President Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday pledged to review the financial resources allocated to South Africa’s defence forces in the wake of their ever-growing responsibilities at home and across the continent.
Speaking during commemorations of the 2022 Armed Forces Day in Mbombela, Ramaphosa said the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), “like every other organ of state, has had to conduct its substantial operations in the face of extremely limited resources and a growing catalogue of commitments.”
“We are looking, within these constraints, at ways to better resource our defence force with the tools they need to fulfil their mandate,” Ramaphosa said.
He recommended SANDF commander Rudzani Maphwanya and other members of the force for ably fulfilling their responsibilities despite inadequate resources.
Members of the SANDF are part of peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique and Somalia.
They have been assisting with efforts to combat the COVID-19 pandemic at home and were largely credited with bringing order during last July’s anti-government protests that followed the incarceration of former president Jacob Zuma.
Armed Forces Day is commemorated every year to remember servicemen of the South African Native Labour Corps who perished during the sinking of the SS Mendi in the English Channel on 21 February 1917.
More than 600 SA Native Labour Corps troops drowned when the ill-fated troopship was struck by the SS Darro.
JN/APA