South Africa’s defence force has been in decline for some time as its budget has shrunk while its duties have changed.
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South Africa is a large peninsula on the strategic Cape sea route. Some 90% of its trade flows through its harbours. The navy defends the country’s sovereignty and national interests.
The army may help create a more stable and secure environment in the short term, but this is unlikely to result in sustainable and lasting peace.
South Africa’s famous toyi-toyi was adopted from Zimbabwean troops, who learned it in Algeria – showing the interconnected nature of Africa’s liberation struggles.
Using the military continuously in internal roles for which it is not structured, funded or trained simply speeds up its decline.
Mass hysteria and lawlessness during disasters are remarkably rare, contrary to Western Cape Premier Helen Zille’s prediction of anarchy when Cape Town’s taps run day.
South Africa’s ruling ANC has a new leader - Cyril Ramaphosa. But this doesn’t mean that the country is out of the woods. Political instability remains a real possibility.
One of the problems bedevilling South Africa’s army is being compelled to be everything to everybody. Its strategic direction is compromised by generals who pander to the whims of politicians.
South Africa’s army is in a dire situation because the government hasn’t provided sufficient funding over the past two decades, hampering its ability to fulfil its duty.
The South African military’s capabilities for socio-economic development are questionable, even in its own country. The force is in critical decline, but is expected to aid humanitarian efforts.
Top contributors
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Vice-Dean Research, Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, Stellenbosch University
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Researcher, Durban University of Technology
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Professor of Sociology, University of the Witwatersrand
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Associate Professor of Strategy, Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University
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Professor, University of Sussex
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Professor of Political Science, Department of Political Studies and Governance, University of the Free State
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Professor, University of Oxford
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Senior Professor (Emeritus) and Research Fellow, Department of History, University of the Free State
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Associate Professor in Political Studies, University of the Western Cape
