Saving the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) from collapse requires bold, decisive action, including new leadership, a doubling of the defence budget, and improved soldier welfare, amongst others.
This is according to the Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF’s) Carl Niehaus, who represents the EFF on the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (JSCD). Following a 15 May parliamentary debate on the Midterm Strategic Defence Review, tabled on 23 March 2023, Niehaus said the SANDF is “collapsing, threatening our sovereignty and safety.”
“The Strategic Review lays bare a SANDF crippled by corruption, maladministration, and a shocking lack of strategic vision. The two-year delay by Parliament in addressing this crisis reflects a shameful failure to prioritise defence. The review, grounded in the 1996 White Paper and the 1998 and 2015 Defence Reviews, shows progress in African representation — rising from 38% in 1994 to 76% today — but this achievement is undermined by systemic rot. A staggering 69% of the defence budget is consumed by salaries, far exceeding the 40% target, leaving equipment maintenance and acquisition starved. The Department of Defence’s unfunded organogram is a mockery of accountability, betraying our troops,” Niehaus said.
He called the absence of strategy a “travesty,” with the SANDF’s “Road to Greatness” document, intended for President Ramaphosa in October 2024, remaining secret.
“Our soldiers’ disastrous deployment in the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC)—ill-equipped and unsupported—proves the SANDF is incapable of executing foreign missions or ensuring troop safety in its current state. Overextension is killing the force. Beyond defending our borders, the SANDF is burdened with untrained roles like fighting crime, tackling illegal mining, and disaster response, draining resources and eroding readiness.”
According to Niehaus, the SANDF’s equipment crisis is a “national disgrace” with grounded aircraft and naval vessels going without midlife upgrades. “The Armscor Dockyard is in shambles, and Project Hoefyster for infantry vehicles is stalled, risking billions in wasteful expenditure. Training has collapsed—Air Force flying hours have plummeted with barely any operational planes.
“The state of 1 Military Hospital, a dysfunctional construction site for over 15 years, mired in legal disputes over corrupt tenders, is a deadly failure. On 14 April 2025, Warrant Officer M P Mncube was denied admission to 1 Military Hospital and tragically passed away. His death, and the loss of heroic soldiers in the DRC, underscores the human cost of this crisis,” he said.
Niehaus called the defence budget, 0.76% of GDP, an “insult” compared to the global 2% norm. Force rejuvenation is stalled, he said, with the average soldier’s age now over 40.
“Without bold intervention, the SANDF will collapse, leaving South Africa defenceless,” the EFF representative stated, but suggested a number of solutions to turn the situation around. These include the removal of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, her two deputies, the Chief of the SANDF, and senior command — to be replaced by capable, accountable leaders.
Niehaus also called for an independent anti-corruption unit within the Department of Defence, reporting to Parliament, to ensure transparent procurement; and an increase in defence spending to 1.5% of GDP within five years, restoring the 40:30:30 budget ratio for salaries, operations, and capital investment.
Other suggestions are a national defence summit to revise the 2015 Defence Review and develop a 10-year modernisation plan; improved soldier welfare (better salaries, housing, and healthcare — and a Military Skills Development System aligned with equity targets) as well as increased training funds, multinational exercises with BRICS partners, and support for Denel to ensure self-reliance in defence manufacturing.
“We must act now to honour our soldiers and secure our future, or face consequences far worse than the disastrous DRC deployment. The hour is upon us — South Africa must rise with courage and do what is right,” Niehaus concluded.
@defenceWeb
