The South African National Defence Force is grappling with the harsh realities of budget cuts exceeding R54 billion over the past 15 years. These funds, reallocated to other government departments and struggling state-owned enterprises, have significantly impacted the SANDF’s operational capabilities. With a dwindling budget, from R54 billion in 2020/21 to R51 billion in 2023/24, the SANDF faces daunting challenges ¹:
- Operational Capacity Constraints:
- Outdated equipment
- Reduced military readiness
- Critical Concerns:
- Potential personnel payment issues
- Lack of funding for major naval ship and submarine maintenance
- Regional Security Implications:
- Impact on UN Peace Mission participation, such as in the DRC
The African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP) has lamented these cuts, emphasizing the defence budget’s decline in real terms. Experts warn that the SANDF’s ability to respond to security threats may be severely compromised if the trend continues. As the SANDF struggles to stay combat-ready, the country’s defence and security landscape hangs in the balance.
