local clients Airbus Helicopters has established a South African spares stockpile to reduce reliance on shipping from overseas. It is also developing a rotor blade repair capability to avoid shipping damaged blades overseas.

On the military fixed wing side, Airbus has delivered some 90 military and tactical aircraft to over 20 African nations, with the twin-engined C295 doing particularly well on the continent. Gabriel Semelas, President of Airbus in the Middle East and Africa, pointed out that the biggest C295 operator is Egypt. Airbus is hoping for further C295 sales, especially as the aircraft can carry out a wide range of roles from paratrooping to maritime patrol. It is also offering its A400M Atlas airlifter and A330 Multi-role Tanker Transport. “South Africa would be a perfect customer for the A400M,” he said.

Customer Support Centre brings Airbus closer to clients

Airbus has multiple customer support hubs and customer centres across Africa, employing 2 000 people across its three divisions (Helicopters, Space and Defence, and Commercial Aircraft). The new Customer Support Centre at Grand Central Airport is dedicated to commercial aircraft and will bring Airbus closer to airline customers across the continent. It will provide technical assistance, engineering and maintenance solutions, fleet performance analysis, training services, and on-site customer support for all Airbus commercial aircraft families, including the A220, A320, A330, and A350.

“The new centre expands Airbus’ presence in Africa and underscores our confidence in the region’s potential, as we invest in local capabilities, empower our customers, drive connectivity and shared progress across the continent,” said Semelas.

“We recognize and deeply value the critical role Africa plays in the global aviation landscape. This recognition is reflected in our significant, long-term investments across the continent, investments that underscore our dedication to working hand-in-hand with African partners to foster local capabilities, enhance operational excellence, and unlock shared growth,” he added.

“We are deeply invested in Africa’s future, not just through our products and services, but also by integrating over 180 African suppliers, investing more than $1 billion per year into our global supply chain and supporting local innovation through initiatives like #Africa4Future and Airbus BizLab,” Semelas continued.

Airbus has been present in Africa since 1976, when the first A300 was delivered to South African Airways. Today, 37 airlines operate 264 Airbus aircraft, with 72 on order. According to its Global Services Forecast, Airbus foresees in the next 20 years on the African continent, a need for 14 000 new pilots and 21 000 mechanics and engineers to face the surge in air travel demand, and expects 1 860 commercial aircraft in service in 2043. Passenger traffic is expected to grow at an annual rate of 6% in Africa between 2027 and 2043 – the highest rate in the world.

Airbus has a commercial aircraft backlog of 8 754 aircraft. By 2030, it is projected to have the most airliners in service, with some 18 000 commercial aircraft – up from 13 800 at present.

Source: defenceWeb

Odunayaw:
The videos impressed me. I gasped at the 23mm canons.

My country made banditry seem like a unique problem until I found out it was also in Kenya and I envy how it has been met with the seriousness it deserves. Not just military and inshallah.

Yeah, Banditry is there in the North parts of Kenya during and after dry spells. Just January this year, a news report showed how SOG in the north dismantled Oromo Liberation Army (Based from Ethiopia) who had set up camp on the Kenyan side of the border selling narcotics and weapons,which are then used by bandits.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXuYprs3j7c&ab_channel=CitizenTVKenya

Fidha254:
Yeah, Banditry is there in the North parts of Kenya during and after dry spells. Just January this year, a news report showed how SOG in the north dismantled Oromo Liberation Army (Based from Ethiopia) who had set up camp on the Kenyan side of the border selling narcotics and weapons,which are then used by bandits.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXuYprs3j7c&ab_channel=CitizenTVKenya

North is never beating the allegations

Fidha254:
Yeah, Banditry is there in the North parts of Kenya during and after dry spells. Just January this year, a news report showed how SOG in the north dismantled Oromo Liberation Army (Based from Ethiopia) who had set up camp on the Kenyan side of the border selling narcotics and weapons,which are then used by bandits.



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XXuYprs3j7c&ab_channel=CitizenTVKenya

Am totally flabbergasted by these branch of Kenya Police SOF, Many African countries should learn from this guys especially NPF.

