Budget Speech 2025: SANDF receives R5 billion

Godongwana announces R5 billion for SANDF’s DRC deployment, part of a broader R9.4 billion budget for defence and peacekeeping.

Godongwana announced that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will receive R5 billion. image. Wikimedia Commons

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a R5 billion allocation to support the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

This forms part of his reworked budget speech delivered on Wednesday, 12 March 2025.

Background to the allocation

Godongwana explained that this allocation forms part of a larger R9.4 billion budget for defence and correctional services.

The government intends to use the funds to support South Africa’s obligations under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) peacekeeping mission in the DRC and to strengthen ongoing military operations.

“In this budget, we have also made provisions 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.

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

Regional dynamics

The announcement follows a delay in the budget speech last month, caused by internal disputes within the Government of National Unity (GNU), particularly concerning a proposed VAT hike.

The allocation comes amid growing financial pressure on the SANDF, as well as heightened scrutiny following the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the DRC in January.

The M23 rebel group, which receives support from Rwanda, attacked and killed these soldiers.

The conflict in the DRC is complex, with multiple regional actors and groups involved, further complicating peace efforts.

Political and economic considerations

While the funding allocation addresses South Africa’s international peacekeeping commitments, concerns about the long-term sustainability of such spending remain.

Many question the justification of the R5 billion commitment, given South Africa’s fiscal challenges, including a rising debt burden, persistent unemployment, and a growing fiscal deficit.

The political debate surrounding this budget allocation underscores the delicate balance between international obligations and domestic economic realities.

Godongwana on defence modernisation and anti-corruption efforts

In his speech, Godongwana also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to modernising the SANDF and strengthening efforts to combat financial crimes and corruption.

He highlighted the government’s ongoing efforts to address recommendations from the Financial Action Task Force and the State Capture Commission, with a focus on curbing money laundering and the financing of terrorism.

The R5 billion allocation for the SANDF’s DRC deployment highlights South Africa’s peacekeeping role but raises concerns about balancing military spending with domestic needs.