South Africa’s Defence Force Cannot Cover Its Own Wage Bill

SOUTH AFRICA · DEFENCE

Key Facts

—What was said: Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga told the National Council of Provinces on Wednesday 26 August that a salary shortfall could push her department towards collapse.

—This year: The department projects an overspend on employee compensation of R3.3 billion (about US$206 million). The minister put last year’s overspend at about R3 billion (about US$188 million); the acting chief financial officer put the audited 2025/26 figure at R3.67 billion (about US$230 million).

—And after that: The projected gap grows to R4 billion (about US$250 million) in 2027/28 and R4.6 billion (about US$288 million) in 2028/29. Those are departmental forecasts rather than appropriated figures.