Latest news with #R414
The Citizen
27-06-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
Holomisa slams Cabinet and Treasury for crippling SANDF funding
UDM leader Bantu Holomisa says the SANDF is underfunded and underprepared for foreign deployments and disaster response. A former defence minister once revealed that 85% of the SA Air Force's aircraft are out of action due to age, a lack of spares or budget constraints. Picture: Gallo Images/Sharon Seretlo Chronic underfunding or defunding of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), the impact of state capture on defence and problematic SANDF deployments on foreign peacekeeping missions are a concern. This is the view of United Democratic Movement leader and Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa, who was reporting back to his party this week. Cabinet and Treasury accused of ignoring urgent funding needs Holomisa criticised the lack of parliament, Cabinet and National Treasury support to ensure adequate protection of the country. He said even President Cyril Ramaphosa's directive in 2023 to increase defence funding from 0.57% to 1.5% of the gross domestic product was not adhered to and the Cabinet 'reduced these urgent calls to mere rhetoric, and National Treasury failed to allocate the necessary funds'. 'Parliament and the government of national unity must establish a structured, accountable process to implement resolutions, especially those related to defence and oversight bodies such as Scopa [standing committee on public accounts],' he said. ALSO READ: 'We're bleeding but not finished': Motshekga defends struggling air force DRC deployment exposes faults in 'adequacy of planning processes' Holomisa said the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) debacle involving SANDF members, some of whom were killed in a battle with M23 rebels, was an incident that haunted the department. The problem raised concerns about the overall capacity, preparedness and logistical readiness of the force to effectively carry out its continental peacekeeping and combat obligations. 'It brought into question the adequacy of our planning processes, resource allocation and strategic command structures in high-risk deployments,' he said. 'The DRC episode served as a stark reminder of the urgent need to review and strengthen our defence capabilities.' Climate disasters highlight emergency response limitations Holomisa raised climate change as a hindrance to the SANDF's work as it tested its capacity to respond swiftly and effectively to disaster relief operations. ALSO READ: SANDF budget constraints: SAAF needs R414 million to refurbish Ramaphosa's presidential jet A case in point was the recent devastating floods in the Eastern Cape which claimed more than 100 lives. He said despite the scale of the disaster, only one Oryx helicopter was deployed to conduct rescue and relief efforts and that happened days after the disaster had occurred. This highlighted the severe limitations in the force's aerial response capabilities during emergencies. 'Urgent need to improve' 'This highlights the urgent need to improve SANDF's disaster response readiness in alignment with the growing frequency and intensity of climate-related events,' Holomisa said. He said the department also held strategic meetings with defence state-owned enterprises such as Armscor and Denel, the defence secretariat and compliance briefings by the auditor-general and oversight meetings with the portfolio committee on defence and military veterans. NOW READ: Dire state of SANDF 'old hat' – Holomisa
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Ten more SANDF members arrested in Hawks officer murder case
Ten SANDF members have been arrested for the 2023 murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa, bringing the total number of suspects to twelve. Ten additional South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members have been arrested in connection with the kidnapping and murder of a senior official from the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation, the Hawks. The ten additional suspects were arrested on Monday after they handed themselves over to the Hawks investigating officers in Johannesburg. This comes after two members were arrested at separate locations on Sunday night by members of the Johannesburg branch of the Hawks and assisting tactical units. 10 more SANDF members handed themselves over to Hawks The suspects are believed to be linked to the 2023 murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa. Mathipa was working for the Hawks' Crime Against the State division when he was shot while driving along the N1 near Hammanskraal on 6 August 2023. ALSO READ: Two SANDF members arrested for murder of Lieutenant Colonel 'Following the shooting, Mathipa's vehicle lost control and veered into a ditch,' confirmed Hawks' spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo. Singo said Mathipa was on duty conducting an investigation at the time of his death. All ten additional suspects — including the two arrested on Sunday — appeared before the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday afternoon to face charges of murder and kidnapping. Case postponed to 1 July The court postponed the case against the 12 officials to 1 July for a formal bail application. According to the Hawks, the court order prohibits the disclosure of the accused's identities. Investigators have also linked the suspects to the kidnapping of two male foreign nationals at a mall in Midrand on 29 December 2025. ALSO READ: SANDF budget constraints: SAAF needs R414 million to refurbish Ramaphosa's presidential jet 2nd high-profile incident The arrests are the second high-profile incident involving military members this past weekend. On Saturday, two SANDF soldiers were stabbed to death by a colleague at the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga. 'The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified,' stated SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala. 'We appeal to the public and media to allow the investigative processes to unfold without speculation and to respect the dignity and privacy of the affected families during this difficult time,' he advised.
