Cape Town – Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise, has announced a multi-medium term strategic planning process aimed at rescuing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Modise revealed that a scientific evaluation of the SANDF highlighted its diminishing capabilities due to persistent budget cuts.
“The ravages of underfunding and unserviceable capabilities against escalating tasks has had a devastating effect,” the minister said during the debate on the Defence and Military Veterans Budget Vote
The plan includes comprehensive border safeguarding, establishing a rapid reaction capability, maintaining legacy systems, and addressing the needs of soldiers.
“We need to be cognisant of the uniqueness of the SANDF. Universal military practices must inform the structuring of the SANDF, including structuring into combat formations with a complementary command and staff system at the military strategic, operational and tactical levels.
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“I have directed that work begin to reconfigure, reposition and reorganise the department to ensure coherent command and control, and appropriate governance and accountability,” said Modise.
The minister also emphasised the importance of coherent command and control, filling vacant senior posts by the end of the 2023/24 financial year, and enhancing civil control.
The department faces underfunding, which may result in unauthorised expenditure of around R3 billion in the upcoming financial year, she said.
Modise instructed the Chief of the SANDF to rejuvenate the force through reviewing recruitment practices, prioritising competent leadership, and emphasizing financial and procurement management training.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
