The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has rejected claims made by a man in a viral TikTok video, believed to be a soldier, alleging manipulation within the military and the use of weak weapons by its troops.

In the 10-minute video, posted by TikTok user @chosenprogressa, a man, dressed in military uniform, claims the SANDF has been politically manipulated since 1994.

He also alleged that soldiers are limited in their ability to express opinions or improve the force.

They A look through the TikTok profile shows that in most of the videos, the man is seen wearing military uniform and is believed to be an SANDF member.

He alleged that the creeds for warrant officers, officers, and non-commissioned officers were changed to restrict open thinking and transformation within the SANDF. 

According to him, promotions were used to silence dissent through minor financial incentives.

“Whenever the order comes from above, it is just taken as so,” he said in the video, recorded in what appeared to be a bushy field. 

“The creed has been initiated to ensure that those powerful people who should question or condemn it are unable to do so.”

The man further claimed that the SANDF’s subordination to political control after 1994 was a deliberate attempt to weaken its independence, making it more politically structured and less capable of protecting the country.

He alleged that soldiers are only allowed to use the SAR rifle, which he described as “the weakest weapon ever,” and that they are not trained to use more powerful firearms such as the AK-47. 

He argued that this has left the force unable to defend the country effectively.

“The manipulation of security was created in such a way that civilian security companies – often owned or linked to political elites – have become the real security power,” he claimed. 

“These companies are used to move illegal resources in and out of the country without the defence force’s interference.”

The man also criticised poor pay and limited resources, saying they leave soldiers vulnerable to corruption. 

NB : VIDEO LINK Kindly make it live : https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSUVVs8pp/

He claimed the SANDF’s structure shifted from a “force” to a “service” model, weakening its authority and focus on defence.

He added that most powerful weapons are now owned by private security companies and taxi associations, some of which, he alleged, are foreign-owned but fronted by South Africans.

The TikTok user said he has written a book titled “Last Hope: Disappointed in the SANDF”, which he hopes to publish as a “rectification plan” for restoring the defence force’s integrity and independence.

However, the SANDF responded by dismissing the video’s claims as false, saying in a brief statement, “Alert fake news.”

The SANDF did not state whether the man is currently employed by the defence force or not.

The SANDF has long faced criticism over inadequate funding and poor resourcing. 

Last month, the Public Servants Association (PSA) expressed outrage over reports that the Defence and Military Veterans Ministry spent more than R20 million on travel expenses, including 22 questionable trips by the minister and her deputies.

The PSA said it was “illogical” for the ministry to prioritise travel over providing basic resources for soldiers who risk their lives for national security.

Lieutenant-General Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha has also voiced frustration over the SANDF’s lack of capacity, previously describing it as a “Mickey Mouse defence force” during a funeral for Staff Sergeant Ishmael Molahlehi in the Free State earlier this year.

“South African borders are porous because you, the politicians, have decided you want a Mickey Mouse defence force,” Maphaha said at the time.

He warned that South Africa’s borders remain unprotected, leaving the country vulnerable. Maphaha added that as a regional leader, South Africa could not maintain its status as Africa’s “big brother” without a well-equipped military.

“You cannot be a big brother if you are unable to wield a stick that will make people afraid,” he said.

Maphaha later apologised for his remarks, and Defence Committee Chairperson Dakota Legoete accepted the apology.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL News

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