Motshekga warns Defence Department at risk of collapse over R3.3bn over-expenditure

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has warned that her department is at risk of collapsing due to a projected R3.3 billion over-expenditure on employee compensation. This funding shortfall is one of the department's most significant threats, potentially leading to its collapse if left unresolved. Motshekga revealed that the department had already overspent by R3 billion in the previous financial year and projected the over-expenditure to rise to R4 billion by 2027/28 and R4.6 billion in 2028/29 without intervention.

The department has identified measures to reduce expenditure, such as encouraging early retirements and offering incentives for employees to leave. However, these measures alone cannot resolve the underlying issue, which Motshekga attributes to years of underfunding. The department's human resources budget has not kept pace with salary increases, inflation, and other costs, exacerbating the problem.

Despite raising the issue of underfunding with Treasury, Cabinet, and Parliament, the department has not seen sufficient funding allocated to address the situation. Motshekga clarified that they do not allocate funds themselves and must work with what they receive. She highlighted the condition of the SANDF's equipment and infrastructure, noting that aircraft are malfunctioning, ships are affected, and infrastructure is deteriorating.

This situation is not due to senior leadership, but rather the result of underfunding. The consequences of underfunding are evident across the defence force, preventing the department from fulfilling its responsibilities. Motshekga stressed the need to balance expenditure reduction efforts with the requirement to recruit young people to maintain the defence force's sustainability.

She expressed hope that Parliament and the NCOP would support measures to address the capability gaps facing the defence force.