In the wake of the Public Private Partnerships for Defence and Security 2025 conference earlier this month, an appeal has been made for “strategic approach to talent retention and development within the South African defence industry (SADI)”.
It comes from the organisers of the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition, which is supported by the SA Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD), co-hosts of the 7 March conference with defenceWeb.
A statement has it: “Given the evolving security landscape and the increasing complexity of defence systems, integrating structured youth development initiatives is imperative for ensuring the sustainability and technological advancement of the sector. Programmes such as the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Youth Development Programme, Armscor’s Talent Development Programme (TDP) are uniquely positioned to spearhead targeted initiatives that cultivate, discipline, and retain engineering expertise.
“As the National Treasury (NT) reassesses its defence budget allocations, investment in human capital must be prioritised to maintain national security capabilities and industrial competitiveness,” the statement, published on the AAD website, continues.
To strengthen its appeal, the AMD statement goes to what Deputy Defence and Military Veterans Minister, retired two-star general Bantu Holomisa and Sandock Austral Defence Chief Executive Dr Mthobisi Zondi, told the conference.
Holomisa, as per the statement, used the 2015 Defence Review as an example. It identified the defence sector as a significant driver for job creation and skills development. Through strategic recruitment, specialised training regimens, and competency-based capacity-building initiatives, the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) can mitigate youth unemployment while ensuring a steady influx of technically proficient personnel.
Turning to international best practices Zondi named the successful implementation of defence/industrial PPP (public private partnerships) in India, the United Kingdom and Singapore. Of the Singapore basic wings course (BWC) he told the conference it was a model where the prime contractor assumes responsibility for comprehensive pilot training, including flight analytics, aircraft maintenance, simulation-based instruction and curriculum design. Models like the Singapore one offer “valuable insights” for the South African defence sector to structure talent pipelines that align with global industry standards.
“South Africa’s aerospace and defence engineering capabilities are exemplified by the development of the Rooivalk attack helicopter, an achievement that underscores the nation’s ability to execute complex defence projects. More recently, the Milkor 380’s unmanned aerial system (UAS) has demonstrated the efficacy of a structured talent cultivation approach, reinforcing the potential for scalable defence innovation. A synergistic collaboration between AAD YDP, academia, SANDF, SADI, and the public sector offers an unprecedented opportunity to establish a high-impact engineering and aviation capacity-building framework.
“Drawing on successful models from China, the United Kingdom, South Korea and Singapore, South Africa can systematically nurture and retain highly skilled professionals capable of leading sophisticated defence initiatives,” the statement continued.
“Sustainable talent management necessitates a paradigm shift from fragmented initiatives to a cohesive, cross-sectoral strategy that integrates public and private sector expertise. The AAD YDP has demonstrated a proven capacity to identify and mentor high-potential individuals. In September 2024, the program successfully engaged over 11 000 young participants, reinforcing its role as a vital talent incubator for the defence and aviation industries.
“Harnessing this resource through strategic development programmes will be instrumental in addressing future workforce demands and ensuring the sector’s long-term viability,” according to the statement.
As articulated by Holomisa, “Talent retention and skills transfer are central to the 2015 Defence Review. Our highly experienced officers and specialists must play a pivotal role in mentoring and preparing the next generation.”
