Motshekga defends Defence budget amid SANDF crisis

'GOLF DAYS'

- GENEVIEVE SERRA

THE Department of Defence and Military Veterans was not overspending on golf days as it was classified as fund-raising, Minister Angie Motshekga said during a Parliamentary question and answer session this week.

This, after the DA’s National Council of Provinces member on security and justice, Nicholas Gotsell, said there is a R7.7 billion Air Force shortfall and unfunded maintenance.

Gotsell said the DA is seeking urgent clarity from Motshekga on the 3-month deadline to present a plan for reprioritising defence spending and halting the SANDF's collapse.

He said the DA will oversee the implementation to prevent another “empty promise”, while Motshekga’s recent statements showed a detachment from the SANDF’s dire state.