| [YouTube] The SANDF today is a far cry from its former strength: holding ~71,000 personnel and operating on just 0.8% of GDP (~R56 billion), the force is plagued by underfunded operations, grounded aircraft, unserviceable ships, and crumbling infrastructure. Its stretched commitments—most recently in the DRC where SANDF troops suffered significant losses in early 2025—underscore systemic neglect and mismanagement. Critics warn that without urgent reform and investment, South Africa’s military will remain incapable of fulfilling its mandate domestically or abroad. |