The Defence Section is an integral part of the British High Commission in Pretoria. Its aim is to foster and promote the long lasting and serious defence relationship between the United Kingdom’s Armed Forces and the South African National Defence Force. Defence Section consists of a Defence Adviser Brigadier, a Naval and Air Adviser Commander RN or Wing Commander RAF, a Staff Sergeant and two civilian support staff.

The Defence Adviser also commands the British Peace Support Team (South Africa), which is mandated by the South African Department of Defence to advise on aspects of democratic defence management and peace support operations.

Defence Section promotes:

• The exchange of ideas and experience between the UK Armed Forces, including training and concepts
• Exchange visits by leaders and leader groups to and from South Africa.
• Course attendance in the United Kingdom by members of the SANDF and the running of courses in South Africa for the mutual benefit of both forces, particularly in the field of Peace Support Operations.
• Exchange of technical and equipment management information.
• Participation in combined exercises in the United Kingdom and South Africa.