NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION FOR ORAL REPLY TRANSFERRED FOR WRITTEN REPLY IN
TERMS OF RULE 228(5)

PEACE AND SECURITY CLUSTER

QUESTION NO 773

DATE 02 NOVEMBER 2023

REPLY RECOMMENDED BY:

MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS: MP

NATIONAL COUNCIL OF PROVINCES

QUESTION FOR ORAL REPLYQUESTION FOR ORAL REPLY TRANSFERRED FOR
WRITTEN REPLY IN TERMS OF RULE 228(5)

QUESTION 773

773 Mr F J Badenhorst (Western Cape: DA) to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans:

(1) Whether, with reference to the damaged military equipment as a result of the recent tragic fire at Lohatla Military Base, conducting military training exercises in April and/or May after the rainy season when the temperatures are low would be more suitable (details furnished); if not, why not?

REPLY:

Honourable Members, I wish to use this opportunity in responding to this question by paying sincerest condolences to six of our members who died in the fire at Lohatla last month, namely: Staff Sergeant Abraham Morejane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Zulu

Our Central Training Centre (CTC) constitutes the biggest training area in the southern hemisphere and offering an opportunity for the preparation, training and development of our troops up to the biggest size of various capabilities unimaginable! It is no wonder that militaries from across the world annually utilises our facility.

Our military annually conducts exercises at this facility ranging from the smallest to the biggest size. It is in this regard that Exercise Vuk'uhlome was conceptualised for the second year running, culminating in the Distinguished Visitors' Day on the 22nd November 2023.

We had an unfortunate turn of events wherein a fire broke out from outside of our facilities but sped through at a rapid speed of seventy three kilometres per hour and constantly changing direction! This is what bedevilled us as the SANDF but all measures were taken. To ensure the safety and security of our person the evacuation drills were undertaken but unfortunately some of our members did not make it out of the fire dragnet.

Honourable member in response to your question about the tragic fire incident at Lohatla, I wish to state that steps are already underway to be better prepared for such a disaster, especially given that it is a fire risky area and to make matters worse the entire sub region is affected by these climatic conditions.

The total cost of the fire outbreak is being evaluated as part of investigations. However. amongst the equipment losses incurred are as follows:

- Casspirs APC x 12,

- SAMIL Logistical Vehicles x14;

- 35mm AA Guns x 4;

- 10 Ton Trailers x 6 ,

- Water treatment plant x 1,

- Most camping equipment (tents, bedding etc),

- Various signal (radio) systems.

- Battle dress,

- Personal equipment and other equipment (850 members) and

- Level 1 Medical Facility (containerised med facility).

The Board of Inquiry (B0119/2023) will further recommend the extent of the damage caused.

The conditions of training operation are continuously reviewed, assessed and continuously adapted

The Board of Inquiry (B01 19/2023) amongst others will recommend any actions that need to be taken by the SANDF Military Command.

The short term and long term preventive measures that we will adopt are as follows:

- The SA Army will continue to grade and maintain firebreaks as well as do pre-burning in areas where shooting is going to take place:

- Grading and cleaning of areas around field bases will continue;

- Building stop walls around each brigade and battalion deployment area;

- The Fire Brigades will remain on standby and will be deployed on readiness to respond immediately and work closely with the other role-players and the broader community;

- Emergency drills will be done in all bases and members have been re-issued with camouflage uniform, camping equipment (tents, stretchers and mattresses) and units have been re-deployed in the field. Signed

(T.R. MODISE)

MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS

Issued by Parliament, 10 November 2023