Latest news with #AngieMotshekga
The Citizen
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Citizen
Mission impossible for broke SANDF
The SANDF is too underfunded to operate helicopters or protect borders, leaving citizens dangerously exposed. As a former military man, Bantu Holomisa must feel intensely frustrated in his current position as deputy minister of defence as he presides over the slow-motion collapse of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). His boss, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, seems to think our military is still capable of defending the country. But against what, she does not say. If she is thinking we would be safe from attack from countries around us, then perhaps we might be able to see off Swaziland and Namibia… but Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia would be a different proposition, because all boast better equipped defence forces than we have. Holomisa says there is a lack of support from parliament, Cabinet and National Treasury in ensuring the SANDF gets adequate funding. The bottom line is that anyone who knows anything about military matters is in agreement: either the SANDF gets the money it needs for maintenance and upgrades, or its mission will have to be redefined. ALSO READ: 'We're bleeding but not finished': Motshekga defends struggling air force That our borders and coastline cannot be defended or protected at present is beyond question. But what has been emerging in recent months is the fact that, when the SANDF is required for its major role of 'support to the civil power' in emergency situations, for example… it cannot cope. In the recent floods in the Eastern Cape, the SA Air Force was unable to deploy rescue helicopters because, as news reports said, it did not have sufficient budget to pay flight engineers their flying allowance. There is no real airlift capacity to speak of, either, so troops and equipment have had to be transported to and from deployments in Africa by chartered aircraft. Worryingly, even if money is found now, it will take years to rectify the damage and acquire new systems, never mind maintenance to keep current assets operational. South Africans are, effectively, sitting ducks. NOW READ: Ten more SANDF members arrested in Hawks officer murder case
IOL News
6 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Defence Minister Motshekga assures SANDF's capability despite budget constraints
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has reaffirmed the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)'s readiness to defend the country's sovereignty despite ongoing fiscal constraints and ageing equipment, insisting that South Africa's skies, seas, and land remain secure. Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Motshekga said the 2015 Defence Review remains the key guiding document for defence policy and planning, even though it has not been fully implemented due to declining funding. 'We are very confident as a defence force that we will be able to protect our territorial integrity,' she said. 'I want to repeat what I've said before, that in terms of our current needs as a country, our sea, our skies, and our land, we are confident as the department that we will be able to defend our country. ''Though, as I said, we could do with more if the budget situation changes, but for now I can promise you that if there are floods, we are there to be able to help. If there's snow, we are there to help. If there's a crisis, we can help. Even being able to participate in other defence activities outside our country, we're capable of doing that despite the current budget challenges that we have as a department.''
IOL News
7 days ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Motshekga defends Defence budget amid SANDF crisis
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga grilled over budgets. Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP The Department of Defence and Military Veterans was not overspending on golf days as it was classified fundraising, Minister Angie Motshekga said during a Parliamentary question and answer session this week. This, after the DA's National Council of Provinces member on security and justice, Nicholas Gotsell, said there is a R7.7 billion Air Force shortfall and unfunded maintenance. Gotsell said the DA is seeking urgent clarity from Motshekga on the three-month deadline to present a plan for reprioritising defence spending and halting the SANDF's collapse. He said the DA will oversee the implementation to prevent another "empty promise", while Motshekga's recent statements showed a detachment from the SANDF's dire state. The DA is proposing cost-cutting, like ending lifetime medical benefits for retired VIPs, given the deterioration of 1 Military Hospital. Gostell also questioned Motshekga about international trips and golf days. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ 'We have seen the department hosting golf days, purchasing luxury vehicles for generals, and spending money on bloated trips like your recent visit to a military parade in Russia, all while the SANDF is in crisis, your own words," he said. 'My question is, what tangible undertakings and timelines can you give this house today to show that you are indeed to the defence review?' Motshekga answered: 'Within our limited resources, we will make sure that we are able to do what we must do. But in the meantime we want to look at trips that the defence force is taking, I can assure the members that since I came, I requested that the department to minimise travelling but we cannot minimise it where people have to do joint training and exercises. My understanding is that those golf days are fundraising activities, run by the different generals and I can assure the public and member Gotsell that we have constantly requested the planners within the department , lets raid every budget and see where we can make savings so that we are able to employ more young soldiers and to make sure we have the necessary capabilities.' Gotsell added that recent revelations by Armscor confirm the SANDF's operational collapse, including: A R7.7 billion shortfall for the Air Force over three years; unfunded maintenance for the President's jet and the Falcon fleet; pilot training at risk due to underfunding of critical aircraft; delays, obsolescence and vendor disengagement across air and naval platforms; and failure to spend nearly R2 billion ring-fenced for critical fleet refurbishment. Get your news on the go, click here to join the Cape Argus News WhatsApp channel. Cape Argus
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Probe as SANDF confirms deadly incident at Mpumalanga base
The SANDF and SAPS have launched a joint investigation into the deaths of two soldiers at the Macadamia Military Base in Mpumalanga. The SANDF confirmed Saturday's incident near Komatipoort in a statement. 'A SANDF member, who had been approved for withdrawal from duty, attacked fellow soldiers in his accommodation. One member died during the incident. The attacker later died from self-inflicted wounds when he stabbed himself on the neck,' said the SANDF on Saturday. The SANDF said Military Health and Chaplain Services were sent to support the affected members. 'The SANDF and the South African Police Service launched a joint investigation. The names of the deceased were withheld until their families had been informed. Further details will be shared as the investigation continues.' The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, and the chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, have sent their deepest condolences to the families of the deceased. – Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal. At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
The South African
18-06-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Angie Motshekga named acting president of South Africa
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga will serve as South Africa's Acting President from 17 to 19 June 2025, the Presidency confirmed this week. Her appointment comes as both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile embark on international trips – Ramaphosa to Canada for the G7 Summit and Mashatile to Moscow for a diplomatic visit. The decision falls under Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution, which permits the president to designate an acting head of state during periods of absence. This is not Angie Motshekga's first time in the role. The veteran politician, born in Soweto, has previously served as acting president on several occasions, including in 2019, 2021, and most recently, in August 2024. Her temporary leadership continues to mark a historic precedent for women in South African politics. Best known for her long tenure as Minister of Basic Education, Motshekga played a key role in managing the sector through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Her recent transition to the defence portfolio placed her at the heart of national security during a period of heightened global uncertainty. Her latest appointment reflects her growing stature within the government as South Africa strengthens its diplomatic ties abroad. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
