GOVERNMENT COMMITS TO STRENGTHENING THE SANDF

Thu 10 July 2025:

Despite the nationwide perception that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is underperforming compared to other defence forces and is unable to defend the country, the government has reaffirmed its support through a substantial financial commitment and a renewed strategy to improve conditions for the troops.

Delivering her budget vote speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga said the government is committed to ensuring the armed forces are properly resourced.

“This includes ensuring soldiers are properly equipped with the uniforms, boots, protective gear, and habitable facilities catering for the needs of all, including women soldiers and persons with disabilities,” she said.

She confirmed that selected “Model Units” would be prioritised for upgrades to enhance safety and living conditions.

These units would also benefit from improvements to their bases, training areas, and recreational facilities. Additional support would be given to soldiers on deployment to ensure their needs are met throughout their service period.

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R57 Billion Allocation to Rejuvenate the SANDF

The SANDF has been allocated a total budget of R57.183 billion for the 2025/26 financial year. Out of that, R36.703 billion has been allocated for the Compensation of Employees, which accounts for approximately 64 per cent of the total budget.

Minister Motshekga said, “Efforts are underway to rejuvenate the SANDF’s human resource profile, modernise, maintain, repair and overhaul the prime mission equipment, with the South African Defence Industry (SADI) as the key national defence partner.”

She further highlighted the government’s broader plan to reposition the defence sector as a tool for economic growth.

“In this regard, the SADI must be positioned as a vital economic asset, ready for expansion to drive national development and support government priorities for a capable state and become a strong local defence industry that creates jobs, develops new technologies, and ensures that the SANDF is well-equipped,” she said.

She added that “cooperation between Denel, local companies, and international partners will be expanded to boost exports and attract investment.”

Support for Military Veterans and Their Families

On support for military veterans, Motshekga confirmed a budget of R878 million for the 2025/26 year.

“A total number of 35 mortal remains have been repatriated thus far, and further work is underway,” she said.

The department also continued its education support, with unaudited figures showing that 2,738 learners and students received assistance in 2024/25. “To date, at least 100 have graduated,” the Minister added.

written by Thaabit Kamaar

This article originally published in Salaamedia click here