Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is optimistic that programmes aimed towards gender equality and non-sexist environments within the South African Defence Force (SANDF) will be successful.
Motshekga was speaking on the Department’s recently launched Defence In Focus Podcast on YouTube, where she also shared how she balances working in a male dominated sector.
“It’s easy for them to think that just because they’re men, they are above but softly to say no, let’s respect each other and let’s work together. Even with the Generals they know I respect them but I’m very conscious that they’re men and they will undermine me if I don’t put my foot down.
So, it’s just to remind them that you’re not there to play but to work,” Motshekga shared.
She emphasised the importance of supporting female soldiers.
“We can’t just be pushing numbers and not support them. So, if we say 30% of them. They’re in a patriarchal society, they’re mother’s, they’re child bearers, so if we’re going to push these young girls into the defence and we don’t look after their health needs, we don’t look after their family needs, and we don’t look at childcare. Even if we want society to respect them, we don’t necessarily support them,” explained the Minister.
Furthermore, Motshekga highlighted that with the challenge of budget constraints, the department is faced with, “Head Office can and will sacrifice its needs to cover the supplies needed by soldiers.”
She also revealed that balancing gender, age and encouraging the values of patriotism, especially amongst young people remain part of her top priorities.
