South Africa’s Parliament has voiced growing frustration over the state of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), with members of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans calling for concrete answers on the future of the defence force—rather than another round of strategic reviews or long-term policy planning.
During a committee meeting on Wednesday, MPs criticised the Department of Defence (DoD) for failing to present a clear and actionable plan to address the SANDF’s declining operational capacity. The current situation was described as a “deep crisis”, with the defence force struggling with budget cuts, deteriorating infrastructure, ageing equipment, and low troop morale.
The Department tabled its draft 2024 Defence Review Update, an extensive strategic planning document meant to guide the SANDF’s renewal. However, MPs argued that the recommendations were largely aspirational and did little to address the urgent challenges the force faces now.
IFP MP Russel Cebekhulu called for “practical solutions” to restore the SANDF’s effectiveness, rather than yet another high-level review. Similarly, DA MP Kobus Marais expressed concern that the SANDF might be beyond repair if immediate, decisive action is not taken. He noted that the Defence Review update offers no guarantees for short-term improvements in capacity or morale.
ANC MP Cyril Xaba echoed concerns but urged a more constructive approach, suggesting that the Defence Review could still serve as a roadmap if backed by funding and political will. Nonetheless, the general sentiment across party lines was that the SANDF is approaching a tipping point, and the nation can no longer afford delays in reform.
The meeting comes at a time when South Africa’s role in peacekeeping missions and regional stability is under increased scrutiny, especially with continued deployments in the DRC and Mozambique. Yet, the SANDF remains constrained by insufficient resources and a shrinking defence budget. As Defence Minister Thandi Modise prepares for upcoming budget debates, she faces mounting pressure to present not just long-term visions, but immediate steps that will halt the SANDF’s decline and ensure the defence force can fulfil its constitutional mandate.
