The Democratic Alliance (DA) has sounded alarm over what it calls secret Chinese military involvement at key South African National Defence Force (SANDF) sites. The party alleges that technicians linked to the Chinese People’s Liberation Army have accessed sensitive installations, including the De Brug base near Bloemfontein, and provided input on the maintenance of South Africa’s frigates and submarines.

DA defence spokesperson Chris Hattingh said the revelations: “represent a serious violation of defence-sector protocols” and accused Defence Minister Angie Motshekga of allowing foreign access to strategic assets. “Sensitive platforms are governed by strict confidentiality and intellectual-property agreements. Any unauthorised intervention risks breaching those obligations and undermining national security,” he said.

The DA’s statement also references the 100 million Chinese yuan (roughly R 241 million) military-aid deal signed between Pretoria and Beijing in 2024, claiming it was never disclosed to Parliament or the public. The DA says the secrecy surrounding the Chinese aid package points to a worrying erosion of oversight and constitutional accountability. It has called for full disclosure of the agreement’s terms, a Treasury and Auditor-General review, and a parliamentary inquiry into all foreign military contracts signed since 2020.

Analysts note that China’s role in African defence sectors has expanded sharply in recent years, often blending technical assistance with political influence. Similar “upgrade” or “training” arrangements have been seen in Namibia, Tanzania, and Zambia, typically accompanied by aid packages and equipment transfers. While these partnerships have improved logistics and capacity in some cases, they have also given Beijing privileged access to military infrastructure across the continent.

Critics within South Africa’s security community say the same pattern may now be unfolding domestically. They warn that if Pretoria allows foreign actors to gain a foothold in sensitive command and communications systems, it could weaken national sovereignty and expose intelligence assets to external scrutiny. However, many countries maintain defence co-operation agreements with their global peers and it follows that South Africa might strike similar agreements with China.

Collaboration with China could, for example, yield technical benefits. With the SANDF facing chronic budget cuts and a severe maintenance backlog, Chinese technical input could help refurbish decaying bases and restore operational readiness – provided such engagement is transparent, time-bound, and strictly audited.