Defence Minister Motshekga assures SANDF's capability despite budget constraints
Responding to questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), Motshekga said the 2015 Defence Review remains the key guiding document for defence policy and planning, even though it has not been fully implemented due to declining funding.
'We are very confident as a defence force that we will be able to protect our territorial integrity,' she said.
'I want to repeat what I've said before, that in terms of our current needs as a country, our sea, our skies, and our land, we are confident as the department that we will be able to defend our country.
''Though, as I said, we could do with more if the budget situation changes, but for now I can promise you that if there are floods, we are there to be able to help. If there's snow, we are there to help. If there's a crisis, we can help. Even being able to participate in other defence activities outside our country, we're capable of doing that despite the current budget challenges that we have as a department.''
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
IOL News
15 minutes ago
- IOL News
The implications of General Maphwanya's Iran visit on South Africa's foreign policy
An international relations expert warns that the SA National Defence Force chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US. Image: Jacques Naude / Independent Newspapers The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Rudzani Maphwanya's recent visit to Iran, where he reportedly pledged military and political support for the country, could deepen tensions between South Africa and the US. This according to international relations expert, Dr Noluthando Phungula, who said South Africa's ties with Iran have been a bone of contention with the US. Maphwanya, who travelled to Iran on Tuesday, held meetings with several high-ranking military officials, including Major General Aziz Nasizadeh, Iran's defence minister, Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi, the chief of staff of the Iranian Armed Forces, and General Amir Hatami, the Iranian commander. The trip was aimed at strengthening military cooperation. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ According to Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphwanya said that the two countries had common goals, and always stood alongside the oppressed and defenceless people of the world. He also took aim at Israel over the continued war in Gaza as he reiterated support for the Palestinian people and told officials his visit "carries a political message" from Ramaphosa's administration. The meeting in Iran came amid tensions between South Africa and the US after months of worsening diplomatic relations between the two countries. This situation is further complicated by the US having implemented a 30% tariff on South African goods, citing concerns about unfair trade practices. In June, tensions escalated between the US and Iran after the US bombing of Iranian nuclear sites at Israel's request. Both ministries of International Relations and Cooperation and of Defence have since dissociated the government from Maphwanya's remarks. 'The South African government has distanced itself from the General's comments citing no knowledge of the visit yet he would have required ministerial approval. While the visit may have been mainly on military relations, it however extends to foreign policy. "This speaks to loopholes in SA's international relations and protocol particularly from senior personnel such as the General,'' said Phungula, adding that the timing of this visit and the utterances made set back efforts to mend relations with the US, particularly since there is much misinformation on the side of the US. The sentiments were echoed by Solidarity, which called on President Cyril Ramaphosa to dismiss Maphwanya, warning that the visit places South Africa's relationship with the US at serious risk and threatens the country's broader international credibility and trade interests. 'It is unacceptable that South Africa, at a time when our economy urgently needs access to international markets, chooses to strengthen ties with countries such as Iran, which is internationally isolated due to its policies and actions,' said Jaco Kleynhans, head of international liaison. The DA demanded the immediate court-martial of Maphwanya for misconduct and breach of the defence force Code of Conduct, said this 'forms part of a wider pattern of foreign policy adventurism that is economically destructive, diplomatically reckless, and dangerously misaligned with South Africa's national interest'. Meanwhile, Ramaphosa said he was not aware of Maphwanya's visit to Iran, adding that he would meet him soon to discuss the trip and the consequences for the General. However, the South African Communist Party (SACP) have slammed those opposing Maphwanya's visit, saying it was part of South Africa's long-standing bilateral relations with Iran. 'The SACP rejects the impending acts of isolation and scapegoating of General Maphwanya to appease Western imperialist forces and their domestic agents, compromising South Africa's sovereign right to formulate and implement its own foreign policy, including on defence co-operation. "Any actions by the government towards General Maphwanya as Military Chief must be based on strengthening our military institutions and their capabilities, improving our defence co-operation agreements with other states to which we have full sovereign rights. 'The SACP rejects any attempt at dictating which nations South Africa may have bilateral relations with, including defence, trade and investment,' the party said in a statement.
The Citizen
4 hours ago
- The Citizen
Ramaphosa not likely to act as Motshekga defends SANDF chief's Iran trip
No disciplinary action will be taken against either Maphwanya or Motshekga. Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has come to the defence of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief Rudzani Maphwanya following backlash over his recent remarks during a visit to Iran. This week, Maphwanya sparked a diplomatic stir after claiming South Africa and Iran had 'common goals.' His comments drew criticism from International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola and the Presidency, as they felt the SANDF chief had stepped into foreign policy matters. ALSO READ: Ministries distance themselves from SANDF chief's comments in Iran President Cyril Ramaphosa's office clarified that he had not been informed of or approved Maphwanya's visit to Iran, but highlighted that the authorisation came from Motshekga, which falls under her ministerial responsibility. Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya explained that Maphwanya's remarks were unhelpful, particularly as the South African government is engaged in a 'very delicate exercise' to reset diplomatic relations with the United States (US), which has ongoing disputes with Iran. Maphwanya to meet Ramaphosa as Motshekga back SANDF chief Amid calls from the Democratic Alliance (DA) for a court martial against the SANDF general, Ramaphosa is scheduled to meet Maphwanya next week. According to the Sunday Times, no disciplinary action will be taken against either Maphwanya or Motshekga. Motshekga defended the SANDF chief, insisting that his visit to Iran was entirely appropriate. 'It's a coincidence that it [the trip] coincides with the tensions between Iran and the US and that we are negotiating on tariffs. READ MORE: Ramaphosa unaware of 'ill-advised' Iran trip by SANDF chief – Magwenya 'This invitation is from last year. I sanctioned it last year. The event was postponed, and they then communicated back to say let's continue,' she told the publication. The minister also told News24 that Maphwanya's comments had been misinterpreted. 'Is it because Iran is in conflict with America that we are now also not allowed to touch Iran. We have our own bilateral relations with countries,' she said. SACP reacts The South African Communist Party (SACP) similarly defended Maphwanya, arguing that his statements accurately reflected South Africa's foreign policy. The party further asserted that his comments should not be compared to the actions of DA MP Andrew Whitfield, who was dismissed for travelling to the US on an unapproved trip while serving as deputy minister of trade, industry, and competition. 'This comparison is incorrect, as Maphwanya's visit took place within the framework of military regulations with the full knowledge of the minister of defence whereas Whitfield's visit was unauthorised,' the SACP said in a statement. SACP denounces the manufactured public controversy following the visit of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to Iran. The visit was part of South Africa's long-standing bilateral relations with Iran. August 16, 2025 Maphwanya, appointed by Ramaphosa in 2021, is reportedly set to retire on 1 December this year. Although the standard army retirement age is 60, he was requested to remain in service until the age of 65. He will reach this age in November. NOW READ: Explicit, obscene videos in uniform are unacceptable, SANDF warns members
The Citizen
a day ago
- The Citizen
The SACP comes to General Maphwanya's rescue after criticism for controversial foreign policy comments
South Africa has been criticised for its unclear foreign policy of non-alignment. The South African Communist Party (SACP) has come to the defence of South Africa's army chief, General Rudzana Maphwanya. This comes after the government distanced itself from controversial comments made by Mphwanya during his recent trip to Iran. Maphwananya came under fire for suggesting that South Africa and Iran have common goals. He also criticised Israel for its actions in the ongoing war in Gaza. In a statement on Saturday the SACP said there was nothing wrong with the comments Maphwanya made. 'The SANDF chief's comments in Iran regarding political and policy questions reportedly included South Africa's adopted and correctly articulated policy positions on Palestine.' it said. 'This reflects South Africa's international relations and cooperation policy, including solidarity.' The SACP believes that the government seems to be punishing Maphwanya for his comments. 'The government and the Presidency in particular, appears to have begun to act to isolate and punish the chief of the military for the alleged contravention of military code regarding political statements and policy statements made during the trip. 'This action is not an objective act of correcting the defence conduct of a soldier but is a political capitulation to Western-aligned imperialist, right-wing pressure directly influenced by the imperialists' political interests.' South Africa's foreign policy dilemma The SACP accused the South African government of mixed messages concerning its foreign policy. 'It clearly appears that the government is being cajoled to project itself as pro-West and anti-Iran.' Will action be taken against Maphwanya The party also said Maphwanya's comments should not be compared to the actions of DA MP Andrew Whitfield who went to the US on an unapproved trip during his time as deputy minister of trade, industry and competition. President Cyril Ramaphosa subsequently removed Whitfield as the deputy minister. 'This comparison is incorrect, as Maphwanya's visit took place within the framework of military regulations with the full knowledge of the Minister of Defence whereas Whitfield's visit was unauthorised. 'The SACP rejects the impending acts of isolation and scapegoating of Maphwanya to appease Western imperialist forces and their domestic agents. compromising South Africa's sovereign right to formulate and implement its own foreign policy, including on defence cooperation.' The party said any actions by the government towards Maphwanya as military chief must be based on strengthening the country's military institutions and their capabilities. 'The SACP rejects any attempt at dictating which nations South Africa may have bilateral relations with, including defence, trade and investment. 'We will defend our country's right to build relations based on mutual respect, equality and solidarity, free from the dictatorship of Washington, Brussels or their local political surrogates.' ALSO READ: Ministries distance themselves from SANDF chief's comments in Iran Tensions with the U.S The SACP's remarks come as South Africa is on a mission to reset relations with the US. The Trump administration has also slapped South Africa with a 30% tariff on exports. Relations with the US have been strained since the spreading of misinformation by some civic organisations. NOW READ: Ramaphosa unaware of 'ill-advised' Iran trip by SANDF chief – Magwenya
