Background

November 2003 saw the realisation of the first Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa or MICSSA.

The concept of MICSSA was born late in 2002 when Armscor and Command Management Information Services (CMIS) agreed that an opportunity was needed where Information and Communications can be discussed within the military context.

A forum was envisaged as a means whereby the defence community - government and industry - local and international - may share ideas, strategies, requirements and potential solutions.

A team comprising members of Armscor and CMIS was assembled and tasked to arrange the first MICSSA. Mr Francois van de Merwe, a former Armscor Program Manager within the Telecommunications Division of ARMSCOR and Ret Maj Gen M.S. Brazzoli in collaboration with Ret Maj Gen P. Verbeek from the Command and Management Information Systems (CMIS) Division initiated MICSSA.

ARMSCOR Management Board was approached for an advance funding loan to kick-start the initiative. On 19 May 2003 the Management Board approved that:

• A MICSSA workgroup may proceed with the arrangements for the MICSSA 2003 Symposium
• Armscor will be the facilitator of all transactions through an Armscor Suspense Account
• Any funds remaining after the conclusion of MICSSA 2003 be held by Armscor in reserve for future MICSSA Symposia

The conservative funding strategy and successful outcome of MICSSA 2003 soon enabled re-payment of the loan and provided surplus funding to enable future self-sufficient MICSSA's.

On 11 November 2003 the First Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa was presented at the CSIR Conference Centre in Pretoria.

The MICSSA logo was developed and captured the spirit of MICSSA. The MICSSA runner emulates the art of the SAN people, capturing the African origins of MICSSA. He - or - she - carried a stick with a note, symbolising information. The runner is in motion, symbolising the transfer of information - which is communications. Thus the MICSSA runner embodies Information and Communications in an African context.

The theme for MICSSA 2003, "In pursuit of affordable strategic solutions" set the scene whereby the strategic requirements of the South African National Defence Force have to be met in a cost-effective manner.

MICSSA 2003 hosted twenty exhibitors and seventy speakers and was attended by over one hundred delegates. International participation amounted to about 15%. This boded very positive for the future of MICSSA, considering that MICSSA 2003 was the first event. The enthusiasm encountered by all the participants certainly proved that the timing for MICSSA was impeccable. MICSSA also proudly carries the endorsement of the South African Institute of Electrical Engineers (SAIEE), underpinning the professionalism that MICSSA professes.

The MICSSA 2003 Exhibition was opened on 10 November by Mr Sipho Thomo, CEO of Armscor. Maj. Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of Joint Operations for the SANDF, delivered the Opening Address whereas Mr Bruce Ramfolo was the guest speaker at the Symposium Banquet. This underlies the tri-partite partnership between the Armscor, SANDF and DAPD that characterises military acquisition in South Africa.

The spread of subject matter was sufficiently wide to provide something of interest to everybody. More importantly, a two-way conversation was established, with the military sharing challenges and requirements from the operational environment and industry sharing technology and trends.

MICSSA also afforded universities participating in defence-funded technology programmes an opportunity to show their mettle. Several post-graduate students as well as lecturing staff from the University of Natal took part and delivered some excellent presentations, showing a high standard of work.

MICSSA 2003 successfully established MICSSA as a forum for the ICT community with an interest in defence within Southern Africa. MICSSA 2005 built on the successes of MICSSA 2003 and proved even more popular.

MICSSA 2005 saw SITA joining the partnership as member of the organising committee for MICSSA.

Armscor, CMIS) Division of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA) hosted the Second Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICSSA) in July 2005.

MICSSA 2005 promoted Information and Communications (IC) related developments to stakeholders in the Southern African defence environment.

The theme for MICSSA 2005 was "Information and Communications Technology: The Key to Military Information Superiority in Africa"

MICSSA 2005 hosted twenty-three exhibitors and fifty speakers and was attended by over two-hundred and fifty delegates. International participation grew and included participation from the SADC environment, specifically with delegations from Namibia and Zimbabwe attending. The impressive list of Patrons and Exhibitors confirmed the support that MICSSA has within Industry.

