Scientia Militaria - South African Journal of Military Studies

Editorial

2025-12-12T13:25:14+00:00

The Archaeology of the Outposts of Steinaecker’s Horse, a British Volunteer Unit during the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902)

2025-12-12T13:25:14+00:00

Steinaecker’s Horse was a volunteer unit which fought on the side of the British during the Anglo-Boer War. The members of the unit consisted of local inhabitants of the Lowveld (now part of Mpumalanga) including Swazi, Pedi, and Shangane soldiers, but a few British soldiers joined their ranks. They operated in the Lowveld and Swaziland with the main aim of preventing the Boers from contacting supporters in Portuguese East Africa. The unit established a number of outposts for this purpose. The history of Steinaecker’s Horse has been studied over the past few years. Historical sources on the unit are scarce and thus they were supplemented by archaeological excavations. The artefacts excavated provide information about the lifestyle and everyday circumstances of the soldiers, as well as their interaction with local people. It seems that outposts were placed close to existing communities, probably so that these people could be employed as scouts, servants, cooks, and hunters. Together with artefacts linked to British soldiers, such as ammunition and porcelain, objects linked to local people have been identified at all sites. These include ceramic pottery, glass beads and traditional weapons. Furthermore, the amount of faunal remains excavated at these outposts indicate that the inhabitants supplemented their diet by eating game. Since most of the occupations held by members of Steinaecker’s Horse before the war are known, some of the excavated artefacts can be linked to such professions, which may have served the unit. This includes inter alia tailors, barbers, blacksmiths, cooks, and musicians.

Submarine Psychology

2025-12-12T13:25:14+00:00

Psychological readiness is a critical component for the success of the mission of the South African Navy, as well as the wellbeing of their personnel. The study on which this article reports, explored psychological readiness within the unique and demanding context of submarine duty. Key psychological factors for readiness include good clinical mental health, adaptability, and effective interfacing with support systems. From the 1970s, SA military psychologists have been involved in the selection of submariners, focusing on traits, such as motivation, intelligence, interpersonal skills, and personality. More recently, positive psychological constructs, such as sense of coherence, psychological hardiness, and mental toughness, were also identified as important for coping with the isolation and stress inherent in submarine operations. The current research specifically examined the aftermath of the SAS Manthatisi accident of September 2023, highlighting the psychological resilience of submariners and risk and protective factors associated with their post-accident adaptation. Initial screenings showed the presence of adjustment difficulties and other mental health challenges, but by seven months, most submariners had returned to their baseline mental health, demonstrating resilience and effective coping strategies. The importance of thorough pre-service selection, regular psychological screening, and timely interventions were emphasised as key to maintaining operational readiness. Insights from the accident furthermore underlined the need for resilient personnel who can withstand adverse events and speedily return to duty. The study concluded that ongoing availability of psychological support and the cultivation of resilience and adaptability are essential for maintaining the readiness and effectiveness of submariners.

South African Defence Procurement

2025-12-12T13:25:15+00:00

Research on South African public procurement is common, but defence procurement has received limited attention so far, despite its significant financial and operational impact. This is concerning considering the substantial discretion granted to defence-contracting authorities, and the ongoing issues of fraud, corruption, and tender irregularities within the Department of Defence and the South African National Defence Force. Given the constitutional requirement for public procurement to be fair, transparent, and cost-effective, there is a need for increased focus on the regulation of defence procurement. Accordingly, this article distinguishes between “acquisition” and “procurement” as the two forms of defence procurement in South Africa; identifies key challenges, such as the continued reduction in the defence budget by government; cost containment, project delays, and corruption; and reflects on the effect of the new Public Procurement Act (No. 28 of 2024). The article also offers recommendations for addressing these challenges and improving the defence procurement system, thus ensuring adherence to fairness, transparency, and efficiency. The research findings emphasised the importance of effective policy implementation to combat fraud and corruption, improve capacity, and align procurement practices with legal requirements; thus, enhancing the overall effectiveness of the South African defence procurement system.

