SANDF crisis deepens as leaders clash over its future

SANDF crisis deepens as leaders clash over its future! When approached for comment, Department of Defence spokesperson Onicca Kwakwa redirected queries to SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini, who stated that the SANDF would not comment yet.

“We will conduct internal consultations to understand the issue and the statement made by Lieutenant-General Maphaha. We are waiting for the chief of staff, who is still in a meeting,” Dlamini said.

Military Union Raises Concerns

Pikkie Greeff, national secretary of the SA National Defence Union, agreed with Maphaha’s concerns, saying that the SANDF’s operational capabilities are severely inadequate.

“We are in serious trouble. If senior leaders are acknowledging this, it’s clear that the issue lies with the politicians, not the soldiers. The government has brought the defence force to its knees by controlling the budget, misallocating funds, and treating the military as a stepchild of public service,” he stated.

Greeff suggested that Maphaha’s frustration is valid, as he faces severe resource shortages, including:

• A lack of ambulances and medical personnel
• Shortages of essential military equipment
• Military clinics shutting down or reducing operating hours
• Procurement delays preventing soldiers and their families from accessing basic medication

According to Greeff, these issues expose the SANDF’s deteriorating condition, which leadership continues to deny.

Contradictions in Official Statements

Greeff also highlighted contradictions between Maphaha’s statement and the official stance of SANDF Chief and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga.

He referred to a recent parliamentary briefing on South African soldiers’ deaths and injuries in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where both the chief and the minister insisted that the military was in good condition.

“The chief and the minister claim everything is fine, while the surgeon-general presents a more honest picture of the defence force’s condition,” Greeff said.

He accused the government and SANDF leadership of deliberately downplaying the severity of the crisis, mainly out of embarrassment over how far the defence force has deteriorated.

What Needs to Be Done?

The future of the SANDF remains uncertain, but experts agree that the following measures are urgently needed:

• Increased budget allocations to ensure soldiers are adequately resourced.
• Greater transparency from military leaders about operational challenges.
• A realistic approach to international military involvement, ensuring SANDF can secure its own borders first.
• Reform of procurement processes to prevent inefficiencies that leave soldiers without necessary equipment.

Until these issues are addressed, South Africa’s defence force will continue to weaken, posing a serious national security risk.

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