The union has accepted a wage offer from employers but will continue striking over conditions relating to future pay negotiations.
The cash-strapped armed forces are in a "critical state of decline" that will take at least a decade to fix, according to the SA Defence Review.
Three transport unions have agreed to abandon their industrial action but Satawu, which represents about 28 000 workers, says it will continue.
Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe says SA is looking to Nigeria for oil, suggesting Pretoria cut crude imports from Iran to avoid looming sanctions.