South African Army chiefs spent R982,641 on a one-week trip to Russia

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, revealed that a trip by army chiefs to Russia cost taxpayers R982,641.

She shared this information in response to a Parliamentary question from National Assembly member Chris Hattingh.

Hattingh asked Motshekga for details about the official visit to Russia by Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, Chief of the South African Army.

This included the dates of the visit, who authorised it, and under what legal, policy, or departmental authority it was authorised.

He also asked for the objectives of the visit, who formed part of the South African delegation, and the cost.

Motshekga responded, saying the visit took place between 23 and 31 July 2026 and that she authorised it.

She explained that the Department of Defence Ministerial Authority submission was approved and authorised for him to visit his counterpart, who invited him.

“The visit’s aim was strengthening the current existing military-to-military cooperation, with discussions on military training,” she said.

The trip cost taxpayers R982,640.60 and included the Chief of the South African Army, the Chief of Army Force Preparation, and support staff.

She said that the South African delegation officially engaged with the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Land Forces.

“Specific areas of defence cooperation and close military collaboration were discussed with the aim of strengthening the current existing military-to-military cooperation,” she said.

Motshekga added that South Africa and Russia reached agreements on future cooperation regarding military-to-military training assistance and exchange of students.

“The tangible operational or strategic benefit from this visit by the SANDF will be the possible future training of SANDF or SA Army members,” she said.

“This will address the professional military competence and tap into the Russian Federation Army’s experience.”