Military Base Conversion in South Africa: Opportunities for Local Economic Development

Abstract

Cutbacks in defence budgets have highlighted the importance of issues around the conversion of former military bases. The international experience shows that the process of closing military bases and converting them to alternative uses can open up possibilities for local economic development (LED). This article examines South African debates and experience of the reuse of military bases made redundant in the post-apartheid period. Implications for LED are discussed in two case studies of the Zwartkop Air Force base and the Bourke's Luck Military Base.

The Environmental Management System of the South African National Defence Force at the Grahamstown Military Installation

“…Abrahams points out that the defence budget has been gradually decreasing every year. 23 This could be associated with other priorities of government, including building houses, schools, clinics, infrastructure (water, power supply to rural areas, roads), etc. Considering the importance and urgency of these challenges, it really makes perfect sense to rank them high on the priority list over and above environmental protection from military activities.…”

Military Leadership Development: A Model for the Sa National Defence Force

“…Capital expenses for the establishment of an OSB unit can also be minimised, as previous elite units of the SANDF, such as the SA Army Women's College in George (Western Cape) stand disused, and could be transformed into functioning units. 39 A separate OSB unit offers the further advantage of making the selection of candidates a continuous process throughout the year. This will eliminate the mass appearance of candidates once or twice a year, and offers the opportunity for specialist selectors to intensely focus for longer periods on fewer candidates per session.…”