Southern African Shipyards will work co-operatively with the SANMVA towards realising socio-economic progress for South African vets.
Southern African Shipyards (SAS) has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the South African National Military Veterans Association (SANMVA), an umbrella body of the Department of Military Veterans that lawfully represents the interests of former military veterans. The purpose of the MOU is to co-operatively work towards realising socio-economic progress for South African vets.
“This joint initiative between SAS and SANMVA aims to assist veterans with skills development and job and business opportunities, including joint ventures on certain SAS projects,” said SAS CEO Prasheen Maharaj.
“Our combined experience, expertise and operations will create avenues for artisans, engineers and technologists affiliated with the SANMVA to reintegrate themselves into the industry.”
As a maritime leader, SAS will lead the project by executing responsibilities including: specialist maritime advice; project execution related to ship building, ship maintenance and repair; facilitating business opportunities for SANMVA members; providing contractors for weapons and weapon systems to the African and Eastern markets; and assessing the return on investment of any joint ventures with SANMVA.
SANWVA was established in 2013 as a body that represents various military veterans’ organisations and aims to improve the lives of veterans, many of whom still live under conditions of abject poverty, unemployment and inequality.
Its role under the MOU will be to provide input into the Local Development Plan around projects stemming from the MOU, as well as to establish opportunities for job creation, skills development and business facilitation for its members.
“We look forward to a rewarding association with SANWVA that we hope will benefit these veterans who selflessly gave of themselves on behalf of the nation,” added Maharaj.Â
