For example, does it make a difference to foreign investment levels or to the South African defence industry? What Does This Mean for Foreign Investment in South Africa? Yet, foreign direct investment in South Africa grew by an impressive 446% in 2018, according to figures from a United Nations report. Zane Cleophas of the National Defence Industry Council made the point in 2018 that South African defence spending had dropped by R21 billion in the last 27 years. Around the same time, defence minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said that the defence industry was at a crossroads.