The Decline of SANDF: A National Security Crisis
By Nco Dube
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has long been a symbol of national pride, a force that once projected power across the African continent and played a pivotal role in peacekeeping missions. However, the current state of the SANDF paints a troubling picture, one of decline, neglect, and vulnerability.
This reality has been thrown into sharp focus by the recent public exchange between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame, as well as the tragic killing of 13 South African peacekeepers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) by Rwandan-backed M23 rebels. These events have not only exposed the fragility of South Africa’s military capabilities but also raised urgent questions about the country’s ability to defend its interests and maintain its standing on the continent.
A Military in Decline
The SANDF’s decline is not a sudden development but the result of years of neglect and underfunding. Once considered one of the most formidable militaries in Africa, the SANDF has been reduced to a shadow of its former self. Budget cuts have slashed defence spending to around 1% of GDP, a figure far below the global average and insufficient to sustain a modern, capable fighting force. This chronic underfunding has had a cascading effect on every aspect of the military, from equipment maintenance to troop readiness.
The South African Army, for instance, relies on aging equipment, much of which dates back to the apartheid era. While there are still some modern systems in service, such as the Rooikat armoured car and the G6 howitzer, many platforms are outdated and in desperate need of replacement.
The Air Force, once a regional powerhouse, now struggles to keep its limited fleet of Gripen fighters and Hawk trainers operational. The Navy, though it possesses a small fleet of frigates and submarines, is hamstrung by maintenance issues and a lack of resources, severely limiting its ability to project power beyond South Africa’s coastal waters.
Compounding these challenges is the state of the SANDF’s personnel. The force is top-heavy, with a disproportionate number of senior officers and a lack of junior ranks to carry out operational tasks. Morale is low, with soldiers often complaining about poor working conditions, inadequate salaries, and limited opportunities for career advancement.
Training exercises have been scaled back due to budget constraints, leaving troops underprepared for the demands of modern warfare.
South Africa’s Peacekeeping Legacy
Despite its current challenges, the SANDF has a proud history of peacekeeping on the African continent. Since the end of apartheid, South Africa has positioned itself as a champion of peace and stability, contributing troops to numerous United Nations (UN) and African Union (AU) missions. These include operations in Burundi, Sudan, the Central African Republic, and the DRC, among others.
South Africa’s involvement in peacekeeping is rooted in its commitment to Pan-Africanism and its desire to promote stability in regions plagued by conflict. The SANDF has often been praised for its professionalism and ability to mediate between warring factions. However, these missions have also come at a cost. Peacekeeping is inherently dangerous, and South African troops have frequently found themselves in harm’s way, as evidenced by the recent deaths of 13 soldiers in the DRC.
The SANDF’s peacekeeping efforts have also highlighted the challenges of operating in complex and volatile environments. In the DRC, for example, South African troops are part of the UN Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), which aim to protect civilians and support the government in its fight against rebel groups. However, the missions have been complicated by the involvement of external actors, particularly Rwanda, which has been accused of supporting the M23 rebels.
Rwanda’s Controversial Role in Regional Conflicts
Rwanda’s alleged interference in the DRC conflict is part of a broader pattern of behaviour that has drawn criticism from across the continent and beyond. The Rwandan government has repeatedly been accused of destabilising neighbouring countries, often along ethnic and tribal lines. These accusations are not new; they date back to the aftermath of the 1994 genocide, when Rwanda’s involvement in the DRC was seen as both a security imperative and an opportunity to exploit the country’s vast mineral resources.
In the case of the M23 rebels, Rwanda stands accused of providing military and logistical support to the group, which has been implicated in widespread human rights abuses, including massacres, sexual violence, and the displacement of civilians. While Rwanda denies these allegations, there is substantial evidence to suggest that it has played a significant role in fuelling the conflict. This has led to tensions between Rwanda and other African nations, including South Africa, which has called for an end to external interference in the DRC.
Rwanda’s actions in the DRC are not an isolated incident. The country has also been accused of supporting rebel groups in Burundi and Mozambique, often under the guise of counterterrorism or regional security. These interventions have exacerbated existing conflicts and undermined efforts to achieve lasting peace. Critics argue that Rwanda’s approach is driven by a combination of security concerns, economic interests, and a desire to project power beyond its borders.
