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The DA strongly condemns the SANDF’s latest display of arrogance and detachment from operational reality – yet another Special Forces Golf Day, this time scheduled for 30 May 2025 at Copperleaf Golf Club.

At a time when the SANDF is still mourning the loss of soldiers killed in action in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), this event is a tone-deaf indulgence.

We call on Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to immediately commit, in public and in Parliament, that should this event proceed, every cent of the proceeds must be declared, ring-fenced, and held in trust for the exclusive benefit of the families of the troops who paid the ultimate price in service of their country.

The event’s official pamphlet provides that this extravaganza includes catered prize dinners, goodie bags, luxury SWAGG shirts and caps, branded waterholes and corporate sponsorship packages costing as much as R142 000 for apparel alone.

The golf day is hosted to ostensibly “build esprit de corps” and “promote the image of the SANDF.” The only image currently associated with the SANDF is that of a department that struggles to identify its priorities in the face of years of budget cuts and who abandoned its troops in a warzone while its leadership perfects their golf swing, rides in luxury Audis, and hosts catered socials - all while the Minister of Defence misses crucial Parliamentary meetings to attend pageantry events in Russia.

The SANDF’s audacity to reach out to the hamstrung Defence Industry for sponsorships and donations are as perplexing. This is the same industry being crippled by the very institutions under Minister Motshekga and Minister in the Presidency, Minister Ntshavheni’s watch - the NCACC and DCAC - who are unable to issue export permits timeously, costing South Africa billions in lost revenue. Yet, the SANDF justifies asking the private sector for donations while failing to meet its own basic responsibilities.

Issued by Nicholas Gotsell MP - DA NCOP Member on Security & Justice