|
Address by the Minister of Defence, Mr J. Modise: |
I. INTRODUCTION
MADAM SPEAKER,
HONOURABLE MINISTERS,
DEPUTY MINISTER OF DEFENCE,
HONOURABLE MEMBERS,
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN,
On the 18th of June Cabinet approved the firs ten chapters of the Defence Review.
It therefore gives me great pleasure to table the first phase of the Defence Review in Parliament.
The Review was initiated in June 1996, following Parliament's approval of the White Paper on Defence.
The White Paper provides the fundamental values, principles, objectives and strategies for the transformation of Defence policy in our new democracy.
The process of transformation is so substantial in its orientation and scope that it was necessary to undertake more detailed planning in the form of a Defence Review.
The Review has the following objectives:
First, to define, in sufficient detail, South Africa's Defence requirements over the next decade.
Second, to ensure that these requirements are consistent with:
Third, to build and maintain a national consensus on Defence matters to the greatest extent possible.
II. THE CONSULTATIVE PROCESS
Madam Speaker,
In order to achieve this third objective, I set up the Defence Review Workgroup and its sub-committees - comprising Parliamentarians and Defence analysts from civil society, in addition to senior staff of the Ministry of Defence.
I also convened a series of provincial workshops and three National Consultative Conferences.
These events drew a wide range of stakeholders and interest groups.
The inputs from different quarters led to lively debate and enriched the final product of the Review.
I sought, as well, to create the opportunity for anti-militarist organisations to present their case.
This voice was often silenced in the past, and it is important for us to hear it now.
The Ministry, including the Department of Defence, and the anti-militarists agree on many fundamental issues.
For example, we share a concern for human security and for meeting the socio-economic needs of the people of this country.
We agree that the composition of the defence force should be representative of the communities which make up South Africa - this is especially important at leadership levels.
And we share a conviction that military force should only be used as an instrument of last resort, when non-violent solutions have been tried and have failed.
Despite these agreements, however, the Department and I differ from the anti-militarist groups on certain details, particularly with respect to the Defence budget.
I will return to this issue at the end of my address.
III. THE PARLIAMENTARY DEFENCE COMMITTEE
Madam Speaker,
This phase of the Defence Review tabled before Parliament has been endorsed by the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, and, with certain amendments, by Cabinet.
I am grateful to committee members for their critical comments on earlier drafts of the Review which were presented to them over the past twelve months.
I can say with confidence that we have a positive relationship which is based on a spirit of partnership in pursuit of common goals.
At the same time, the Defence Committee has continued to play a rigorous oversight role.
Its constant probing compels the Department to be mindful that it is accountable to the public and their elected representatives.
The fact that the Committee meets in open session, and that the Defence Review process has been completely transparent, has implications beyond democratic and accountable government in South Africa.
It also contributes to promoting military confidence in the Southern African region.
IV. THE CONTENT OF THE DEFENCE REVIEW
Madam Speaker, Honourable Members.
The Defence Review covers a wide range of issues.
These can be grouped into five categories:
The first is the primary role of the SANDF, as mandated by the Constitution.
This role entails protecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country against external aggression.
The second category includes the secondary roles of the SANDF, namely:
The third is Defence posture, doctrine and force design, in the light of the above functions and in line with the Constitution and the White Paper on Defence.
The fourth is the Part-Time Force which is a vital component of the SANDF.
And finally, the Review deals with the human resource issues, including:
The outstanding matters of the Review are currently being addressed by the Defence Review Work Group and the Department's Transformation Project, and will be considered by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence and all stakeholders.
These matters relate to:
Policy in this regard will continue to be formulated in a consultative fashion, and will hopefully be finalised later this year.
Last week we completed a special session of the Review, presided over by the Deputy Minister, which successfully dealt with the liability to serve issue.
It met with the consensus of NGOs, the anti-militarists, representatives of the Part Time Force, and the Department of Defence.
It is also important to note that a White Paper on the Defence Industry is in the process of being drafted.
V. THE DEFENCE BUDGET
Madam Speaker,
In the course of the Defence Budget vote on the 22nd of May I was struck by the extent of consensus.
This experience suggests two things:
First, political parties may be divided on many issues but they are nevertheless willing to address the Defence function of Government in a non-partisan fashion.
I thank them for that.
Second, we have, in fact, achieved unity on the fundamental aspects of Defence policy across the political spectrum.
One of the most important issues on which we agree is that the cuts to the Defence Budget over many years have the potential to seriously undermine the professionalism of the SANDF.
Honourable Members are aware of the extent of these cuts: a decrease of 59%, in real terms, between 1989 and the current financial year.
In this period, Defence spending has fallen from 4,5% to 1,6% of Gross Domestic Product.
This is very low by international standards - whether in the developing or developed countries.
We are at the critical stage where we are unable to replace our outdated military equipment which is becoming increasingly obsolete.
In addition, the severity of this year's cut - which amounts to R1.4 billion - threatens to disrupt the Defence function.
We are having to make hard and difficult choices on how to accommodate these cuts.
We may be forced into the situation of not renewing Short Term Service contracts.
This could involve the loss of up to 8 000 jobs which would create a serious embarrassment for our government.
And the SANDF's capability to support the police will have to be reviewed.
The long-term consequences may be that the SANDF is unable to fulfil its constitutional obligations.
The Ministry of Defence is not irresponsible.
In our White Paper we explicitly support the national priority of redirecting state funds towards development and social services.
But there comes a time when the Defence Budget can no longer be viewed as the country's savings account from which endless withdrawals can be made.
That time has come. The Defence Review has motivated clearly, logically and comprehensively the country's medium and long-term Defence requirements.
The Review is based on sound methods which have been subject to public and Parliamentary scrutiny.
In short, my Department is responsible for the defence of South Africa, and for looking after the men and women who render military service.
We have presented a sound case for the design, features, tasks, equipment and maintenance of a peace-time force.
It is now time, therefore, to begin the process of creating the core force, and of obtaining the capital equipment necessary for this - in a systematic and measured way, and with judicious regard to financial constraints.
The Review has progressed to the stage where such a decision can be taken.
We call on this House to support our case.
At the very least, we must have some certainty and continuity in Defence spending over the next five years.
For as long as the Defence budget fluctuates substantially from year to year, the Department's planning process is seriously undermined, as is that of our Defence industry.
VI. CONCLUSION
In conclusion, Madam Speaker, it gives me, the Deputy Minister and our Ministry, pride to present to you the fruits of a long but rewarding process.
We offer a thorough Defence Review that reflects a national consensus.
I ask Parliament to approve this first phase of the Review which has been endorsed by Cabinet.
Parliament's seal of approval gives the basis to begin to explore possible armaments purchases, on the best available terms.
This will be done on a government to government basis, and on our side, in close co-operation with the Department of Trade and Industry, and Finance.
The success of this endeavour will help us to begin the profound task of re-equipping the defence force for the 21st Century.
At the same time, it will help ensure the maximum capital investment in our industry through the crucial transfer of technology and the all important creation of jobs.
It presents us with a significant window of opportunity for our economy and growth rate, and falls very much into our GEAR Strategy.
For all these reasons, the Review needs to be endorsed so that we can go forward.
I thank you.
With acknowledgement to the National Assembly.