The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans said it believes that securing proper funding for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is of the utmost urgency.

The committee expressed its concerns with the deployment of the SANDF, specifically its deployment as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC), which it said remains unfunded.

The committee has considered and adopted its budget vote reports on the Department of Defence (DOD), the Department of Military Veterans (DMV), and associated entities including the Castle Control Board (CCB) and the Armaments Corporation of South Africa (Armscor).

Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans chairperson Dakota Legoete explained that the report highlights the challenges of limited funding and lack of logistical support, which he said continued to put the lives of members of the SANDF at risk.

Legoete explained that the committee had identified several critical areas that needed immediate attention and that effective collaboration was essential to address funding and operational requirements.

“This includes not only proposals for engagement between the DOD and National Treasury, but also engagements within Parliament between the committee and other committees that include the Joint Standing Committee on Finance,” he said.

The committee further noted National Treasury's stance that it cannot condone a cumulative irregular expenditure exceeding R10-billion until the DOD reduces employee costs to acceptable levels.

The committee said it would further engage on the matter of employee costs during the seventh Parliament, stressing the importance of clear communication between the DOD and the committee regarding national interest versus costs and expenditures.

He added that the committee must be fully informed to ensure proper oversight and decision-making.

“The committee is committed to collaborating closely with all relevant stakeholders to ensure the financial and operational stability of the DOD and its associated entities, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and readiness of the SANDF to fulfil its constitutional mandate,” said Legoete.