Kobus Marais

Maties Alumni,
Independent Defence Analyst,
Shadow Minister of Defence and MV's (Ret),
Ovenight Defence Expert,
Honorary Life Member of SA Para Sport,

[Kobus Marais @KobusDefence2]

The hard choices defence leaders can no longer avoid https://t.co/CzGX8DXkCs

[DefenceWeb @defenceWeb_Afr]

On Monday, 22 July, the best and brightest in the South African defence industry (SADI) gather in Pretoria for the long awaited lekgotla to face up to challenges and look to an improved future for the sector.
https://t.co/72PVvnj73G

[Ryan Coetzee @RyanCoetzee]

Quite a lot of people here seem never to have heard of the public affairs industry. Best not tell them Cyril Ramaphosa met Elon Musk last year - might cause apoplexy.

[Resolve Communications @ResolveComms]

Statement by Tony Leon, Executive Chairman of Resolve Communications
30 June 2026

[Times LIVE @TimesLIVE]

Former forestry, fisheries and environment minister Dion George has accused former DA leader John Steenhuisen of being "ungrateful" and
"dishonest",
https://t.co/BIUIJUDH6b

[Derek @derekmans1]

@deanwingrin @kobusda Dean, here is piece of my commentary: https://t.co/q1sFvEFaBU

[Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin]

Yet South Africa's coastline, with sections such as the Transkei coast and the Cape of Good Hope notoriously treacherous, remains vulnerable to ecological disaster and a severe lack of maritime Search & Rescue capacity.

[Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin]

@ignis_fatui @kobusda I believe it can, but it will require sustained funding, a fundamental change in political support, senior SANDF leadership and structure change, and a mandate/capabilities change supported by the given funding.

[Ian Cameron @IanCameron23]

Senior Western Cape cops among over 23 suspended for involvement in taxi business

https://t.co/Z3e1HQCGG6

[Ian Cameron @IanCameron23]

In a recent @News24 interview, Lieutenant-General Patekile claimed he was unaware of SAPS members being involved in the taxi industry.

That is simply not true.

The SAPS was formally made aware of these allegations.
On 17 March 2026, I submitted a detailed enquiry containing the names of members, the stations they were attached to and requested clarity on what disciplinary and criminal measures would be taken against them.

Section 46 of the SAPS Act prohibits SAPS members from owning minibus taxis, while SAPS National Instruction 18 of 2019 further prohibits any direct or indirect involvement in the taxi industry.

We followed every process. We submitted the evidence. We sent numerous follow-up emails. The only responses received were acknowledgements that the matter was "being looked into."

Now, after months, maybe even years of inaction, the Provincial Commissioner wants South Africans to believe he knew nothing.

He knew. SAPS knew.

More than 20 members have since been criminally charged, more than 10 have resigned and additional reports continue to emerge.

The facts are clear. The paper trail exists. The evidence was provided.

Lieutenant-General Patekile lied.

South Africans deserve honest leadership, accountability, and a police service that enforces the law equally not one that ignores it until exposed.

Here is one of the videos where I once again brought it up in parliament to the acting police minister and acting national commissioner.

[DefenceWeb @defenceWeb_Afr]

The SANDF is expected to fulfil a constitutional mandate yet the state funds the National Defence Force at a level increasingly incompatible with its responsibilities and mandates. https://t.co/aB4Uc57EOc

[Kobus Marais @KobusDefence2]

https://t.co/epFg8CXyaM

[Dean Wingrin @deanwingrin]

Excellent article by @kobusda. Pretending that the SANDF can continue to carry its constitutional mandate on a shrinking budget,while capability further erodes, is not sensible.
South Africa cannot defend a constitutional mandate with an unfunded military.
https://t.co/nsBT9wTs6a

[Kallie Kriel @kalliekriel]

While the leftists like @News24 continue whining about @afriforum, our teams across the country continue building better communities.Fresh road markings boost safety outside a school in Alberton | Alberton Record https://t.co/Vf3ZwZpzL2

[Mail & Guardian @mailandguardian]

BREAKING NEWS: Vision Sugar and IDC sign four-country share deal (South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique) to save Tongaat Hulett. Liquidation averted, saving sugar industry and 250 000 jobs.

Story to follow on https://t.co/qrjES2qBjI

#MailAndGuardian

[Maroela Media @maroelamedia]

1 Militêr: DA eis antwoorde oor planne vir nuwe fasiliteit

https://t.co/1becGqtaZs

[Ian Cameron @IanCameron23]

20 South Africa police members criminally charged over involvement in taxi industry https://t.co/ToQzr3kZUd

[ISS @issafrica]

South African policymakers argue that the absence of #piracy in the Mozambique Channel proves that #OperationCopper works.

But that logic is faulty: during long periods without navy patrols, pirates did not return. ISS Today by Timothy Walker

[Democratic Alliance @Our_DA]

🚨No rape evidence collection kits means abusers walk free!

Watch MP Nicholas Gotsell unpack his questioning into the disturbing lack of rape kits available at SAPS stations across the Cape Flats.

Do you think the Minister bothered to respond?

Read more here: https://t.co/jZkmqZzYlL

[Kobus Marais @KobusDefence2]

@deanwingrin @deanwingrin I fully agree with your observations and sentiments. We've identified years ago that we urgently require an upgraded Oryx and Rooivalk aircraft. This should be prioritised as strategic prime multi year projects. It'll require multi year commitments from the GNU & NT