The public hearings into South Africa's multi-billion arms deal are to continue in Pretoria today.

Witnesses expected to give evidence include retired SA Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Robert Simpson-Anderson and former SA Air Force chief Lieutenant-General Willem Hechter.

They are likely to testify on events leading up to the R43-billion arms procurement contract. The deal has been dogged by claims of bribery and corruption, prompting Parliament to ask for a multi-agency probe into the matter last year.

No evidence has so far been led in the hearings.

On May 28, the proceedings in the Pretoria High Court were postponed when the legal team for the Department of Defence requested more time to prepare.

The hearing resumed on Monday, but was dominated by the issue of whether or not radio and television broadcasts of the proceedings should be allowed.

Chairman of the presiding panel, Public Protector Selby Baqwa, banned direct or delayed broadcasts by the electronic media, citing a list of considerations.

Television cameras could, among others, distract witnesses and infringe on their right to privacy. A measure of confidentiality was also vital as the subject matter was related to national security, Baqwa said.

The SABC and etv indicated they would seek a High Court review of the ruling.

Opposition parties sharply criticised the decision on electronic media coverage, saying it made a mockery of transparency.

The hearings have been moved to a new venue, and will from Tuesday be conducted in the Synodal Centre in Pretoria.

With acknowledgment to Sapa and Business Day.