The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans has signaled its backing for an independent investigative task team to address long-standing governance deficiencies, recurring adverse audit outcomes, and accountability lapses within South Africa’s defence establishment.
Dakota Legoete, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee, confirmed that members have reached sufficient consensus regarding the formation of such a body, responding to a public appeal by Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa for an independent examination of systemic issues.
Legoete clarified that, in accordance with South Africa’s constitutional framework separating powers among branches of government, the legislative arm cannot instruct the executive to establish such a mechanism. However, the committee retains its constitutional oversight function under Section 55 to monitor any initiative funded by public resources. “If the executive, through a cabinet decision or ministerial directive, proposes such a body, they are at liberty to do so,” Legoete explained, adding that Parliament’s role is to ensure accountability for taxpayer expenditure.
Audit findings from the Auditor-General concerning the department extend as far back as 2006, with numerous corrective action plans repeatedly unfulfilled. Legoete noted that the committee has formally communicated these concerns to the executive on multiple occasions and maintains a documented portfolio of correspondence with relevant authorities regarding issues flagged by the Auditor-General and other Chapter 9 and Chapter 10 state institutions.
Particular concern was raised regarding a court order requiring the Department of Military Veterans to finalize data-based verification of all military veterans—especially those from non-statutory forces prior to the 1994 integration—to guarantee timely delivery of entitled benefits. Compounding these service delivery challenges, the committee highlighted irregular and wasteful expenditure amounting to multiple billions of rands requiring urgent remediation.
While the portfolio committee does not possess investigative or prosecutorial powers, Legoete confirmed that matters suggesting potential criminal conduct have been formally referred to appropriate state law enforcement bodies. These include the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (Hawks), the Special Investigating Unit (SIU), the South African Police Service, the Auditor-General of South Africa, and the National Prosecuting Authority. The committee anticipates receiving progress reports on arrests, prosecutions, and sentencing outcomes.
Legoete underscored the strategic importance of preserving integrity within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). “The National Defence Force is the first line of defense and the last line of defense. If we fail as the National Defence Force, it means the whole nation will fail,” Legoete stated. Given the SANDF’s mandate over territorial integrity, national sovereignty, and sensitive security matters—including oversight of weapons of mass destruction—the committee emphasized that the institution must remain dedicated to patriotic service, not compromised by criminal elements.
The committee is currently awaiting the formal terms of reference, scope of authority, and cabinet resolution required to establish the proposed independent task team. Until such structures are formalized, the portfolio committee will continue its constitutional oversight role and maintain referrals of suspected misconduct to relevant enforcement agencies.
Legoete reaffirmed that any member of the defence force found engaging in corrupt practices—such as accepting bribes, facilitating fraudulent citizenship, or compromising border security—would be disavowed by the institution. “The National Defence Force is not a haven for criminals. It is a haven for patriots, men and women who are ready at any time to take a bullet for their country,” Legoete concluded.