The DA will submit urgent parliamentary questions to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga following an official visit to Moscow by Chief of the South African Army Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha.

According to a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) statement, the visit aimed to strengthen bilateral defence cooperation, foster closer collaboration with Russian Ground Forces, and expand joint military training and education.

The official programme featured high-level staff talks, a visit to the Moscow Combined Arms School, and a wreath-laying ceremony at the tomb of the unknown soldier.

DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans Chris Hattingh, said the party is seeking “immediate transparency” by demanding clarity on who approved the trip and whether the Presidency or Dirco were consulted, the total cost of the delegation, the exact objectives, agreements concluded, and specific defence topics discussed and how the engagement aligns with South Africa's foreign policy.

Hattingh rejected the idea that the trip was routine defence diplomacy and argued that strengthening military ties during Russia's ongoing war against Ukraine amounts to an “endorsement of its military campaign”.

He said this engagement directly contradicts government claims of maintaining a non-aligned stance and argued that South Africa cannot credibly act as a potential mediator in the conflict while publicly bolstering relations with one of the “active belligerents”.

The DA highlighted that the SANDF is currently grappling with severe financial constraints, declining operational readiness, ageing hardware and equipment and critical capability gaps.

The DA views this visit as part of a “problematic, broader pattern”.

Recent military engagements have repeatedly drawn international scrutiny, including exercise Mosi II naval drills, the Lady R docking controversy and exercise Will for Peace 2026.

Hattingh said these events collectively erode South Africa's international credibility.