Of recent, army officers allege they are 'dying of hunger', a situation that is said to be worsening. It is alleged that soldiers are at times fed a single fruit for supper, motogo or Tsabana for breakfast and sometimes get fed plain rice with tomato sauce and mayonnaise without any protein for lunch. In the past, soldiers' ration trended across social media platforms, something that was believed to have also been the reason for attracting high numbers of women who flocked to the barracks to feast. However, since October last year, soldiers who are fed at military kitchens have been complaining of hunger with feeding portions allegedly reduced.
The army, however, has since denied the allegations despite admitting supply challenges. BDF spokesperson, Lieutenant Colonel Fana Maswabi admitted that some contracted suppliers are grappling with price variations on certain food commodities due to inflation, something that has resulted in a few interrupted supplies of food in the army. “So far, stock levels are adequate and BDF is doing everything within its power to ensure the availability of food supplies to prepare well-balanced meals for its soldiers at all times,” he said in response to The Monitor questionnaire.
