Makhanda, South Africa — A plan to construct a perimeter fence around a military training site in the Eastern Cape has not progressed due to financial constraints, leaving the area vulnerable and residents at risk. The site, which is part of the 6 SA Infantry Battalion, has seen tragic incidents linked to unexploded ordnance, resulting in six civilian fatalities.
The issue of encroachment, particularly concerning informal settlements that border military installations, has drawn significant concern from lawmakers. During a recent parliamentary briefing, Rear Admiral David Mkhonto, Chief of Logistics for the Department of Defence, characterized this encroachment as a “significant issue” with serious implications for national security and the safety of both military personnel and local civilians.
The latest tragedy occurred in September when a trespassing scrap metal collector died after encountering unexploded munitions on the base. This incident has intensified calls for accountability and action from various political factions. Chris Hattingh, a member of the Democratic Alliance, noted that the chronic underfunding of the South African National Defence Force cannot continue to serve as an excuse for the lack of adequate security measures.
The initial request for funding to erect the fence dates back to 2021, when then-Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula highlighted the problem. Since her departure from the role, successive ministers, including Thandi Modise and the current minister, have taken over without addressing the urgent need for safety improvements.
Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha, head of the 6 SA Infantry Battalion, acknowledged the longstanding nature of the fencing issue. Reports indicate that significant portions of the barrier protecting the nearly 7,000-hectare training area are either missing, damaged, or entirely removed. Hattingh emphasized the enormous risks posed by such security lapses, underscoring that civilians can easily access areas where live ammunition is regularly discharged.
For over two decades, unexploded military ordnance has posed a deadly threat to civilians, including children. Noteworthy incidents include the deaths of two children in 1998 and the tragic death of a five-year-old boy in 2005 from a mortar explosion. In a more recent case, a scrap metal collector lost both legs after a grenade detonated in his home.
Hattingh criticized the government’s inaction following the latest fatality, asserting a profound failure of leadership and accountability within the Department of Defence. He stated that, despite understanding the grave dangers present, there has been no initiative to begin repairs or other safety measures at the Makhanda site.
In response to these concerns, the Democratic Alliance plans to advocate for a thorough intervention in Parliament. This would include implementing secure fencing at all military bases, clearing dangerous items, and investigating the prolonged delays in fence repairs. Moreover, they intend to ensure ongoing communication with local communities to bolster civilian safety.
Carl Niehaus of the Economic Freedom Fighters recently raised the issue of the missing fence in Parliament, receiving confirmation that the project remains stalled due to a lack of funding. The Department of Defence reportedly expressed its commitment to address the situation, yet emphasized that substantive progress is contingent upon securing financial resources.
Both Hattingh and Niehaus’s remarks highlight a growing urgency for comprehensive safety measures in and around military installations. As discussions continue, the fate of civilians living near the Makhanda training area remains precarious, drawing attention to the critical intersection of military oversight and community safety.