President Ramaphosa Appoints New Arms Control Committee to Oversee SA's Arms Trade

Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni to Lead 11-Member Committee Overseeing Responsible Arms Trade and Safeguarding National Security.

President Cyril Ramaphosa has appointed a new National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) to oversee South Africa's arms trade, emphasizing the country's dedication to international arms control standards. This newly structured NCACC, mandated to regulate the nation’s conventional arms trade, is chaired by Minister in the Presidency, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, with Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Andries Nel, as Deputy Chairperson. The committee’s 11 members, comprising senior government officials, will serve a five-year term, guiding South Africa’s arms control practices in line with international laws.

According to Section 4 of the National Conventional Arms Control Act of 2002, the NCACC’s mandate focuses on applying transparent control measures to ensure that South Africa’s trade in arms complies with national security interests and international law. “The committee is responsible for controlling and regulating the trade in conventional arms to protect South Africa’s economic and national security interests while fostering transparency in arms trade,” stated the Presidency.

In its oversight role, the NCACC can conduct investigations, inspections, and research related to the conventional arms trade both within South Africa and in international contexts, thereby ensuring the country's alignment with global security practices. This regulatory oversight serves to build national and international confidence in South Africa’s arms control procedures and addresses both economic and security considerations.

Members of the committee include key figures such as Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola, and Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development Thembi Simelane. Their roles underscore South Africa’s dedication to responsible arms trade policies, both at home and abroad.

President Ramaphosa expressed confidence in the committee’s capability to uphold South Africa’s security and compliance, emphasizing that their work will contribute significantly to the nation’s standing in global arms control. The NCACC's new initiatives are expected to not only enhance South Africa's arms regulation framework but also underscore its commitment to ethical practices, promoting a safe, transparent, and secure arms trade industry in line with international agreements and standards. Full Committee Members:

Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Minister in the Presidency (Chairperson)

Andries Nel, Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development (Deputy Chairperson)

Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

Thembi Simelane, Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development

Senzo Mchunu, Minister of Police

Dr Blade Nzimande, Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation

Parks Tau, Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition

Gen (Ret) Bantu Holomisa, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Dr David Masondo, Deputy Minister of Finance

Alvin Botes, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation

With this renewed leadership, the NCACC is positioned to guide South Africa’s arms trade practices effectively, enhancing both national security and international accountability through a robust and transparent control process.