SA Military Officers in Cuba Allegedly Pressured to Hand Over Cash Donations by Brigadier-General
- 38 South African military officers stationed in Cuba were allegedly coerced into making cash donations shortly after arriving in Havana
- Brigadier-General Mitch Ledwaba circulated a list requiring contributions tiered by rank, with senior officers expected to give over R15 000 each
- Several officers refused to pay and questioned the legality of the scheme, noting the absence of the military attaché during the meeting
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SOUTH AFRICA — A group of 38 South African National Defence Force officers attending staff courses in Cuba were allegedly pressured into making cash donations to assist local citizens, raising serious questions about the legality and oversight of the scheme.
According to News24, the donations were allegedly solicited by Brigadier-General Mitch Ledwaba of the military's personnel division, who addressed the officers shortly after their arrival in Havana. Ledwaba reportedly motivated the contributions by referencing Cuba's historical support for the ANC during the liberation struggle.
Ranked-based payments recorded on a circulating list
To formalise the collection, Ledwaba reportedly circulated a list on which officers were required to enter their names alongside their intended amounts. Though the exercise was presented as voluntary, the expected contributions were structured according to rank. Senior officers were each expected to contribute more than R15 000, while junior officers faced demands exceeding R3 000.
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The money was to be drawn directly from the dollar advances provided to cover the officers' living expenses during their year-long posting. No official documentation was provided to explain how the funds would be used or distributed, and only vague assurances of reimbursement by December were offered to those who contributed.
Officers raise concerns over legality and transparency
The request prompted significant discomfort among the group. Multiple officers declined to participate, citing doubts about whether the money would ever be returned and uncertainty about the legal standing of the arrangement.
Their unease was compounded by the absence of Brigadier-General Thembisile David Mpisane, the South African military attaché based in Cuba, from the meeting in which the donations were requested. Officers noted that prior guidance stipulated that no actions with potential diplomatic consequences for South Africa could take place without Mpisane's involvement or awareness.
The South African National Defence Force did not respond to queries regarding the matter at the time the information became available.
Source: Getty Images
Tafelsig woman accuses SANDF members of assault
In a related article, Briefly News reported on the serious allegations made by a Tafelsig mother against a South African National Defence Force member, including claims of assault on her and her son during a street confrontation. This incident has ignited a heated debate online, with many South Africans splitting their opinions on the events leading up to the altercation, illustrating the complex dynamics involved between civilians and military personnel.
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Proofreading by Tebogo Mokwena, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
