Holomisa shares R63bn budget cuts’ impact on defence force

DEPUTY Minister for Defence Bantu Holomisa addressed critical concerns raised by Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, the Chief of the South African Navy, regarding the navy’s status and defence capabilities.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Holomisa, responding to questions posed by ANC MP Dakota Legoete in the National Assembly, confirmed that various governance structures have been established to ensure the effective management and expression of these concerns. Holomisa mentioned the Military Command, the Military Command Council and the Secretariat Council and Defence Staff Council.

“These are bodies which bring together senior leadership of the National Defence Force. Recently, the department has reiterated to all services and divisions the importance of utilising these platforms fully, both to maintain institutional integrity and also to ensure that funding and state of readiness of our defence force is attended to,’ he said in response.

EFF MP Carl Niehaus asked why Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, instead of meaningfully engaging with the very serious concerns and frustration raised by Lobese, had chosen to threaten him with disciplinary action.

In his response, Holomisa said Motshekga has already started the process to consult on the issue of disciplinary action against the navy boss. He said the disciplining of Lobese depended on Motshekga and the commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa.