By Defence Circle
The International Association of Defence and Security Studies (IADSS) has welcomed Sandile Ndlovu to its Global Advisory Board, bringing extensive experience in defence industrial development, strategic leadership and international cooperation to the organisation’s global activities for 2027 and beyond.
Ndlovu is a prominent figure in South Africa’s aerospace, maritime and defence sectors, with a career spanning government, diplomacy, defence and international relations. His appointment adds significant expertise in strengthening cooperation between government and industry while supporting the development of defence capabilities and international partnerships.
Since August 2025, Ndlovu has served as the Presidential Special Envoy to the Republic of Iraq, supporting bilateral relations between South Africa and Iraq, with a focus on trade, investment and strategic cooperation.
He also serves as Executive Director of the Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association of South Africa (AMD) and Chief Executive Officer of the South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Export Council (SAAMDEC). In these roles, he contributes to advancing South Africa’s defence industry, promoting exports and strengthening the international competitiveness of the country’s aerospace, maritime and defence sectors.
Ndlovu is also the Executive Chairperson of the Africa Aerospace and Defence Exhibition (AAD 2028), having previously held the same position for AAD22. His involvement in the exhibition reflects his continued engagement in promoting South Africa’s defence and aerospace industries and facilitating collaboration between local and international stakeholders.
His professional background includes senior appointments within the South African Government and service in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), where he gained operational and counterintelligence experience. This combination of military, government and industry experience provides a broad foundation for his work in strategic leadership and international defence cooperation.
Academically, Ndlovu holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS), University of Pretoria. He is also pursuing doctoral studies at Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science.
His appointment to the IADSS Global Advisory Board comes as the organisation prepares for its global activities in 2027 and beyond. His experience across defence industrial development, diplomacy, international cooperation and government-industry engagement is expected to contribute to the association’s strategic direction and international engagement.
The appointment further highlights the importance of connecting defence and security expertise across borders, supporting dialogue between industry and government and strengthening international cooperation within the global defence and security community.