Breathalyser test. [Interjections.]
Hon Chairperson, Minister, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, hon members of the fourth democratic Parliament, ladies and gentlemen, may I kick off my speech by congratulating my two older sisters: Mrs Nomampondomise Seti, the first-born in our family, and Mrs Pumla Ndlela, both of whom are graduating from the University of Fort Hare with a postgraduate diploma and an honours degree in human resources respectively. Well done ... maqobokazana. Kakade athi amaciko okuthetha, ningalal' endleleni yazini ukuba kunyembelekile. [... young ladies. You have done exceptionally well.] [Interjections.]
On the website of the Department of Defence and Military Veterans it says:
What constitutes military power is really the combination of technology and human skill at arms; forgetting the human element leads to military power that is potential rather than actual in nature. More importantly, focusing purely on hardware ...
- and missing out on the people aspect, and that is my addition -
... may lead strategic planners to the wrong conclusions about the threats facing their states.
What this means, in simple English, is that the army can breed its own enemies in the absence of outside threats. Most of Central and West Africa bear testimony to my assertions.
Hon Minister, recent reports suggest that plans are well afoot to close down the Langebaan military air base and relocate it to Hoedspruit up north in the country. Could you please explain the rationale behind the closure and the subsequent relocation, if these reports are at all true? If they are false, as they normally are, are you in a position to tell this House about the future of Langebaan?
I am raising the issue of Langebaan because such a decision is set to affect more or less 800 households in that area. What is even more conspicuous is the choice of Hoedspruit. Firstly, it is common knowledge that the area is mountainous and effective flying exercises can hardly be carried out there. Secondly, Hoedpsruit is in the Kruger National Park area. I do not need to remind you ... [Interjections.] You must go for a breathalyser test. [Laughter.] I do not need to remind you about the possible negative effects that this decision may have on tourism in that particular area. Most important are the negative effects this could have on the livelihoods of the communities that surround the Langebaan air base.
Having said the above, Cope welcomes the report by the Department of Defence and Military Veterans which indicates that the levels of morale are satisfactory. At least this is a true reflection of Defence. These findings were tabled to us in the committee as a result of an independent survey conducted by an outside organisation.
Again, hon Minister, allow me, on behalf of Cope, to welcome the appointment of Lieutenant Themba Matanzima as the new Military Ombudsman. We support his appointment, not because, like many other great minds in our country, he drank the sweet waters of the Tyume River in Alice, but, because, in our view, he comes to the hot seat with the experience, tenacity, level head and capacity that are required for the office. Let me hasten to caution you, though, Gen Matanzima, that the Act requires you to carry out your duties without prejudice, fear and favour.
Had we had the Military Ombudsman during the integration of both the statutory and nonstatutory forces, I am sure the many cadres who fought against apartheid would, today, not be loitering in the street or languishing in jail, and, more tragically, die paupers. Their sin was their association with the struggle against apartheid. However, this is crying over spilt milk. Gen Matanzima, the plight and the future of our men and women in uniform is on your shoulders. We will be watching you with keen interest as you discharge your duties.
It seems that there is no immediate threat, in the short and medium terms, to the sovereignty of the Republic of South Africa and her people. This is probably one of the motivating factors that National Treasury has taken into consideration in cutting the department's budget.
As you all know, it currently stands at about R38 billion in this financial year. As Cope, we submit that that is not sufficient. Something has to be done, because already we have seen a decrease in key areas, such as training capability in air defence and military health services, whilst the maritime defence allocation continues to fluctuate.
Cope, together with the rest of South Africa, would like to see a mission- ready Defence Force, whatever the circumstances, at any given time. Cope would like to support this budget, with the proviso that National Treasury give more money to Defence. [Time expired.] [Applause.]