Cyber Capability Key To Modern Defence, Says South African Army Chief

The Chief of the South African Army, Lt. Gen. Lawrence Mbatha, has said cyber capability has become a strategic necessity for modern militaries due to the growing threats in the digital space.

Mbatha stated this on Monday during a visit to the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command (NACWC) in Abuja, where he was received by the Command’s Commander, Maj. Gen. Kennedy Osemwegie.

He also visited the National Defence College Nigeria in Abuja as part of efforts to strengthen defence collaboration and professional military education between Nigeria and South Africa, two key strategic partners in Africa’s security architecture.

Lieutenant General Mbatha commended the National Defence College for its pivotal role in developing strategic leaders capable of addressing complex security challenges across the African continent.

Speaking during the visit, the South African Army Chief noted that countries are increasingly facing attacks and pressure in cyberspace, making the development of cyber warfare capabilities essential for national defence.

“In South Africa, signals capability currently sits within Defence Intelligence, but the need for cyber capability is clear.

We are under constant bombardment in the cyber space,” he said.

Mbatha commended the Nigerian Army for establishing the Cyber Warfare Command and building capacity in the field within a short period.

“The Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command was established in 2020, and within this short period it has made a strong take-off,” he said.

He added that the lessons from the command’s operational structure and mandate would contribute to strategic discussions within the South African military.

“From what I have learned here, based on your mandate and operational exposure, this capability is not just a concept but a reality. I will take this back into my own strategic environment where research is conducted,” Mbatha said.

The South African Army Chief noted that although cyber capability exists in South Africa, the country is still undergoing a transitional phase in fully developing the structure due to resource considerations.

“We are still in a transformational and transitional phase, and resource allocation remains a challenge. The concept exists and the need is defined, but implementation is determined by available resources,” he stated.

He said modern security threats have extended beyond conventional battlefields, making cyber operations an essential component of contemporary military strategy.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commander of the Nigerian Army Cyber Warfare Command, Maj. Gen. Kennedy Osemwegie, welcomed the South African delegation and described the visit as a significant moment for the command.

“Today is a memorable day that will remain in the annals of the history of this Command, as we have the privilege of receiving the Chief of an Army,” Osemwegie said.

He added that Nigeria and South Africa share a longstanding relationship and expressed hope that the visit would further strengthen cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas of military engagement and strategic collaboration.

He noted that institutions such as the National Defence College serve as vital platforms for strengthening cooperation, knowledge exchange, and collective approaches to peace and security among African militaries.

The South African Army Chief emphasized that the evolving security environment across Africa requires deeper collaboration among defence institutions and military leaders.

He stressed that professional military education remains essential for preparing senior officers to effectively manage strategic decision-making, defence management and leadership responsibilities in contemporary security operations.

Responding, the Commandant, Rear Admiral Abdullahi Ahmed, represented by Rear Admiral Muhammed Dahiru welcomed the delegation and described the visit as a clear demonstration of the strong and enduring defence relationship between Nigeria and South Africa.

He noted that such high-level engagements will further strengthen strategic cooperation, deepen professional exchanges and reinforce collaborative efforts toward enhancing peace and security across the continent.

The Commandant disclosed that the National Defence College remains Nigeria’s apex institution for strategic military education, designed to prepare selected senior military officers and civilian officials for higher responsibilities in national security, defence management, and policy formulation. He noted that the College hosts participants from several allied countries, thereby promoting regional and international cooperation in tackling security challenges.

As part of his strategic visit, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha also led a delegation on a guided tour of the Nigerian Army Museum, where he commended the Nigerian Army for its professionalism and commitment to preserving historical artefacts that honour the sacrifices of fallen heroes, noting that documenting materials from various theatres of operation reflects the strong dedication of the Nigerian Army to safeguarding its military heritage and institutional memory.