State-owned defence industrial group Denel has expressed appreciation for the visit to its facilities in Gauteng by President Cyril Ramaphosa, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga and other senior government and military officials. Denel used the occasion to display its capabilities and assets, including its employees.

“We are proud of the work being done across Denel,” highlighted Group CEO Tsepo Monaheng. “The visit gave us an opportunity to show the President and the Minister what our people do every day, as well as the capabilities we have built over many years.”

He assured that Denel retained specialised skills in the aerospace, advanced manufacturing and defence sectors. More specifically, these skills encompassed aerospace systems, aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul, armoured vehicles, artillery systems, combat turrets, landward defence systems, missiles, munitions and uncrewed systems, among others.

“Our focus now is on growth, innovation and building a stronger Denel for the future,” he affirmed. “We want to build on what we have, continually improve, invest in our people and technology and create a Denel that can compete, deliver and continue making a meaningful contribution to South Africa.”

The President’s visit was used to showcase the role of Denel’s staff in the retention and development of the group’s capabilities. Essential to the future of the group were innovation and the development of new technologies. It was focused both on the sustainment of its current capabilities and on the development of the next generation of skilled and specialist personnel, including artisans, engineers and technicians, in order to create opportunities for growth.

“At the heart of Denel are the employees,” stated Monaheng. “Their knowledge, experience and commitment enable us to design, build, maintain and support complex technologies. We take great pride in that.”

These skills were essential to ensure that the country kept access to key defence, technology and engineering capabilities. They were also essential to open opportunities for innovation and the development of yet further skills.

“We are proud of Denel, proud of the work we are doing today and most importantly, focused on where we are going,” he stressed. “There is a future for Denel and that future is built on the employees, innovation, growth and our commitment to serving South Africa.”