Denel says it needs cohort of young engineers on cutting edge of new tech

CAPE TOWN - State arms manufacturer Denel says it needs a cohort of young engineers who are on the cutting edge of new technology.

The embattled company has lost dozens of staff to companies abroad, as its financial challenges put it on the edge of bankruptcy five years ago.

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But Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga and CEO Tsepo Monaheng told Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence on Friday that the company still holds great potential for skills development and to be a leader in its field.

Once a world-renowned arms developer, Monaheng said the company has not completely lost its former reputation, despite its financial woes and the brain drain.

He said the focus now is on a culture shift to get in more orders and to restore customer confidence.

Monaheng said a firm is being hired to conduct a skills audit to align with its long-term goals.

“We need to give space to the young engineers and provide guidance so that we can be able to realise the new technologies and products because the old engineers want to design the old products.”

Meanwhile, Motshekga said Denel is a national asset that must be protected.

“One of the biggest problems is the guarantees, which are a huge risk to our recovery. But also, the banks that don’t loan money for war and arms, and that’s why the guarantees were coming through government.”

Motshekga said she’s working on appointing a robust, new board, with the current board’s term expiring at the end of June.

The chairperson, Gloria Serobe, already quit this week.