Motshekga assures Parliament that SANDF capable of defending SA

CAPE TOWN - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga assured Parliament that the defence force was more than capable of defending the country despite a dysfunctional air force.

Motshekga said that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) had been hollowed out over the years due to defunding and needed urgent investment. 

Motshekga was responding to oral questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday on the state of the country’s defence capabilities.

The minister told NCOP delegates that the defence force’s shortcomings and lack of resources did not mean it could not defend South Africa from attack.

While admitting that the air force was not up to an acceptable standard, she said that the defence force was still capable.

"Our current needs as a country, our sea, our skies and our land, we are confident as the department that we will be able to defend our country."

Motshekga reiterated the need for more funding.

"We could do with more if the budget situation changes."

She said that she was already engaging National Treasury and the Presidency to find more resources.