DA demands answers from Motshekga over alleged R50 million SANDF fund misappropriation

The Democratic Alliance (DA) has called on Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to respond to reports that R50 million belonging to soldiers may have been misappropriated through the South African Army Foundation.

The party describes the allegations as a deeply troubling failure of governance within the defence environment.

According to DA Defence Spokesperson Chris Hattingh, the Foundation reportedly receives millions of rands every month via direct deductions from the salaries of serving South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members.

Hattingh emphasised that because the funds are sourced directly from personnel, the Minister owes the troops a clear explanation regarding the missing money.

"Allegations suggest that funds were diverted for unauthorised purposes, including the reported issuing of credit cards linked to senior military figures.

The Financial Sector Conduct Authority has investigated, but so many remain in the dark.

The DA has submitted parliamentary questions to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans to establish what she knew, when she knew it, and what action she has taken to protect our soldiers from this ongoing plunder."

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Despite an investigation by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority, the DA maintains that much of the situation remains obscured from public view.

Consequently, the party has submitted formal parliamentary questions to the Minister to determine what she knew, when she became aware of the situation, and what specific actions have been taken to protect soldiers from what they describe as ongoing plunder.