Thupeyo Muleya, Beitbridge Bureau

South Africa’s Parliament’s Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans is set to visit the Beitbridge Border post on Wednesday to inspect operations and engage with members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) deployed in the area.

The border post is a critical port of entry linking South Africa with at least seven Sadc countries by road.
The Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Dr Malusi Gigaba, said it was important for the committee to visit and engage with the deployed soldiers on the ground to understand their needs for effective border patrol.

“With South Africa facing many challenges, including our porous borders, it is vital for this committee to gain first-hand experience by interacting with our men and women stationed at the borders. We hope they will speak openly about the challenges they face and the support they require,” he said.

The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, said the collaboration between the two committees is long overdue and that attention must now be given to strengthening the country’s first line of defence.

“We have consistently called for proper funding of the defence force, but we cannot do so while sitting in air-conditioned committee rooms in Parliament. We must go out and see for ourselves what is happening on the ground,” he said.

He said it was important to observe how the SANDF and the Border Management Authority were working together in managing the borders.
Dr Legoate said both entities require adequate funding.

He said by visiting these sites, parliament can ensure that when the State allocates money, all systemic problems are identified and addressed to ensure there is effective and well-managed border system.

Members of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans are in the Limpopo Province to assess operational capabilities, challenges and morale within SANDF ranks.