Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, is sounding the alarm on the critical underfunding of the naval service, compromising its ability to safeguard the nation's maritime domain. Speaking at the SA Navy Gala Evening in Pretoria, Lobese acknowledged positive developments, including a R1.4 billion allocation for submarine and frigate refits, a new hydrographic survey vessel, and three multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs). However, he stressed that these resources are insufficient to fulfill the constitutional mandate of protecting South Africa's vast Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).

Lobese emphasized the stark disparity between the country's land area of 1.22 million square kilometers and the expansive EEZ spanning 1.53 million square kilometers. The naval chief declared that the meager allocation of ships from the government, such as the three MMIPVs, falls significantly short of the needed fleet. He advocated for 15 inshore patrol vessels, 12 larger offshore patrol vessels, two hydrographic survey vessels, and three combat support vessels to effectively combat maritime crime and illegal fishing.

Highlighting information provided by the US Naval attaché, Lobese revealed the presence of over 200 illegal ships operating off the east coast of Africa and within South African waters. He warned that without adequate resources, this menace would persist, posing a clear and present danger to the country's economic well-being.

Urging attendees to raise awareness about the underfunding issue, Lobese called on the government to recognize the importance of maritime security. He expressed the Navy's refusal to become a toothless security organ and emphasized the need for full capacitation to support Operation Phakisa, a government initiative aimed at boosting the maritime economy. Lobese concluded by urging immediate government action to address the critical underfunding issue, asserting its impact on national security and the well-being of the nation.