The Citizen
23-06-2025
- The Citizen
Two SANDF members arrested for murder of Lieutenant Colonel
One of the SANDF members is also allegedly linked to the 2022 kidnapping of two foreign nationals from a mal in Midrand. Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members have been arrested in connection with the murder of a senior official. The pair were arrested at separate locations on Sunday night by members of the Johannesburg branch of the Hawks and assisting tactical units. Both are due in the Randburg Magistrate's Court on Monday and are expected to face charges of murder and kidnapping. SANDF murder suspects The suspects, aged 36 and 51, are believed to be linked to the 2023 murder of Lieutenant Colonel Frans Mathipa. Mathipa was working for the Hawks' Crime Against the State division when he was shot while driving along the N1 near Hammanskraal on 6 August 2023. 'Following the shooting, Mathipa's vehicle lost control and veered into a ditch,' confirmed Hawks spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Singo. The suspects were arrested at OR Tambo International Airport and a location in Centurion on Sunday. One of the suspects is also allegedly tied to a December 2022 kidnapping incident involving two foreign national victims at a mall in Midrand. 'During the operation, police also seized a vehicle belonging to the 36-year-old suspect. It has since been impounded for further forensic investigation,' Singo added. Stabbing in Mpumalanga The arrests are the second high-profile incident involving military members this past weekend. On Saturday, two SANDF soldiers were stabbed to death by a colleague at the Macadamia military base near Komatipoort in Mpumalanga. 'The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified,' stated SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala. 'We appeal to the public and media to allow the investigative processes to unfold without speculation and to respect the dignity and privacy of the affected families during this difficult time,' he advised. NOW READ: SANDF budget constraints: SAAF needs R414 million to refurbish Ramaphosa's presidential jet
The Citizen
21-06-2025
- The Citizen
Two SANDF soldiers stabbed to death during altercation at Mpumalanga base
The soldier that stabbed his two colleagues tried to kill himself afterwards. File photo for illustration. Two SANDF soldiers died after they were stabbed at the Macadamia Military Base in Mpumalanga early on Saturday morning. Picture: Gallo Images/Brenton Geach Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were stabbed to death in the early hours of Saturday morning by one of their colleagues. The incident occurred at the Macadamia Military Base near Komatipoort, Mpumalanga. SANDF soldiers stabbed SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said the soldiers were stabbed during an altercation involving SANDF members. 'Preliminary information indicates that a tragic altercation involving SANDF members resulted in the deaths of two soldiers. It is alleged that one of the members fatally stabbed two of his colleagues,' he said. It was then reported that the attacker unsuccessfully tried to take his own life. ALSO READ: SANDF troops return home from DRC after delay from logistical snag Investigation launched into soldiers' murders Tshabalala said the SANDF and the police are investigating the incident. 'The circumstances surrounding the incident remain the subject of ongoing inquiry, and further details will be communicated once officially verified. 'The SANDF expresses its deepest condolences to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased members. This is a deeply painful moment for the organisation and the military community at large. 'We appeal to the public and media to allow the investigative processes to unfold without speculation, and to respect the dignity and privacy of the affected families during this difficult time.' NOW READ: SANDF budget constraints: SAAF needs R414 million to refurbish Ramaphosa's presidential jet
IOL News
13-06-2025
- Business
- IOL News
Armscor discloses alarming R7. 7 billion budget shortfall impacting South African Air Force maintenance
