Dear Editor
The Democratic Alliance (DA) is alarmed by credible reports indicating that several military radar systems at key strategic sites are inactive, presenting a serious threat to national security.
South African Air Force bases in Makhado, Langebaanweg, and Overberg are reportedly operating without radar approach systems due to equipment failures and a lack of financial resources. These radar systems are essential for maintaining South Africa’s control over its airspace.
The absence of functioning radar significantly weakens our ability to detect unauthorised aircraft, drones, and potential hostile incursions. It also compromises aviation safety and limits our armed forces’ capacity to respond effectively to airspace threats.
Without proper radar systems, our pilots are forced to fly with limited situational awareness, putting both personnel and operations at risk.
The situation is equally dire at sea. South Africa’s maritime surveillance and patrol capabilities have collapsed, leaving large areas of coastal waters unmonitored.
This opens the door to illegal activities, including smuggling, piracy, and illegal fishing. The reduced naval fleet and outdated surveillance systems further erode our ability to protect marine resources and enforce territorial sovereignty.
The decline of South Africa’s defence posture, both in the air and at sea, is undeniable.
This deterioration is symptomatic of a broader decline in the SANDF, where the air, ground, and naval forces have been weakened by budget cuts, political neglect, and poor maintenance.
The DA calls on Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to urgently address these lapses in national security. We will be submitting parliamentary questions to fully understand the extent of the radar and surveillance failures and demand details on any plans to restore operational readiness to our defence forces.
South Africa cannot afford to leave its skies and seas vulnerable.
Regards
Chris Hattingh MP
DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans