In recent months, a growing controversy has surrounded South Africa’s defense sector, driven by reports of questionable industrial deals and political maneuvering that raise concerns about transparency and oversight. At the center of this discussion is the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Rheinmetall Denel Munition (RDM), with speculations emerging about their roles in the broader defense industry landscape.
Recently, DA representatives were reportedly denied access to the arms control directorate, an event some sources suggest may be linked to ongoing debates around the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) and Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s legal challenges. Why the interest in the defense industry? The DA has previously advocated for policies that support industrial assets tied to national security.
Over the past year, investigative journalists have examined RDM’s operations, with reports suggesting that its military-grade products are first stored in military logistics depots in Europe before allegedly being redirected to conflict zones such as Israel and Ukraine. While these claims remain unverified, they have fueled debates about South Africa’s arms export policies and the broader ethical considerations at play.
In response to these concerns, some political observers argue that key DA figures and financial backers, including the Oppenheimer family, may have sought to protect RDM from further scrutiny. Reports indicate that after allegations of Rheinmetall violating South African laws surfaced, influential stakeholders, including think tanks such as the Brenthurst Foundation, published arguments suggesting that such activities benefit the national economy. The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have also weighed in, issuing a strong statement calling for an immediate halt to arms sales to allies of what they describe as “apartheid Israel.” EFF MP Carl Niehaus has been particularly vocal in demanding accountability and transparency regarding these transactions.
Another layer of complexity arises from the DA’s engagement with RDM on energy-related projects. In early May 2023, construction began on a R72‐million solar power plant at RDM’s Somerset West facility. According to reports from defenceWeb and Rheinmetall’s own press releases, the project aims to generate renewable energy for RDM while contributing surplus electricity to the grid.
Some analysts find it unusual that, despite the DA’s criticism of certain figures in the defense establishment, it is reportedly involved in large-scale solar panel purchases linked to RDM. While there is no direct evidence of misconduct, observers have questioned whether these dealings represent a broader alignment of interests between political and industrial stakeholders.
The unveiling of the solar power plant has also aligned with the Cape Town administration’s ongoing efforts to promote renewable energy as a solution to power shortages. However, the financial implications of RDM’s role in supplying solar panels to Cape Town remain unclear, further fueling speculation about the nature of these transactions.
The defense sector’s significance has been further underscored by the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which highlights the strategic importance of arms production and military logistics. As regional security concerns grow, questions about defense industry governance and oversight have become even more pressing.
As discussions around these issues continue, it remains uncertain whether any formal investigations will be launched into potential irregularities. While no definitive conclusions can be drawn, the intersection of political influence, defense contracts, and energy projects underscores the need for transparency in South Africa’s industrial and military dealings.
Steve Fleitz is a writer and researcher in political and strategic sciences at the International Center for Political and Strategic Studies. He holds a master’s degree in law, political science and international relations from Charles University in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic.
