Minister's silence on arms exports raises concerns

FIFTY-ONE days have passed since the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD) requested a response from Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni regarding allegations that South African-made weapons are being used in conflicts abroad, yet no official reply has been received.

- THABO MAKWAKWA

The controversy began during a JSCD meeting on April 4, 2025, when Carl Niehaus, the EFF's permanent representative on the committee, raised concerns about South Africa's arms exports.

Niehaus accused the government of neglecting its responsibility to monitor and regulate weapons sales to conflict-affected countries, including Israel and Ukraine.

In response to these serious allegations, Ntshavheni requested additional evidence to support Niehaus's claims.

Subsequently, on April 14, Niehaus submitted a comprehensive 11-page letter outlining South Africa’s obligations under key international treaties, such as the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), the United Nations Register of Conventional Arms (UNRCA), and the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW).

He stated that these treaties prohibit arms sales to conflict zones and countries accused of human rights abuses, specifically naming Israel and Ukraine.