Mbalula criticises Navy Chief's remarks

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has strongly criticised the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who questioned whether Cabinet officials behind budget cuts to the defence force were "in the pockets of drug dealers".

- JONISAYI MAROMO

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has slammed Navy chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese for his explosive remarks suggesting Cabinet officials behind SANDF budget cuts may be "in the pockets of drug dealers," warning that such outbursts from generals are "worrisome and undermine discipline in the security forces.

(SANDF)

Mbalula said the thorny issue of funding the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the broader security apparatus must be addressed through proper channels.

"South Africa is faced with a difficult situation of outbursts by people in security positions. This general was not speaking in the army, he was speaking at a party or something. I saw him in a very nice suit at a gala dinner. It's unheard of that generals address gala dinners and talk big things. No man, it should be worrisome," Mbalula told journalists in Johannesburg.

"This country has a president, who is the commander-in-chief. We have the National Security Council in this country ... you have generals outburst. You (journalists) and I can make those comments in a party, we are not securocrats. We also have a Parliament."