Parliament, Wednesday, 28 August 2019 – An oversight visit by the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans to the 9 South African Infantry Battalion (9 SAI BN) station yesterday highlighted a number of challenges and the efforts needed to address these.
The committee toured the military base’s ammunition store unit, where in April 2017 a group of armed robbers overpowered and disarmed the guards. The committee was informed about various security measures that have been instituted to address the possibility of the re-occurrence of such events.
The committee noted the poor condition of many of the houses occupied by married soldiers and their families. The poor roads were also noted. As the repair and maintenance of the roads and houses are the responsibility of the Department of Public Works, 9 SAI BN expressed its frustration at the lack of progress to address these challenges.
The committee expressed the view that the resources used to upgrade the condition of the residences for unmarried soldiers should be expanded to allow the defence force to enhance its own repair and maintenance capability. The Defence Works Formation (DWF) has done sterling work to refurbish these bungalows.
During a visit to the 9 SAI BN’s Light Works Troop (LWT) and Transport Park, where vehicles are repaired and stored, members expressed their surprise at the numerous unserviceable vehicles. They were told it was mainly due to severe cuts to the Department of Defence’s budget.
Interactions with the 9 SAI BN’s sergeant group highlighted several issues, ranging from concerns with promotion and access to courses, to a shortage of uniforms and the possibility of exempting them from taxation. The Chairperson of the committee, Mr Cyril Xaba, assured officials that their views had been heard and, where applicable, they will be discussed further in the committee and in their engagements with the department.
ISSUED BY PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE PORTFOLIO COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS, MR CYRIL XABA.
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