PRETORIA, Gauteng — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is navigating a severe financial crisis, highlighted by a projected R3.3 billion overspend on salaries this year. However, Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa remains confident that the newly Cabinet-approved 30-year “Journey to Greatness” plan will reverse years of underfunding and restore the military’s operational capability. […]
PRETORIA, Gauteng — The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is navigating a severe financial crisis, highlighted by a projected R3.3 billion overspend on salaries this year. However, Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa remains confident that the newly Cabinet-approved 30-year “Journey to Greatness” plan will reverse years of underfunding and restore the military’s operational capability.
Speaking on the pressing need to rebuild the republic’s defence capabilities, Holomisa emphasized that the National Security Council and Cabinet have agreed that the defunding of the defence force must become a thing of the past. The comprehensive strategic plan now awaits formal endorsement from the portfolio committee on defence before moving to the National Treasury for financial backing.
A cornerstone of the proposed turnaround is a significant, sustained increase in the defence budget. Holomisa noted that the President has publicly committed to raising defence spending to 1.5% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a substantial increase from the current 0.58%. While previous administrations prioritized social security over military security, Holomisa asserted that a “new sheriff in town” is focused on ensuring these strategic decisions are actively implemented to secure South Africa’s porous borders and repair collapsed defence infrastructure.
Addressing concerns about the root causes of the SANDF’s struggles, Holomisa referenced insights from Andrew Meka, who noted that the current crisis stems from 15 years of systemic underfunding rather than bloated salaries. To correct this, the Journey to Greatness plan includes internal attrition measures, such as offering early retirement packages to older personnel to rejuvenate the force. However, Holomisa cautioned that these restructuring efforts cannot proceed without guaranteed financial support from the National Treasury, especially amid broader government demands for expenditure cuts.
The revitalization strategy also targets a massive overhaul of recruitment. While recent reports indicate the SANDF has been recruiting only 5,000 people every two years, the new plan estimates a target of 10,000 new recruits per annum. This influx is designed to prevent a capability vacuum and train a new generation of engineers, pilots, and naval personnel.
Beyond personnel, the immediate short-term focus is on acquiring relevant equipment to handle current security threats. Holomisa highlighted the logistical failures during the 2021 KwaZulu-Natal civil unrest, where troops were delayed and forced to use public buses for deployment. He stressed that a modernized defence force must have dedicated transport and equipment to respond effectively to civil disobedience and other domestic threats without compromising operational efficiency.
When pressed on the current readiness of the SANDF to defend South Africa across land, sea, and air amidst grounded aircraft, deteriorating ships, and ongoing institutional dysfunction, Holomisa maintained a resolute but measured stance. He affirmed that the national defence force is ready to defend the Republic, stating that while specific vulnerabilities are not discussed in the public domain, the military will react decisively to any threat faced.