SIU continues to probe theft of South African defence IP

South Africa’s Special Investigating Unit (SIU) has for more than half a decade been investigating the theft of Denel’s intellectual property (IP) by companies in the Middle East, and continues to make slow but steady progress in this regard.

Earlier this year, the SIU revealed that civil proceedings were being instituted through its Special Tribunal over the use of South African IP by the UAE valued at around R320 million.

The SIU, updating Parliament into its investigation into the loss of Denel IP, said it is also looking at making three referrals to prosecuting authorities, 16 administrative action referrals through the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), and two referrals to the Legal Practice Council. A governance failure report on Denel is also being prepared.

Since 2019 the SIU has been looking into impropriety at Denel that took place from 2015, including the misappropriation of proprietary and Intellectual property in Denel’s air-to air missiles, stand-off weapons, surface target missiles, air defence, and unmanned aerial vehicle systems.

In a report to Parliament in January, the SIU explained that it was primarily investigating the misappropriation of Denel’s IP on guided weapons and armoured vehicles by the UAE, and IP misappropriation by Saudi Arabia.

Tawazun and the UAE connection

By way of background, the SIU explained that in July 2012, a Partnership Agreement was entered into between Denel and the United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) Tawazun to form the Tawazun Dynamics (TD) joint venture, with Denel and Tawazun holding 49% and 51% shares respectively.

“Around September 2015, after some negotiation Denel signed two contracts with its subsidiary TD for the development of P2 and P3 missiles and the combined value of the contracts was 40 million USD (20 million USD each) and in terms of these contracts, the foreground IP resulting from development contracts would belong to TD. In terms of the partnership agreement, Denel would still own 49% of the foreground whilst the background IP belonged to the South African government.

“In terms of Resolution 5 of 21 June 2015, TD Shareholders resolved to transfer the foreground IP to Tawazun in return of the loan made for the development of the P2 and P3 missiles, however, this resolution is signed and dated 21 June 2016. Whilst Denel representative to TD signed this resolution, Denel is not aware of this transfer and there is no approval of the transfer of this material asset from the Denel Board or SA Government,” the SIU stated.

After the transfer of IP to Tawazun, the company changed its name to Barij Dynamics. The foreground IP for both P2 and P3 weapons was later transferred from Tawazun/Barij to Halcon, part of the UAE’s EDGE group. The UAE Air Force issued a guided weapons tender, but Tawazun Dynamics “was instructed not to submit tender documents and allow Halcon to submit a tender. Halcon was later awarded the tender and approached Denel for a production contract because Denel had the background IP. From this contract, then the background IP was downloaded and transferred to Halcon as part of the production process,” the SIU found.

The SIU identified that the data packs of P2, P3 and other missiles were downloaded from Denel. The value of this IP is R328 million, with royalties amounting to R1.5 billion.

The matter has been referred to the Priority Crimes Litigation Unit and the SIU “is consulting with senior counsel on the matter.” The SIU added that evidence pointing to the criminal conduct of seven individuals is under legal review. Denel, meanwhile, instituted disciplinary action against one official, who was subsequently dismissed for misconduct.

Paramount appears to also have been affected

The SIU said it has been approached by another South African defence company alleging it was also defrauded by Emirati companies, which include Tawazun Holdings chain companies, under the same circumstances as Denel. “The SIU is currently studying the entity’s papers with a view to explore any available legal avenues,” it told Parliament earlier this year.

The company in question is Paramount Group. In May, one of the company’s lawyers told the Organised Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP) that it was cooperating with the SIU in its investigation into alleged wrongdoing by UAE Government-controlled entities, particularly as it relates to the unlawful targeting of South African defence intellectual property.

The Paramount issue appears to involve a 2016 joint venture with ADASI, the unmanned aerial vehicle arm of EDGE. ADASI had provided Paramount with a loan of $150 million, an internal document from EDGE shows. That money was meant to cover the costs of creating the joint venture company in the UAE, and transferring the IP behind Paramount’s Mwari aircraft.

Both ADASI and Paramount agree that the IP was never transferred to the UAE according to plan. But while Paramount says it is no longer legally obligated to transfer the IP, ADASI says it has the rights to the information under an arbitration ruling in 2024.

