>So what was the matter of national security?
There are reports that Canada claims that SA uses armored vehicles it buys from Canada (Ghurka MPV?) in raids against it's own citizens (Shia militants).
I saw that on ZH a day or so ago, and a quick DDG search picks it up, too. It could be that Canada refusing to sell SA military equipment is a national security issue for SA, although it seems to me those type vehicles could be provided by soemone else. Might be, too, that Canada is trying to start a campaign to shut down military sales from all parties to SA.
Looking like maybe countries secretly supporting Iran are getting shook down by the mullahs.