The Inability of South Africa to Comprehend the Foreign Policy Apparatus and the Political Climate in the United States of America Correctly

2025-12-12T13:25:15+00:00

This article reports on South African foreign policy in the context of the changing dynamics of Pres. Donald Trump’s second term of office. It contends that South Africa has faced difficulties in adjusting to these developments and new foreign policy imperatives. The foreign policy of a country is profoundly influenced by its domestic realities. The Trump administration has implemented substantial changes in the foreign policy of the United States of America, marked by assertive negotiating strategies and an emphasis on economic, national interest and security priorities, which have compromised international partnerships. Trump’s “America First” strategy has led to a withdrawal from enduring global obligations, affecting ties with other countries, particularly South Africa. Relations between the two countries were further exacerbated by limited understanding by South Africa of the political context of the United States. The disparity between the South African foreign policy initiatives and the realities of United States internal politics has caused misinterpretations of United States intentions. In March 2025, the South African ambassador was declared persona non grata by the United States, and the imposition of tariffs on South Africa further strained relations between the two countries. Sanctions being legislated by Congress remain a distinct possibility and would carry inordinate consequences for South Africa. Although the relationship between South Africa and the United States is anticipated to develop, the present circumstances remain ambiguous. The current research highlights the crucial importance of informed participation and a thorough understanding of the prevailing political processes.

Rivalry between the Lesotho Defence Force and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service

2025-12-12T13:25:15+00:00

The end of the Cold War and the post-independence era saw many nations, including Lesotho, bolstering their security apparatus. As part of these efforts, Lesotho undertook reforms within its security forces, including the Lesotho Defence Force, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, and the National Security Service. These developments led to growing tension between the Lesotho Defence Force and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, which became arch-rivals following the independence of Lesotho in 1966. This rivalry hindered the two institutions from fulfilling their mandates effectively and professionally. This article reports on the root causes of the conflict between the Lesotho Defence Force and the Lesotho Mounted Police Service, as well as internal divisions within the Lesotho Defence Force itself. The article shows how these tensions have manifested, the measures taken to address them within the security sector, and their broader impact on governance in Lesotho. The discussion concludes with key recommendations for fostering stability and cooperation.

The Resurgence of Military Coups and Democratic Relapse in Africa (Adeoye Akinola (ed.))

2025-12-12T13:25:15+00:00

The Resurgence of Military Coups and Democratic Relapse in Africa edited by Adeoye Akinola, Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, 2024, 258 pages, ISBN 978-3-031-51018-2.

When Rambo Meets the Red Cross: Civil–Military Engagement in Fragile States (Stanislava P Mladenova)

2025-12-12T13:25:16+00:00

When Rambo Meets the Red Cross: Civil–Military Engagement in Fragile States by Stanislava P Mladenova, Lanham: Rowman & Littlefield, 2024, 206 pages, ISBN 978-1-5381-8772-2.

Super President: The History and Future of Executive Power in South Africa (Bhaso Ndzendze)

2025-12-12T13:25:16+00:00

Super President: The History and Future of Executive Power in South Africa by Bhaso Ndzendze, Johannesburg: UJ Press, 2024, 240 pages, ISBN 978-1-7764-9001-1.

The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die (Jeff Wicks)

2025-12-12T15:02:15+00:00

The Shadow State: Why Babita Deokaran Had to Die by Jeff Wicks, Cape Town: Tafelberg, 2025, 256 pages, ISBN 978-0-6240-9494-4.

South Africa’s High-stress Security Environment: Keys to Coping (Gerhard Schoeman)

2025-12-12T13:25:16+00:00

South Africa’s High-stress Security Environment: Keys to Coping by Gerhard Schoeman, Pretoria: UNISA Press, 2023, 106 pages, ISBN 978-1-7761-5183-7.