Holomisa
By Thabo Mosia
In a hard-hitting year-in-review report, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa has exposed critical weaknesses plaguing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). Holomisa, a retired two-star general and leader of the United Democratic Movement (UDM), delivered the report to Parliament, revealing the SANDF’s struggles with state capture, chronic underfunding, and operational failures. His findings spotlight the urgent need for reforms, warning that without swift action, South Africa’s defence capabilities could crumble. Submitted to UDM Parliament Leader Nqabayomzi Kwankwa, the report pulls no punches—laying bare the SANDF’s vulnerabilities and calling for stronger parliamentary oversight.
A Defence Force on the Brink
Holomisa’s report, penned in his role as Deputy Minister since July 2024, dives deep into the SANDF’s troubles. He doesn’t mince words: “The Department of Defence did not escape the effects of state capture.” Ongoing Special Investigating Unit (SIU) probes and court cases involving former ministers show how corruption has hollowed out the force. Years of underfunding have made things worse, leaving the SANDF with outdated gear and crumbling bases.
The report zeroes in on the SANDF’s botched mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Poor planning and logistical breakdowns sparked “serious concerns about the overall capacity, preparedness, and logistical readiness” of the force. It’s a wake-up call—South Africa’s peacekeeping role in Africa is at risk if these gaps aren’t fixed.
Then there’s climate change. Holomisa points to the Eastern Cape floods, where at least 92 people died, as a glaring example of the SANDF’s limits. “Only one Oryx helicopter was deployed for rescue and relief efforts days after the disaster,” he writes. With extreme weather hitting harder and more often, the SANDF’s slow response shows it’s not ready for the challenge.
Money Woes and Mismanagement
Funding—or the lack of it—is a big part of the problem. In 2023, President Cyril Ramaphosa ordered defence spending to rise to 1.5% of GDP. But Holomisa says, “The National Treasury failed to allocate the necessary funds.” The result? A force stretched thin, unable to keep up with its duties.
The Auditor-General’s reports back this up, dishing out four straight qualified audits for the Department of Defence and Military Veterans (DoDMV). Holomisa calls it “an alarming signal of deep-rooted problems.” Money gets misclassified, assets go untracked, and transparency suffers. “Failure to account properly for assets poses significant risks to national security,” he warns.
Denel, the state-owned defence company, is in even deeper trouble. Since 2019/20, it’s earned disclaimer audits—the worst kind—signalling financial chaos. Armscor, another key player, struggles too. Holomisa’s report echoes MPs who say South Africa could soon be “defenceless” without drastic action.
Parliament’s Role: Time to Act
Holomisa isn’t just pointing fingers—he’s pushing for change. He wants Parliament to use its power under Section 55(2) of the Constitution to hold the government accountable. “Parliament is not a passive observer,” he insists. His report lists big issues needing attention, like implementing the Zondo Commission’s findings on state capture and fixing the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) after the Mpati Commission exposed its flaws.
He’s also fighting for justice for ex-mineworkers with lung diseases and for faster land reform. On the SANDF, Holomisa’s leading efforts to roll out the 2015 Defence Review—a plan to modernise the force. But red tape is slowing things down. “The Department cannot issue copies of the documents… until a formal directive is received from the President,” he explains.
Military Diplomacy and Industry Struggles
Holomisa’s been busy on the global stage, too. He’s pushed for SANDF officers to train overseas and for tech deals to boost South Africa’s defence industry. He’s met with leaders from countries like Turkey, China, and the US—51 international engagements in total. His goal? To strengthen the SANDF through partnerships.
But back home, the defence industry is hurting. Denel and Armscor are shadows of what they once were. Holomisa’s talks with industry players show frustration over slow permits and red tape. “These delays have disrupted momentum on several priority projects,” he notes. Still, he’s hopeful. He’s pitching a new PPP Directorate in the DoDMV to speed up public-private teamwork and revive the sector.
Veterans Forgotten
The Department of Military Veterans (DMV) gets a scolding in the report. “Prolonged delays in filling vacant posts” have left veterans without proper support. Holomisa’s working with a Presidential Task Team to sort it out, but progress is slow. “We are confident that tangible progress will be achieved,” he says, though he doesn’t say when.
Beyond Defence: A Call for Better Governance
Holomisa’s report isn’t just about the SANDF—it’s a broader cry for change. He slams broken provincial health systems, saying corruption makes the National Health Insurance (NHI) a long shot. He tackles youth unemployment—over 60% in some areas—and calls for audits of skills programmes that aren’t delivering jobs.
He’s also digging into old promises, like pensions for ex-soldiers from the SATBVC states (South Africa, Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda, Ciskei). Ramaphosa told the Finance Minister to fix it, but Treasury dropped the ball. Holomisa’s pushing Parliament to step in. Same goes for herdsmen’s pay—an issue the UDM’s chased for years.
Trouble in the GNU
Holomisa’s got beef with the Government of National Unity (GNU). He’s taking his concerns to the upcoming GNU Bosberaad, a big meeting of party leaders. “The ANC and DA are, in posture, seen to be undermining other parties,” he writes. He wants smaller parties like the UDM to have a bigger say, especially on defence and budget issues.
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 112 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Ngwathe Local Municipality’s R2 Billion Budget Rejected as Unfunded by Free
State Treasury
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-112.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube