In a major border security operation, the Border Management Authority (BMA), working in close coordination with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has intercepted more than 20 minors aged between 5 and 17 years near the Beitbridge port of entry along the Limpopo River. Officials believe the children were en route from South Africa to Zimbabwe without lawful supervision. The interception occurred during routine border safeguarding patrols focused on preventing illegal crossings and protecting vulnerable groups. Alongside the minors…

The South African National Defence Force has raised concern about the ongoing illegal use of its patented camouflage uniform by civilians. The military said it has noted with alarm the growing number of people using SANDF combat dress to commit crimes and mislead communities. In a statement on Wednesday, the SANDF said the camouflage uniform is a registered item reserved only for authorised members of the defence force and honorary members who have been formally appointed by the Chief of…

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has raised the alarm over what it calls a “deliberate disregard” for parliamentary oversight by two key Cabinet ministers, warning that their failure to account threatens South Africa’s already fragile defence capability. In a letter sent to National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza on Monday, the EFF accused Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga and Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of repeatedly failing to attend scheduled committee meetings, despite the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)…

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has moved to quell mounting speculation over its Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, following claims that he had defied Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga. In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, the SANDF dismissed the allegations as “incorrect, misleading and irresponsible,” stressing that General Maphwanya continues to operate within the bounds of military protocol and remains fully accountable to the Minister. Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Prince Tshabalala, Director of Defence Corporate…

Parliament has been thrown into a storm after South Africa’s top soldier, General Rudzani Maphwanya, made controversial remarks during his recent visit to Iran – comments that have forced both the Presidency and the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) to distance themselves from him. The incident, which is now the subject of a joint parliamentary inquiry, has exposed serious cracks between South Africa’s defence leadership and its official foreign policy, raising concerns about the country’s image abroad. How…

Limpopo – A South African National Defence Force (SANDF) member has died after elephants trampled him to death while on a farm in Musina, Limpopo. SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala said Private Xavier Raynard, a member of the 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, died at Esme Four ZZ2 farm on Sunday night. He was deployed under Operation Corona, and was found dead near the SANDF base. His service weapon was recovered at the scene. “Early indications suggest that he may have been fatally…

A fierce political row has erupted in Parliament after Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) MP Carl Niehaus accused Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana of betraying national security and undermining President Cyril Ramaphosa’s pledge to increase Defence spending to 1.5% of South Africa’s GDP. Niehaus, known for his fiery rhetoric and sharp critique of the ruling ANC, submitted a written parliamentary question on 13 June 2025, seeking clarity on whether National Treasury was committed to implementing the President’s pronouncement made during Armed Forces…

Families across South Africa are eagerly awaiting the return of their husbands and sons who have been serving in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC). The South Africa National Defence Force (SANDF) is currently in the process of phasing back its soldiers after months of service in the conflict-stricken DRC. On Friday, 13 June 2025, the first batch of 249 soldiers landed at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Pretoria.…

Bloemfontein — South Africa has commenced the process of withdrawing its troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), following their peacekeeping deployment under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. The first group of 249 soldiers is expected back in South Africa shortly, although logistical and technical challenges have caused delays. The withdrawal, announced by Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga on May 4, 2025, follows substantial diplomatic efforts and progress in stabilising the Goma and…

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released the names of the 14 soldiers who died during a confrontation with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).  These soldiers were part of the SANDF troops deployed to the DRC as part of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). In a media statement on February 1, the SANDF said the soldiers “displayed extraordinary courage…