Motshekga not fazed by new defence role, says funding for dept coming
Angie Mothsekga's appointment as defence minister was one of the appointments that have been questioned by commentators due to her inexperience in the sector.
Chief Justice Raymond Zondo (left) swears in Angie Motshekga (right) as the minister of defence at the CTICC in Cape Town on 3 July 2024. Picture: GCIS
CAPE TOWN - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said she was not fazed by her new role as and was quite familiar with defence policies.
The former basic education minister also said that Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana had promised her funds to assist her department in getting the proper equipment for the country’s military.
Motshekga was sworn in on Wednesday, officially taking over as defence minister from her predecessor, Thandi Modise, who failed to make it back to Cabinet.
Mothsekga's appointment as defence minister was one of the appointments that have been questioned by commentators due to her inexperience in the sector.
But the long-serving former basic education minister said this would not be a problem for her as the new political head.
"I'm not sure if I'll have problems because my predecessor also comes from the same party that I come from, so it will be policies that I'm familiar with around issues of defence and issues of security."
Capacitating the defence force with the correct equipment will be one of Motshekga's key priorities.
"Strangely enough, the finance minister just said to me now that as soon as we are settled, there's money which has been identified and will be allocated to defence."
She said her department would meet urgently with National Treasury this week to discuss the details of the funding.