Organised by the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD), the conference will feature keynote addresses and panel discussions from leading figures from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), government, academia, and international defence experts.

Notable speakers include:

• Major Gen. (Ret) Bantubonke Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence & Military Veterans, who will explore the potential of partnerships for the implementation of the Defence Review.
• Lt Gen F.M. Ramantswana, Chief of Staff, SANDF, will share insights on the SANDF’s view on PPPs and its funding needs to ensure readiness for current and future conflict scenarios.
• Dr Mthobisi Clyde Zondi, CEO of SanDock Austral Defence and Former Chief of Procurement, Department of Defence & Military Veterans, will discuss the new Treasury Regulations and their potential for simplifying the PPP contracting process in defence.
• Dr Mike Masiapato, Commissioner & CEO of the Border Management Authority (BMA), will provide updates on the BMA’s progress with PPPs and the opportunities for further collaboration with the private sector.

The participation of General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the SANDF, has been confirmed. As the SANDF navigates a complex landscape marked by budget constraints and operational demands, Maphwanya’s leadership is pivotal in fostering innovative partnerships that can enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of defence operations.

The event will feature dynamic panel discussions with international experts such as Captain Atul Sapahia (Defence Attache for India), Colonel Christine Kuria (Defence Attache for Kenya), and Adv. Nandipha Ntsaluba (Lecturer, UNISA), offering valuable lessons from global defence partnerships.

Past and present senior government representatives Kobus Marais, Independent Defence and Political Analyst & Former DA Shadow Minister for Defence and Military Veterans, and Dr Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg, Research Fellow, Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa & Defence Researcher, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa, will take part in a discussion on how accountability and transparency can be strengthened within defence PPPs to protect public interest and enhance trust.

Further, experts like Advocate Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director, Accord, and Prof. Francois Vreÿ, Research Coordinator: Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa (SIGLA), Faculty of Military Science, University of Stellenbosch, will discuss the role of PPPs in peacekeeping and maritime security respectively.

Attendees will also gain insights from academia, with speakers like Prof. Warren du Plessis (University of Pretoria) and Dr Moses B. Khanyile (University of Stellenbosch) shedding light on the pivotal role of academic partnerships in advancing defence technology.

This comprehensive agenda ensures that participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how public-private partnerships can drive innovation, enhance defence capabilities, and contribute to long-term national security.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to be part of a transformative conversation shaping the future of South Africa’s defence sector.

Click here to find out more about the conference, including registration and sponsorship details.

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Hosted by defenceWeb in collaboration with the South African Aerospace, Maritime & Defence Industries Association (AMD), the conference aims to foster strategic collaborations between public and private entities to address pressing challenges in South Africa’s defence and security environment.

A Distinguished Career

Born on 25 July 1955 in Mqanduli, Cape Province (present-day Eastern Cape), Bantu Holomisa has been a prominent figure in South African politics and defence for decades. He began his career in the Transkei Defence Force in 1976, swiftly ascending to the rank of Major General and Commander of the Transkei Defence Force by 1987. Subsequently, he led a military government in the Transkei until 1994 when he oversaw the peaceful reintegration of the Transkei into South Africa, demonstrating his commitment to a united and democratic South Africa.

In 1994, Holomisa entered politics on the national stage when he was elected as a member of the National Assembly, subsequently serving as the Deputy Minister of Environmental Affairs and Tourism from 1994 to 1996. Afterward, Holomisa founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) and has served as its president since. In subsequent years Holomisa would serve on a range of parliamentary committees such as the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, as well as an alternate member of the Portfolio Committee on International Relations and Cooperation, among others. These roles have provided him with a range of invaluable insights into the South African defence and security environment.

Upon ensuring his party’s inclusion in the Government of National Unity (GNU) in 2024, Holomisa was appointed Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans – a decision and role that demonstrates his political acumen and continued commitment to South Africa’s defence and security.

Bridging Public and Private Sectors

Deputy Minister Holomisa’s participation in the conference underscores the government’s commitment to strengthening public-private partnerships (PPPs) within the defence sector. His years of experience, both in military and political leadership, positions him well to address the complexities of integrating private and public sector resources in order to meet South Africa’s economic and national security objectives, through creating a more resilient and responsive defence infrastructure.

The conference, organized by defenceWeb in collaboration with AMD, builds upon the success of its inaugural event in 2023. With the theme “Empowering the Defence Sector through Public-Private Partnerships”, discussions will focus on tailoring PPPs to meet the unique demands of South Africa’s security environment, fostering collaboration to provide vital equipment and services amidst budget constraints.

A Catalyst for Progress

The Deputy Minister’s address is expected to serve as a catalyst for meaningful dialogue between the government, public sector agencies, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions. His participation in the conference signifies a proactive step towards fostering a collaborative environment aimed at empowering South Africa’s defence sector.

As the defence landscape evolves, stakeholders from various sectors are encouraged to attend and engage in this critical dialogue. The Public-Private Partnerships for Defence & Security Conference 2025 represents a pivotal moment for public and private stakeholders committed to enhancing the nation’s security through strategic partnerships.

Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robert Mace at robert@defenceweb.co.za. Click here to learn more about the event and register now to take advantage of the early bird fee, available until 9 February.

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What sets the 2025 conference apart is its exceptional Event Advisory Board, comprising distinguished leaders from diverse sectors. These experts will guide the conference agenda, ensuring insightful, impactful discussions that drive innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Advisory Board Highlights

The board’s unmatched expertise reflects the event’s commitment to advancing South Africa’s defence and security landscape. Members include:

• Advocate Vasu Gounden: Founder and Executive Director, Accord – A globally respected leader in peace and security.
• Wilhelm Janse van Rensburg: Research Fellow, Security Institute for Governance and Leadership in Africa; Defence Researcher, Parliament of the Republic of South Africa – Bringing deep insights into security research and governance.
• James Kerr: Owner, Orion Consulting – A trusted adviser in the defence sector.
• Dr. Moses B. Khanyile: Director, Centre for Military Studies (CEMIS), University of Stellenbosch – Renowned for his academic expertise in military science.
• Kobus Marais: Independent Defence and Political Analyst; Former Shadow Minister for Defence and Military Veterans – Offering a critical perspective on defence policy.
• Sandile Ndlovu: CEO, South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries (AMD) Association – Spearheading innovation and collaboration in the industry.
• Dr. Mthobisi Clyde Zondi: Executive Chair, Sandock Austral Group Holdings – A strategic thinker and industry leader.

The combined expertise of this team ensures a conference experience that is both forward-thinking and practical, addressing the most critical issues facing the industry today.

Organisers invite interested parties to participate by submitting papers, with the call for submissions closing on Friday, 17 January 2025. Proposals can be sent to Ros Hinchcliffe at ros@defenceweb.co.za. Those interested in sponsoring the event are encouraged to contact Robert Mace at robert@defenceweb.co.za for more information.

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