STATEMENT BY PROFESSOR KADER ASMAL CHAIRPERSON OF THE NATIONAL CONVENTIONAL ARMS CONTROL COMMITTEE ON THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DEFENCE RELATED INDUSTRIES

Statement by Professor Kader Asmal
Chairperson of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee on

THE WHITE PAPER ON THE DEFENCE RELATED INDUSTRIES

15 December 1999

ORIGINS OF THE WHITE PAPER

Government policy on the South African defence industrial base has been under discussion since the transition to a democracy and the negotiations preceding this transition. This has been done in a very transparent manner that followed an exhaustive consultation process with Government, industry, civil society and academia. This process can be traced as follows:

In terms of the Transitional Executive Council Act, research was commissioned into the future of the arms and related industries.

A Committee of Ministers formulated a comprehensive framework for the underlying philosophy, policy and approach with regard to the various aspects of the arms industry.

The White Paper on Defence addressed issues of arms control and the defence industry.

The Defence Review built upon the policy framework of the White Paper on Defence and the arms acquisition process was designed and promulgated.

Cabinet tasked the NCACC to initiate and oversee the preparation of a White Paper on the Defence Industry.

Cabinet approved the White Paper on the South African Defence Related Industries on Wednesday 01 December 1999. The White Paper will be tabled with the Parliamentary Committees responsible for defence, foreign relations and trade and industry matters, for further discussion before being submitted to Parliament.

DEFINING THE DEFENCE INDUSTRY

South Africa is the first country to coin the term "defence-related industry" and to do away with the term "defence industry", as the studies conducted in the White Paper indicate that a ‘defence industry’ could not be identified or defined as a distinct industrial sector. Defence work is done across all sectors of the South African industrial base. There is also a growing tendency for companies producing defence equipment to make use of civilian technologies, or to manufacture dual-use products which can be sold to both defence and non-defence markets. There is also an increasing overlap between defence and civilian production within companies.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE WHITE PAPER

The White Paper is a significant document in that it is based on exhaustive research of an industry that was not previously exposed to public scrutiny. The document makes incisive policy proposals that are located within a descriptive narrative aiming to contextualise the policy debates.

CONTENTS OF CHAPTERS IN THE WHITE PAPER

CHAPTER ONE

This chapter examines the national policy framework applicable to the industry. Besides cardinal defence policy, it locates the policy context of the White Paper firmly in South African national economic, industrial and technology policy.

CHAPTER TWO

This chapter is essentially descriptive in nature. It provides a condensed history of the industry, as well as an extensive economic analysis of the earnings, value and employment levels in the industry. The chapter is important in that the level of detail provided allows significant evaluation of the economic viability of the industry.

CHAPTERS THREE AND FOUR

These two chapters must be read in close context to each other. Chapter Three establishes the DoD structures to control and direct acquisition and technology management.

Chapter Four identifies strategic technologies and capabilities for the Defence Force. They are by nature few in number and well defined, mapping a long term technology master plan for defence that is firmly located in the progressive position adopted by the White Paper on Technology. The chapter further accepts that normal market forces will apply to the defence-related industry and will determine entries and exits to the defence market. Thus, subsidisation of the industry is not envisaged. Those few and specific technologies that are strategic to the Defence Force will however not be exposed to market forces and limited protectionism will occur.

CHAPTERS FIVE AND SIX

Again, Chapters Five and Six must be read together to gain context. They deal with the matter of government support to the defence-related industry and its antithesis, arms control structures. Chapter Five, addressing government support measures, acknowledges that weapon systems are essentially sold on a government to government basis and identifies major government role players who assist the defence-related industry in marketing products: Departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, the South African Secret Service and Armscor. The chapter calls into existence a Marketing Support Board which functions to co-ordinate government effort.

Chapter Six reviews those international arms control treaties and regimes to whom South Africa is a signatory, and which control the transfer of arms and certain technologies. These range from conventional arms controls to nuclear, chemical and biological controls. This review of South Africa's international obligations contextualises further discussion on domestic arms control legislation and structures impacting on the defence-related industry.

Seven different sets of legislation are reviewed (Conventional Arms, Armaments Production and Development, Non-Proliferation of Weapons of Mass Destruction, Firearms and Ammunition, Teargas, Explosives and Nuclear Energy).

