Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, recently suggested that government officials should be offered early retirement as a means to reduce costs and alleviate financial pressures on her department. Speaking during a report on the financial situation of the department in Parliament, Motshekga acknowledged the negative impact that defunding has had on the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), particularly on its ability to maintain operations and service equipment.
The 69-year-old minister emphasized the need for measures to address the current challenges, noting that simply continuing to complain and spending more was not a viable solution. One of the key proposals she put forward was offering early retirement to older, highly paid staff members. She explained that this would create space for a rejuvenation program that could bring in fresh talent while reducing costs. Motshekga pointed out that this approach had already seen success in the education sector and suggested that it could help ease financial burdens within the defense department as well.
The minister also highlighted how underfunding had affected various aspects of the department, including the ability to service and maintain military equipment. For instance, she revealed that the air force was currently only able to operate four out of the six planes it should be flying due to budgetary constraints. The shortfall in funding has not only affected the department’s human resources but has also had a direct impact on operational readiness.
Despite these challenges, Motshekga expressed confidence in the SANDF’s ability to defend South Africa. She made it clear that while the department may not always have all the resources it requires, it still possesses the capability to protect the country effectively. According to Motshekga, the shortage of funds primarily affects domestic operations, rather than international missions, where she stated that resources have not been lacking for any reported missions.
Motshekga’s comments reflect the ongoing struggle to balance national defense needs with financial constraints, urging the government to explore innovative solutions like early retirement to alleviate some of the pressure and ensure the continued effectiveness of the SANDF.