In a leaked document from the arbitration case, Paramount founder Ivor Ichikowitz said the deal was based on the UAE ordering 5 000 armoured vehicles, and 6 000 loitering munitions, but only four vehicles and 500 drones were ordered.

The OCCRP reported that after the joint venture with the UAE partner broke down, 45 Paramount employees joined Edge Group companies.

Martie Baumgardt, a senior Paramount executive, told OCCRP the firm is also carrying out its own internal probe. She said the company is looking into the “possible theft of IP from Paramount by individuals who left the company, which may conceivably have ended up in the UAE.”

A leaked document from Paramount’s internal investigation also alleges that 57 laptops and 10 hard drives were stolen between 2016 — the year Paramount’s subsidiary entered the joint venture with ADASI — and 2024 when it lost the arbitration case.

Nimr and the RG35

The SIU, meanwhile, also investigated the misappropriation of Denel armoured vehicle IP by the UAE’s Nimr. In April 2015, Denel acquired LSSA for R855 million, and in August entered into an agreement with Nimr Automotive for the acquisition of RG35 vehicle IP and hardware (the RG35 was developed by LSSA). Additional contracts covered the development of the N35 4×4 and 6×6 variants and the supply of the RG35 for UAE summer trials.

The contracts were signed by one Denel employee but “this official had no delegation authority to sign such contracts. This official later resigned and informed Denel that he was offered a senior position by Nimr, according to the SIU.

The SIU aims to set aside the contract and possibly refer the Denel employee for criminal prosecuting.

The Nimr CEO was one of more than 300 Denel employees who left the company and went to work in the UAE’s arms sector, according to a summary of a Parliamentary discussion in February.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries

Saudi Arabia has also been fingered in IP misappropriation, with Denel IP apparently “misappropriated in cohesive criminal conduct to abet foreign state companies.” The SIU found that an official meeting was arranged between Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) and Denel in February 2018 but on the day of the meeting SAMI refused to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) after which the meeting was cancelled.

“It would appear that some officials from Denel engaged with SAMI outside of the official arrangement,” the SIU stated. “Instructions were later given to junior members to download information and information was shared with SAMI.” Three former senior officials including the Denel Dynamics CEO resigned and joined SAMI and are implicated in the process.

No Denel restraint of trade

The SIU also found that Denel “failed to include restraint of trade in some employment contracts and also failed to enforce the clause when it was applicable which contributed to loss of talent and skill (engineers) to UAE and Saudi Arabia,” while poor security controls on intangible assets “led to misappropriation of IP”.

Advocate Lekgoa Mothibi, the Head of the SIU, told Parliament in January that Denel losing intellectual property to the UAE should serve as a precedent for recovering assets lost abroad.

He said the Unit’s investigation revealed a deliberate plan where Denel employees had taken IP and later left to work for the same foreign firms that they supplied the IP to. He said the legal process must focus on reclaiming the lost IP, recovering financial losses, and holding those responsible accountable, despite the challenges of extraditing fugitives.

The SIU’s chief legal counsel Ntuthuzelo Vanara told Parliament that agreements tied disputes to foreign jurisdictions, requiring litigation in foreign courts. The SIU’s legal team was exploring options, with arbitration and ceding of rights appearing to be the most viable paths. However, he noted that no definitive approach had been settled on.

The SIU recommended that Denel develop and consistently implement a restraint of trade policy due to the high turnover of specialised skills and loss of skills to the UAE.

As the SIU only reports to the President and Parliament, it cannot make public statements or give comments on ongoing investigations, but it did say it is important to note that evidence indicating criminal conduct has been referred to the National Prosecuting Authority.

Intellectual property theft undermines South Africa’s sovereignty and poses a direct threat to national security. To report knowledge of IP theft-related activity or suspicious behaviour that could relate to IP theft, contact Whistle Blowers anonymously on 0800 111 938 or defence@whistleblowing.co.za
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/siu-continues-to-probe-theft-of-south-african-defence-ip/

SA National Conventional Arms Control Committee Report for Q1 & Q2 of 2025

On Friday 25 July the NCACC reported to Parliament that between January and June 2025 the NCACC approved:

- 90 new registration certificates;

- 85 contracting permits worth R17.2 billion;

- 283 export permits for munitions totalling just under R5 billion;

- 79 export permits for dual-use items worth R287 million;

- 165 import permits worth R156 million.

