Members of Parliament have raised serious concerns about a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) survey that claimed morale among soldiers remains high.
During a briefing to Parliament on Friday, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and SANDF leadership presented findings from the latest internal survey, which assessed the sentiments of thousands of personnel.
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According to the results, most respondents rated the department positively on training and the “image of the Department of Defence as an employer.”
The department highlighted that in a military environment, strong morale helps reduce the risk of battle stress during operations and enhances overall performance. However, the survey also revealed one major concern — a negative rating regarding the availability of resources.
Committee Members Question Authenticity of Results
Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence expressed doubt over the optimistic findings, suggesting they do not align with soldiers’ real-world experiences on deployment.
Committee member Carl Niehaus voiced scepticism, saying, “The presentation we have received here today does not reflect the reality of what we encounter in the SANDF. I think there is a gap between the reality and what we as members encounter when we go on oversight visits.”
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Motshekga defended the survey, insisting it was an honest and valuable tool for the department. “That’s why I will never doubt the truthfulness of the report,” she said.
The minister further explained that assessing morale is vital for maintaining stability within the force. She noted that such evaluations help prevent possible mutinies by ensuring leadership remains aware of soldiers’ mental and emotional well-being.
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