On 15 May 2024 Dr. Vasu Gounden, Founder and Executive Director of ACCORD, delivered a state of the Nation security address at the South African Aerospace, Maritime, and Defence Industries Association’s (AMD’s) inaugural National Security and Safety Town Hall. The event took place in Sandton, South Africa, and offered South Africa’s political parties a platform to present their positions on national security while allowing the audience to engage with these parties on critical issues.
The Town Hall featured representatives from various political parties, including the African National Congress, the Democratic Alliance, the Economic Freedom Fighters, Rise Mzansi, ActionSA, the Inkatha Freedom Party, and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Each speaker outlined their party’s stance and proposed strategies on national security.
As South Africa gears up for the national elections on 29 May 2024, the Town Hall aims to foster discussions on the future of the nation’s security framework to create a safe, prosperous environment for all citizens. In his opening remarks, Mr. Sandile Ndlovu, AMD’s CEO underscored AMD’s commitment to promoting a sustainable and responsible industry, highlighting the role of the defence sector in the country’s socio-economic transformation and growth.
Dr. Gounden’s State of the Nation security address set the tone for the discussions as he traced the evolution of South Africa’s security apparatus from the apartheid era to the present, providing a crucial backdrop for the deliberations. Addressing contemporary security issues during his address, Dr. Gounden outlined the pressing need for a balanced approach that addresses both security stabilisation and socio-economic development. Concluding his address he urged all political parties to work together to address both internal and external threats, emphasising the urgency of effective and timely responses to the nation’s security and developmental challenges.
The National Security and Safety Town Hall marked a significant step in fostering dialogue and consensus among political parties on the external and internal security threats facing South Africa. Dr. Gounden also urged political parties to call for a post-election national dialogue among political parties, noting the shared acknowledgement among parties regarding the significance of defence and security.
