The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sharply criticised Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise and National Assembly Speaker Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula for allegedly obstructing parliamentary oversight of military activities. DA MP Kobus Marais claims his request to inspect military bases affected by illegal land occupations was denied, calling it a violation of constitutional oversight responsibilities.
Marais accused Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga—who currently serves as Acting Speaker—of undermining the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans’ mandate. The DA contends that these repeated refusals to conduct oversight visits, particularly in light of recent land invasions on SANDF property, reveal a disturbing lack of transparency and accountability in the Department of Defence.
The party is now demanding answers from the Chief Whip of the Majority Party, seeking to know whether this obstruction reflects a broader ANC policy to prevent scrutiny of the SANDF. With concerns mounting about compromised security and deteriorating base infrastructure, the DA insists that effective parliamentary oversight is non-negotiable.
