Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system

Updated: 30 Sep 2019

Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system

Minister of Defence, PW Botha disclosed that South Africa's northern borders are protected by a radar complex constituting an early warning system, and that the entire coastline was to be covered by the Decca navigational system costing $8.4m

The statement by P.W. Botha regarding the acquisition of advanced radar and navigation equipment emphasized Apartheid South Africa's military might, especially to those involved in the liberations struggle.

How we know this

01Ndlovu.S.M, The Anc and the World as published in South African Democracy Education Trust, The Road to Democracy, in South Africa Vol1(1960-1970), (2004) Paarl: South Africa, Zebra Press
02The South Africab Military History Society,Gomm.N,(date unknown), " Military History Journal Vol 2 No 3 - June 1972 ",From: The South Africab Military History Society, [online], available at: samilitaryhistory.org [Accessed 03 February 2014]

Last updated · 30 Sep 2019

Cite this entry

South African History Online. (2011, March 16). Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system. South African History Online. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012083

South African History Online (2011) 'Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system', South African History Online, 16 March. Available at: https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012083 (Accessed: 8 November 2026).

South African History Online, Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system [website], https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012083, (accessed 8 November 2026).

"Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system." South African History Online, 16 Mar. 2011, https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012083. Accessed 8 Nov. 2026.

South African History Online. "Minister of Defence, PW Botha discloses that South Africa’s northern borders are protected by a radar early warning system." South African History Online. March 16, 2011. https://sahistory.org.za/ref/E-0012083.