15 May 2025

Honourable Members,

We gather at this critical time to discuss the current state and future of our Defence Force, recognising that people are its greatest asset. A great nation’s true strength lies not only in its ideals and institutions, but in its ability to defend and protect these assets. For this, it needs both equipment and disciplined and dedicated armed forces.

However, our armed forces do much more than defend us militarily. As we reflect on the Midterm Strategic Review of the South African National Force Defence (SANDF), we need to be aware that the role of the military extends beyond its military barracks. Its actions touch the lives of ordinary people on a daily basis through its ability to maintain peace, bring order where there is chaos, assist with efficiency where there are disasters, and, in these ways, to be a catalyst for development.

The SANDF has reached a critical point in its life. It is called upon when there are conventional threats, and it has also played a peacekeeping and development role in the context of a changing domestic and global environment.

This debate will allow us to reflect on the strides that have been made in confronting the various challenges faced by our Defence Force, and to devise solutions that will propel us forward as a nation.

At the centre of this Midterm Strategic Review is the imperative of transforming the SANDF into a force that mirrors the values of our democratic dispensation. This transformation is not just an abstract concept, but speaks to its daily operations such as recruitment, the way it trains its people, and the way it engages with the society it serves.

It is important, from time to time, to reflect on and appreciate our history, as this gives us the insight and the clarity to forge a future that builds on the successes and sidesteps the errors. In the past, the Defence Force was used to advance the interests of minorities at the expense of the majority, and to suppress all efforts to establish justice and liberty for all. Today that is no longer the case. Since 1994, we have been able to transform the SANDF into a force that reflects the demographics in our society, that is diverse and inclusive in terms of race and gender, and that seeks to contribute to society rather than impose itself on society for oppression and restriction.

Through the Military Skills Development System (MSDS), we have been able to recruit from historically disadvantaged communities, which alone is testament to the fact that the Defence Force that we have today is no longer the preserve of the few. Instead, it is playing a vital role not only in its core mandate but in uplifting, upskilling and imparting direction to countlesss young lives. The transformation of the Defence Force, an ongoing project, is multifaceted. It includes changing the demographics, expanding its positive role in the developmental state, and adhering rigorously to the ethical principles that the country as a whole upholds. Being ethical means being against corruption, sexual misconduct, the abuse of power, and any other act that erodes the legitimacy of our Defence Force. It also means having the will and the wherewithal to take action when infringements occur.

Honourable Members,

This review would not be complete without attention paid to the critical issue of the state of the infrastructure of our military bases, facilities, and training academies. Years of defunding and the aging of stock, much of which has now reached the end of its lifespan, is having an adverse effect on operational efficacy. This issue needs to be addressed.

It is also important that we recognise our Defence Force’s triumphs in the midst of these challenges. For instance, the Defence Works Formation is a creative model that has been integral in arresting some infrastructural decline. By using internal capacity to deal with some infrastructural challenges, we will be able to reduce dependency on external contractors, which will save us from dipping into the fiscus. While this programme is underway, it is also important that we empower our personnel with skills and invigorate them with renewed dedication and morale for the essential role they play in our country and the continent.

It is vital that the Defence Works Formation is expanded to include personnel, and a wholistic infrastructure revitalisation plan. This can form part of public works programmes, which should be tasked with upgrading our barracks, armouries, and clinics. The revitalisation of these entities has the potential to contribute quite meaningfully to socio-economic development.

Honourable Members,

A reliable Defence Force must be equipped to upgrade its own skills. This is why it is important that our training academies and colleges are in the best possible state, in the quality of their infrastructure and personnel, to develop each successive generation to serve our armed forces with pride and excellence. From the SA Military Academy in Saldanha to the Infantry School in Oudtshoorn, it is critical that we see improvements in the standard of training.

The training offered in our schools must be up there with best practices globally. We simply cannot afford a relaxing of standards and lowering of morale in these vital sites of training and attitude formation. These institutions must produce not only soldiers, but vigorous, cooperative problem solvers ready to contribute to our nation building project in a variety of capacities.

In a country with high unemployment rate, a great deal of youth empowerment could be effected through the SANDF. In this regard the Military Skills Development System could play a vital role, as could the revival of the Reserve Force, and structured learnerships in Armscor and Denel. Both of these institutions are in need of revitalisation, and hold the potential to equip many of our young people with a range of high-level technical skills.

In conclusion, Honourable Members, let us remember that the defence of the country is not exclusive to men. Evoking the spirit of Charlotte Maxeke, let us ensure that our commitment to gender parity is extended to the battlefield and the barracks. Many strides have been made in this regard. South Africa currently ranks among the few countries where women serve in active combat roles, command ships, and lead military units.

We are proud to count among our pioneers Major Mandisa Mfeka, who made history as South Africa’s first Black female combat pilot. Her role in the South African Air Force, and her presence during major national fly-pasts, has captured the imagination of young girls across the country. She has become a powerful advocate for gender equality in STEM fields and an inspiration to many who may not have thought they belonged in uniform, let alone in the sky.

Honourable Members, as we debate this report, let us reassert the idea that a transformed Defence Force is one that not only defends against threats, but that actively builds peace, stability, and opportunity for all. For this, it needs equipment, infrastructure, excellent personnel, and ongoing training and growth.