Five control structures are reviewed (the NCACC, the Non-Proliferation Council, the Explosives Inspectorate, the Central Firearms Register and the Atomic Energy Corporation).

The chapter notes the existence of fragmentary legislation and control structures. The NCACC notes the existence of fragmentary legislation and structures and has taken the in principle decision to investigate an integration of legislation and structures.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Chapter Seven addresses specific social and economic challenges facing the industry, providing government with options on how these may be addressed. Within the context of globalisation and the internationalisation of the defence market, the chapter investigates how the defence-related industry might deal with issues of consolidation and the establishment of both joint ventures and equity partnerships.

Within the context of the transformation of South African society, the chapter expresses itself on issues such as affirmative procurement, equity ownership amongst previously disadvantaged groups, as well as facilitating new entrants to the market. Broad transformation issues are also touched on, such as the range of new labour related legislation in South Africa.

PROCESS AND CONSULTATION

The NCACC appointed a Steering Committee to oversee the execution and management of the research and writing process for the White Paper, with representation from the:

Defence Secretariat
Department of Trade and Industry
Armscor
Denel
South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD).
Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC)
Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Center for Conflict Resolution (CCR)
University of the Witwatersrand’s Graduate School of Public and Development Management

A drafting committee was established consisting of three members from the Defence Secretariat, AMD and UCT's CCR. The document was tabled at the Joint Standing Committee on Defence for information, and who were also briefed twice. Four workshops were held with civil society on the document in Cape Town and in Johannesburg.

NEXT STEPS TO THE WHITE PAPER

INTRODUCTION

The White Paper on the Defence Related Industry examines what was previously an area of closed debate in South Africa, providing both background information on the industry and a coherent policy for the industry. It thus provides a National Policy Framework for the Defence Related Industries of South Africa within which Government sets the parameters for the activities of the industry.

The White Paper makes a number of recommendations and identifies certain possible future areas of work for Government to consider. The possible areas of future work that the NCACC may consider in the months ahead are laid out below.

This policy foundation, as proposed in the White Paper, provides the contextual basis for all future work required to provide further consistent and integrated policy on the industry.

GENERAL INITIATIVES WHICH GOVERNMENT MAY CONSIDER ACTIONING

Creating A Defence Related Industry ‘Cluster’

The White Paper indicates that a ‘defence industry’ cannot be identified or defined as a distinct industrial sector. Defence work is done across all sectors of the South African industrial base. There is also a growing tendency for companies producing defence equipment to make use of civilian technologies, or to manufacture dual-use products which can be sold to both defence and non-defence markets. There is also an increasing overlap between defence and civilian production within companies.

As the Defence Related Industry cannot be identified as a separate sector of the South African industrial base, due to defence work being done across all sectors, consideration can be given to conducting an investigation to establish and define the industry as a cluster of organisations producing armaments as a specific product.

Such further work will have to de done in co-operation with the Departments of Defence and Trade and Industry and the industry itself.

Conversion and Diversification in the Defence Related Industry

The White Paper identifies the Department of Defence and the Defence Related Industry as historically the largest investors in research and development in South Africa, due mainly to the technology intensive nature of defence work. While the international experience of converting of defence companies to civilian work has not been as successful as may be hoped, international experience has shown that conversion of defence technologies to civilian applications have indeed been successful.

International experience has shown that dedicated commitment to investigating civilian applications for defence technology has produced significant gains by spinning on technologies and techniques to the private sector. This dedicated conversion of defence technology has shown significant value-add to those economies where this practice has been implemented and has contributed to growth in both technology and returns in the wider economy.

Given the international experience regarding the conversion of defence technologies to civilian and other uses, and resultant growth in the economy, Government may consider investigating ways of maximising defence technology investments for the broader South African economy. Building on the defence research and development organisation/agency concept envisaged in the White Paper to fulfil a broader social and economic mandate could do this. Extensive study would have to be made of ‘best practices’ utilised in other countries before such thinking could come to fruition.

The White Paper calls for the establishment of a dedicated defence technology organisation that co-ordinates and integrates defence research and development programmes in the public, private and academic sectors, which the specific objective of retaining and enhancing those strategic defence technologies identified in the White Paper.

