Accountability has collapsed, with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) actively blocking investigations by the Hawks and the Special Investigating Unit (SIU).
This was exposed at yesterday’s meeting of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, which revealed that over R2.5 billion in serious criminal and corruption cases within the defence departments remain unresolved. These are not minor audit findings, but cases of suspected fraud and theft. Despite years of investigation, there have been no major prosecutions and almost no funds recovered. Corruption inside the defence system is not only tolerated but actively protected. The public can no longer trust Minister Motshekga to safeguard our national security.
While the DA welcomes the Committee’s decision for quarterly progress reports from investigative bodies, oversight alone is insufficient.
The DA will therefore push for:
- Action under Section 6(4)(d) of the Public Audit Act against the Secretary for Defence and the Director-General of Military Veterans for failing to recover funds and discipline officials.
- A quarterly progress report to Parliament showing clear details of prosecutions, recoveries, and disciplinary outcomes – by case, name and amount.
The situation is worsened by the SANDF’s refusal to cooperate with investigators, a fundamental betrayal that demands immediate accountability. This proves that corruption within the defence system is not only tolerated but actively protected.
This obstruction is illegal, violating the Public Finance Management Act and the Defence Act. The SIU reported that disciplinary cases have been ignored for years, with officials involved in illegal tenders still in their posts. The Hawks’ delayed investigations and the National Prosecuting Authority’s inability to find documents or witnesses mean billions may never be recovered—an effective amnesty through institutional failure.
The Auditor-General has labelled this a “persistent failure,” warning that accounting officers could be held personally liable for financial losses.
South Africa’s soldiers and veterans serve this country with honour. They deserve a defence administration that does the same.