Thohoyandou - South Africa's arms acquisition programme had become even more relevant since last month's attacks on the United States, Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota said on Thursday.

Many people complained about the money the SA National Defence Force spent on equipment, Lekota told members of 15 SA Infantry Battalion at Thohoyandou in the Northern Province.

Those critics said there was no need for such purchases as South Africa was not at war with any country, he said.

"That was before the 11th of September [when the US was attacked]."

Lekota said that once the enemy attacked, one could not say: "We can't fight now because we must buy weapons first."

He said the enemy would hit while a country was unprepared. 

With acknowledgement to Sapa and News24.