Navy chief Lobese should be minister Angie Motshekga's least of problems

WHEN tragedy struck Mthatha in the Eastern Cape with severe flooding claiming the lives of more than 100 people earlier this year, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was nowhere to be found. 

What followed was a blame game between the SANDF and the provincial government. 

The SANDF deployed limited resources almost a week after people had been trapped in flooded homes, claiming a request came late from the provincial government.

By the time it deployed the South African Air Force (SAAF) to assist, the majority of the rescue operations were done by the Gift of the Givers and its volunteers and other local entities. 

What that incident demonstrated is the military’s lack of preparedness to respond to emergencies timeously. Forget about the alleged delayed request for assistance, surely the SANDF’s own assessment would have determined the need for its intervention. 

That is how a well-functioning military operates, it foresees danger before it strikes and acts accordingly to minimise the severity.

Part of the reason that did not happen was because our national defence force is often caught by surprise. 

Ask KwaZulu-Natal police commissioner General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi and he will provide a detailed account of how humstrung the country’s defence is. He made reference to when they needed its assistance to no avail during the deadly July 2021 unrest in that province. 

There are more examples of when the SANDF failed to respond when it was most required to. It therefore comes as a surprise that Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga would launch a scathing attack on SA Navy Chief Admiral Monde Lobese for repeating what has become public knowledge.

In fact, Motshekga should have been the first to support Lobese for decrying the continued defunding of the SANDF, especially at a time it should be effective. 

However Motshekga wants to ‘deal’ with Lobese for publicly raising concerns that threaten to further cripple the SANDF’s capability. That is ill-advised and risks silencing the very same officials entrusted with the security of our country.

Mkhwanazi showed it is possible to be transparent. Lobese deserves support not punishment for amplifying something that is already out there. 

The SANDF has bigger problems that require the minister to act with urgency. Going after admiral Lobese is to target the messenger. 

CAPE TIMES