The South African National Defense Union (SANDU) has called for an independent investigation following revelations that 38 South African officers, dispatched to Cuba for training, were reportedly coerced into giving part of their allowances to needy Cuban citizens.
The contributions, framed as "voluntary," could exceed 15,000 rands—about $938—per individual among the higher-ranking officers, as reported by the South African channel eNCA.
The allegations emerged from a News24 investigation, which indicated that Brigadier General Mitch Ledwaba, from the military personnel division, proposed the initiative shortly after the group's arrival in Havana.
General Ledwaba allegedly justified the contributions by referencing Cuba's historic support for the African National Congress (ANC) during the fight against apartheid.
The amounts varied based on rank, with senior officers expected to hand over more than 15,000 rands, while lower-ranking soldiers were reportedly asked for amounts exceeding 3,000 rands.
Ledwaba is said to have circulated a list where officers recorded their names and contribution amounts. Those who contributed were promised reimbursement by December 2026, although reports suggest there was no official documentation to support this claim.
Several military personnel refused to participate and questioned the legality of the process, as well as the absence of South African military attaché in Cuba, Thembisile David Mpisane, during the meeting where funds were solicited.
SANDU's national secretary, Pikkie Greeff, strongly opposed the initiative.
"This is utterly unacceptable. Soldiers' salaries are not a discretionary fund," he stated.
Greeff warned that presenting the contributions as "voluntary" does not dispel concerns over potential pressures due to the hierarchical structure of the Armed Forces.
"No soldier should feel compelled to give up part of their salary to avoid being labeled disloyal, uncooperative, or difficult," he emphasized.
In a Facebook statement, SANDU called for the immediate establishment of a Board of Inquiry under South African law to determine who authorized the collection, who received the money, its intended use, and the legal basis for the initiative.
The union also demanded an investigation into possible financial misconduct, abuse of power, fraud, or corruption, and insisted that any evidence of wrongdoing be referred to the appropriate authorities.
Furthermore, they rejected the notion that supposed good intentions could justify the procedure. "The Defense Forces are not a social welfare organization, and the salaries of its members are not intended to fund welfare projects," Greeff stated.
The allegations once again place the contentious military cooperation between Cuba and South Africa under scrutiny. In August 2025, the Democratic Alliance accused the Department of Defense of spending R34 million on a charter flight to transport over 200 military personnel to Cuba for a graduation ceremony. Months earlier, the South African Air Force had canceled an air training agreement with Cuba that had been in place since 2014.
The National Defense Forces did not respond to media inquiries on the matter at the time of publication. Greeff was clear about the next steps: "If this arrangement was legal, let the evidence show it. If it was not, those responsible must be held accountable."
Key Questions on the South African Military Contributions in Cuba
What were the contributions demanded from South African officers in Cuba?
Officers were reportedly asked to contribute amounts exceeding 15,000 rands, framed as "voluntary," to support needy Cuban citizens.
Who proposed the initiative for these contributions?
The initiative was allegedly proposed by Brigadier General Mitch Ledwaba from the military personnel division.
Why is there concern about the legality of the contributions?
Concerns arise due to the lack of official documentation supporting the reimbursement promises and the hierarchical pressure within the Armed Forces.