Treasury worried about remarks made by Navy admiral over funding of SANDF
Monde Lobese, told the Joint Committee on Defence that it needs to take a stand against what he calls the sabotage of the defence force due to years of defunding.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga addresses SA Navy seamen during a visit by the Select Committee on Security and Justice (SCS&J) to the Simon’s Town naval base on 18 November 2024. Picture: @SANDF_ZA/X
CAPE TOWN - National Treasury said it’s noted with concern the remarks made by the head of the Navy, Admiral Mombeshi Lobese, who accused Treasury of “sabotaging” the defence force by holding back funds.
Briefing the joint standing committee on defence on Friday, Lobese accused the Treasury of not being “patriotic” in how it is addressing the underfunding of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), especially the Navy.
But Treasury said withdrawing funds from the national revenue fund is not a unilateral decision and can only be done through an act of parliament.
Monde Lobese, told the Joint Committee on Defence that it needs to take a stand against what he calls the sabotage of the defence force due to years of defunding.
"National Treasury for a change needs to be patriotic in how they address the funding of the SANDF. National Treasury can’t be allowed to be a super department."
In a statement on Sunday, National Treasury said in line with the constitution, all funds must be appropriated through an act of parliament.
It said the constitution also requires that the bill appropriating funds is tabled by the Minister of Finance, and like other proposed legislation, this is approved by cabinet.
Treasury said final approval is by parliament, and the National Treasury is then entrusted to ensure the implementation of those decisions.
The department said it’s therefore incorrect to suggest that the national treasury is responsible for any budget challenges experienced by the SANDF.