South Africa's Defence Force at 30: Navigating Challenges and Chasing Stability

This year marks a significant milestone for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), celebrating three decades of service since its establishment on April 27, 1994. Formed in the wake of apartheid, it symbolizes South Africa's constitutional democracy and unity, combining the forces of the old guard with the armies of formerly independent states and liberation movements. However, as the institution commemorates this anniversary, it does so amid growing concerns over its capabilities, budget constraints, and evolving function within both the national and international arenas.

Ranking third in Africa in terms of military strength, the SANDF plays a critical role, not only in safeguarding South Africa's territorial integrity but also in peacekeeping efforts across the continent. Over the years, its engagements have included deployments to areas like the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and northern Mozambique, reflecting the nation's commitment to regional stability and human rights.

Despite these considerable responsibilities, the SANDF has grappled with an identity crisis and a mismatch between expectations and funding. The government's post-1994 policies directed the military primarily towards protecting the nation's sovereignty. The Defence Review of 1998 and the preceding 1996 White Paper for Defence set the blueprint for a high-technology core force, poised for expansion in the face of emerging threats.

The decision to purchase new military equipment in 1998, which resulted in the infamous arms deal marred by corruption allegations, did not completely align with a defence force designed to serve a more peace-loving, post-apartheid South Africa. Such discrepancies between policy and procurement have contributed to the controversies surrounding the role and capabilities of the SANDF.

Over time, the secondary function – promoting peace and security in Africa – often became the primary one. The force engaged actively as a peacekeeper, even becoming the fifth largest troop-contributing country to UN missions, with significant involvement in the DRC since 1999. However, these extended roles have not been matched by proportional increases in budget or resources, leading to an "institutionally overstretched" military.

Budgetary cuts have starkly impacted the SANDF's operations, with a notable reduction in defence spending over the past decade, now at approximately 1% of the GDP, well below the global military expenditure average of 2.2%. These financial limitations have resulted in diminished serviceability of high-tech equipment, including Gripen fighter aircraft, frigates, and submarines. By 2023, the air force reportedly had 85% of its aircraft fleet grounded due to budget shortfalls, which starkly underlines the vulnerability and decline of the SANDF.

The repercussions of these budgetary constraints have left the navy and air force in a precarious state; with capabilities reduced so substantially that there is a proposal to downsize the air force significantly. Furthermore, these issues are compounding with the SANDF increasingly taking on roles traditionally reserved for internal security forces, such as police operations against crime and gang warfare, due to the declining capacity of police services and political motivations to use the military as a policing tool.

As the SANDF stands at this critical juncture, it must navigate the challenges of enduring financial restrictions, equipment shortages, and a shifting role that straddles international peacekeeping and local law enforcement. The paradox between its envisioned and practical functions raises urgent questions about the future configuration, utility, and sustainability of South Africa's military apparatus.