The SANDF is struggling with budget cuts, poor leadership, and outdated equipment, leaving South Africa vulnerable to security threats, experts warn. The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) requires strong political leadership, management and willpower to address its challenges. This is the view of independent defence analyst Kobus Marais in response to lieutenant-general Ntshavheni Maphaha criticising the government for running what he termed a “Mickey Mouse” defence force. Maphaha accused it of trying to play a “Big Brother” role in Africa, while failing to secure its own borders. SANDF playing a ‘Big Brother’ role in Africa – Maphaha “They must be seen and perceived to take the lead in a very practical and pragmatic way,” Marais said. “Currently, we don’t observe any mature leadership. We have not seen any significant
