Durban-based Southern African Shipyards (SAS) will in future be looking out for military veterans.
This is the premise of a memorandum of understanding entered into with the SA National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA) that will that has at its core socio-economic progress for veterans.
“This initiative aims to assist veterans with skills development and job and business opportunities. We see it going as far as joint ventures on certain SAS projects,” SAS chief executive Prasheen Maharaj said adding “the combined experience, expertise and operations will create avenues for artisan, engineers and technologists affiliated with SANMVA to reintegrate into the industry”.
As one of the leading South Africa companies in the maritime sector, SAS will lead projects executing responsibilities including specialist advice, project execution for shipbuilding, ship maintenance and repair as well as facilitating business opportunities for SANMVA members. Other areas where SAS expertise will be available to veterans is in providing contractors for weapons and weapons systems in African and eastern markets as well as assessing return on investment with joint ventures.
SANMVA was established in 2013 as the representative organisation for military veterans in South Africa, no matter what they previous affiliations. Its prime objective is to improve the lives of veterans, many of whom find themselves jobless and in trying circumstances. In terms of the memorandum, SANMVA has to provide input for local development plans around projects and actively assist in creating job and work opportunities as well as facilitate when it comes to skills development and business.
Maharaj, an outspoken supporter of the need to create work for South Africans to help grow the local economy, said he foresaw “a rewarding association” with the veterans association.
“They gave selflessly of themselves on behalf of the nation and we hope we can provide some benefit for them.”
SAS is currently nearing completion of a refit contract on SAS Amatola, one of the SA Navy’s four Valour Class frigates, and will also be tendering for more navy projects in the form of a hydrographic vessel and three each inshore and offshore patrol vessels.
