Motshekga defends defence spending amid SANDF crisis

MINISTER of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga has defended spending in the department and denied that they were splurging on golf days and overseas trips.

- GENEVIEVE SERRA and NICOLA DANIELS

She was responding to the DA's Nicholas Gotsell, who said there was a R7.7 billion Air Force shortfall and unfunded maintenance.

Gotsell, DA National Council of Provinces Member on Security and Justice, said the party was seeking urgent clarity from the minister on the three-month deadline to present a plan for reprioritising defence spending and halting the SANDF's collapse.

The party is proposing drastic cost-cutting, including stopping lifetime medical benefits for retired VIPs, given the deterioration of 1 Military Hospital.

During a Portfolio Committee sitting this week, Gostell questioned Motshekga about international trips and golf days.

"We have seen the department hosting golf days, purchasing luxury vehicles for generals and spending money on bloated trips, like your recent visit to a military parade in Russia, all while the SANDF is in crisis, (in) your own words," he stated.