First quarter exports included a single combat aircraft to Mozambique worth R163 million (likely a Paramount Mwari); R206 million worth of ammunition to Estonia; R318 million worth of ammunition to Germany; and R112 million worth of “air defence technology” to the UAE.

The second quarter of 2025 saw 91 armoured vehicles worth approximately R800 million approved for export to 11 mostly African countries, with the largest order being from Kenya (26 vehicles worth R205 million) followed by Malawi (15 vehicles worth R145 million). Two aircraft worth R327 million were approved for export to the Democratic Republic of Congo and one to Mozambique (R163 million) – almost certainly Mwaris. Also in the second quarter, R1 billion worth of ammunition was authorised for sale to Germany, along with R640 million worth of munitions to Turkiye and R279 million to Australia.

Electronic systems accounted for a substantial component of Q2 2025 exports, including R423 million worth of electronic warfare systems to India (almost certainly from Saab Grintek Defence), and R71 million worth of EW/communications systems each to Bangladesh and Brazil. Australia was authorised to receive R279 million worth of countermeasure/imaging equipment.

The NCACC noted a 60% increase in company registrations in Q2, with a dramatic leap in munitions exports, rising from R907 million in Q1 to R4 billion in Q2.

According to the committee’s own data, arms exports during this period were mainly directed to Europe (59% in Q1), with the Middle East and Asia also featuring. By Q2, Africa saw a sharp rise (35% of the total) in imports from South Africa, particularly for dual-use goods, which are civilian technologies with potential military application. In Q2, Europe accounted for 52% of exports.

The NCACC insisted it operates within the National Conventional Arms Control Act (Act 41 of 2002), which obliges it to ensure arms are not sold to states engaged in repression, terrorism, or conflict.
https://pmg.org.za/committee-meeting/41389/?via=homepage-card

Quadome radar nears final trials while inspiring South Africa’s next-generation engineers
Ahead of final testing and sea trials, Hensoldt South Africa and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) demonstrated the home-grown Quadome 3D radar to a group of university students in an effort to inspire future innovators.

The Quadome radar is a collaboration between Hensoldt South Africa and the CSIR and represents the largest local radar development programme in recent history.

The recent visit included ten radar and electronic warfare students from the University of Pretoria, led by Professor Warren du Plessis, along with four graduate employees from GEW, Hensoldt South Africa’s electronic warfare business unit.

The students were given a live demonstration of the Quadome radar’s capabilities, including its rotation, transmission and reception functions, as well as its ability to search for and track airborne targets of opportunity. The system has since been shipped to the Institute for Maritime Technology in Simon’s Town for further evaluation and sea trials.

“This visit was a great opportunity to inspire future innovators and expose them to world-class radar technology being developed right here in South Africa,” said Jaco Botha, Head of Radar Product Strategy for Hensoldt South Africa.

Hensoldt said it maintains strong partnerships with South African tertiary institutions to foster technical qualifications and capabilities that can contribute to South Africa’s defence industry. “By involving students and young professionals in real-world innovation programmes, Hensoldt aims to foster long-term careers in defence technology,” the company said.

The Quadome radar system, announced in 2021, is designed for 3D air- and surface-surveillance. It enables the detection and tracking of aircraft and vessels, supporting faster situational assessment and operational response, Hensoldt South Africa said. “Offering advanced features and a competitive price-performance ratio, its compact form factor makes it ideal for platforms such as offshore patrol vessels, corvettes, light frigates and naval support vessels.”

“With Quadome starting its final testing and sea trials, Hensoldt South Africa looks forward to delivering a strategic capability that supports national sovereignty and security while unlocking export opportunities through global deliveries,” the company concluded.

The Quadome already has an export customer, as it was last year selected to equip the UK Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s (RFA’s) three new Fleet Solid Support (FSS) vessels. The FSS ships are being manufactured to support the Royal Navy’s Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers at a cost of £1.6 billion.

