Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa has proposed exploring public-private partnerships (PPPs) as a strategic tool to advance the Department of Defence's interests.

The initiative aims to leverage private capital and expertise for infrastructure and service delivery without compromising national security or transferring state assets.

Holomisa emphasized that PPPs would involve structured collaborations where the state retains ownership, with private partners contributing resources in areas like military housing, healthcare infrastructure, logistics, and base modernization.The deputy minister highlighted the need for legal transparency, feasibility studies, and adherence to security protocols.

He also mentioned engaging institutional investors like the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) to explore long-term infrastructure projects, stressing that such partnerships must align with national security, fiscal responsibility, and local industrial participation.

The focus is on optimizing existing defense assets rather than commercialization, ensuring projects meet agreed standards and deliver value for money.Holomisa warned against hasty decisions, urging thorough evaluation of proposals against national interests and risk management frameworks.