Cape Town - President Jacob Zuma on Wednesday confirmed he visited an arms factory in Saudi Arabia earlier this year.
Zuma and five other Cabinet members toured the Military Industries Corporation facilities, operated by Rheinmetall Denel Munition, according to a written reply to a parliamentary question.
South African arms company Denel owns a 49% stake in the enterprise.
The visitors were accompanied by Deputy Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Defence.
Previous presidency spokesperson Bongani Majola failed to respond to questions after the publication Defence Report published an article on the visit.
In his reply to questions by Democratic Alliance MP Erik Marais, Zuma said the visit was to promote South Africa's military industry and strengthen the defence procurement partnership between the two countries.
“Together with the Crown Prince, we symbolically unveiled a plaque of the military facility. We met with and took photographs with personnel and senior management of the Rheinmetall Denel Munition and the South African staff who are bringing expertise to the military factory. The visit was open to the media,” Zuma said.
Also present were International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, State Security Minister David Mahlobo, Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies, Home Affairs Minister Malusi Gigaba, and Police Minister Nkosinathi Nhleko.