The Quadome radar being supplied to the UK includes an integrated IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) antenna and will integrate into the Hensoldt MSSR 2000 IFF interrogator, already deployed for the UK Royal Navy and RFA. A comprehensive air traffic management display solution is also included as part of the contract.

The Quadome radar has a range from 100 metres to 200 km and can process more than 1 000 air and surface targets. It is being developed in land and naval versions, with the naval version launched in 2021 and the land version officially launched in 2022.

Hensoldt South Africa’s radar business unit specialises in radar, identification friend or foe (IFF) and datalinks, as well as air traffic management (ATM) and radar services. The business was launched in January 2021 after Hensoldt South Africa acquired the Air Traffic Management (ATM) and Defence & Security business units of Tellumat at the end of 2020.

Source: defenceWeb

bidexiii:
Am totally flabbergasted by these branch of Kenya Police SOF, Many African countries should learn from this guys especially NPF.

For context. SOG is a specialized unit of the Border Police Unit (BPU), formerly known as Rural Border Patrol Unit (RBPU), due to their dynamic nature, they operate outside the normal chain of command and they report directly to the commandant of the BPU while other units are under the normal chain of command ie CO -> Company Comander -> Platoon -> Section Comander etc

Operational planning

BPU has 16 companies and BORSOPTs deployed along our borders. There is more concentration of companies along the Kenya Somalia border due to its porosity and threat level.
All companies have sub bases that host platoons; The companies work hand in hand with other security agencies and occasionally conduct joint patrols with the General Service Unit, Kenya Defence Forces and General Duty Police.

I wonder why history is not taught like it is in school. I'm only learning now how Kenya came to acquire the F5 fighter jets. Two years before Uganda's Amin invaded Tanzania, he wanted to invade Kenya. Kenya at the time did not posses anything that would counter Uganda's air superiority.

In February 1976, the then Uganda leader Idi Amin Dada infuriated Kenyans when he claimed that a large part of Kenya belonged to Uganda.

A couple of days after his remarks, a mass demonstration was organised at Nairobi’s Uhuru Park, where Mzee Jomo Kenyatta declared that Kenya would deal ruthlessly with neighbours who publicly expressed “their sinister intentions”.

Although Amin clarified that he had no intention of going to war but would write to the Queen of England to demand an explanation, his unpredictability was Kenya’s greatest fear.

It was believed that he was being incited by President Siad Barre of Somalia, who was laying a similar claim to the northeastern part of Kenya.

Government officials, concerned that Kenya couldn’t withstand a war with Uganda, which was well equipped with Soviet-made jet fighters and 27 military tanks, turned to the US for help.

This desperation has now been revealed in telegrams and transcripts in the US State Department Archive.

On February 20, 1976, just a day after an anti-Amin demonstration in Nairobi, Vice-President Daniel arap Moi, on the instruction of Kenyatta, summoned the US ambassador to Kenya, Mr Antony Marshall, to emphasise the urgent need for financial and military assistance.

FIGHTER JETS

Moi informed Marshall that while Kenya had a military deal with Britain over any aggression by Somalia, there was no guarantee that similar support would be granted in case of an attack by the Ugandans.

Therefore, he explained, the only way to ward off Amin was for Kenya to upgrade its defence capability.

Kenyatta was really anxious to obtain F-5E fighter jets, but was ready to accept anything the US could offer, and a delegation was already in the US to hold talks with senior state officials over the matter.

As the meeting progressed, Marshall revealed to Moi that, subject to Congressional approval, the US had offered Kenya $45 million in Foreign Military Sales credits (FMS).

However, there would be a shortfall of $20 million if Kenya bought the F-5E jet fighters, and the delivery time would be 24 months.

The information excited Moi, who immediately booked an appointment for the ambassador to personally break the good news to Kenyatta on February 24. His only disappointment was the delivery time.

Two months later, US Secretary of State Henry Kissinger arrived at State House, Nakuru, on a visit he said was to see what the US could do to help its friends in Africa.

