The Democratic Alliance (DA) is firmly defending its position following criticism from Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and the ANC regarding R813 million in allowances allocated to South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members.
Earlier this week, DA Member of Parliament Nicholas Gotsell accused the Joint Standing Committee on Defence’s co-chairperson, Malusi Gigaba, of protecting Minister Motshekga from providing accountability on the substantial allowance payments for SANDF personnel deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Gotsell claimed that Gigaba blocked efforts to summon Motshekga, who has remained silent on the issue of the unaccounted funds.
Initially, Gigaba had agreed to request clarification from the Minister but later reversed this decision, preventing the committee from taking further action. This move came shortly after Motshekga publicly criticised the DA’s oversight efforts, prompting the party to escalate the matter to the National Assembly’s leadership.
In response, Gigaba dismissed Gotsell’s accusations as unfounded and illogical, emphasising that committee decisions are made collectively and through consensus rather than unilaterally by the chairperson. He pointed out that the committee had engaged in discussions following the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers in the DRC and had agreed to present a comprehensive report on the deployment once the withdrawal from the conflict zone was completed.
Due to an unusually complex budget process this year, the committee had to postpone its meetings, but Gigaba assured that the commitment to thoroughly review the DRC deployment remains intact. He described Gotsell’s claims as counterproductive and lacking in substance.
Supporting Gigaba’s stance, ANC study group member Thokozile Sokhanyile criticised Gotsell’s assertions as disconnected from the facts. She highlighted that the committee’s work is guided by transparency, oversight, and collective decision-making, with scheduling adjustments necessary to accommodate parliamentary processes.
Minister Motshekga also defended her record, noting her consistent engagement with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and other oversight bodies. She explained that conflicting schedules with Cabinet and cluster meetings sometimes prevent her attendance but stressed that proper representation is always ensured. Motshekga expressed regret that her commitment to accountability is being misrepresented for political gain.
Despite these responses, Gotsell maintained that Motshekga has largely avoided parliamentary scrutiny. He argued that her infrequent attendance, coupled with Gigaba’s protection, has stalled urgent accountability regarding the allowances. He characterised her absence not merely as a scheduling conflict but as a failure to fulfil her duties.
The DA has formally written to Parliament’s presiding officers, urging the immediate convening of a committee meeting where Motshekga can provide a full explanation of the R813 million, which SANDF’s chief of joint operations indicated in May was being held pending the troops’ return. Gotsell insisted the committee must act swiftly to uncover the truth behind the missing funds, uphold its oversight responsibilities, and ensure that the deployed troops receive the transparency and answers they deserve.
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