Holomisa warns of escalating domestic threats, wants military to enhance SA's internal security
The Deputy Minister was taking part in the debate on the Department of Defence’s budget, tabled by Minister Angie Motshekga on Wednesday.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga (left) and Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa (right) appeared before Parliament’s Standing Committee on Accounts on 18 February 2025. Picture: Parliament/Zwelethemba Kostile
CAPE TOWN - Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, has warned of escalating domestic threats and wants the military to enhance the country’s internal security.
Holomisa also said the ease of movement across Southern African Development Community (SADC) borders into South Africa requires urgent attention.
Holomisa was taking part in the debate on the Department of Defence’s budget, tabled by Minister Angie Motshekga on Wednesday.
Motshekga raised concerns about the shrinking budget, saying it badly affects the military’s operations and planning.
READ: Motshekga tables defence budget, says dept will do more with 'little we have'
Holomisa said the defence force, like most departments, has not escaped the tentacles of state capture and corruption.
He said they were now targeting irregularities that have hampered effective governance in the defence force.
He added that another burning issue was the state of national security and growing domestic threats, including porous borders.
“Many have questioned why our soldiers are deployed on external missions while internal threats continue to escalate. In this financial year, we must in partnership with Parliament take a strategic decision on how our military can enhance internal security in line with the constitutional mandate of South Africa.”
He said part of this decision must involve a deep assessment of whether the South African National Defence Force has proper equipment and capabilities to respond to threats, including natural disasters.