Minister Motshekga slams Admiral Lobese’s ‘disingenuous’ comments on Navy budget cuts

The Defence department has distanced itself from recent remarks made by Navy Chief Vice Admiral Monde Lobese.

At the SA Navy Gala dinner on Saturday evening, Admiral Lobese said he believes the navy's operations are being deliberately undermined by budget cuts.

In response the department issued a statement saying Defence Minister Angie Motshekga regards his remarks as disingenuous and inappropriate.

It added that his remarks cast aspersions on government’s leadership.

In his address at the SA Navy Gala dinner, Lobese spoke about under-funding and incapacitation in the navy and the SANDF, saying that South Africa's maritime security is at risk due to a lack of resources. 

 The defence ministry reiterated that the views expressed by Lobese do not reflect the position of the department.

It also stated that Defence minister Angie Motshekga will be taking the appropriate steps to deal with what it calls an unfortunate outburst.

Department spokesperson Simphiwe Dlamini said "The Department of Defence has noted with concern comments made by the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese on a matter that he is fully aware that is receiving attention at all levels, starting from within the department to Parliament."

Lobese had previously voiced his frank assessment of the navy when he addressed parliament's Standing Committee of defence earlier this year.