The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that it has terminated the active reserve call-up of a reservist who was filmed appearing drunk while wearing a military uniform at one of its units in Pretoria.
The incident occurred on Thursday, August 6, with a video of the soldier struggling to walk later circulating on social media.
In the video, the reservist, dressed in military uniform, appears to be intoxicated in what seems to be a restroom.
A man can be heard asking him why he was drinking alcohol while wearing his uniform.
“Why are you drinking alcohol in uniform?” the man asks.
The reservist appears to try to prevent the man from recording him before walking away.
He can be seen struggling to walk and using his left hand against a wall to steady himself.
Following the circulation of the video, the SANDF confirmed that the man was a member of the force.
SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the military was concerned about the soldier’s conduct.
“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) notes with concern and condemns inappropriate conduct involving one of its members who was recorded under the influence of alcohol while wearing military uniform in a public space on Thursday, 6 August 2026,” Dlamini said.
He said an investigation established that the individual was a SANDF reservist who was on active Reserve Call-Up at one of the force’s units in Pretoria.
“The SANDF views such behaviour as unacceptable and inconsistent with our values and the discipline expected of members of the Defence Force,” Dlamini said.
“Appropriate disciplinary action has been taken against the member, and the call-up has since been terminated.”
Dlamini said the SANDF and its leadership would continue to act against conduct that damages the reputation of the institution.
“The SANDF and its entire leadership reiterate that any conduct that brings the institution and military profession into disrepute cannot be tolerated and will continue to act decisively against any behaviour that undermines the integrity of the Defence Force,” he said.
