COSATU welcomes cut to Armed Forces Day parade budget

SANDF soldiers on parade

The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) has welcomed government’s decision to reduce the budget for the Armed Forces Day parade taking place in Thohoyandou in Limpopo. The initial budget stood at R372 million and was slashed to R172 million.

[LISTEN] R175 million Armed Forces Day budget raises eyebrows

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COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator Matthew Parks says the planned budget was distasteful in light of the various economic challenges facing the country.

“The planned R372-million budget sent a painful message of insensitivity to the thousands of members of the SANDF who are struggling under some of the most extreme circumstances due to budget cuts and mismanagement. SANDF peacekeeping forces deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo lost lives because of a lack of working air support and armory. The same peacekeeping soldiers saw the SANDF pocket half of their United Nations’ allowances, adding salt to the wound.”

Democratic Alliance MP, Chris Hattingh says while Armed Forces day is a great way to honour the men and women in uniform, it shouldn’t be seen as an opportunity to overspend. pic.twitter.com/VTOtlhO3uR

— SABC News (@SABCNews) February 21, 2026