SANDF budget faces squeeze as foreign deployments go under-equipped

South Africa’s involvement in the SADC peacekeeping mission in the DRC faced challenges, including two deaths and aircraft unavailability, delaying deployment.

The SANDF will soon repatriate and hand over the remains of the two soldiers killed in the DRC last week. The ceremony will take place at Waterkloof Air Force Base, attended by officials including the Minister of Defence.

Concerns remain about the funding and support for these missions, particularly in light of the limited budget for critical operations. Yet South Africa remains committed to the evolving conflict zone in the eastern DRC.

The 2024/25 defence budget is set at R51.8 billion, a slight increase from the previous year but a decline in real terms due to inflation. This has raised concerns about the SANDF’s ability to fulfill its missions, especially as it is already overstretched with deployments in various regions.

The SANDF presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans covered various aspects, including Force employment and regional security operations.

Operation Thiba, the SANDF deployment to the DRC, was delayed due to aircraft unavailability. South Africa is contributing 2,900 troops to the mission. The SANDF also participates in the UN peace support operation MONUSCO through Operation Mistral in the DRC.

Operation Vikela in Mozambique continues to Islamist separatists in Cabo Delgado, though troops are now beginning a phased withdrawal.

The budget cuts have led to reduced Reserve Force mandates and constraints on Air Force and Navy operations. Most of the defence budget is allocated to employee compensation, with additional funds for election deployments and wage adjustments.

The department plans to use technology to offset budget reductions, including unmanned aerial vehicles and thermal cameras. It will also prioritize border security and support for the police to address internal security challenges.

The budget cuts and constraints on operations have raised questions about the government’s commitment to the SANDF’s missions and the safety of its personnel. There are calls for increased support or withdrawal of troops from harm’s way if adequate resources cannot be provided.

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