Question NW679 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
30 September 2019 - NW679
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
Whether, with reference to the dire financial position of the SA National Defence Force (details furnished), she has commissioned a new defence review based on the realistic defence requirements as determined by section 200 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996; if not, why not; if so, (a) what are the relevant details and (b) on what date will this new information be submitted to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans?
Reply:
1. No I have not commissioned a new Defence Review.
2. We have concluded that the Defence Review 2015 is, and remains, the National Policy on Defence and it should not be withdrawn. The bulk of the Defence Review 2015 remains valid and appropriate even though it was predicated on a steady-stream of improving defence allocation.3.
3. Furthermore, we have concluded that I, as the Executive Authority responsible for Defence, must engage strongly with Cabinet and Parliament on the ever-declining defence allocation.
(a) This must include discussion, debate and resolution on the “Level of Ambition” that South Africa wants, including the shape and size of the Defence Force.
(b) The emerging security risks, contingencies and priorities that we require the Defence Force to be prepared for.
(c) The concomitant defence capabilities that we must fund and support.