Defence Minister Angie Motshekga responded to parliamentary questions on the delays in filling key positions within the Defence Department. During a recent parliamentary session, Motshekga provided a detailed timeline for the recruitment process of several posts that have remained vacant for years. However, she did not address the position of Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), despite questions from MK Party MP Sipho Mbatha about the prolonged vacancy.

Timeline for Key Positions

Motshekga explained that the recruitment for the post of Secretary of Defence, which has been held on an acting basis by Thobekile Gamede since December 2022, was initially advertised with a closing date of December 6, 2024. However, the process was delayed due to administrative challenges, leading to the decision to re-advertise the post with a new closing date of December 12, 2025.

The memorandum to obtain Cabinet concurrence for the re-advertised position was submitted to Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi on February 18. Motshekga stated that the intention is to fill the post as soon as Cabinet approval is granted. She also mentioned that the Cabinet memorandum for the post is expected to be submitted no later than May 29.

Regarding the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) post, Motshekga said that the shortlisting process did not proceed after it was decided that the Public Service and Administration Department needed to re-evaluate the initial . The position was re-advertised on March 13 with a closing date of April 3. Selection and interviews are scheduled to be completed before the end of April.

Delays in SANDF Chief Appointment

The position of Chief of the Defence Reserves has also remained vacant since 2021, currently held on an acting basis by retired brigadier-general Zoleka Nyabo. Motshekga stated that the SANDF is in the process of identifying a suitable candidate for the position at the rank of major-general. She noted that there are already candidates under consideration, but the exact appointment date will be confirmed once additional names are finalized.

Despite Mbatha’s repeated questions about the delay in filling the Chief of SANDF post, Motshekga did not comment on the absence of a permanent appointee. Mbatha had pointed out that the current Chief of SANDF, General Rudzani Maphanywa, has been in office for five years beyond the retirement age of 60. Maphanywa is reportedly 65 years old, and his extended tenure has raised concerns about the legal and procedural basis for his continued service.

Democratic Alliance MP Chris Hattingh recently highlighted that extending a military officer beyond the retirement age requires a formal, lawful, and time-bound process. He emphasized that such an extension must be properly authorized and disclosed to Parliament, a disclosure that has not yet occurred.

Controversy Over Maphanywa’s Tenure

Maphanywa has been at the center of controversy following reports that he pledged military and political support for Iran. During an official visit, he met with several high-ranking Iranian military officials. According to the Iranian newspaper Tehran Times, Maphanywa stated that South Africa and Iran share common goals and stand alongside the oppressed and defenseless people of the world.

Maphanywa reportedly criticized Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and pledged support for the Palestinian cause. These statements have drawn attention and raised questions about the alignment of the SANDF with international policies and the implications for South Africa’s foreign relations.

The prolonged absence of a Chief of SANDF and the extended tenure of Maphanywa have sparked concerns about the stability and leadership within the Defence Department. Critics argue that the delays in appointing key officials could affect the operational readiness and strategic direction of the SANDF.

Motshekga’s timeline for filling vacancies is seen as a step toward resolving the backlog of unoccupied posts. However, the lack of clarity regarding the SANDF chief position continues to be a point of contention. The situation is expected to remain under scrutiny as the government moves forward with its recruitment processes and as the Public Service and Administration Department reviews the necessary procedures for key appointments.