The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has warned that the funding challenges facing the National Defence Force remain unresolved and that, if a solution is not found, it could spell disaster for the safety and security of the country.
The committee, led by chairperson Cyril Xaba, this week undertook an oversight visit to the Bloemspruit Air Force Base to assess, among others, the successes of the base and the challenges the base faces. The base is home to the locally made Rooivalk combat helicopter, 16 Squadron and Helicopter Flying School.
The commanding officer for Bloemspruit Air Force Base told the committee that the base faced various challenges. The greatest one is its inability to service helicopters, the unavailability of spares, as well as the lack of machinery to maintain hangars and runways.
The commander also highlighted the tedious procurement and administrative policies they operate under, which led to the inefficient operation of the base, the committee reported.
Further, the portfolio committee noted with concern that, owing to operational issues, the base also suffered during national strikes by truck drivers, which left the base with less diesel and fuel stocks.
The committee recommended better management systems to ensure there is enough fuel stocks as fuel is an essential component for operations for the air force to protect South African airspace.
Meanwhile, the issue of military veterans necessitates an emergency action plan by the State as the Department of Military Veterans gives money back to the National Treasury every year whereas the needs of the military veterans were not addressed.
The committee said it would like to see benefits of military veterans paid before the end of the current financial year, Xaba added.