The DRC Conflict and the M23 Crisis
The fragility of the SANDF has been laid bare by its involvement in the DRC conflict, where South African peacekeepers are part of MONUSCO and SAMIDRC. The missions, which aim to stabilise the region and protect civilians, have become increasingly dangerous as violence escalates between government forces and rebel groups, particularly the M23 movement.
The M23, a rebel group with alleged backing from Rwanda, has been accused of committing widespread atrocities and destabilising the eastern DRC. Last week, the conflict took a devastating turn for South Africa when 13 SANDF soldiers were killed in an ambush by M23 rebels. This tragic incident marked one of the deadliest days for South African peacekeepers in recent history and sparked outrage at home.
The killings also ignited a war of words between Presidents Ramaphosa and Kagame. Ramaphosa condemned the attack and called for accountability, while Kagame denied Rwanda’s involvement and accused South Africa of overstepping its role in the region. The public exchange between the two leaders highlighted the growing tensions between their countries and underscored the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the DRC conflict.
Rwanda’s Military Prowess
Rwanda’s military, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), stands in stark contrast to the SANDF. Despite being a smaller force, the RDF is highly disciplined, well-organised, and battle-hardened. Rwanda has invested heavily in its military, ensuring that its troops are well-equipped and well-trained. The RDF has gained significant combat experience in recent years, including operations in Mozambique and the DRC, where it has demonstrated its effectiveness in counterinsurgency and conventional warfare.
This disparity in military readiness raises serious concerns about South Africa’s ability to confront a force like Rwanda’s, should tensions escalate further. While the SANDF has a larger pool of personnel and more advanced equipment on paper, its operational readiness is questionable. The RDF, on the other hand, has proven its ability to deploy quickly, sustain operations, and achieve its objectives, capabilities that the SANDF currently lacks.
A Test of Leadership
The standoff between Ramaphosa and Kagame is not just a diplomatic spat; it is a test of South Africa’s leadership on the continent. South Africa has long positioned itself as a regional power and a champion of peace and stability in Africa. However, its ability to uphold this role is increasingly being called into question.
The DRC conflict is a case in point. South Africa’s involvement in MONUSCO and SAMIDRC is a reflection of its commitment to peacekeeping, but the SANDF’s limitations have made it difficult to fulfil this mission effectively. The killing of the 13 peacekeepers is a grim reminder of the risks involved and the need for a capable, well-resourced military.
Ramaphosa’s response to the crisis has been measured, but it has also exposed the limits of South Africa’s influence. While he has called for accountability and condemned Rwanda’s alleged support for the M23, his options are constrained by the SANDF’s current state. Without a strong military to back its diplomatic efforts, South Africa risks being sidelined in regional conflicts and losing its status as a continental leader.
The Way Forward
The challenges facing the SANDF are daunting, but they are not insurmountable. What is needed is a renewed commitment to defence and a clear strategy for rebuilding the military. This will require significant investment in modernising equipment, improving training, and addressing personnel issues. It will also require political will and leadership, both of which have been in short supply in recent years.
South Africa cannot afford to ignore the growing threats on the continent, whether from rebel groups like the M23 or from rival nations like Rwanda. The SANDF must be restored to a state of readiness that allows it to defend South Africa’s interests and uphold its responsibilities as a regional power.
The public exchange between Ramaphosa and Kagame should serve as a wake-up call. It is a reminder that South Africa’s military decline is not just a domestic issue but a matter of national security and international standing. The killing of the 13 peacekeepers is a tragedy, but it must also be a catalyst for change.
Conclusion
The SANDF’s current state is a reflection of broader challenges facing South Africa, a lack of investment, poor leadership, and a failure to prioritise national security. The standoff with Rwanda and the DRC conflict have exposed these weaknesses and highlighted the urgent need for reform.
South Africa has the potential to rebuild its military and reclaim its role as a continental leader, but this will require bold action and a long-term commitment. The stakes are high, and the consequences of inaction are dire. The question is not just whether the SANDF can take on a force like Rwanda’s but whether South Africa is willing to do what it takes to ensure that it never has to face such a challenge unprepared.
The time for excuses is over. The time for action is now.
(Dube is a political economist, businessman, and social commentator on Ukhozi FM. His views don't necessarily represent those of the Sunday Tribune, Independent Media or IOL)