SANDF SOS: Why are the armed forces fighting for survival?
Since 2024, the world has witnessed the highest number of active conflicts since World War II.
As concerns grow about global security and what the future holds, lists of the world's safest havens have begun circulating. South Africa has made several of these lists, thanks to our alleged 'abundant food sources, plentiful fresh water, and fertile landscapes'.
However, what these assessments often overlook is the state of South Africa's defence capabilities.
It's no secret that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been struggling for years. Both equipment and personnel are ageing, creating significant operational challenges.
The situation reached a boiling point recently when Admiral Monde Lobese, head of the SA Navy, accused National Treasury of sabotaging the country's national security by failing to provide adequate resources. National Treasury fired back, arguing that Lobese was incorrect to hold it responsible for the SANDF's budget challenges.
In this week's Friday Briefing, News24 investigative journalist Sikonathi Mantshantsha examines how the SANDF has been managing its budget and explores the factors that led to its current predicament.
We also feature insights from defence analyst Dean Wingrin, who argues that while equipment and budget constraints are critical issues, any meaningful reform of the SANDF must also address human factors including force structure, leadership quality, recruitment strategies, succession planning, and political oversight.
Finally, we bring you a Q&A with Sizeka Tshabalala, General Manager for Commercial and City-focused Interventions at the Joburg Property Company about its submission to the City of Johannesburg to review the leases for public parks, clubs and green spaces.
You can read the full submissions below.
R12-billion. That's all the SANDF spent on new equipment in 5 years
When our military planners finally start fixing what they have broken in the SANDF, it will take more than a generation of serious discipline and investment to get the military ready for war again, writes Sikonathi Mantshantsha.
Too old to fight, too broke to fix: The SANDF's march to mediocrity
If the SANDF is to reclaim credibility, and truly serve South Africa's constitutional mandates, both political and military elites must step aside from self‑preservation, and lead with vision, accountability and purpose, writes Dean Wingrin.
Read the rest of the article here.
Q&A with Sizeka Tshabalala | 'JPC not driven by greed' in Joburg land review controversy
JPC's Sizeka Tshabalala categorically denies any intention to redevelop Marks Park or any of the Joburg green public spaces into residential spaces. Amid an acknowledged trust deficit with residents, Tshabalala says a six-month consultation process will shape the future of Joburg's public properties.
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