SAS Manthatisi, a Heroine-class Type 209 submarine, has been seen at sea near Simon’s Town and in False Bay.
Image: File
The South African Navy’s SAS Manthatisi (S101) has returned to sea nearly three years after the submarine was involved in a tragedy off Kommetjie that claimed the lives of three naval personnel.
The Heroine-class submarine was spotted leaving the Simon’s Town naval base at the end of July before being seen in False Bay again in early August, marking its first widely reported return to sea since the September 2023 incident. However, the Navy has yet to publicly clarify whether the movements form part of sea trials, training exercises or a formal return to operational service.
Its appearance comes at a crucial time for the South African Navy, which has battled years of funding and maintenance challenges affecting some of its major vessels.
SAS Manthatisi is one of three Type 209 Heroine-class submarines in the Navy’s fleet, alongside SAS Charlotte Maxeke and SAS Queen Modjadji I.
Recent updates to Parliament have shown that the Navy’s submarine maintenance programme remains under significant pressure.
In June, Parliament was told that work was under way on SAS Charlotte Maxeke and SAS Queen Modjadji I as part of a long-delayed submarine refit programme.
The first phase of the work, which includes technical surveys, configuration reviews, inspections and preservation work, was expected to be completed by November 2026. The contract for the work was awarded in October 2025, with the first phase costing R136 million across the two submarines.
SAS Manthatisi itself underwent only a partial refit in 2014, while a planned midlife refit scheduled for 2022 has still not taken place, according to reports on the Navy’s maintenance programme.
The Cape Argus approached the South African Navy seeking clarity on whether SAS Manthatisi has officially returned to operational service, the purpose of its recent movements and whether the vessel has been fully certified as seaworthy.
The Navy was also asked what maintenance and repairs had been carried out during its absence and what the submarine’s return means for South Africa’s broader underwater warfare capability.
SAS Manthatisi’s reappearance also brings renewed attention to the events of September 20, 2023.
The submarine was on its way to Cape Town and was involved in a vertical replenishment exercise with a South African Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter off Kommetjie when severe sea conditions resulted in seven crew members entering the water.
Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa and Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela died in the incident. Other personnel were rescued.
A Navy Board of Inquiry into the incident was subsequently completed, but its full findings have not been released publicly.
In July 2025, the Navy confirmed that the Board of Inquiry report had been handed to the Hawks as part of an investigation into the incident. Questions have, however, continued over the confidentiality of the report and whether the families of those who died have been given access to its findings.
The Cape Argus asked the Navy whether any safety recommendations or procedural changes flowing from the 2023 incident have since been implemented aboard SAS Manthatisi and across the submarine service.
The South African Navy did not respond to questions by deadline.
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