Delegates who attended the first African Regional Conference of the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban (CTBT) at Denel Overberg Test Range.

The Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organisation (CTBTO) held their first African Regional Conference from 9 – 18 April 2016 at Denel Overberg Test Range. The aim of the conference was to introduce On-site Inspections (OSI) to African representatives. The CTBTO is part of the United Nations family of organisations.

Ms Misrak Fisseha, Training Officer of the CTBTO On-site Inspection Division mentioned that it was the first time ever that an exercise has been held in Africa. As co-ordinator of the event, she conducted a site inspection at Denel Overberg Test Range in January 2016. The suitability of the facilities of the Test Range for the conference as well as for the field training exercises had to be determined. The Test Range met the unique requirements of the conference with on-site accommodation, conference facilities, communication infrastructure and a  40 000 ha outdoor secure range for the field exercises. The training was attended by more than 80 participants representing more than   34 countries.

CTBTO bans nuclear explosions by everyone, everywhere: on the surface of the earth, in the atmosphere, underwater and underground. It makes it very difficult for countries to develop nuclear bombs for the first time, or for countries that already have them, to make more powerful bombs. It also prevents the huge damage caused by radioactivity from nuclear explosions to humans, animals and plants.

The conference consisted of classroom style training and field exercises. The purpose of the field training exercise was to enable the trainees to apply their knowledge and skills gained from the first four days of the Regional Introductory Course in a tactical exercise setting. Embedded in a hypothetical exercise scenario and following the principles of the Inspection Team Functionality Concept, exercise participants conducted a one-day car-borne based field mission to different polygons. Participants had to follow the daily inspection planning, conduct and reporting cycle as per approved OSI procedures and carry out specific tasks in a ‘Notional Inspection Area’, which they may also face in an OSI.

According to Mr Ron Gavish, Chief: Training Section On-site Inspection Division, they searched for the ideal venue for the training and were very happy and pleased to find this facility which was the ideal facility with their dedicated, devoted and professional staff. “The staff supported us and could meet all our requirements. As a whole we are very pleased and it has been reflected in the feedback we’ve received from the participants,” said Mr Gavish.

The delegates attended various events during the week where entertainment was provided from the local community and Overberg region. They also visited various tourist attractions in the Overberg.

“We were very proud to host an event of this magnitude at Denel Overberg Test Range,” said Mr Abrie van der Walt, CEO of Denel Overberg Test Range. He also stated that by delivering quality service and support to clients he trusts that more organisations / countries will continue to make use of the facilities, capabilities and infrastructure of the Test Range in future.

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