‘The ANC has collapsed the army’ - Malema lambasts DRC deployment
EFF leader Julius Malema echoed concerns that the SANDF is under-resourced.
The concerns come amid the deployment of nearly 3,000 South African soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking at a press briefing in Johannesburg on Thursday, Malema criticised the DRC deployment.
“It’s out of order and must be withdrawn with immediate effect. Not that South Africa is not supposed to deploy to the DRC; we support deployment to the DRC and being in the forefront; we just don’t have an army…
“The ANC has collapsed the army.”
On Thursday, the defence force confirmed a mortar strike at the army's base in the DRC killed two soldiers and left three others wounded.
READ: Two South African soldiers killed on DR Congo mission
The soldiers were deployed in December to assist the DRC government in fighting M23 rebels and restore peace.
Earlier this month, two SANDF soldiers were injured in an attack in the DRC.
The South African Defence Union’s Pikkie Greef says experts have expressed concern that South African soldiers are vulnerable to attack because of a lack of resources.
The South African army has been rocked by budget cuts and reports of poor maintenance of aircraft and other equipment.
“It is quite clear that the sooner our soldiers get this kind of air support, the quicker these attacks will be deterred, and the attackers be dealt with,” he said.
In its election manifesto, which it launched in KwaZulu-Natal at the weekend, the EFF says it will capacitate the army through training and provision of the necessary equipment.
“We will finance the army and make sure that it’s properly trained, and the necessary equipment needed for the success of the army is provided,” said Malema.
Meanwhile, speaking in parliament during a response to the SONA debate, President Cyril Ramaphosa conveyed his condolences to the families of the slain soldiers.
“We support our defence force personnel who brave great dangers to make Africa a more peaceful, stable continent. That is what we applaud them for, and we dip our heads for those who may have been injured and those who have fallen.”
Ramaphosa said South Africa will continue to contribute to peace missions in Africa.
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