Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Bantu Holomisa has urged Parliament to establish an independent investigative task team to address what he describes as entrenched governance shortcomings, repeated adverse audit outcomes, and systemic accountability deficits within the department.
The request was formally submitted in written correspondence to the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans. Holomisa later expanded on the issues raised, emphasizing the urgency of external oversight.
According to Holomisa, the department has received adverse audit opinions from the Auditor-General for four to five consecutive years. He noted that the Auditor-General has consistently found the department’s responses to these findings inadequate, and that unresolved matters have subsequently been referred to both Parliament and the public domain.
“Since joining the department, we have observed that many of these audit queries have persisted for years without resolution,” Holomisa stated. “That is why I have suggested the establishment of a task team—to independently investigate these recurring adverse findings and the governance failures we continue to witness.”
He contextualized these concerns by referencing ongoing legal proceedings involving the department’s former minister, who remains facing serious corruption allegations, as well as the suspension of multiple senior officials. Holomisa also disclosed that the department’s internal audit committee has expressed frustration over receiving insufficient responses to its queries and lacking the necessary resources to pursue investigations.
A critical operational gap highlighted by the Deputy Minister is the presence of 27 unfilled senior management vacancies across the department, including the pivotal position of Chief Audit Executive. Holomisa underscored that the appointment of such key roles falls under the Director-General’s mandate, and questioned the prolonged delay in filling these posts given the severity of the audit challenges.
He clarified that the department has functioned under an acting Director-General for approximately three years. However, he confirmed that a new Secretary for Defence—a position equivalent in rank to DG—has recently been appointed, and that advertisements for other vacant senior roles have been issued with the expectation of timely appointments.
Holomisa stressed that any proposed task team must operate independently and be led by individuals possessing verified expertise and competence. He voiced concern that perceived managerial inadequacies have contributed to reputational damage affecting the South African National Defence Force.
“It is deeply concerning when media reports describe the defence force as corrupt or accuse it of financial misconduct,” Holomisa remarked. “The President has even signed a proclamation authorizing an investigation into corruption within the defence force. This is unacceptable. Those who serve in this profession must not be associated with corruption—I speak from experience, having served in this environment before.”
While the precise structure of the recommended task team remains under consideration, Holomisa indicated it should be composed of qualified professionals capable of conducting a thorough, impartial review.
The engagement was cut short due to unforeseen technical connectivity difficulties.