Money can't solve all problems faced by troops on peacekeeping missions, says SANDU
The union’s Pikkie Greeff said prioritising access to equipment and maintenance remained paramount.
South African National Defence Force Soldiers: Picture Wikimedia Commons: Cpl. Jad Sleiman, US Marine Corps
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) said that the challenges faced by troops on peacekeeping missions cannot just be solved with money.
The union’s Pikkie Greeff said prioritising access to equipment and its maintenance remained paramount.
The reaction comes after Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa indicated he would ask President Cyril Ramaphosa for a budget boost for units on peacekeeping missions.
Two South African National Defence (SANDF) members were killed and 20 others injured by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in June.
This follows the deaths of three others in separate attacks this year.
Greeff said although additional funding is needed, the soldiers on the ground need much more.
“We have been clear on the fact that the defence budget is depleted and has been cut to the bone and that in such circumstances such operations become difficult, but I’m afraid it’s not just a question of throwing money at the problem. The problem is really the equipment and the backup.”