The combined Parliamentary Budgetary Review and Recommendations Report (BRRR) covering Minister Angie Motshekga’s Cabinet allocated responsibilities earned rejection and contempt from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) Member of Parliament (MP) Carl Niehaus.
After it was tabled at a Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans (PCDMV) meeting last month the defence portfolio, specifically the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), was taken to task in a statement issued by its chair, Molefi “Dakota” Legoete.
Niehaus, speaking during a National Assembly plenary this week, rejected with contempt the BRRR reports covering the Department of Military Veterans, the Department of Defence (DoD), Armscor, Denel and the Castle Control Board (responsible for among others preserving and protecting the military and cultural heritage of South Africa’s oldest still in use building).
Niehaus in a statement said the EFF party he represents “categorically rejects the combined BRRR defence reports” adding they “hide the disintegration of our [South Africa’s] defence capacity”.
“The SANDF (SA National Defence Force) is in the throes of collapse with an austerity budget, leaking barracks, no fuel, no spares and soldiers training with outdated gear. The Secretary for Defence [Thobekile Gamede] has been acting for years with no permanent appointment coming forth. Billions in irregular expenditure, zero consequences. In an overall corrupt and incompetent GNU [Government of National Unity] the DoD stands out as the super champion of corruption.
“The 2015 Defence Review gathers dust and the so-called ‘Journey to Greatness’ remains hidden from Parliament. All of this while our airspace, borders and seas are defenceless. Vice Admiral Monde Lobese warned the [SA] Navy is being defunded with deliberate intent by Members of the Executive to help drug cartels. And Minister Angie Motshekga’s response – a cover-up threatening him with disciplinary action. It is disgraceful.”
Niehaus demands an immediate 1.5% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) increase in the defence budget, total overhaul and force renewal of the SANDF (SA National Defence Force), removal of an “inept leadership command” as well as the immediate resignation of “the bungling and incompetent” Motshekga and both her deputies – Bantu Holomisa and Richard Hlophe/Mkhungo.
Still not finished, the Niehaus post has it the DMV has collapsed, Armscor and Denel are also “disgraceful failures” and the defence budget “still funds that colonial relic – the Castle of Good Hope”.
He ends stating support for the defence portfolio BRRR would be “treason against our nation’s sovereignty” and rejects it completely.
BRR reports paint a ‘dismal picture’ – ACDP
The African Christian Democratic Party’s (ACDP’s) MP Steve Swart also had strong words on the defence and military veterans BRR Reports, telling the National Assembly they paint a “dismal picture”.
“The South African National Defence Force’s operational condition is now at critical levels with the Auditor-General saying the serviceability of prime mission equipment remains below acceptable levels and maintenance backlogs are worsening due to the reallocation of funds and personal expenditure.”
“Due to severe underfunding, the Navy operates one of four frigates and one of three submarines, and is unable to patrol our waters effectively. The Air Force only has a handful of Gripen fighters and Oryx helicopters flying, while most transport aircraft are grounded for lack of spares. The Army’s infantry combat vehicles and trucks, many over 30 years old, have poor availability rates and ammunition stocks are low.
“It is no wonder that the Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Lobese, has severely criticised government for underfunding. Whilst his comments may verge on insubordination, they are made out of a deep-seated frustration and echo many warnings from the Chief of the SANDF, as well as members of both portfolio committees.
“We are failing to provide the resources necessary for an efficient SANDF. Whilst there are insufficient financial resources, we are also concerned about adverse audit queries including two material irregularities. In addition, cost of employees takes a lion share of the budget — 67% – whilst only 33% is allocated towards maintenance and capital acquisition,” Swart said.
The ACDP is also concerned about the dire situation facing the Department of Military Veterans “and whilst we appreciate what the report sets out and will definitely support it, we do believe additional resources are required for the SANDF.”
Department of Defence underfunded by R63 billion since 2017 – Holomisa
Speaking in the National Assembly this week, Holomisa said some of the issues raised by Lobese had also been highlighted previously by the department. “We cannot deny that some of the issues, if not all, which have been raised by the Chief of Navy, have reached this institution for many years.”
On underfunding of the SANDF, Holomisa said a 1998 decision taken by Parliament to no longer invest in military security but more on social security resulted in the Department of Defence having “suffered a lot.”
“There are issues we need to swallow our pride at some stage and decide what we want to have in this country when it comes to security related matters, and I hope that the State Security Council, or those who sit in the State Security Council, does discuss the security threat analysis,” Holomisa said.
Holomisa said the department has suffered cumulative inflation-related cuts amounting to R63 billion since the 2017 financial year, which has significantly constrained its ability to modernise and sustain its capabilities.
“Despite this constraint, the department has consistently engaged with the National Treasury, the Standing Committee on Appropriations, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans to secure support for rejuvenating prime mission equipment and modernising the force.”
National Treasury has provided some additional funding to support critical military capabilities, including R700 million for mobility packages and technology enhancement along borderline and R1 billion allocated to extend the life cycle of two C-130 Hercules medium transport aircraft, Holomisa pointed out.
“The department is currently engaging the National Treasury on funding for the Journey to Greatness, which is a 30-year strategic document designed to restore and rebuild the defence force,” he said, and National Treasury is assisting with personnel rejuvenation measures to ensure a pipeline of younger, fitter, and mission-ready soldiers.
