Motshekga defends her response to navy chief's scathing remarks on underfunding

DEFENCE Minister Angie Motshekga said her leadership and actions taken amid South African Navy Chief Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese remarks about the underfunding of the country's defence capabilities were consistent with her oath of office.

- MAYIBONGWE MAQHINA

Motshekga stated that the Department of Defence operates under strict governance, command and control protocols.

"When concerns are raised by any senior officer, including the Chief of SA Navy, the matter must be processed through appropriate command channels, subjected to factual verification and handled in a manner that preserves the integrity of the institution," she said.

Motshekga's remarks come in light of a recent parliamentary inquiry from EFF MP Carl Niehaus, who questioned whether the minister's actions towards Lobese were compatible with her oath of office and the principles of transparency and accountability.

Lobese, addressing an event in November, voiced alarm over the impact of persistent budget cuts on the SANDF's operational readiness.