The South African Navy’s limited operational capability has been scuppered in recent years. Today, only five vessels can take to the seas along our expansive coastline, and they are restricted to patrolling around our harbours. If you’re wondering, “Who needs a navy anyway?”, then you’re sorely mistaken about the force’s critical importance in other areas. Despite Minister Angie Motshekga’s claims in the National Council of Provinces this week that we are not defenceless as a nation, our senior investigative journalist, Sikonathi Mantshantsha, who wrote about the state of our maritime force, insists the minister is misguided. He takes The Lead through the operational capability of each class of SA Navy vessel, finding very little confidence in our ability to keep the coast clear of pirates. Later in the show, the DA’s John Steenhuisen eyes a possible third term at the party’s helm. Lastly, another cold front is barreling towards the flood-stricken Eastern Cape where at least 100 people have recently died and thousands of homes have been destroyed. You can send a short voice note with your questions or thoughts on this episode to our official The Lead WhatsApp line, that’s: +27 72 562 3179. Mail your comments to
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