FF Plus welcomes revision of Defence Force’s maintenance contracts with Cuba

25 August 2022

The FF Plus welcomes the announcement by the Minister of Defence, Thandi Modise, that the Defence Force's controversial maintenance contracts with Cuba, which amount to millions, will be revised along with other contracts.

The Minister made the announcement in response to a parliamentary question by the FF Plus in the NCOP about the extent of the negative impact that these Cuban contracts have on the Defence Force's finances.

The FF Plus also pointed out that the Defence Force's current dilemma cannot be blamed solely on budget cuts.

Years of overspending on the Defence Force's wage bill, poor planning and misguided objectives have all contributed to the decline of a once proud military force.

At present, the Defence Force is hardly able to effectively respond to domestic, let alone foreign, threats due to a serious lack of equipment and proper preparation.

Last year's unrests serve as proof.

The ANC government's appointment of Cubans to maintain and repair military vehicles was unaffordable and irrational from the outset.

The Defence Force must end these contracts with immediate effect, and turn its attention to ensuring operational preparedness, as is required by its constitutional mandate.

South Africans deserve better than the ANC.

Issued by Fanie du Toit, FF Plus MP in NCOP, North West, 25 August 2022