President Cyril Ramaphosa walking from the presidential jet, which, Armscor says, apparently requires R414 million in funding to be fully maintained. Image: GCIS Armscor, the arms procurement agency for the South African Defence Department, has revealed to Parliament that a staggering budget shortfall of more than R7 billion threatens the maintenance of the South African Air Force (SAAF) aircraft fleet. This happens as the acquisition and maintenance contracts have not been adequately funded for a long time. In a presentation to the Joint Standing Committee on Defence on the status of maintenance contracts of the SAAF aircraft fleet, Armscor said all SAAF platforms for contracting were in place. It also said that the majority of the contracts have spent 100% of their planned cash flow. 'There is a shortfall of approximately R7,7 billion to fund the current fleet. If you average it in terms of an annual basis, it is R2.56 billion, and this implies that the SAAF maintenance is currently at two to three times less than we are currently funded.' 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 ✕ MPs also heard that the implications of the budget shortfall were a reduced fleet availability, and only bare minimum maintenance was done, with essential upgrades postponed, leading to high maintenance costs. 'Armscor is confined to place on-demand contracts. Only the very bare minimum is contracted, and this does not guarantee aircraft availability.' In a clear show of the seriousness of the budget shortfall, the Boeing Business Jet, which President Cyril Ramaphosa travels in, requires R414 million in funding to be fully maintained. The three Falcon aircraft, which Deputy President Paul Mashatile travels in, require R142m to be fully maintained. The 11 Rooivalk combat support helicopters require a massive R2 billion, while the 36 Oryx transport helicopters need R2bn. Armscor said the Rooivalk maintenance contract was R2.5bn, but it was funded to the tune of R469m. Earlier, the Acting Executive Manager for the Dockyard Justice, Ramakokovhu, told the MPs that the Naval Dockyard has 286 technical personnel and suffers from deteriorating infrastructure. 'The 286 technical skills are not sufficient to support the maintenance and upkeep of the South African Navy,' said Ramakokovhu, adding that they required a staff complement of 4,000. The refit of submarine SAS Isandlwana was contracted to a service provider and was conducted in Durban. The ANC MP Pitso Noe said the issue of funding was central to the challenges at Armscor. Noe asked that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga give an account on all the lack of funding and its impact. 'I consider it so serious to the functioning of Armscor and the defence of the country,' he said. DA MP Nicholas Gotsell said it was shocking that Armscor spent R10m as disclosed by Motshekga in a response to a parliamentary question on the board when there was a R7.7 budget shortfall for the air force. 'It is very worrying. We won't accept the lavish boardroom spending while the aircraft are on the verge of being mothballed and the Rooivalk helicopter is barely operational,' Gotsell. 'I am really worried and concerned about the abuse of taxpayers' funds. Armscor can't justify the R10m on board perks when SANDF is forced to cut pilot training hours due lack of fuel and spares,' he said. DA MP Chris Hattingh said the presentations confirmed what they had suspected all along. 'We need to agree that without the reassessment of the defence review, it is impossible to determine what should be the priorities of spending in the limited budget of the Department of Defence,' Hattingh said. IFP MP Russel Cebekhulu said it was God's mercy that South Africa was not attacked from the outside. 'One is at pains with what has been presented before us, with lots of excuses for the failure of our defence equipment in the Navy and Air Force, not being in a workable state of the fleet,' Cebekhulu said. ANC MP Malusi Gigaba said what they heard was expression of a horror story. Gigaba echoed Hattingh's sentiments on the need for a defence review and the need to address the ongoing challenges. 'If we don't deal with these things, we are to remain in the situation we are in. We can't be the one who laments the ongoing decay that we are seeing without taking firm decisions,' he said. Motshekga said the defence force was in constant discussion on how to deal with the challenges. 'We acknowledge the challenges, and there are efforts on the part of Armscor to get things right,' she said. Motshekga also said they were planning to hold a meeting to plan on cost-saving measures.
