MPs cast doubt on SANDF survey that found morale among soldiers is good

Members of Parliament have cast doubt on a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) survey, which found that the level of morale among soldiers is good.

Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence questioned the high morale score, saying the reality for soldiers on the ground on deployment says otherwise.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and members of the SANDF leadership briefed Parliament on Friday about the latest survey that measured the views of thousands of respondents.

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The SANDF survey shows how most members scored the department above average on training and the "image of the department of defence as an employer."

The department says in a military context, high morale mitigates the development of battle stress for defence force members during military operations and increases their level of performance

The factor that registered a negative rating was the availability of resources.

But committee member Carl Niehaus questioned the scores and whether members were pressured.

"The presentation we have received here today does not reflect the reality of what we encounter in the SANDF. I think there is a gap between the reality and what we as members encounter when we go on oversight visits."

Motshekga defended the survey, saying it's mainly to help the department.

"That's why I will never doubt the truthfulness of the report."

Motshekga said measuring morale is important in preventing any future mutiny by soldiers.