'Disingenuous': Defence Minister Motshekga slams Navy chief Lobese over SANDF budget outburst
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says she will take action over Navy chief Monde Lobese’s “inappropriate” remarks about Cabinet and drug dealers.
Image: Phill Magakoe / AFP
The Department of Defence has distanced itself from comments made by the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, who questioned whether Cabinet officials behind budget cuts to the defence force were “in the pockets of drug dealers.”
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the department said it had “noted with concern” the remarks made by Lobese during the Navy Gala Dinner over the past weekend.
“During the delivery of his speech, Vice Admiral Lobese made an unfortunate statement that cast aspersions at the leadership of government,” the department said.
The statement added that Defence Minister Angie Motshekga regarded the comments “as inappropriate, disingenuous and unfortunate” on a matter “receiving attention at all levels, starting from within the department to Parliament.”
“The Minister will be taking appropriate steps to deal with this unfortunate outburst, worse still from a senior person at his level,” the department said.
It further emphasised that Lobese’s comments “do not reflect the official position of the department.”
The controversy stems from Lobese’s weekend address, in which he warned that Cabinet’s approval of SANDF workforce cuts was tantamount to asking the Defence Force to implement “a Defence version” of what SAPS KwaZulu Natal provincial commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi once revealed to the Madlanga Commission regarding the closure of the Political Killings Task Team.
He went on to question whether decision-makers responsible for defunding the SANDF “may be directly or indirectly influenced by drug cartels, illegal traders, maritime criminals or human traffickers.”
Lobese’s comments sparked widespread discussion in defence and political circles, with many observers noting that his public criticism is rare for a serving senior officer.
As of Tuesday, the Department had not indicated what “appropriate steps” would be taken against the Navy chief.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
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