Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation
Image: Phando Jikelo / Independent Newspapers
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said the chartered flight to Cuba was primarily to repatriate 212 South African military students who had completed their medical and engineering studies under a long-standing bilateral defence training agreement.
The defence force emphasised that while the flight coincided with a graduation ceremony attended by SANDF officials, the ceremony was not the purpose of the trip.
The Department of Defence stated: 'The officials' presence formed part of formal military protocol, fulfilling representational and logistical responsibilities associated with the safe coordination and return of deployed personnel.'
This response follows the Democratic Alliance's statement on 6 August 2025, which revealed that the Department of Defence spent nearly R34 million on a charter flight operated by Cobra Aviation between OR Tambo International Airport and Havana from 13 to 20 July 2025.
The DA claimed that the aircraft was equipped with a business-class cabin featuring luxury amenities typically reserved for senior generals and command personnel, while the majority of passengers were students who had already completed their training.
The DA also questioned the transport of 19 Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, suggesting that SANDF resources were used to subsidise bilateral logistics.
DA spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans Chris Hattingh described the expenditure as 'outrageous and unjustifiable,' citing ongoing SANDF operational challenges such as non-operational submarines, shortages of boots and uniforms, unpaid suppliers, and deteriorating strategic partnerships.
The SANDF explained that the chartered aircraft was procured through the RT61 transversal contract in full compliance with National Treasury supply chain regulations.
The defence force said a chartered flight was 'the most efficient method to return a large group over a long-haul route,' given the complexities of scheduling, baggage volume, and security risks involved with individual commercial bookings for more than 200 personnel.
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The Department of Defence highlighted that 'broader operational factors ,including the need for group coordination, security management, medical equipment handling, and direct routing ' justified the choice of a consolidated charter service over commercial flights.
Regarding the return of Cuban nationals on the outbound leg, the SANDF noted this was part of a 'longstanding bilateral movement coordination' and did not increase the charter cost.
The Department acknowledged public sensitivities around such arrangements and committed to 'reviewing procedures to ensure greater transparency and public confidence in future deployments.'
The SANDF further clarified that it currently lacks strategic airlift capability necessary for such long-range personnel movements. 'In the absence of appropriate air assets, external charter remains the most viable logistical solution,' the Department said.
The SANDF reaffirmed its accountability to the South African public and welcomed 'robust engagement through the appropriate Parliamentary oversight mechanisms.'
SANDF reiterated its commitment to managing public resources diligently while fulfilling constitutional and international obligations.
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