The Democratic Alliance (DA) has demanded answers following the submission of a legal complaint on behalf of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members deployed at Fort Ikapa in Goodwood, Cape Town as part of Operation Prosper.

The allegations are described as deeply disturbing — and, according to the DA, mirror conditions the party witnessed firsthand during an oversight visit to Fort Ikapa on 11 May, during which troops were found packed into a leaking hangar in the middle of a severe storm.

Promises made, promises broken

The situation stands in direct contradiction to commitments made in the 2026’27 Defence Budget Vote, in which the department claimed to have embraced the Ministerial Priority of “putting the soldier first.” This included assurances of “habitable facilities,” “well-maintained bases,” and priority support for soldiers on deployment, the political party said.

Despite repeated assurances from SANDF leadership that Operation Prosper was fully planned, fully resourced, and logistically ready, the DA contends that soldiers were deployed into conditions the SANDF’s own legal team would struggle to defend — describing the situation not as an oversight, but as systemic neglect.

Millions allocated, basic needs unmet

The contradiction is rendered more glaring by reports that approximately R823 million has been allocated to Operation Prosper. The DA has raised pointed questions about how this money is being spent, why basic accommodation, sanitation, and troop welfare appear not to be prioritised, and how the government can justify spending hundreds of millions on deployments while soldiers are sleeping in squalor.

Golf days while troops suffer

Further criticism has been directed at the SANDF’s continued focus on golf days and fundraising events, routinely marketed as being for “charity” or “communities in need,” while members of the Defence Force are themselves reportedly living under conditions that, the DA argues, require charity at home first.

The party has called on SANDF leadership to stop hiding behind public relations exercises and ceremonial rhetoric for as long as these conditions persist.

ALSO READ: SANDF concerned about the use of combat dress by civilians