Remarks by Mr Phiroane Phala, Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, During the Peace and Security Cluster Media Briefing

To download Mr Phala's soundbite, click on this link: https://iono.fm/e/1657957

19 March 2026

Chairperson of the session, Mr Mothapo,
Chairpersons of Portfolio and Select Committees,
Members of the media and stakeholders

Good afternoon,
South Africa faces complex security challenges, from organised crime and illegal mining to global instability that affects our economy and security environment. In this context, the oversight role of Parliament over the South African National Defence Force becomes more important than ever.

Today, I would like to reflect on the work of the committee in ensuring that the SANDF fulfils its mandate effectively and responsibly.

The Middle East Conflict

Before I speak about our work, allow me to condemn the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. War and aggression are not the solution to disagreements. South Africa's own history has demonstrated that dialogue and engagement remain the most effective tools for resolving disputes.

The current conflict is not only causing immense humanitarian suffering but also carries significant global economic risks. These risks could negatively affect small and emerging economies, including South Africa.

Oversight of the SANDF Deployment

The South African National Defence Force has a constitutional responsibility to protect the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country. At times, it is also required to support internal security efforts when circumstances demand it. For this reason, the committee welcomed the decision by the President to deploy the SANDF to support the South African Police Service in combating illegal mining and the rise in gang-related violence.

The SANDF is a capable and professional force, and this deployment must be understood within that context. However, as legislators, our responsibility goes beyond simply welcoming such announcements. Our role is to ensure that deployments are implemented effectively, responsibly and within the framework of the law.

When the SANDF first briefed the committee, we raised concerns regarding the lack of clarity and alignment between the operational plans of the SANDF and SAPS. These concerns included issues around command and control structures, the preparedness of SANDF members to operate in civilian environments, and delays in implementing the Presidential directive. We are therefore pleased that these matters have since been clarified and that there is now greater coordination and cooperation between the SANDF and SAPS.

South Africa is facing serious criminal challenges that require coordinated action from all sectors of government. The SANDF deployment serves as an important force multiplier in this effort. However, it is equally important that clear exit strategies are developed and that the long-term response to crime also includes stronger socio-economic interventions.

The NCACC and the Defence Industry

The committee is also concerned about the infrequent meetings of the National Conventional Arms Control Committee, the body responsible for regulating the export, import and trade of conventional arms. The limited functioning of the NCACC, combined with challenges within the Directorate for Conventional Arms Control, risks undermining the growth and potential of South Africa's defence industry.

Globally, defence spending has increased significantly in recent years. This presents opportunities for the South African defence sector to grow, create jobs and contribute to the economy. However, these opportunities can only be realised if regulatory institutions function effectively and efficiently. The NCACC has a crucial responsibility to ensure that South African defence companies operate responsibly, comply with international law and meet the requirements of the National Conventional Arms Control Act.

Equally important is the need for transparency, including tabling reports in Parliament to ensure proper oversight of arms trade activities. The defence industry plays an important socio-economic role in our country, and it is essential that all stakeholders work together to remove obstacles that hinder both the industry and the SANDF from performing effectively.

Border Security and Illegal Settlements

Along South African borders, illegal settlements are developing in border areas, contributing to cross-border crime and insecurity. The Parliamentary Standing Committee undertook an oversight visit to Limpopo from the 13th to the 17th of October 2025 to assess conditions at various military bases and deployment areas. This included a visit to the border areas around Beitbridge.

The committee noted that there are several illegal crossing points, including a village called Ha-Tshirundu. Ha-Tshirundu village constitutes illegal land occupation and is reported to be a nodal point for cross-border crime. This crossing point presents similar challenges, with undocumented migrants able to cross with relative ease, particularly during periods when the river flow is low. Smugglers engage in cross-border criminal activities and make use of rafts and donkey carts to transport people and illicit goods across the border.
This is one of the key areas the committee wanted to highlight.

The committee was further informed that the 55-kilometre stretch of borderland west of the Beitbridge border is only guarded by very few military units, which are unable to effectively carry out their duties in securing the area. These challenges are not only present in Limpopo; the matter of illegal crossings and the complexity of policing or patrolling these areas have also been highlighted in previous Standing Committee oversight visits.

During the sixth Parliament, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence also visited the Vaal River border, where similar issues were observed. These are the areas where we are seeing that illegal settlement along the borders is a serious problem in this country, and we need to confront it.
Thank you