In spite of the ongoing financial constraints which affect the planning and operations of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), government has assured the troops that they will have the resources needed to defend and protect the country.
“This includes ensuring soldiers are properly equipped with the uniforms, boots, protective gear, and habitable facilities catering for the needs of all including women soldiers and persons with disabilities,” the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, said on Wednesday in Parliament.
Selected “Model Units” will receive priority upgrades ensuring safety and security, well- maintained bases, sports and recreation facilities, and training areas.
Soldiers on deployment will also get priority support for all their needs during deployment.
“Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the SANDF's human resource profile, modernise, maintenance, repair and overhaul of the prime mission equipment, with the South African Defence Industry (SADI) as the key national defence partner,” the Minister said during the debate of the budgets of the Departments of Defence and Military Veterans.
The Department of Defence Human Resources Plan for the 2025 Medium Term Expenditure Framework reflects a deliberate and phased approach to sustaining a capable, rejuvenated, and cost-efficient defence workforce within existing budgetary constraints.
The Department of Defence has received a total budget allocation of R57 183 billion for 2025/26.
Of this budget allocation, R36 703 billion has been set as the ceiling for the Compensation of Employees (COE), constituting approximately 64% of the defence allocation.
Furthermore, approximately R8 359 billion is earmarked, which includes, among others:
• R2 773 billion for accommodation charges, leases and municipal services;
• R2 556 billion for the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC);
• R1 464 billion transfer payment to Armscor;
• R487 million for the Republic’s assessed contribution to SADC for the SAMIDRC deployment;
• R480 million for the repair and maintenance of maritime defence systems;
• R300 million for day-to-day maintenance and emergency repairs and
• R200 million-rand for the procurement of vehicles and technology for border safeguarding.
The Defence Force has been allocated R12 billion to meet its constitutional mandate.
Repositioning the South African Defence Industry
The Department of Defence is working on repositioning the SADI to pursue the strategic goal of economic growth and job creation.
“In this regard the SADI must be positioned as a vital economic asset, ready for expansion to drive national development and support government priorities for a capable state and become a strong local defence industry that creates jobs, develops new technologies, and ensures that the SANDF is well-equipped.
“Cooperation between Denel, local companies, and international partners will be expanded to boost exports and attract investment. The centrality of Denel is critical in the maintenance and support of the SANDF,” the Minister said.
She called for the repositioning of Armscor as an entity for SANDF Equipment and Capability Modernisation, to be intensified to make sure that Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) for midlife upgrades and modernisation of PME (air, land, naval domains) guarantees the longevity and mission effectiveness for the SANDF.
Military veterans
The military veterans has been allocated R878 million for the 2025/26 financial year.
“In collaboration with sister departments, we have embarked on a project to repatriate the remains of our fallen heroes and heroines in Zambia and Zimbabwe during 2024. A total number of 35 mortal remains have been repatriated thus far and further work is underway,” the Minister said.
Over the past three audited financial years the Department of Military Veterans Education Support Benefit provided learners and students as follows:
• During the 2021/22 financial year, 3 711 learners and students at a cost of R88 million.
• In the 2022/23 financial year, a total number of 4 114 learners and students at a cost of R126 million.
• 3 690 learners and students cost the department R135 million during the 2023/24 financial year.
The unaudited information for the 2024/25 financial year, shows that 2 738 learners and students were provided with education support to continue with their studies.
To date at least 100 have graduated. - SAnews.gov.za
