Latest news with #ChrisHattingh
IOL News
2 days ago
- Business
- IOL News
Why the SANDF defends its R34m Cuba charter flight for student repatriation
SANDF justifies R34m Cuba charter as vital for safely returning 212 students, rejecting DA claims of waste and stressing logistical, security, and protocol needs. 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. 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 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. Next Stay Close ✕ 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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Eyewitness News
3 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
DA pursuing urgent review after 'uncovering evidence' SANDF spent R34m on charter flight to Cuba for graduation ceremony
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is demanding answers after it obtained evidence the party says shows the South African Defence Force spent R34 million on a charter flight to transport over 200 SANDF personnel to Cuba. The passengers, including senior generals and students, allegedly went to Havana to attend a graduation. This ceremony was of no operational or strategic value to South Africa, says MP Chris Hattingh, DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans. Documents in the party's possession 'confirm' that the trip was undertaken via Cobra Aviation with two legs between OR Tambo and Havana from 13–20 July 2025. Hattingh tells John Maytham the DA obtained the documentation from a source in the Defence Force. "I am convinced the figures are accurate - I've got the documents in front of me and it's official SANDF documentation, as well as from the contracting company in their colours." Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans "They asked for a charter aircraft with at least 25 business class seats. They also specified what they need inside, for instance soft cushions and a variety of hot and cold meals on board, gourmet snacks, continental breakfasts...: Chris Hattingh, DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans
The Herald
16-06-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Demobilisation programme instituted as second SANDF group returns from DRC
The repatriation process has generated criticism from many quarters. Chris Hattingh, DA defence and military veterans spokesperson, said the event in totality was another example of poor SANDF planning and 'a national embarrassment'. 'The DA warned this event was more about spectacle than sincere recognition,' he said in a statement, adding, 'those concerns were proven correct. The entire ceremony turned into a public embarrassment, with soldiers stranded and their supposed heroes' welcome left in ruins'. 'This is not just a failed media stunt. It is a sign of deeper dysfunction within the department of defence (DoD). Repeated logistic failures, both abroad and at home, raise serious questions about leadership and competence at the highest levels. 'Our troops deserve more than press conferences and red carpets. They deserve clear planning, dignified treatment and respect. Not the humiliation of becoming pawns in a failed PR exercise,' according to Hattingh. Tshabalala said it was 'a bit unfair to suggest any operational shortcomings on the part of the SANDF when, in fact, we had no control over the logistical constraints presented by the service provider.' The DA is calling for a full parliamentary report detailing the planning and procurement of repatriation logistics, the causes of delays in troop and equipment movement from Goma, DRC, the full cost of rerouting and VIP arrangements, the status and safety of remaining SANDF personnel and assets in the DRC, and what lessons, if any, have been learnt from this mission's collapse. 'This farcical 'homecoming' is not merely a PR disaster. It reflects the SANDF's growing inability to carry out even the most basic operations, troop movement, equipment return, or co-ordinated logistics, without confusion, delay, or last-minute crisis-driven haphazard improvisation. The minister's own admission that 'we would have just picked up our children and landed them at the airbase' if the SANDF had working aircraft speaks volumes,' Hattingh said. 'No amount of spin can conceal the truth: SAMIDRC ended not in honour, but in disarray. If this is how South Africa withdraws from conflict, what confidence can we have in how it enters one?' The remaining troops, said to number 2,000, serving with the now terminated SAMIDRC are due to return home by month-end. Equipment is being transported from Tanzania by sea and is expected to arrive later. — This article was first published by DefenceWeb
Daily Maverick
11-06-2025
- Daily Maverick
DA calls for immediate release of Navy report into 2023 Kommetjie submarine disaster
The DA's Chris Hattingh has called for the immediate declassification and public release of the SA Navy's investigation into the disaster in 2023 that claimed the lives of three submariners. Chris Hattingh, the Democratic Alliance's (DA's) defence spokesperson, has called on the SA National Defence Force and Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to immediately release an internal report into the disaster near Kommetjie in the Western Cape in which three submariners died. One of them was Lieutenant Commander Gillian Malouw-Hector (33), who grew up in Schauderville, Nelson Mandela Bay, and trained with the Sea Cadets in Humewood. She was the commanding officer of the SAS 'Manthatisi, which was conducting a naval exercise near Kommetjie in September 2023 when large waves swept the crew overboard. Five were saved, but three — Malouw-Hector, Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa (48) and Warrant Officer Class 1 Mmokwapa Mojela (43) — died. The submariners were conducting a vertical transfer using an SA Air Force Maritime Lynx helicopter when they were swept overboard. On Tuesday, Hattingh said he did not understand the reasons for keeping the report, which was finalised in 2023, secret. 'The purpose of sailing the ship was to go to the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront for a Heritage Day open day,' he said. 