This presentation will give the audience a detailed description of both AMD and SAAMDEC with the South African Defence Industry hereafter referred to as SADI.
The presentation will also give information of how the 2 associations are funded, the Management Structure and finally the different committees that exist with the Associations. It will go through some of the strategic initiatives and potential projects that have been undertaken. Lastly, reasons to partner and work with SADI companies.
Current Vice Chairperson of both AMD and SAAMDEC
Isaac Motale is a leader in South Africa’s defence and manufacturing sectors, with a career spanning over two and half decades dedicated to advancing the country’s aerospace, maritime, and defence industries. He is one of the founding members and the first Chairperson of the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Export Council (SAAMDEC), established under the auspices of the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC).
Early Involvement and Founding of SAAMDEC
Isaac’s instrumental role in the formation of SAAMDEC dates back to his tenure as Honorary Secretary of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD). Working alongside Mr. Simphiwe Hamilton and under the leadership of then AMD Chairperson, Mr. Dean Mogale, Isaac helped conceptualise the creation of an export council that would expand South Africa’s defence industry footprint globally. Guided by the AMD Board’s strategic vision, he and Mr. Hamilton undertook exploratory work that led to the formal establishment of SAAMDEC.
Appointed as the first Chairperson of SAAMDEC, Isaac led the organisation through its formative years, navigating the complexities of establishing funding models, governance structures, and partnerships with key national and international stakeholders. Under his stewardship, SAAMDEC earned recognition from the DTIC as one of the best-run and most professional export councils in its first year of operation.
Throughout his tenure, Isaac championed the inclusion of the South African Defence Industry (SADI) in major trade missions, diplomatic visits, and international exhibitions — including DTIC trade initiatives, DIRCO engagements, and Presidential missions. His leadership enabled SADI companies to gain prominence in programs such as the DTIC Exporter of the Year Awards and the Black Industrialist Awards, as well as in significant international collaborations, including partnerships formed during the 2015 G20 Summit.
Professional Experience
Before and after his leadership at SAAMDEC, Isaac held several senior roles in the defence industry, including serving as Software Engineer at Denel Aviation, former Chief Executive Officer of Reutech Solutions, Director and shareholder of various Defence companies where he led strategic growth initiatives and expanded the company’s capabilities in advanced defence technologies, contributing to projects that strengthened South Africa’s defence industrial base, and later his currently CEO and Business Development Director at Lerumo and Tesame, still he focusing on technology innovation, partnerships, and industrial development.
Legacy and Impact
Isaac’s legacy within Defence Idustry is marked by resilience, visionary leadership, and an enduring commitment to transformation and excellence within the South African defence sector. His contributions have helped position SAAMDEC — and the broader SADI community — as credible, competitive players on the global stage.
