R217 million Cuba drug deal: PSA demands answers on SA defence spending

Platinum Publishers – SA | The Public Servants Association (PSA) has called for urgent accountability following revelations concerning more than R2 billion in allegedly irregular Department of Defence contracts.

In a statement dated 28 September 2026, the union, which represents more than 250,000 public sector employees, expressed alarm at findings reported by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU). It warned that weaknesses in procurement oversight threaten public finances, defence capabilities and confidence in government.

Among the matters highlighted by the PSA is a R217 million contract linked to the acquisition of a drug from Cuba, identified in its statement as Alpha-2. The union also pointed to contracts and variations worth hundreds of millions of rand investigated under Proclamation R239 of 2025.

The PSA said workers and citizens bear the consequences when public resources intended to strengthen defence operations are compromised by alleged corruption and procurement irregularities. It warned that such failures undermine the morale of public servants who work to uphold integrity and serve their communities.

The union urged Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans to convene urgent hearings.

It also called for prosecutions to proceed without fear or favour, disciplinary action against those responsible, and any recovered funds to support critical defence operations and employee welfare.

The PSA said it would continue monitoring developments and ensuring that workers’ concerns form part of the demand for accountability.