'It was not a military operation. They only conducted a training exercise en route.' The findings of a board of inquiry into the incident were made public. The inquiry concluded that the submariners died in an accident caused by freak waves and that they had followed all protocols. It also found that they had performed a similar exercise in worse weather conditions. Malouw-Hector was the first female submarine navigator in Africa. At the time, the Navy said her death 'is a huge loss for the South African Navy, the entire Department of Defence and the country as a whole. [She] was the first female to qualify in her position in the submarine, [and] she was also on the verge of becoming the first female commanding officer… It took years of training for her to get here.' But now her family, friends and community might never know what happened on that fateful day. Censored Hattingh said the Navy's report had been 'censored by Defence Intelligence' and was being 'withheld from the victims' families, their legal representatives, and even the Hawks. 'This obstruction of justice by the Navy and the Department of Defence must end,' he said. 'Despite clear weather warnings, the exercise proceeded, ignoring critical safety protocols. Evidence now shows that serious failures in planning and operational oversight directly contributed to the fatal outcome.' The Navy has not responded yet to Daily Maverick's request for comment, but its written response to Hattingh indicates that a myriad of further 'processes must be followed' to get the report released, and its release can be refused at any stage. The Navy told Hattingh, 'The Department of Defence would like to inform you that the requested records have been scrutinised/declassified and masked by the Defence Intelligence Division. However, the following Departmental process has to be followed before the requested records can be released or refused. 'The records have been referred to the Defence Legal Services Division (DLSD) for a legal recommendation. Thereafter, the records will be referred to the Chief of the South African National Defence Force for a recommendation with regards to the release or refusal of the requested records. 'Then the records will be submitted to the office of the Secretary for Defence for a final decision to release or refuse.' Hattingh said all his attempts to obtain the full report had been met with 'bureaucratic resistance and legal evasion. Even a direct appeal to Minister Angie Motshekga has failed to secure its release.' He has called on Parliament to establish an inquiry into the SANDF's 'ongoing practice of withholding vital information and failing to safeguard its own personnel'. DM
IOL News
30-04-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Defence Minister Motshekga under scrutiny for SANDF withdrawal chaos
Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa Minister Angie Motshekga to be scrutinised over SANDF's disorganised exit from DRC peacekeeping mission Image: IOL/Independent Newspapers The Democratic Alliance (DA) has unveiled its intention to scrutinise Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga over what it characterises as a 'chaotic and poorly planned' withdrawal of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In a statement issued on Wednesday, DA Defence & Military Veterans Spokesperson Chris Hattingh stated that the party will raise these concerns during the upcoming parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence, which is scheduled for May 9. On Wednesday, South African military contingents began preparations to withdraw from the DRC following the signing of a landmark peace agreement between the DRC and Rwanda. As the lead nation of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the DRC, South Africa has played a pivotal role in efforts to restore peace amid ongoing conflict. However, the DA has raised serious concerns about the manner of the SANDF's withdrawal, describing it as "chaotic and poorly coordinated." The party notes that Parliament and the public have been kept in the dark about this mission's conclusion. Disorganised Exit Raises Alarm The DA said it intends to use the upcoming committee meeting to question Minister Motshekga about the deployment and withdrawal of SANDF troops. 'Poor planning, vague objectives, and a disturbing lack of transparency have marred the withdrawal of South African troops from eastern DRC. 'What should have been a coordinated and strategic exit has instead become a confused and dangerous process—risking the safety of our soldiers and raising more questions than answers,' Hattingh said. The SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which SADC officially terminated in March, is now withdrawing from strategic areas such as Goma and Sake—regions where South African forces remained after deadly clashes in January. Lack of Transparency and On-the-Ground Reports The DA raised concerns about a lack of transparency, stating that, to date, Parliament has received no official briefing on the withdrawal, and public awareness remains limited. The party said there are reports that SANDF troops and Tanzanian and Malawian forces are withdrawing via Rwanda to Tanzania. 'Alarmingly, accounts suggest that M23 rebels—widely believed to be backed by Rwanda—are inspecting military equipment as convoys pass through. 'Members of the elite Quick Reaction Force (QRF) have described the experience as "frustrating and humiliating." Furthermore, the party said there has been no official communication from the Department of Defence, SANDF, or SADC regarding the withdrawal process. 'It has emerged that safe passage for South African troops was negotiated with Rwanda after M23 seized control of key infrastructure, leaving many soldiers uncertain about their safety. 'Soldiers also continue to report logistical failures, poor communication, and concerns over the status of military vehicles and heavy weaponry.' Hattingh highlighted that the situation is exacerbated by the loss of 14 South African soldiers during the Battle for Goma in January. Questions for Minister Motshekga During the May committee meeting, Hattingh said his party plans to pose several urgent questions to Minister Motshekga, including:
