Parliament, Saturday, 31 January 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Defence reemphasised the need for urgent re-capacitation and rebuilding of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to enable the force to implement its constitutional mandate.
The committee successfully concluded its week-long oversight visit programme yesterday to various SANDF bases along the West Coast in the Langebaan–Saldanha area in the Western Cape. These included 4 Special Forces Regiment, SAS Saldanha Naval Base, the South African Military Academy, and Air Force Base Langebaanweg. The visit formed part of the committee’s constitutional responsibility to oversee the Defence Force’s budget, organisation, morale, and state of preparedness.
“A committed, professional and patriotic force without the backing of adequate investment in capability will serve only to impede the effectiveness of the SANDF. We cannot overemphasise the negative impact of inadequate funding of the SANDF and the need for government to refocus on building a strong and capable force,” said Mr Phiroane Phala, the Co-Chairperson of the committee.
Following the visit, the committee made two broad observations. Firstly, Members observed the SANDF personnel which remains highly committed, professional, and patriotic, continuing to serve under difficult circumstances. Secondly, the committee noted with concern that the Defence Force is in urgent need of re-capacitation and rebuilding.
The cumulative effect of sustained reductions in defence spending as a percentage of GDP, limited internal investment, and minimal acquisition of new technology has had a significant negative impact on the operational capability of the SANDF.
At 4 Special Forces Regiment, the committee observed a capability demonstration involving a simulated hostage rescue scenario. The soldiers demonstrated a high level of preparedness and professionalism. The committee is of the view that the unit is well managed, disciplined, and reflective of the standards expected of an elite special force’s capability. However, the committee noted that limited aircraft and maritime platform availability within the Air Force and Navy adversely affects the training and readiness of Special Forces personnel.
The second day of the visit focused on training and education at SAS Saldanha Naval Base and the South African Military Academy. SAS Saldanha plays a critical role in the training of new naval recruits and the development of naval capability. While the committee commended the dedication of training staff, it observed that the unit is negatively affected by a high vacancy rate and a prolonged lack of investment in infrastructure.
At the Military Academy, Members of the committee were briefed on the military and academic development of junior officers. The committee welcomed the strong partnership between the Academy and Stellenbosch University, facilitated through the Faculty of Military Science, which supports the delivery of quality, internationally recognised education. Members further welcomed the Academy’s international engagement, particularly within Africa, which provides valuable opportunities for knowledge exchange and professional development of students and academic staff.
The committee concluded its visit at Air Force Base Langebaanweg, the primary pilot training base of the South African Air Force. Members of the committee expressed serious concern regarding the overall state of the Air Force. Prolonged underinvestment in aircraft maintenance and acquisition has resulted in a critically low number of serviceable aircraft, with knock-on effects on pilot training, including limited flying hours, reduced intakes, and extended training timelines.
The committee also raised concerns regarding air traffic control capability, specifically the lack of investment in radar systems and other essential equipment. Despite these challenges, the committee noted the continued commitment of personnel to maintaining aircraft availability and professional training standards under constrained conditions.
Mr Phala said: “While many of the challenges observed were not new, they reinforced the urgent need for intervention in the SANDF. All South Africans must understand the importance of the Defence Force and the implications of sustained underfunding.”
The committee argued that an open and frank discussion is required on the future of the SANDF. It stated that either its mandate must be adequately funded or the mandate must be aligned to available resources. It also committed to pursuing a policy directive on this matter.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CHAIRPERSON OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR PHIROANE PHALA
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