Cape Town — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) faces civil claims amounting to R1.5 billion, predominantly in labour-related claims.
According to Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, the SANDF has built up an R1.5 billion bill as of the end of June, mainly in civil claims and asset accidents. Motshekga explained in detail following a question from Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP, Vuyani Pambo, TimesLIVE reported.
Motshekga revealed that Labour and Human Resources (HR) claims accounted for R418 million in debt while claims of unlawful assault, arrest and prosecution were at R375 million.
The department also had to pay R147 million in civil claims for breach of contracts and services, underpaid and unpaid invoices cost R172 million, while damage costs stood at R195 million.
The SANDF also had to deal with shooting incident claims totalling R48 million, medical negligence cost R157 million and personal injury claims stood at R18 million. Lastly, vehicle and helicopter costs were R45 million and mobile asset-related incidents cost R13 million.
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Motshekga said the SANDF was allocated R51.8 billion for the 2024/2025 financial year, of which R5.5 billion was set aside for the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure for certain payments, maintenance and services, which the department did on its own.
According to The Citizen, Motshekga also revealed that 877 military veterans had been compensated for disabling injuries, psychological trauma and terminal diseases, with nearly 3 000 military veterans and dependants dedicated to counselling and treatment.
She said the Department has provided support to 8 962 military veterans through training and skills development programs. 25 received employment placements, 1 239 were given business opportunities, 1 238 received their pension benefits, while nearly 20 000 have been provided access to healthcare.
The Department of Military Veterans is working with an R864 million budget for this financial year, of which R158 million will go to pensions benefits, R140 million to employee compensation, and a further R142 million for administration.
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Compiled by Matthew Petersen
