The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to release an internal report into the 2023 naval disaster near Kommetjie, which claimed the lives of three submariners.
The incident occurred during a naval exercise involving the submarine SAS Manthatisi and an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter. While conducting a vertical transfer, large waves swept seven crew members overboard. Five were rescued, but three tragically died.
Calls for Transparency
Military specialist Professor Abel Esterhuyse of Stellenbosch University’s Faculty of Military Science highlighted the tensions between military secrecy and public accountability.
“We are a constitutional democracy, and the military is subordinate to civilian authority,” Esterhuyse said. “Secrecy that shields wrongdoing undermines democratic accountability. The families have a right to know the truth.”
He noted that while operational security concerns are often cited to withhold such reports, the peacetime nature of the exercise weakens that argument. “This was a training incident—there’s no real operational security risk in releasing this report,” he said.
Broader Military Challenges
The tragedy has reignited debates about transparency and the state of the SANDF. Esterhuyse pointed to logistical struggles, such as the recent return of 249 SANDF members from the DRC via an Air Tanzanian plane—highlighting South Africa’s lack of strategic airlift capacity.
“Our military faces serious challenges,” he said. “Covering them up with secrecy prevents public engagement and necessary reforms.”
Defence Ministry’s Response Pending
The DA’s push for disclosure puts pressure on Minister Motshekga to balance national security concerns with public accountability. Esterhuyse urged openness, arguing that transparency could foster public support for SANDF reforms.
“If the military is honest about what happened, society may rally behind efforts to fix these issues,” he said.
As the debate continues, the families of the deceased submariners—and the public—await answers.