We're in serious trouble

DEFENCE: TOP BRASS CALLS ARMY 'MICKEY MOUSE' – AND HE'S RIGHT TO LASH OUT, SAYS UNION BOSS

- Thando Nondywana

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) requires strong political leadership, management and willpower to address its challenges.

This is the view of independent defence analyst Kobus Marais in response to Lieutenant-General Ntshavheni Maphaha criticising the government for running what he termed a "Mickey Mouse" defence force.

Maphaha accused it of trying to play a "Big Brother" role in Africa, while failing to secure its own borders.

"They must be seen and perceived to take the lead in a very practical and pragmatic way," Marais said.

"Currently, we don't observe any mature leadership. We have not seen any significant management will or determination from the government or the Military Command Council to downsize the SANDF and curb their ambitions."

Given the SANDF's size, its ageing equipment inherited from the old SA Defence Force and a staff complement of about 70,000, it was certainly not a Mickey Mouse defence force, Marais said. However, the defence budget, which is less than 0.7% of the country's GDP, painted a different story.