Government has allocated R57.6 billion to the Department of Defence for the 2026/27 financial year, with a strong focus on border safeguarding, internal security support and rebuilding South Africa’s defence capabilities amid mounting regional and domestic security pressures.
Tabling Budget Vote 23 in the National Assembly on Wednesday, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) remains central to protecting the country’s sovereignty, supporting internal stability and safeguarding strategic national interests.
“The SANDF remains essential to sovereignty, central to internal stability and critical to the Republic’s regional and global obligations. Parliament is encouraged to support the Department’s efforts for adequate resources.
“We must choose to align defence ambition with an increased funding trajectory; restore coherence between policy and force design; protect the soldier as the centre of capability; rebuild critical domains; correct governance failures; stabilise operational financing; and renew the defence industrial base in support of long-term sovereignty,” the Minister said.
Motshekga warned that growing maritime traffic along the Cape Sea Route, illegal migration, organised crime and infrastructure deterioration continue to place significant pressure on the defence force.
R57.6bn budget allocation for defence priorities
The Department of Defence received a total allocation of R57.6 billion for the 2026/27 financial year.
The allocation includes:
- R37.7 billion for compensation of employees;
- R2.5 billion for the SA Army;
- R2.7 billion for the SA Air Force;
- R1.9 billion for the SA Navy;
- R1.5 billion for Military Health Services;
- R4.5 billion for Logistics Division; and
- R1.5 billion for Joint Operations Division.
Government has also earmarked additional funding for strategic operational priorities, including:
- R557 million for border safeguarding technology and vehicles;
- R427 million for Air Force fighter capability maintenance;
- R607 million for Navy repairs and maintenance;
- R80 million for military uniforms; and
- R1.5 billion transfer to ARMSCOR.
An additional R150 million has been allocated to support the SANDF’s role during the 2026 local government elections.
Government intensifies border security operations
Border safeguarding emerged as one of the department’s key priorities, with the Minister warning that porous borders threaten national security and economic stability.
“Porous borders do not only compromise the territorial integrity of the state but lays a fertile ground for the emergence of several other national security threats, including threats to the economic well-being of the Republic,” Motshekga said.
The department said intelligence-led operations supported by radar, sensors, and unmanned aerial vehicles are helping disrupt cross-border criminal syndicates, illegal migration networks and smuggling operations.
Government also acknowledged ongoing challenges linked to aging patrol vehicles, inadequate infrastructure and deteriorating border fencing and access roads.
The SANDF will continue working with other departments and provincial administrations to strengthen border management systems.
SANDF to continue supporting SAPS against crime
Motshekga announced that an additional R823 million will be made available for SANDF operations supporting the South African Police Service (SAPS).
The deployments are aimed at addressing gang violence, illegal mining, organised crime and other internal security threats.
According to the Minister, coordinated interventions have already disrupted criminal syndicates and illegal mining operations through “sustained visibility, targeted enforcement and deprivation of criminal resources”.
Maritime security and defence diplomacy in focus
The Minister highlighted the growing strategic importance of the Cape Sea Route, describing the Navy as a “strategic necessity” for South Africa.
“To neglect our national maritime capability would risk strategic self-harm and global irrelevance,” Motshekga said.
Despite ongoing maintenance and infrastructure challenges, the SANDF recorded several operational milestones, including the SAS Amatola’s deployment to India and participation in Exercise MILAN 2026.
South Africa is also expected to host the African Aerospace and Defence (AAD) 2026 exhibition in September, which government says will showcase local defence industries and expose young people to careers in aerospace and defence.
Government pushes long-term defence reforms.
Motshekga acknowledged that the SANDF continues to face funding constraints and structural pressures.
“At the core of the defence dilemma lies a fundamental and persistent misalignment between mandate, expectations, and funding,” she said.
Cabinet has now approved a series of long-term defence planning frameworks, including a Defence Capstone Policy Concept and a 30-year Defence Capability Plan known as the “Journey to Greatness”.
Government said these reforms are aimed at restoring coherence between defence policy, force design and future operational requirements.
The department indicated that a minimum funding threshold of 1.5% of GDP is required to maintain operational viability over time.
Youth development and military rejuvenation
The department said it is continuing efforts to rejuvenate the SANDF through military skills development and youth training initiatives.
An intake of 581 young people completed training through the South African National Service Institute (SANSI) and are now participating in learnership programmes.
Government plans to expand partnerships with departments responsible for youth development, higher education, labour and small business to strengthen employment pathways for young people.
The Minister also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to “Putting the Soldier First”, which includes improving uniforms, facilities, deployment conditions and healthcare support.
Governance failures and accountability measures
The Department of Defence acknowledged ongoing governance and financial management challenges, including qualified audit opinions, irregular expenditure and overspending on compensation of employees.
“These matters cannot be brushed aside,” Motshekga said.
The department said an Audit Action Plan, governance reviews and consequence management processes are being implemented, including disciplinary action and recovery of state funds where necessary.
Military veterans allocated R912 million.
The Department of Military Veterans received a separate allocation of R912 million for the 2026/27 financial year.
The budget includes funding for healthcare, pensions, housing, education and compensation benefits for military veterans.
However, the department acknowledged several operational challenges, including inadequate IT systems, organisational delays and weaknesses in service delivery structures.
The Minister said a Ministerial Transversal Task Team has been appointed to help stabilise the department and improve service delivery to veterans. – SAnews.gov.za
