COSATU welcomes govt’s decision to cut Armed Forces Day parade budget

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed government’s decision to cut the defence force day parade budget by R200 million, calling the initial amount excessive and wasteful.

The event, underway in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, had its budget revised from R372 million to R172 million.

COSATU said this reduction followed its call for a critical review and praised the Ministry of Defence and the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for responding.

The trade union federation also highlighted ongoing challenges within the defence force, including unpaid service providers, reduced supplies, grounded aircraft and insufficient training hours.

COSATU has raised concerns about corruption and mismanagement at the SANDF, urging a thorough review of spending.

The union’s Matthew Parks said the national budget, due to be tabled in Parliament on Wednesday, must prioritise restoring proper funding, tackling corruption and ensuring soldiers receive adequate equipment and support.

“The budget must ensure that our soldiers receive three meals daily, live in decent barracks, receive their training and equipment, have working vehicles and that all monies owed to service providers are paid.”

COSATU said the SANDF has continued to satisfy its mission when called on since 1994 and its members deserve support.

RAMAPHOSA ADDRESSING DELEGATES

President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed those attending Armed Forces Day celebrations in the Vhembe District and Thulamela Local Municipality.

The day honours the courage of men and women serving in the SANDF, while remembering the more than 600 South African troops who died during the sinking of the SS Mendi in February 1917 en route to France in the First World War - one of the country’s most solemn military tragedies.

Ramaphosa has laid a wreath at the newly unveiled memorial wall at the Thohoyandou Library along the R524 Phunda Maria Road.

The wall pays tribute to fallen SANDF members, including 14 South African soldiers killed in 2025 during conflict between M23 rebels and government forces in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Since its inception in 2013, Armed Forces Day has been commemorated across all nine provinces to strengthen public understanding and appreciation of the SANDF, with 2026’s event continuing efforts to reach rural and outlying communities.

“We are gathered here in Bembe District to honour our men and women in uniform, the patriotic soldiers, the sailors and airmen and women, who for, 32 years, have stood in defence of our democracy, our country and our people.”