Frigates and subs will boost coastal protection

The South African Navy is upbeat about the strategic defence package which has seen the acquisition of four frigates and submarines.

Rear Admiral Rusty Higgs said transformation was also on track and was reflected in the figures of those who constituted the navy.

"We are becoming reflective of the demographics of this country," he said.

But it was in the area of the arms acquisition, mired in controversy since the multi-billion rands arms deal was signed in 1999, that Higgs reflected the upbeat mood.

"We did damn well with these ships. We say thank you to the South African taxpayer for investing in this," said Higgs.

"We are going to establish ourselves at the top of the pecking order," said Higgs.

He said the acquisitions were modernising the navy, which had been neglected since the mid eighties.

The frigates - SAS Amatola, SAS Isandlwana, SAS Spioenkop and SAS Mendi - are designed to be out at sea for long periods.

They come with strike aircraft which are still being built.

Almost all the frigates are already on official duties and training exercises. Some are due to go to a prestigious Royal Navy exercise in the United Kingdom and some have performed in South America and off the Nigerian coast.

The SAS Drakensberg, which carried the rotor for the Koeberg Nuclear Power Station after the Western Cape experienced rolling power cuts, is battling high waves off the English coast escorting a submarine to South Africa.

That new submarine, Charlotte Maxeke, is slowly making its way to South Africa.

The navy insists that the frigates will continue to work and perform various duties that serve South Africa's national interests while advancing the country's foreign policy.

"They will continue to be active on our coastlines. Piracy is a big problem in our waters," said Higgs, adding that the acquisition of the ships was a major strategic development.

South Africa, which is rich in maritime resources and has a 2 800km coastline, is expected to use the ships and submarines to patrol its coastline.

Another submarine, which was commissioned last year, was already active with the SA Navy.

"We are busy getting used to operating the submarine. It dived - its full length - off the Cape Point," said Higgs.

The arms deal controversy is still raging with fresh accusations that prominent politicians and top businessmen were bribed into influencing the arms procurement process.

Shamin "Chippy" Shaik, the former chief of acquisition in the Department of Defence, is the latest high-profile official to hit the headlines on allegations that he demanded and was paid a R21 million bribe to ensure the success of the ThyssenKrupp bid.

With acknowledgement to Sivuyile Mangzamba and Cape Argus.