Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has admitted that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is grappling with severe financial constraints, particularly affecting the Air Force and state arms procurement agency Armscor. However, she insists that despite these challenges, the military remains capable of fulfilling its constitutional duties.
Motshekga made these remarks during a session with the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), where she painted a grim picture of the department’s financial state. She revealed that the SANDF was in a “dysfunctional state” when she assumed office, with management teams even engaging in physical altercations during meetings.
Budget Shortfalls Crippling Operations
The minister highlighted that budget cuts have forced the SANDF to reduce its annual recruitment target from 10,000 to 5,000 soldiers. Additionally, senior officials have been instructed to cut down on travel to save costs.
One pressing issue is the inability to upgrade the presidential jet, prompting suggestions from opposition MPs that President Cyril Ramaphosa should consider commercial flights—a proposal Motshekga dismissed. She maintained that the president must continue using state aircraft for security reasons.
Peacekeeping Missions Prove Capability
Despite the financial strain, Motshekga argued that the SANDF’s participation in international peacekeeping missions—such as deployments in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—demonstrates its operational readiness.
“We are confident as the department that we will be able to defend our country,” she said. “It doesn’t mean that nothing is happening and therefore we are sitting ducks as a country.”
Military Veterans in Crisis
The minister also acknowledged long-standing failures in addressing military veterans’ grievances, including unpaid pensions and benefits. She admitted that the department still lacks a proper register to verify and compensate former soldiers, despite years of protests and government promises.
Path Forward
Motshekga stated that her department is working with the National Treasury to reprioritize funds and explore alternative revenue streams, such as exporting South African-made defence equipment. A three-month review is underway to identify cost-cutting measures and improve efficiency.
However, opposition MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the lack of a clear turnaround strategy, raising concerns over whether the SANDF can sustainably maintain national security amid dwindling resources.
As the debate continues, the defence force’s financial woes remain a critical challenge for the government, with implications for both domestic security and South Africa’s role in continental peacekeeping.