South Africa’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has called for urgent action to reverse the decline of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). It warned that persistent resource shortages, financial pressures and governance weaknesses are undermining the country’s defence capability.
The committee said the SANDF cannot effectively carry out its constitutional mandate if soldiers deployed on operations lack basic equipment and critical resources. It named quality boots and uniforms, bulletproof vests, weapons and serviceable vehicles as minimum requirements.
The committee called on the Department of Defence to redirect funding towards essential tasks and equipment. It also recommended urgent talks between the finance and defence ministers to agree on a plan, costs and timelines to curb overspending on employee compensation from the 2027/28 financial year.
Committee Chairperson Dakota Legoete raised concerns about difficulties faced by the Auditor-General of South Africa in auditing the Special Defence Account. He proposed that the audit office and the Department of Defence work together to put the necessary vetting processes in place. Legoete said the account contains taxpayers’ money and must be properly accounted for.
The committee also voiced concern about the Department of Military Veterans. Ms Mafu has been serving as its Acting Director-General for at least two years. The committee said prolonged acting appointments weaken accountability while veterans remain unable to access benefits provided for by law. It recommended that the minister provide a written explanation of the legal basis for each extension.
The committee criticised the Department of Defence for receiving qualified audit opinions over several financial years. The Department of Military Veterans received an unqualified opinion, but audit concerns remain. The committee called for stronger leadership from the defence minister and senior officials to improve the department and its reporting entities.
