The Defence Minister says public-private partnerships could help address SANDF housing, infrastructure and capability needs as government seeks to rebuild defence capacity amid limited public resources.
Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa says South Africa must explore innovative funding models and public-private partnerships to strengthen the country’s defence capability, warning that the SANDF cannot rely solely on additional allocations from National Treasury to address growing infrastructure, equipment and modernisation challenges.
Speaking at the Defence Industry Lekgotla on Tuesday, Holomisa said the Department of Defence faced significant pressures, including infrastructure backlogs, military housing shortages, equipment sustainability challenges and the need to modernise existing capabilities.
“The reality is that the Department has substantial responsibilities, but the resources available to meet all those responsibilities are limited,” Holomisa said.
His comments come amid growing concerns over the state of the SANDF, with defence officials and parliamentary representatives warning that funding constraints have placed pressure on the military’s ability to maintain operational readiness.
