# Additional funding for South Africa’s peace missions

- Link: https://www.military.africa/2024/07/additional-funding-for-south-africas-peace-missions/
- Published: 2024-07-31T09:17:03+01:00
- Author: Sarah Lesedi

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The National Treasury has allocated more than R2 billion from the National Revenue
Fund to support the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) peace mission in
the Democratic Republic of Congo. This funding is crucial for maintaining stability
and contributing to peace in the region.

In a letter dated 12 July, Minister of Finance Enoch Godongwana authorized R2.1 
billion from the National Revenue Fund to cover the SANDF’s contribution to the 
Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo(
SAMIDRC) through Operation Thiba. The funds will be used to support SANDF personnel
and operations in the region.

Despite this much-needed funding, there are challenges within the Department of 
Defence. The finance minister highlighted overspending on employee compensation,
leading to irregular expenditure totaling R10.1 billion. Additionally, the department
incurred unauthorized expenditure of R2.9 billion in 2022/23, with a potential unapproved
expenditure of R3.5 billion in 2023/24. These figures underscore the need for sustainable
financial management.

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## Deployment in Mozambique

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga expressed gratitude for
the funding, emphasizing the importance of external deployments. She thanked Minister
of Finance Godongwana for supporting SANDF operations not only in the Democratic
Republic of Congo but also in Mozambique. The South African Development Community
Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM) will receive R750 million through Operation Vikela.

Motshekga reaffirmed the SANDF’s commitment to peace and stability on the African
continent. She quoted President Nelson Mandela, who stated 30 years ago that South
Africa must continue contributing to peace efforts. The men and women in uniform
have remained patriotic throughout these challenging times. In her defence budget
speech, Motshekga said, “some people have asked why our soldiers are deployed in
Africa, the answer is simple, and it was given 30 years ago by our first Commander-
in-chief, President Nelson Mandela.

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In a world marked by volatility and complexity, the SANDF plays a critical role 
as peacekeepers and peace-builders. Their unwavering service ensures the defense
of our country’s sovereignty and contributes to stability across all Arms of Service.

The news of additional funding coincides with the Portfolio Committee on Defence
and Military Veterans (PCDMV) calling for urgent and proper funding for the SANDF’s
deployment as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the 
Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).

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“The committee remains deeply concerned that the deployment of the SANDF, specifically
its deployment as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission
in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC) that remains unfunded,” the PCDMV
stated days before Motshekga’s budget speech.

“The report of the committee indicates that the challenges of limited funding and
lack of logistical support, continue to put the lives of members of the SANDF at
risk. The committee has identified several critical areas that need immediate attention
and that effective collaboration is essential to address funding and operational
requirements. This includes not only proposals for engagement between the DOD and
National Treasury, but also engagements within Parliament between the committee 
and other committees that include the Joint Standing Committee on Finance,” the 
Committee stated.

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