President Cyril Ramaphosa Commits to Better Equipping SANDF Amid Evolving Warfare Landscape
- President Cyril Ramaphosa weighed in on the state of the South African National Defence Force and what needs to change
- The president noted that the modern warfare landscape was evolving, and thus required the army to adapt as well
- Ramaphosa made the comments on Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the more than 600 soldiers lost in the SS Mendi tragedy
Source: Getty Images
Byron Pillay, a Briefly News journalist, has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
LIMPOPO – President Cyril Ramaphosa has stated that the government is committed to equipping the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) so that it is able to properly defend the country.
President Ramphosa made the comment while delivering the keynote address at the Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on 21 February 2026.
Armed Forces Day not only honours the men and women currently serving in the SANDF but also remembers the more than 600 South African soldiers who lost their lives during the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917.
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Ramaphosa commits to equipping the defence force
During his speech, Ramaphosa, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces, noted that the SANDF was called upon to adapt to new realities.
“There has been a shift on the battlefield from traditional weaponry to high-tech autonomous and unmanned systems such as drones, digital warfare and the use of artificial intelligence,” he said.
The president noted that these changes required a defence force that was responsive, relevant and agile, saying that the military was having to adapt, but noted it came at a time when public resources are constrained.
“Given the critical importance of the SANDF to our security, sovereignty and development, additional resources have been allocated from the budget, and we will continue to allocate the necessary resources to equip the SANDF so that it can execute its task to defend the people of South Africa,” he said.
Source: Twitter
Ramaphosa praises the bravery of SANDF members
The president also used his address to applaud the bravery exhibited by members in defending the country. He said that the legacy of the SS Mendi lived on within the defence force. The ship was on its way to France, carrying soldiers to serve in the First World War, when it was struck by the SS Darro.
It sank within 20 minutes, but the final moments of those aboard continue to inspire many, as they died with courage.
“According to survivors’ accounts, the men performed what they called a final death drill – stomping their feet and chanting as the ship went down, symbolising courage and unity.
“That is the symbolism that we have in our defence force, in our soldiers and those who serve in the army, navy, air force and in the medical corps,” the president added.
Other stories about the SANDF
Briefly News reported that the SANDF has been in the headlines of late, following President Ramaphosa's State of the Nation Address.
- President Ramaphosa announced that the SANDF would be deployed to tackle gang violence in the Western Cape.
- Professor Firoz Cachalia outlined the government’s plan to tackle organised crime through the deployment of the SANDF.
- Bantu Holomisa warned criminals that there will be no more nonsense after the SANDF is officially deployed.
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Source: Briefly News