Balancing Support and Control of the Defence Related Industry

Chapters Five and Six of the White Paper deal with government support to the defence-related industry and its antithesis arms control structures. Chapter Five, addressing government support measures, acknowledges that weapon systems are essentially sold on a government to government basis and identifies major government role players who assist the defence-related industry in marketing products: Departments of Defence, Foreign Affairs, Trade and Industry, the South African Secret Service and Armscor. The chapter calls into existence a Marketing Support Board which functions to co-ordinate government effort.

Chapter Six reviews those international arms control treaties and regimes to whom South Africa is a signatory, and which control the transfer of arms and certain technologies. These range from conventional arms controls, to small arms, nuclear, chemical, biological and dual-use controls. This review of South Africa's international obligations contextualises further discussion on domestic arms control legislation and control structures impacting on the defence-related industry.

Given the close and symbiotic nature of control and support of the defence related industry by Government, future work will have to be done on examining ways and means of creating greater synergy between the efforts of Government to support the legitimate initiatives of the defence related industry and the duty of Government to control the products of that industry, namely armaments.

Integration of South African Arms Control Structures and Processes

The White Paper notes the existence of fragmentary legislation and control structures prevalent in South Africa, each introduced at specific points of South African history to deal with specific issues of the day.

The NCACC has noted the existence of this fragmentary legislation and resultant structures and has taken the in principle decision to investigate an integration of legislation and structures. Government policy consistently pronounces that resources should be maximised for best effect to promote the objectives of efficiency and economy in government business.

LEGISLATION, REGULATIONS AND TRANING REQUIREMENTS

The Conventional Arms Control Bill

The NCACC is considering a Conventional Arms Control Bill that will establish the NCACC as a Statutory Body and will formalise many of the conventional arms control processes in South Africa. Final adjustments are being made to this Bill and it is envisaged that the Bill will be tabled on the parliamentary schedules in the near future.

Conventional arms control regulations are also being prepared to support this Bill in order that the necessary legislation and regulations are put in place as soon as is possible.

Armaments Development and Production Act

The White Paper calls for a review of the Armaments Development and Production Act (commonly called the Armscor Act) in the light of the main policy pronouncements made in the White Paper. In addition to the White Paper, this issue is also driven by other key developments.

Conventional arms control as currently provided for in the Armscor Act, will be taken up in the Conventional Arms Control Bill.
The Defence Review calls for the establishment of a dedicated Acquisition Agency to support the transformed structures and processes in the Department of Defence.
The Public Finance Management Act that comes into effect on 01 April 2000 specifically addresses Public Entities in Chapter Six of the Act and the Armscor Act will have to be aligned with the provisions of this act.

As is the case with the Conventional Arms Control Bill, all regulations supporting this process will also have to be reviewed.

The Minister of Defence is preparing an instruction in this regard with comprehensive Terms of Reference. The Minister will comment on this matter further when the instruction is promulgated.

Enabling Legislation for the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention and the Mines Ban Treaty

South Africa has signed and ratified in Parliament both the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention and the Mines Ban Treaty. Section 231(4) of the Constitution makes such self-executing international agreements law in South Africa.

Article 9 of the Mines Ban Treaty requires each State Party to take all legal, administrative and other measures, including penal sanctions to prevent or suppress any activity prohibited by the Convention.

Protocol II of the Certain Conventional Weapons Convention prohibits or restricts the use of mines, booby traps and other devices. Article 14(1)&(2) of the Protocol requires each High Contracting Party to take all legal, administrative and other measures, including penal sanctions to prevent or suppress any activity prohibited by the Protocol.

The Certain Conventional Weapons Convention requires High Contracting Parties to initiate a number of other steps in addition to the enabling legislation identified above. Article 6 of the Convention requires that comprehensive instructions on the Convention must be disseminated to the Armed Forces. Article 14(3) of Protocol II requires that armed forces receive instruction on the Protocol and Operating Procedures are promulgated.

To this end, the Departments of Defence and Foreign Affairs have established a Policy Issue Team to undertake the work required in terms of South Africa’s international commitments emanating from the two Conventions. Work will commence in the New Year.