After years of delays and mounting uncertainty, it now appears increasingly likely that the Hoefyster project, originally designed to replace the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) ageing fleet of Ratel infantry fighting vehicles (IFVs) with modern Badger IFVs, will be abandoned.
This development has left the SANDF grappling with a pressing need to address its operational requirements over the short to medium term. With the Hoefyster initiative stalled—having faced repeated setbacks over more than a decade since its launch, and with no firm completion date in sight—the SANDF is now turning its attention to alternative solutions.
Among the most promising options being considered is a comprehensive upgrade of the existing Ratel fleet, a vehicle that, while iconic in South African military history, is now over 40 years old and struggling to keep pace with modern demands. Stepping into this critical moment is Jorsin, a company with deep expertise in the Ratel platform, positioning itself as a frontrunner to lead this revitalisation effort.
The Hoefyster project was once heralded as a cornerstone of the SANDF’s modernisation ambitions. Its goal was to equip the South African Army with Badger IFVs, a new generation of vehicles intended to enhance combat capabilities and replace the Ratels that have served as the backbone of the force since the 1970s. However, the programme has been mired in difficulties, leaving the SANDF with a fleet of Ratels that, while battle-tested, are increasingly obsolete and in need of urgent attention.
As the prospect of shelving Hoefyster grows more certain—Jorrie Jordaan, founder of Jorsin, told defenceWeb that a decision could come by the end of the year—the focus has shifted to breathing new life into these ageing vehicles rather than waiting for an uncertain replacement. Jorsin, established in 1997 by Jordaan, has emerged as a natural contender for this task.
The company has built a strong reputation over the years for delivering high-quality work at competitive prices, all while maintaining an efficient and reliable turnaround time—a combination that has earned it the trust of the SANDF. What sets Jorsin apart is its extensive experience with the Ratel, a vehicle its personnel have been maintaining and repairing since the 1980s. This long-standing relationship has translated into a string of contracts from the SANDF for Ratel maintenance and repair work, cementing Jorsin’s status as a go-to expert on the platform. “We’ve been working on these vehicles for decades,” Jordaan explained, a testament to the company’s deep-rooted knowledge.
Maintaining the Ratel fleet has not been without its challenges, chief among them the scarcity of spare parts. Production of the Ratel ceased decades ago, leaving companies like Jorsin to find creative solutions to keep the vehicles operational. To meet this demand, Jorsin has undertaken extensive reverse engineering of the Ratel and its components, developing a comprehensive knowledge base and a specialised toolset in the process.
This expertise has made Jorsin a vital resource not only for the SANDF but also for other local firms. Jordaan noted that Jorsin is currently preparing to supply parts to another South African company tasked with refurbishing and exporting six Ratels to an undisclosed African nation, a clear demonstration of its pivotal role in sustaining the Ratel ecosystem.
Beyond maintenance, Jorsin is already looking ahead to the future of the Ratel. The company has begun experimenting with upgrades, focusing on reconfiguring the vehicle to a mid-engined layout akin to its newly developed Tau 4×4 Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV). This redesign aims to improve the Ratel’s reliability and simplify maintenance, tackling some of the wear-and-tear issues that have accumulated over its long service life. “This is something we are really good at,” Jordaan said, “giving something a second chance at life with conversions.” Jorsin’s ability to refurbish and enhance existing platforms is a core strength, and the company is brimming with confidence that it can deliver a revitalised Ratel fleet that meets the SANDF’s needs at a reasonable cost.
Should the upgrade programme move forward, Jorsin believes it is well-placed to secure the contract and execute the project effectively. This confidence was on full display in September 2024, when Jorsin unveiled the Tau 4×4 IFV at the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) exhibition at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria. While the Tau might bear a superficial resemblance to a 4×4 version of the Ratel, it is an entirely new design, showcasing Jorsin’s capacity for innovation.
Capable of carrying up to thirteen crew members—including ten in the rear compartment, alongside a driver, commander, and gunner in an optional turret—the Tau is built for versatility. Its features include a horizontal double rear door that doubles as a ramp for easy access, roof-mounted hatches, and side-mounted armoured glass windows with integrated shooting ports, providing excellent visibility and operational flexibility. The Tau’s debut serves as a powerful example of Jorsin’s forward-thinking approach, offering insights into how it might modernise the Ratel fleet.
Meanwhile, another player in South Africa’s defence industry, OTT Solutions, is also contributing to the effort to extend the Ratel’s lifespan. In collaboration with several local companies, OTT Solutions launched a Service Life Extension Plan (SLEP) for the SANDF’s Ratel fleet in 2022. This ambitious programme is designed to address obsolescence and ensure the Ratels can continue supporting operations alongside the Badger IFVs, should they eventually arrive.
The SLEP has moved at an impressive pace: within four months of starting, OTT Solutions conducted proving trials and mobility demonstrations with a prototype. By 2023, live firing tests during the SA Army’s Vuk’uhlome exercise showcased the upgrades’ potential. Gunners from 8 SA Infantry Battalion, after just 30 minutes of training, reported substantial improvements in accuracy and first-round hit probability—a result OTT Solutions attributes to the modernised systems. The SLEP involves a thorough overhaul of the Ratel.
Original components like the engine, gearbox, transfer case, and suspension have been reconditioned by accredited local suppliers, while new systems—shock absorbers, pneumatics, piping, cabling, electricals, and brakes—have been integrated. The hulls have been sandblasted, checked for structural integrity, and repainted inside and out, with new tyres featuring run-flat inserts added for durability. A smaller, lighter engine and gearbox have freed up space for additional armour, boosting protection to NATO STANAG Level 2. The sighting system has been overhauled with day and night capabilities, including a stabilised commander’s sight with a day camera, thermal imager, and laser rangefinder, alongside a gunner’s sight with similar features. Additional upgrades include a new pneumatic system, a central tyre inflation system (CTIS), and a fire extinguishing system.
OTT Solutions’ track record of delivering remanufactured Ratels to other African militaries further bolsters its credentials in this field. The combined efforts of Jorsin and OTT Solutions present a compelling case for upgrading the Ratel fleet. For the SANDF, this approach offers a practical way to maintain operational readiness without the exorbitant costs and delays of procuring entirely new vehicles. By modernising existing platforms, the military can bridge the gap until a long-term replacement is feasible, all while supporting South Africa’s defence industry and fostering local innovation.
Chief SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya has praised such initiatives as a “solution to rejuvenate the SANDF coming not only from the fiscus but through innovation,” a sentiment that resonates with the work being done. Jorsin, with its decades of hands-on experience and proven reliability, is poised to lead the charge if the SANDF greenlights the upgrade programme. Jordaan’s assertion that the company can deliver a high-quality product at a reasonable price is backed by its history of successful contracts and its intimate understanding of the Ratel.
