'Force can be with SA'

They have generals for the job - but it will take time and money, say experts.

- Eric Naki

SANDF: PRESIDENT, MINISTERS PLAN TO TURN CASH-STRAPPED MILITARY AROUND.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and her deputy, Bantu Holomisa, are determined to turn around the cash-strapped South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

With multitasking Motshekga in the driving seat, Holomisa was optimistic the mission could be accomplished in the long term if sufficient funds were released to the department of defence to do its job.

Defence Helexpert moed-Römer Heitman said the SANDF can be turned around, but over a long time and with sufficient funding, especially with the current competent generals at the top.

Chief of the Defence Force General Rudzani Maphwanya and his fellow senior generals were the right men for the job, he said.

"And am sure they can do so at their level. Most of the officers and senior CNOS are competent and can be part of a turn-around," Heitman said.