Sisulu commits to defence industry, on stilettos
2012-03-22 14:42
Pretoria - The government is committed to supporting growth in the defence industry, Defence Minister Lindiwe Sisulu said on Thursday.
"As a principle, every official of the department has a duty to promote the South African defence industry on all their visits abroad," she told the fifth annual Defence Industry Day in Pretoria.
"To this end, we have in the last few months successfully assisted the industry to either secure contracts or access markets in countries like Ecuador, Uganda, Benin, Botswana and South Sudan."
Sisulu cautioned the sector to consistently abide with laws and regulations relating to the production and sale of weapons.
"For as long as you operate within the frameworks of the law, be assured that I am on your side and readily perched on my stilettos to be of assistance," said Sisulu.
"Your job is to ensure full co-operation with the law. With that, I am certain we can achieve far greater benefits, create jobs and keep the defence forces supplied with quality products."
She appealed to the industry to prioritise national interests in the supply of armaments to its numerous clients.
"Prioritise us, prioritise us," she said.
The minister was taken on a tour of an exhibition of armaments and military vehicles displayed by several industries.
- SAPA
