Motshekga says SANDF capable of protecting country despite compromised air force

CAPE TOWN - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has admitted that the country’s air force is not at an acceptable standard and has been “bleeding” aircraft.

But she’s assured Parliament that this doesn’t mean South Africans are “sitting ducks”, telling members that the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is more than capable of defending the country from any threat whether in the skies or on land.

Motshekga was addressing the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday as part of the peace and security cluster.

She says a lack of funding is at the centre of the SANDF’s challenges, but they are engaging the National Treasury and the Presidency.

Motshekga says this has had a negative impact on the air force, which has several aircraft out of commission.

“We also have a number of planes that have gone for servicing. So, we are struggling with the air force, we are bleeding.

However, Motshekga is confident the country can still defend itself against any attack.

“But it doesn’t mean that nothing is happening and, therefore, we are sitting ducks as a country, and anybody can walk all over us. No, we are confident that as a defence force, we will be able to protect our people and protect our country.

Motshekga says there is progress to address the decline in the defence force, but a lot will depend on future funding.