The Oryx undertaking firefighting duties shortly after arrival in Bredasdorp.

At least one to the Museums at AFMDW (Swartop) and Ysterplaat.

And that is just the replacement for the maritime version! There have been other projects for a light transport replacement as well. Such as Projects Sourcepan, Kiepie and Pelican. Same result.
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It's critical that other State departments, such SAPS, DFFE, Tourism, Marine & Coastal Management and Dept of Transport be brought in under Operation Phakisa, to share costs and utilisation.

Drones are an option, but have limitations.

But something has to be done, and soon.
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South Africa’s EEZ alone totals some 1.6m km2, which is greater than the country’s land area (1.2m km2). SA is also responsible for martime SAR of 17,2m km2.
Then SA also has offshore islands.

South Africa cannot secure its EEZ or meet its international SAR obligations.
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Purchasing expensive and dedicated maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) is out of the question. But the plan to acquire a fleet of suitably equipped King Airs, such as the 350ER, to conduct maritime surveillance is a cost-effective solution. It too floundered.
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Maritime patrol/surveillance has not been a priority since the Shackleton was retired in the 80's.

Projects such as Amanzi, Saucepan, Metsi & Pelican all came to naught. No funding and support.

An excellent PPP initiative under Op Phakisa, leasing Dornier 328s was rejected.
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Background on the Jorsin Tau 4x4 can be found at defenceweb.co.za/editors-pick...

As a reminder, the SAMIDRC mandate was terminated in March 2025 and the South African troops only commenced returning to SA in mid-June. The SANDF vehicles, weapons and equipment is still in Chato (Tanzania), awaiting return to SA, along with the final HQ/security contingent.
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