South Africa’s defence readiness is under serious threat as illegal land invasions continue to encroach on at least ten South African National Defence Force (SANDF) military bases across the country.
According to recent reports, informal settlements have now been established on military land — with some including makeshift kraals housing goats and cattle — raising alarm over the safety, security, and operational integrity of national defence installations.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded the alarm, stating that these invasions are occurring unchecked and are in some cases even being enabled by local municipalities through the installation of illegal electricity connections. Affected sites include key SANDF locations such as Potchefstroom, Bloemfontein, Kimberley, and Thaba Tshwane.
“These incursions jeopardise the SANDF’s ability to operate and train effectively and represent a serious breach of national security,” the party said in a statement.
Despite parliamentary questions and media attention, the Department of Defence has reportedly failed to present a decisive action plan. The DA is now demanding that the Defence Committee urgently summon Defence Minister Thandi Modise and senior military leadership to account for the escalating situation.
The continued breakdown in the protection of military land not only compromises training zones and logistics hubs but also exposes defence assets to theft, sabotage, and operational paralysis.As the situation intensifies, national defence capabilities may be at risk if swift and coordinated intervention is not undertaken.
