South Africa’s (SA) largest labour federation, the Congress of SA Trade Unions (COSATU), has criticised government’s decision to allocate millions of Dollars to the upcoming Defence Force Day parade, arguing the funds should instead be used to address deepening challenges within the SA National Defence Force (SANDF).
About $23 million has been set aside for the parade, which is scheduled to take place next month in Limpopo province. COSATU says the expenditure is difficult to justify at a time when the SANDF is grappling with budget cuts, ageing infrastructure and operational constraints.
The federation has warned that essential areas within the defence force remain underfunded, including the maintenance of military bases and the training requirements of personnel. It argues that these pressures are undermining the SANDF’s readiness and long-term effectiveness.
COSATU Parliamentary Co-ordinator Matthew Parks said while ceremonial events such as Defence Force Day carry symbolic value, the scale of the spending raises serious concerns. He added that many barracks remain in a dilapidated state and that pilots are receiving limited flying hours, making it difficult for them to maintain their licences.
–ChannelAfrica–
