Parliament, Wednesday, 3 June 2026 – The Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Phiroane Phala, together with two members of the committee, visited Fort Ikapa Military Base in Acacia Park, Cape Town, and found that the living conditions at the base are adequate.
Mr Phala stated that the conditions observed during the visit were contrary to widespread media reports alleging that the 146 soldiers deployed under Operation Prosper are being housed in inhumane conditions.
“The visit provided first-hand evidence that the media reports were fabricated to create a narrative that not only undermines the reputation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), but also casts doubt on its capacity and capability,” Mr Phala emphasised.
The Co-Chairperson further stated that the narrative appeared intended to undermine the morale of soldiers deployed to carry out the mandate entrusted to them by the President.
While acknowledging the importance of humane living conditions and recognising criticism where there is verifiable evidence of neglect or dereliction by the SANDF, Mr Phala emphasised that this was not the case based on what he and the committee members observed during the visit.
According to Mr Phala, the visit was necessary in light of serious allegations that the soldiers were living in inhumane conditions.
“While we did not expect hotel-like accommodation, what we witnessed met the standards reasonably expected under the circumstances,” he said.
Mr Phala was critical of those spreading misinformation and highlighted the negative impact such claims can have on the morale of soldiers deployed in the Western Cape. He stressed the importance of ensuring that accurate and factual information is provided to the public.
“We must reject the spread of misinformation aimed at damaging the image of the SANDF and the country. As an oversight body, we are satisfied with the living conditions. However, we will convene a meeting at which the department will table a comprehensive report on the living conditions of soldiers deployed under Operation Prosper,” Mr Phala concluded.
ISSUED BY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSON OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR PHIROANE PHALA.
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