MICSSA 2005 introduced an innovative Marketing Track as a third presentation track. This gave exhibitors a forty minute timeslot for marketing/demonstration purposes. This track was well supported and formed an integral part of future MICSSAs.

Another feature introduced to MICSSA was an outdoors exhibition by the SANDF of relevant military vehicles.

Armscor, Command and Management Information Systems (CMIS) of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), hosted the Third Military Information and Communications Symposium of South Africa (MICSSA) running from 23 to 26 July 2007, with a Golf Day on 27 July 2007.

In keeping with the vision of MICSSA, MICSSA 2007 once again promoted Information and Communications related developments to stakeholders in the Southern African defence environment, military and civilian alike. MICSSA provided an ideal opportunity to promote new technologies, trends and policy issues.

The theme for MICSSA 2007 was "The African Battle Space: Are the ICT Solutions required really unique?"

MICSSA 2007 was again hosted at the CSIR Conference Centre, Meiring Naude Road, Pretoria, South Africa.

Building on previous successes, MICSSA 2007 bettered its predecessors in a number of respects:

• Attendance grew from two-hundred and fifty delegates in 2005 to three-hundred and forty in 2007
• The exhibition was oversubscribed and included participation by several major local and international companies
• An outdoors exhibition of military equipment contributed to the military character of MICSSA
• Sixty-five speakers delivered presentations including several international speakers
• International participation grew in the exhibition, presentations as well as attendance

Not only was SADC involvement was realised with the attendance by delegations from Namibia and Zimbabwe, but further afield in Africa, representatives from Egypt as well as the RDC attended

Positive media exposure was achieved in several publications, including Armed Forces Journal, Engineering News, SA Soldier, Beeld, Pretoria News and Rekord. A number of companies gave MICSSA exposure in their in-house publications. Finally, the SABC broadcast interviews on television (TV1 and TV2) as well as Radio Services, including the SABC Africa Service and RSG.

MICSSA secured high-level participation from all the relevant defence sectors:

• Mr. Peter Pedlar, Acting CEO of SITA delivered an address and officially opened the MICSSA 2007 exhibition
• The Secretary for Defence, Mr. January Masilela, delivered the Opening Address
• Mr H.S Thomo, CEO of Armscor delivered an address on the future of MICSSA
• Maj Gen M. du Toit delivered the Keynote Address
• Lt Gen J.L.J van Rensburg, CCS of the SANDF, delivered the Banquet Address.

MICSSA 2007 was also a nominee for the non-technical category of the CEO's Awards for 2007.

In keeping with the vision of MICSSA, MICSSA 2009 once again promoted Information and Communications related developments to stakeholders in the Southern African defence environment, military and civilian alike. MICSSA provided an ideal opportunity to promote new technologies, trends and policy issues.

Building on previous successes, MICSSA 2009 bettered its predecessors in a number of respects:

• The exhibition was again oversubscribed and included participation by several major local and international companies
• Attendance peaked at three hundred and five
• Fifty-five speakers delivered presentations including several international speakers
• Attendance by delegations from ten African Countries were achieved
• Participation from the IBSA environment was secured although other commitments eventually prevented attendance from those countries
• Positive media exposure was achieved in several publications including Armed Forces Journal, Engineering News, SA Soldier and Quantum

MICSSA 2009 secured high level participation from all relevant defence sectors:

• Mr Eghshaan Khan, CIO of SITA delivered an address and officially opened the exhibition
• The Acting Secretary for Defence MR T.E Motumi, was invited to deliver the Opening Address
• Mr Sipho Mkwanazi, GM of ARMSCOR Acquisition delivered an address on the future of MICSSA
• Maj Gen M.S Brazzoli, SANDF GITO, delivered the Keynote Address
• Mr. M. Zondi from DOD Procurement delivered the Banquet Address
• Mr D. Griesel, Assistant General Manager ARMSCOR Acquisition delivered the Closing Address

At this point in time, take note that ARMSCOR Senior Management expressed its concern about the huge human resource investment of ARMSCOR personnel involved with the organising of MICSSA Symposia.

