Media Statement: Gap Between Morale Survey and Experience on the Ground Concerns Joint Defence Committee

Parliament, Friday, 7 November 2025 - The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has expressed concern over the gap between the observation of Members of Parliament on the ground during oversight visits and the findings of the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) 2024/25 Defence Morale Survey.

Following a briefing from the Ministry of Defence and senior SANDF management, the committee welcomed the steady improvement reflected in the 2024/25 survey compared to previous years. However, the committee emphasised that these results do not fully reflect the lived experiences of soldiers as observed by Members during their oversight activities.

"While we note and welcome the steady improvement in the results achieved in the 2024/25 financial year as compared to previous periods, it is important to highlight that the discrepancy between what we encounter in our daily oversight process is not reflected in the report," said Mr Phiroane Phala, Co-Chairperson of the committee.

"Although this is not intended to question the legitimacy of the report, we urge the SANDF management to utilise the survey as a tool to close the gap between the report and the lived experiences of soldiers," he added.

The committee noted that the availability of resources received the lowest rating in the survey, 2.6, and highlighted this as a critical issue directly linked to the ongoing budget reductions faced by the SANDF. Members expressed concern that these financial constraints are having a severe impact on the operational functionality of the defence force.

While acknowledging the broader fiscal pressures affecting the state, the committee stressed that critical operational needs, such availability of critical capability, the provision of uniforms and essential supplies, must remain a top priority. The committee further urged the SANDF to develop clear, actionable plans to address morale challenges within the scope of the available resource shortages.

The committee said the report must not gather dust but should be interrogated and used as a benchmark for future studies.

In conclusion, the committee reaffirmed the need to reconsider the defence budget allocation in line with international norms and standards, emphasising that the morale of the SANDF is vital to its ability to fulfil its constitutional obligations.

"The morale of the SANDF cannot be ignored, as it has a direct impact on national security," Mr Phala stressed.

ISSUED BY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR PHIROANE PHALA

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