Q&A with defence analyst Helmoed Heitman
Defence Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula says the South African National Defence Force has run out of money. Chris Barron asked defence analyst Helmoed Heitman...
Should we be surprised?
No. This has been said by several ministers over the last decade, and came out very clearly in the 2014 defence review document.
Has anything been done?
Well, the minister has fought in cabinet for more money.
She wants 2% of GDP?
That would do the job government wants the defence force to do.
Given our economic situation, is her head in the sand?
I think it's a realistic target over the medium term.
For a developing country?
For one in an unstable region that's got regional commitments.
Should they be scaled back?
No. We need a stable region around us.
The SANDF's budget for this financial year is R54-billion. Are we getting value for money?
No. We're paying too much for border guarding and too little to do the regional job.
So why are our borders so porous?
Because we're still trying to do regional work as well.
Is it either or?..
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