MICSSA 2011 once again promoted Information and Communications related developments to stakeholders in the Southern African defence environment, military and civilian alike.

Building on previous successes, MICSSA 2011 again bettered its predecessors, although trends indicated that MICSSA was reaching its peak in terms of attendance and participation.

Patronage for MICSSA 2011 was excellent with five Platinum Sponsors, two Gold Sponsors and six Bronze Sponsors. Without their contributions MICSSA would not be possible.

The in-door exhibition was extremely well supported with thirty-two excellent stands and included participation by several major local and international companies. An outdoors exhibition of military equipment contributed to the traditional military character of MICSSA.

Attendance peaked at three-hundred and fifty delegates; forty speakers delivered presentations including several speakers from the SANDF, including the Military Academy, SITA, Industry and Universities.

SADC involvement could not be realised due to short notice and other commitments, but members from the UK and Angola attended.

A new initiative on recommendation by the Defence Staff Council was launched with MICSSA 2011 where school learners were invited to attend the Symposium. Thirty Learners accompanied by senior teachers from two schools attended the symposium.

Positive media exposure was achieved although limited media attended the media conference. Greater Corporate Communication involvement and timeous invites to media representatives was recommended.

Senior Industry as well as SANDF Services and Divisions attendees were somewhat disappointed that senior military members could not attend the conference and formal banquet events.

Due to the conservative financial strategy of the organising committee as well as excellent patronage contribution by industry, MICSSA 2011 maintained the surplus in funds associated with the event.

MICSSA 2014 was held at the CSIR ICC over the period 3 to 7 February 2014.

• The theme for MICSSA 2014 was "Military Information and Communications Technology within a Rapidly Evolving Cyber World"
• Event Station was requested to support the planning and hosting of the event
• The Chairperson of the MICSSA Planning Committee was Brig Gen S.O. Maliwa and supported by Col M.H. Nawrattel
• Golf was arranged for 7 February 2014 as closure to MICSSA 2014 and was held at Silver Lakes Golf Course

MICSSA 2016 was held at the CSIR ICC over the period 9 to 13 May 2016.

• The partners were SANDF, CSIR, ARMSCOR and SITA
• Event Station was requested to support the planning and hosting of the event
• The theme for MICSSA 2016 was "Gaining the edge through ICT modernisation"
• Golf was arranged for 13 May 2016 as closure to MICSSA 2016 and was held at Copperleaf Golf Course
• The Chairperson of the Planning Committee was Brig Gen H.E. Gunter and supported by Col M.H. Nawrattel.

MICSSA 2018 was held at the CSIR ICC over the period 14 May to 18 May 2018.

• MICSSA 2018 is aimed at C SANDF Level
• Partners remained in place as for MICSSA 2016 namely DOD, ARMSCOR, CSIR and SITA
• The theme for MICSSA 2018 was "ICT as a Military Capability"
• Golf was arranged for 18 May 2018 as closure to MICSSA 2018 and was held at Services Golf Course
• The Chairperson of the Planning Committee was Brig Gen H.E. Gunter and was supported by Col G.S. Pelser.

As part of the support to continue with MICCSA 2018 an amount carried over from MICSSA 2016 was donated to the Education Trust. An amount equivalent of a Platinum Sponsorship for MICCSA 2016 was donated to the amount of R75 000.00. A cheque to this amount was handed over to the Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of the SANDF Education Trust, Maj Gen (Ret) Roy Andersen by Director Information Communication Technology (DICT), Brig Gen H.E. Gunter, on 23 January 2018.

In terms of the commitment to the SANDF Education Trust, an amount of R82 500 will be donated from the MICSSA 2018 fund to the SANDF Education Trust. This amount is equivalent to a platinum sponsorship for MICSSA 2018

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic it was determined to postpone the hosting of MICSSA 2020 to 2022.

Due to the Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo that was held over the period 21 to 25 September 2022, it was determined to present MICSSA in 2023 so that it is not hosted in the same year as AAD.