“I , the Secretary of State, am willing to talk to you with open mindedness,” he told Mzee Kenyatta. “We have no complaints against Kenya.”

ADDITIONAL FUNDING

While appreciating the $45 million aid, Kenyatta requested an additional $20 million to enable Kenya acquire the F-5Es, which he wanted to be delivered as soon as possible, pointing out: “Our neighbours are armed to the teeth.”

Attempts by Ambassador Marshall, who was also present, to clarify that training of pilots was necessary before the jet fighters were delivered fell on deaf ears, as Kenyatta insisted that he needed the planes even before the pilots were trained.

Kissinger promised to look into the matter with the Deputy Secretary of Defence. He also promised Kenya an additional $20 million, bringing the total FMS credit to $65 million, enough to acquire the F-5Es.

Because of Kenya’s desperation at the time, the US tried to arrange for the Kenya Air Force to have F-5As until F-5Es were ready, but this never worked out.

This was the second time US was trying to arrange for Kenya to have the F-5As, which were considered cheap and readily available.

The previous year, in 1975, the US had tried to obtain the aircrafts from Iran but this fell through after the Shah of Iran refused to approve the arrangement because he had already committed the aircrafts to Jordan.

Nevertheless, on June 16, 1976, US Secretary of Defence Donald Rumsfeld arrived in Kenya and made public the sale of 12 supersonic F-5Es to the country in a deal that was at the time the largest ever between Washington and an emerging African nation. However, the jet fighters were only to be available in two years’ time.

BIG BROTHER

Tensions between Kenya and Uganda were exacerbated by two events, the Entebbe raid and the economic blockade on Ugandan goods.

In remarks broadcast by Radio Uganda, Amin complained that during the Entebbe raid, Israel had stationed a stand-by commando force in Kenya which “would have continued to fight were the first waves defeated”.

He also accused Kenya of blockading 200 oil tankers and other vehicles carrying goods to Uganda and appealed to the Organisation of African Unity to intervene before he resorted to “desperate action”.

Foreign Minister Munyua Waiyaki responded by accusing Amin of looking for an excuse to go to war, warning: “If he attacks Kenya, Kenya will be bound to use all her energies to defend herself.”

Despite the face-saving rhetoric, the government again turned to the US. This resulted in Marshall visiting State House on July 4, 1976, with a special message from Kissinger promising to stand with Kenya.

According to records of the meeting, Kenyatta, moved by gratitude, asked Marshall to read the message twice, after which he said: “I cannot find words to thank him (Kissinger).”

He then asked the ambassador what forms of help US was ready to offer Kenya to counter Amin’s threats.

When Marshall vaguely replied that it would depend on the situation, Kenyatta pressed him to speculate.

In response, the diplomat said US could position ships in Mombasa, but cautioned that these were his own views.



PLEASANT NEWS

When Marshall asked whether Amin could attack Kenya because of its cooperation with Israel, Kenyatta replied: “Maybe. It is quite possible.”

Marshall returned to State House two days later with good news from Kissinger — America had agreed to send a P-3 aircraft to Nairobi and a frigate to Mombasa.

The suggestion of the P-3 coming to Nairobi particularly appealed to Kenyatta, who exclaimed: “Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful!”

“I don’t know what this man, Amin, might decide to do,” he continued. “I am not quite sure that an attack is imminent. I don’t want to say something that later might not be quite right.”

Kenyatta also suggested to Marshall to inform Kissinger that if there was a way the US could raise the matter in the UN, “then this fellow here (Amin) will know we have some important and powerful friends”.

“To some it might look like political propaganda, but it would be a great help to us.” He indicated his wish to have the matter handled in high secrecy, saying “matters get whispered about and then misunderstood.”

The final agreement was that the arrival of the frigate and the P-3 be made public at the appropriate time. This happened two weeks later.

Meanwhile, the OAU had set-up a special committee led by its Secretary-General, Mr William Eteki Mboumoua, to ease the tensions between the two countries.

On July 31, 1976, Mboumoua visited Gatundu with a message from Amin, but nothing much was achieved.

The mediator had been accused in Kenya of being pro-Uganda after he said fuel shortage in Uganda was due to Kenya’s blockade.

