Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced that R5 billion will be allocated to the financially strained SANDF so that it can carry out its deployment of troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“In this budget, we have also made a provision to replenish funding for our security functions and peacekeeping commitments. R9.4 billion is allocated to fund the defence force and correctional services,” Godongwana said while delivering his reworked budget speech at the National Assembly, in Cape Town on Wednesday.

“Over the medium term, R5 billion has been allocated to the Department of Defence to support South Africa’s participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to supplement existing peacekeeping activities,” he added.

Godongwana’s address comes after a delay last month due to conflicts within the Government of National Unity (GNU), with parties failing to reach a consensus on the proposed VAT hike.

He said they will continue working with the Department of Defence on ways to change the composition of expenditure to modernise the defence force.

The allocation comes after the SANDF faced scrutiny following the deaths of 14 soldiers in the DRC, killed by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group in January.

Critics said that the troops were not fully prepared for the deployment due to a shortage of equipment and ammunition.

However, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has denied the claims, stating that the troops in the DRC are well equipped for peacekeeping operations.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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