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SA Navy shows off its newest sub
By Jordan Weissmann
The South African Navy debuted its newest submarine on Thursday, a vessel that officers said would help solidify democracy and help in the battle against illegal traffickers.
The diesel-electric powered SAS Charlotte Maxeke is the second submarine of its type that South Africa has acquired, a 62-metre long, German-designed-and-built model that holds a crew of roughly 30.
There are 63 of the vessels deployed around the globe by 14 different navies. South Africa is scheduled to acquire another of the submarines in about a year.
"These vessels will contribute to our regional reach and to the provision of security in the Southern African Development Community, thereby assisting in the consolidation of democracy within the sub-Saharan region," said Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota during a speech at the ship's unveiling.
The submarine's sub-surface and stealth capabilities will be a major asset as South Africa attempts to develop a fully-fledged marine defence force, essential to its economic and security interest, said Admiral Robert Higgs, the Navy's chief of fleet staff.
About half of South Africa's economy relies on sea trade, and 90 percent of its imports and exports move through the country's ports, he said.
An advanced naval fleet safeguards those interests, while also making it possible to ambush drug smugglers, poachers and human traffickers, Higgs said.
"A submarine puts us in a different league. If you have a submarine, it shows that you're serious," he said.
Vessels like the new submarine will also improve regional defence for African Union countries, while allowing South Africa to reach out globally through joint naval exercises.
"The navy is playing a significant role in helping South Africa stretch its wings and become a responsible, significant player for good outside not just our own waters," he said.
The submarine was named in honour of Charlotte Maxeke, the founder of the Bantu Women's League and leader of early resistance against pass laws as well as an advocate for workers' rights.
This article was originally published on page 2 of Pretoria News on April 26, 2007
By Jordan Weissmann
The South African Navy debuted its newest submarine on Thursday, a vessel that officers said would help solidify democracy and help in the battle against illegal traffickers.
The diesel-electric powered SAS Charlotte Maxeke is the second submarine of its type that South Africa has acquired, a 62-metre long, German-designed-and-built model that holds a crew of roughly 30.
There are 63 of the vessels deployed around the globe by 14 different navies. South Africa is scheduled to acquire another of the submarines in about a year.
"These vessels will contribute to our regional reach and to the provision of security in the Southern African Development Community, thereby assisting in the consolidation of democracy within the sub-Saharan region," said Minister of Defence Mosiuoa Lekota during a speech at the ship's unveiling.
The submarine's sub-surface and stealth capabilities will be a major asset as South Africa attempts to develop a fully-fledged marine defence force, essential to its economic and security interest, said Admiral Robert Higgs, the Navy's chief of fleet staff.
About half of South Africa's economy relies on sea trade, and 90 percent of its imports and exports move through the country's ports, he said.
An advanced naval fleet safeguards those interests, while also making it possible to ambush drug smugglers, poachers and human traffickers, Higgs said.
"A submarine puts us in a different league. If you have a submarine, it shows that you're serious," he said.
Vessels like the new submarine will also improve regional defence for African Union countries, while allowing South Africa to reach out globally through joint naval exercises.
"The navy is playing a significant role in helping South Africa stretch its wings and become a responsible, significant player for good outside not just our own waters," he said.
The submarine was named in honour of Charlotte Maxeke, the founder of the Bantu Women's League and leader of early resistance against pass laws as well as an advocate for workers' rights.
This article was originally published on page 2 of Pretoria News on April 26, 2007