57. In addition to strengtlening the forces for suppression of donestic uprising,the Government of south Africa ii d.evoting increased attention to buikling up itsconventional forces for wid.escare nilitary actions. Defence spend.ing rose steeplyf"om alnost 700 niLlion rand in t9T\-f97, to 1,ttOO nitl-ion rand in 1i?? anA over 1:80_0 y 1979-1980. 0r, in comparison to the early tg7Os vhen t2-l-3 per cent ofthe budget and 2.5 per cent of GNp ra,er.e devoted. to defence, atmost 20-per centand 5 per eent respectiver-y r,rere so d.evoted in the rate tgios. g6/ A ionslderablepa.rt of these increases went for procu!,ement of equiprxent to but-ttress thecrettibility of south Africars newly erphasized conventional forces: artir-rery,armoured. personnel and battle -vehicles, aati-tank weapon"y, long_range strikeaircraft, anal patrol- boats. p!/. Moreover, the objeeiive or sorrttr Airica's mliteryplanning, preparations, and Tiaining progranm.s is the capability to carry outexteus ive uilitary operations on or across its borders with conventional- forceswhiJ.e at the same tine suppressing internal uprising, 88/ 58. Also reflecting this heightened sense of threat in the late f9?os has beenthe increased roLe of the niritary in south Africa. For exanple, the period ofuilitary training has been steadily increased.. More inportantfy, tU. Cti.t ofthe Defence Staff bas cone to play a naJor ro].e in the policy-nJing process, vhileat a lower leve1 representatives of the south African Dlfence Force-now sit in ona"L1 interdepartmentat discussions and decisions, 89/
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing the defense spending and military capabilities of South Africa, with a focus on the government's efforts to strengthen its conventional forces and respond to internal and external threats. While there may be some tangential references to the economy, the primary focus is on military and defense-related issues.

**Category**
Defense, Security