The Okapi command post vehicle was originally developed by the now BAE Systems Land Systems OMC to provide a high level of mobility to keep up with other South African wheeled armoured systems, such as the now BAE Systems Land Systems OMC Ratel (6 × 6) infantry combat vehicle and the 155 mm Denel Land Systems G6 (6 × 6) self-propelled artillery system.

A small number of production Okapi vehicles have been built with some of these being fitted with electronic warfare equipment for use in the forward battlefield area.

The Okapi command post vehicle is now being offered by Denel Land Systems as part of a complete artillery system which also includes the G6 155 mm/45 calibre 6 × 6 self-propelled gun, ammunition support vehicles and fire-control system as well as long-range reconnaissance systems.

In mid-2001 it was stated that the South African Army had taken delivery of nine mobile electronic warfare systems as part of an extensive upgrade of its electronic warfare capability.

This new system was developed by Grintek Systems Technologies and installed in Okapi mine-protected vehicles.

The Okapi (6 × 6) armoured command post vehicle has a monocoque all-welded steel hull which provides the occupants with protection from 5.56 × 46 mm NATO ball ammunition fired at a range of 30 m and 7.62 × 51 mm NATO ball fired from 30 m.

The armour also provides protection against air-burst splinters and, if required, a higher level of protection is possible.

As with most South African wheeled armoured vehicles, the Okapi has a very high level of protection against anti-tank land mines.

According to the manufacturer, two Russian TM-57 anti-tank landmines can be placed anywhere under the hull or three TM-57 anti-tank landmines can be placed under any wheel without any injury to the occupants.

The power pack is installed at the front of the vehicle with the commander and driver being seated above and to the rear. To their front is a large bulletproof windscreen, which is provided with a washer and wiper.

The commander and driver each have a forward opening door with a bulletproof window in the upper part. Above each position is a hatch cover and a 7.62 mm machine gun can be mounted above the commanders position on the left side for local and air defence purposes.

In the right side of the hull is the APU, which is separated from the crew compartment by a bulkhead. There are bulletproof windows in the sides of the hull and there is also a single door in the hull rear on the left side which is provided with a bulletproof window in its upper part. Roof hatch arrangement depends on the role of the vehicle. The axles incorporate hub reduction with pneumatically operated lateral differential locks.

A replacement wheel and tyre is mounted at the rear of the hull on the right side and standard equipment includes 200 litre drinking water tank and power steering on the front two axles. An air conditioning system is also fitted as standard.