Key Takeaways:
- The South African Navy’s frigates and submarines require mid-life maintenance programs, known as refits, which will cost billions of rands.
- The country’s defence budget is currently R57 billion, with only 0.7% of the GDP allocated to defence.
- The Navy has three frigates and four submarines that require refits, with the oldest vessel being over 18 years old.
- The cost of refitting all frigates and submarines is estimated to be around R8.5 billion.
- The Navy’s hours at sea have decreased by 49% since 2012/13, with only one frigate currently in operation.
Introduction to the Crisis
The South African Navy is facing a significant crisis, with its frigates and submarines in dire need of mid-life maintenance programs, known as refits. The cost of these refits is estimated to be in the billions of rands, with some official estimates as high as R8.5 billion. However, with the country’s defence budget currently standing at R57 billion, and only 0.7% of the GDP allocated to defence, it seems unlikely that the Navy will receive the funding it needs to bring its vessels back into operation anytime soon.
The State of the Navy’s Vessels
The South African Navy has three frigates and four submarines that require refits. The frigates, known as the Valour-class, were built for speed and agility and have been in operation for over 18 years. The oldest of these vessels, the SAS Amatola, was launched in June 2002 and commissioned in February 2006. The other three frigates, the SAS Isandlwana, SAS Spioenkop, and SAS Mendi, were built by German companies and commissioned between 2006 and 2007. The SAS Amatola received a partial refit in 2015, but the other three vessels are still in need of maintenance. The SAS Isandlwana is currently undergoing a refit, which is due for completion in early 2026, at a cost of just over R600 million.
The Cost of Refits
The cost of refitting all of the Navy’s frigates and submarines is estimated to be around R8.5 billion. This is a significant amount, and it is unclear where the funding will come from. The National Treasury has ring-fenced R1.4 billion for the refitting of the Navy’s two submarines, the SAS Charlotte Maxeke and SAS Queen Modjadji 1, but this is only a fraction of the total cost. The Navy’s chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, has voiced his frustrations about the lack of funding, stating that the Navy needs a stronger and more well-resourced defence force to effectively address both internal and external threats.
The Consequences of Inaction
The lack of funding for the Navy’s refits has significant consequences. The Navy’s hours at sea have decreased by 49% since 2012/13, with only one frigate currently in operation. This has left the country’s waters vulnerable to threats such as piracy and drug smuggling. The Navy’s inability to patrol its waters effectively has also had a negative impact on the country’s economy, with the loss of revenue from fishing and other maritime activities. Dr Moses Khanyile, director of the Centre for Military Studies at Stellenbosch University, has called for increased investment in research and development within local defence industries to ensure that the country does not remain vulnerable.
The Response from Government
The Navy’s chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, has faced backlash from the government for speaking out about the lack of funding. The chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Dakota Legoete, stated that Lobese should not express his funding frustrations on public platforms. Defence Minister Angie Motshekga also criticized Lobese’s comments, stating that they were "not only inappropriate, disingenuous and unfortunate" and that she would be taking "appropriate steps to deal with this unfortunate outburst". However, Lobese’s comments have highlighted the need for increased funding for the Navy and the importance of a strong and well-resourced defence force for the country’s security and economy.
