7 Reasons the EFF Says Minister Motshekga Must Be Held Accountable for Arms Export Oversight Failures

• Lack of Verification Since 2015: The EFF highlighted that the NCACC has not verified arms exports for over a decade, raising concerns about South Africa’s compliance with international treaties.
• Potential Arms Diversions to Prohibited Countries: Without proper end-user inspections, there is no verification that South African weapons are not being diverted to conflict zones such as Israel and Ukraine.
• Call for Independent Audit: The party demands an independent review of all RDM arms exports since 2015 to promote transparency and accountability.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have issued a strong statement questioning Minister Angie Motshekga’s response to allegations of arms exports to NATO countries and the potential transfer of weapons to apartheid Israel and Ukraine. Here are seven key points from the EFF’s statement:

1. Lack of Verification Since 2015

The EFF revealed that the National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) has not conducted a single verification of arms exports in over ten years. This, they argue, leaves South Africa’s compliance with international treaties unproven.

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2. Potential Arms Diversions to Prohibited Countries

Without verifications or end-user inspections, the EFF says there is no way to confirm that South African-made weapons are not being diverted to Israel, Ukraine, or other conflict zones.

3. Unsubstantiated Ministerial Claims

Minister Motshekga stated that Rheinmetall Denel Munitions (RDM) complies fully with international arms export regulations. The EFF dismissed these assertions as “untested and hollow,” accusing the Minister of relying on assumptions.

4. Alleged Complicity in Atrocities

The EFF warned that exporting arms without proper oversight risks enabling human rights abuses, including the ongoing conflict in Gaza and escalating warfare in Ukraine.

5. Call for Independent Audit

The party has demanded an independent audit of all RDM arms exports since 2015, citing the need for transparency and accountability in South Africa’s arms industry.

6. Criticism of RDM’s Corporate Response

EFF leaders expressed dismay at what they called a “swift and opportunistic” response by RDM’s CEO, Dr. Frank Dierks, accusing him of using the Minister’s statements to bolster the company’s image.

7. Demand for Immediate Action

The EFF insists that the NCACC must resume verifications without delay and that Parliament must hold Minister Motshekga accountable for these lapses.

“South Africa, a nation born from the struggle against apartheid, cannot afford to indirectly arm regimes perpetuating similar injustices,” the EFF concluded.

The party has called on Parliament, civil society, and the international community to scrutinize South Africa’s arms trade and to ensure compliance with global human rights standards.