Armscor notes with concern the article published by a newspaper on 22 October 2025, titled “SANDF armoured vehicle tender raises red flags.” The headline and content are misleading, inaccurate, and not based on verified facts.
The article suggests that Armscor is under scrutiny for delays and changes in the SANDF’s armoured vehicle procurement process. These claims are unfounded and reflect the opinions of certain industry participants who do not possess the full context or information regarding the process.
Armscor was not afforded a fair opportunity to respond before publication. The organisation received the newspaper’s media enquiry on 21 October 2025 at 13:24, requested that publication be delayed pending a full response, yet the story was published the following day, incorrectly stating that Armscor had not replied.
As a public entity, Armscor operates strictly in line with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), ensuring that all procurement is fair, transparent, competitive, and cost-effective. The armoured personnel carrier (APC) tender process was conducted in full compliance with these principles.
Clarifying key points:
- The Request for Bid (RFB) was issued on 23 July 2024 and extended twice—first to 13 September 2024 and then to 4 October 2024—at the request of potential bidders.
- Armscor received 11 bids, of which 6 met the critical criteria for evaluation.
- Evaluation followed a pre-determined 90/10 preference point system, consistent with applicable legislation.
- Field tests were not part of the RFB’s pre-determined value system and thus could not be used to influence the evaluation. These were cancelled to ensure full compliance with RFB terms.
- Vehicle specifications were never altered; only clarifications were issued regarding applicable standards, such as ballistic protection.
- The process was not delayed or changed to favour any bidder.
Following due diligence, the contract was awarded to a South African defence company with a proven record in the military environment. Risk mitigation measures, performance guarantees, and acceptance testing conditions have been incorporated to ensure delivery in line with SANDF requirements.
Armscor rejects the insinuation that public confidence in defence procurement is undermined by this project. Instead, it is irresponsible and unverified reporting that damages confidence in transparent national defence processes.
Armscor calls on the newspaper to publish an apology acknowledging that the organisation was not given reasonable time to respond.
