Makhanda, South Africa — A project intended to construct a perimeter fence around a military training area linked to civilian casualties from unexploded ordnance has stalled due to insufficient funding. This military zone, part of the South African Army’s 6 SA Infantry Battalion, has already seen six civilian fatalities related to leftover munitions, underscoring the urgent need for protective measures.
The situation reflects broader issues plaguing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), particularly concerning encroaching informal settlements around military bases. This encroachment poses significant challenges to national security, operational readiness, and community safety, as highlighted during recent discussions in Parliament. Rear Admiral David Mkhonto, the Chief of Logistics for the Department of Defence (DoD), described the matter as a critical concern that requires immediate attention.
The tragic death of a trespasser collecting scrap metal in September reignited calls for action from lawmakers across party lines. Members of Parliament, including Chris Hattingh from the Democratic Alliance (DA), criticized the ongoing deferrals of addressing safety issues at the Makhanda base. Hattingh pointed out that the funding shortfall should not be used as an excuse, noting that the need for a fence has been recognized since 2021.
Public frustration is mounting as both military and civilian lives remain at risk. Reports indicate that missing, broken, or stolen sections of fencing around the 7,000-hectare site have allowed unauthorized access to areas where live ammunition is used. Hattingh emphasized the repeated warnings from Parliament about the dangers posed by these unsecured zones, yet no remedial action has yet been taken.
Tragic incidents resulting from unexploded ordnance date back decades. In 1998, two children were killed; in 2005, a mortar explosion claimed three lives, including that of a five-year-old boy. In 2021, a scrap-metal collector lost both legs in a grenade explosion, and just last month, another collector was killed on the base itself.
Hattingh condemned the lack of progress in addressing these ongoing dangers, describing it as a failure of leadership at multiple levels. He called for immediate action, including the installation of secure perimeter fencing across all military bases in the country and the clearance of dangerous items from training areas. The DA aims to ensure accountability by seeking regular updates on safety initiatives from the DoD.
Support for urgent intervention is echoed by Carl Niehaus from the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), who raised the issue of the missing fence during parliamentary proceedings. The current Defence Minister, Angie Motshekga, confirmed that while the perimeter fence project was proposed, its execution has been hindered by financial constraints. Similar sentiments have been voiced by the SANDF’s Directorate Corporate Communication, indicating that resource limitations have delayed implementation.
As civilian lives continue to hang in the balance, pressure is mounting on government officials to secure funding and prioritize safety measures in military training areas. Lawmakers are calling for systematic investigations into the delays and a collaborative effort with local communities to enhance safety and prevent further tragedies.