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The Democratic Alliance has formally requested the Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence to allow members of the committee an opportunity to question the Minister of Defence and Chief of the South African National Defence Force about the SA Army’s insensitive and tone-deaf plan to host a Golf Day on 4 April.

It has now been three weeks since the DA called on the Minister of Defence to halt the ill-conceived SA Army Golf Day in light of the South African National Defence Force crisis and the uncertain situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

One would expect that in a time of crisis when soldiers are held hostage, confined to their base and conflict is escalating, the Minister would have the decency to at least acknowledge the concerns raised. But instead, her office remains as quiet as a deserted golf course at midnight.

The SANDF itself has shown remarkable audacity. In an almost comical twist, they are out cap in hand, soliciting sponsorships from the very Defence Industry that is being throttled by the government’s own bureaucratic incompetence.

The National Conventional Arms Control Committee (NCACC) and the Directorate for Conventional Arms Control (DCAC) have practically paralysed the industry by failing to issue permits on time. Yet, somehow, the Army expects this same struggling sector to bankroll their leisurely day on the greens.

We reiterate our call: The Minister must break this deafening silence, respond to the DA’s formal communication, and, most importantly, put an immediate stop to this absurd Golf Day.

The DA will not be deterred by the Minister’s refusal to respond. We will continue to demand answers, accountability, and, most importantly, a Defence Force that prioritises its duties over golf.

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