South Africa's Under-Funded Military

South African Defence Minister, Ms. Lindiwe Sisulu presented the results of the review of defense policy, which states that the armed forces are not suited to the current situation and have a small budget.

One of the symbols of the armed forces of South Africa, Olifant tank, the thoroughly revised version of the archaic Centurion. By changing the vehicle fared well with the T-34/85 and T-54/55 opponents. Today, however, hardly be regarded as a modern, even in its present version 1B, which was produced as a new vehicle and not modernized in the 1990s.


The last review was conducted in 1998. Then the main problem was to adapt the armed forces to the new political situation, after elimination of apartheid, including the solution of territorial defense units, formed mainly by the white inhabitants of the country.

The current situation is very different. Recent local formations were liquidated in 2008. The armed forces fulfill the classical task, as in other countries. South African troops have been committed to peacekeeping missions, guided by the tariff to the Congo, Burundi and Sudan and fighting pirates off the coast of Mozambique.

The armed forces counted 75 thousand. soldiers, and the defense department budget is the equivalent of $ 5.4 billion, which represents only 1.2% of GDP. Minister Sisulu emphasized that these are sum sufficient. The problem is the aging of the arms and the need to replace multiple systems equipment in the near future. The biggest challenge, however, is the need to maintain the leading role of South African military in the region. If in defense spending will not increase, it will not longer possible.