SANDF responds to viral video of intoxicated reservist

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has terminated the active reserve call-up of a reservist who was captured on video appearing intoxicated while in military uniform at a unit in Pretoria. The incident took place on Thursday, August 6, and a clip of the soldier struggling while wearing his uniform surfaced on social media.

In the footage, the reservist can be seen wearing a military uniform and seemingly intoxicated, possibly in a restroom. An individual can be heard in the video questioning the reservist about drinking alcohol while in uniform, to which the reservist attempts to prevent the man from recording him before leaving. Upon the video's spread, the SANDF confirmed the reservist was one of their own.

SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini expressed the military's disapproval of the soldier's behavior. Dlamini stated, "The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) notes with concern and condemns inappropriate conduct involving one of its members who was recorded under the influence of alcohol while wearing military uniform in a public space on Thursday, 6 August 2026."

He further emphasized that such behavior is unacceptable and inconsistent with the values and discipline expected of SANDF members. As a result of the investigation, the individual was found to be a SANDF reservist on active Reserve Call-Up at one of the force's units in Pretoria. The SANDF views the conduct as intolerable and inconsistent with the institution's values, leading to the termination of the reservist's call-up.

Dlamini reiterated that any behavior damaging the institution's reputation will not be tolerated, and the SANDF will continue to act decisively against such actions.