US FLY-PAST

Kenya laid seven conditions that had to be met before relations with Uganda were normalised.

Among them was the withdrawal of Ugandan troops from the Kenyan border and the payment of $54 million for goods and oil shipped through the port of Mombasa.

With Amin showing no sign of relenting, in September, when Kissinger returned to Kenya, Kenyatta requested if US military aircraft could stage a fly-past during Jamhuri day.

He repeated the same in a letter to President Gerald Ford, cancelling his proposed visit to America. President Ford responded:

“We are pursuing arrangements to fulfil your request for a fly-past on Jamhuri Day, December 12. We will be communicating further with you on this matter.”

On the Jamhuri Day, December 12, 1976, US Marines jets staged a spectacular fly-past in a tribute to Kenya on its republican anniversary and as a warning to Amin.

Kenyatta raised his flywhisk as the jets from the aircraft carrier USS Guam, which had docked in Mombasa, flew in formations and performed solo passes over Nairobi.

By this time Amin had begun to tone down his drums of war. A couple of weeks earlier he had written to the OAU, saying Uganda had never “dreamed of any subversive activities against the brotherly and sisterly people of Kenya”.

https://www.thecitizen.co.tz/tanzania/news/international/when-idi-amin-put-jomo-kenyatta-in-the-mood-for-battle-2708276

South African shipbuilder building autonomous boat
South African shipwright Legacy Marine is building an autonomous vessel for a client in Saudi Arabia as a proof-of-concept for search and rescue, City Press reports.

Dubbed the “Prowler”, the unmanned surface vehicle (USV) uses artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced robotics to navigate, eliminating concerns over human error.

The 9.5-metre aluminium vessel is currently being built in Gqeberha in partnership with Noble Concentric Solutions and could be ready in December.

Project leader and Noble Concentric Solutions founder Eddie Noble says it will be the first USV built, integrated, and tested in South Africa.

Noble Concentric Solutions was established in 2005. Its focus is business management and engineering in the naval and high-tech defence sectors.

Regarding USVs, the company said it builds bespoke vessels for patrolling, surveillance, protection, search and rescue, fire-fighting, and rig and infrastructure security, among other things.

It uses technologies like radar, visual perception systems, sonar, LIDAR, and automatic identification systems to offer features like fully autonomous collision avoidance, obstacle avoidance, and anti-grounding.

“Full mission planning, return to base, safety when lack of communications — these capabilities are all offered in our USV solutions,” Noble Concentric Solutions said.

“Constructed in aluminium or GRP, with various propulsion system configurations and multiple payloads, our USV solutions will perform the function you want them to — efficiently, accurately, and safely.”

According to Robosys, the Prowler’s autonomous control leverages its Voyager AI system, which allows for varying levels of autonomy for onboard navigation and visual and autonomous control of the vessel.

The company describes the Voyager AI system as a full-stack autonomy solution that enables fully autonomous USVs from three to 340 metres.

The Prowler is powered by Volvo’s 5.5-litre in-line 6 Penta D-6-400 engine, providing 282kW of power to the propeller shaft.

“The 9.5m USV can be launched from ashore or from floating platforms such as logistic support ships, frigates and other mothercraft, to perform patrol, surveillance, interdiction, search and rescue functions, amongst others,” said Robosys.

“The USV is a versatile and multi-function platform that allows for the installation of most industry-standard sensors and effectors.”

Legacy Marine commercial manager Kevin Gray said Legacy Marine chose Robosys’ Voyager AI system as it offers proven level four maritime autonomy capabilities.

Legacy Marine, also located in Gqeberha, has built over 1,000 boats since its inception and exports its vessels globally.

It says more than 90% of its products are exported from South Africa, with its larger customer segments being workboats, waterborne tourism, and bespoke builds.

Lurker4Long:
South African shipbuilder building autonomous boat

South African shipwright Legacy Marine is building an autonomous vessel for a client in Saudi Arabia as a proof-of-concept for search and rescue, City Press reports.

Basically handing over Intellectual Property to the Saudis for free again.

South African arms companies never learn.