FY2006/07 to FY2008/09 - Department of Defence

forewordFOREWORD BY THE HONOURABLE MINISTEROF DEFENCE, M.G.P LEKOTAbuilding a SouthAfrica that trulybelongs to allDEPARTMENT:DEFENCEThe Department ofDefence (DOD) is enteringan exciting period ofservice delitery includingthe human developmentopportunitiesafforded by the continu-ing Special Defence Package (SDP)acquisitions. The recent commissioningof the SAS AMATOLA and the pendingarrival of the 5101 submarine adds animportant asset into the arsenal of theSouth African Navy and the SouthAfrican National Defence Force(SANDF) as a whole. The challenge ofintegrating and leveraging these acquisitionsfor a range of national prioritiesremains paramount in our strategicdirection and focus.These challenges include the rejuvenationof the SANDF in order to meet anincreasing number of new requirements.The recruitment of new personnelof all races and a well-balanced gendercomposition are essential if we areto contribute meaningfully to the'Accelerated Shared Growth Initiativefor South Africa' (ASGISA).Within the context of ASGISA the implicationsfor the DOD on the way forwardwould therefore suggest that we onceagain review key concepts in our strategicbusiness plan with a view to makingthe necessary paradigm shift requiredby ASGISA. We need to continue toplay a role by assisting in bridging thefirst and second economies of our society.This will progress alongside ourrenewal strategy to ensure the defenceand protection of South Africa and supportfor global security.The DOD HR 2010 strategy and issuesrelating to the State of Readiness in particularwill therefore be paramount. Weneed to consolidate our programmeswith regard to targeted recruitmentthrough our Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS), the DODYouth Foundation Programme and theSouth African Air Force Siyandiza programme.Through these kind of programmeswe wll enhance access to ourfacilities and provide skilled personnelfor the purpose of delivering experientiallearning for the youth and developmentof Government personnel.To achieve this aspect of improvedaccess and training opportunities, theDOD Service Corps, as a serviceprovider to various stakeholders, willcontinue to play a major role. Further,we need to identify other DOD centresof excellence with the potential for supportto broad national initiatives of thegovernment departments.I am confident that this strategic businessplan for the financial years 2006 toS T R A T E G I C B U S I N E S S P L A N F Y 2 0 0 6 / 0 7 T O 2 0 0 8 / 0 9v