DOCSLIB.ORG

Department of Defence and Military Veterans Annual Report 2012/2013

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Department of Defence and Military Veterans Annual Report 2012/2013 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 1 / 2 0 1 2 1 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE ISBN: 978-0-621-42283-2 RP309/2013 no Printers 1) 894 4150 2 A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE Department of Defence Annual Report (This Annual Report includes information on the Department of Military Veterans) 1 April 2012 to 31 March 2013 Safeguarding South Africa for a Better Life for All A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE 4 A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE DEPartmENT OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS ANNUal REPOrt FY2012/13 Ms N.N. Mapisa-Nqakula, MP Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Dear Minister, I have the honour of submitting the Annual Report of the Department of Defence (DOD) for the reporting period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013. (DR S.M. GULUBE) SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE: DIRECTOR-GENERAL A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 i DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE ii A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE Foreword by the Honourable Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms N.N. Mapisa-Nqakula, MP The mandate of the Defence remains that of defence and protection of the Republic, its territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the Constitution of the Repub- lic and the principles on international law regulating the use of force. The fulfilment of the mandate is measured through the state of readiness of the defence force in its ability to execute operations successfully. When the de- fence force has enhanced defence capabilities, it is in a bet- ter position to contribute to the promotion of peace and se- curity in the region, the continent and support the people of South Africa. The SANDF has consistently maintained an excellent ex- ecution of government ordered commitments. With the improvement of the state of readiness, the execution of successful operations will be of higher quality. This relates to the allocation of financial resources to acquire human resources, prime mission equipment, services and com- modities. Stemming from the President’s announcement at the State of the Nation a new growth path for the country has been agreed upon through the National Development Plan. This path places people’s employment at the centre of government’s economic policy. Defence commits itself to support government’s intent in terms of inherent available Defence capabilities and initiatives such as the Military Ms N.N. Mapisa-Nqakula Skills Development System. Given our human resources Minister of Defence and Military Veterans requirements, the SANDF has continued to make use of the MSDS to address its internal HR capacity and renewal whilst simultaneously providing skills for the youth of to matters raised in the audit as and when it arises. It is our country. encouraging to note that the DOD has started doing what needs to be done early enough to make sure that ground is Notwithstanding the auditing standards that are continu- covered to resolve issues before the next audit takes place. ally being enhanced, the Ministry will earnestly pursue It is very important to note that we are now going to be au- the realisation of a clean audit. Some auditable strides dited in a more detailed fashion on the movable items, and have been registered which are a result of the multi- therefore we must start to ready ourselves for this kind of pronged strategy to realise the qualification free audit, of auditing. which operation “Clean Audit” is but one. Deepening in establishing internal controls that will help to proactively Our adoption of an outcomes based approach to strategic mitigate functions and processes that could lead to an au- planning, implementation and performance monitoring dit qualification will be prioritised. A strong monitoring and evaluation so as to achieve auditable evidence of the and evaluation capability has been enhanced. improvement of the quality of life for all our citizens will allow us to achieve more with the little available to us. The Our governance structures and approach needs to be con- successes in identifying outcomes that are selected in a tinuously improved to make sure that the DOD contin- careful manner will go a long way for the DOD to make a ues in a positive trajectory. We have attempted to attend greater impact in the most efficient and effective manner. A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 iii DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE We must be able to measure ourselves with appropri- remained committed to and has been part of missions ate performance indicators that will ensure that we are under the UN, AU and SADC as mentioned above. Our achieving our objectives. This will allow us to ultimately defence posture mirrors this approach. intervene when there is a need and support those outputs which will ultimately lead to the realisation of our out- The SANDF has since April 2010 deployed for border safe- comes. guarding along the borders of RSA and her neighbouring countries. Currently, the SANDF has already set its foot- It is important that our Annual Performance Plans are print along RSA/Zimbabwe Border and RSA/Mozam- developed and informed by the Strategic Plans. This is bique border. State resources need to be mobilised more important for the alignment of our work so that the gov- aggressively to ensure the stable roll out of border-safe- ernment outcomes oriented monitoring and evaluation guarding operations. Currently, Defence is furthermore approach can be achieved by working together with all deployed in the Mozambique Channel to ensure security other stakeholders in our environment. Our Annual Per- against piracy in the SADC waters on a Tri-lateral basis formance Plans must deal with the outcomes, outputs, ac- between ourselves, Mozambique and Tanzania. Due to tivities and inputs that must provide the norms and stan- this joint operation with our neighbours we have seen a dards for us to execute our work and allow us to account drastic reduction in piracy threats along the east coast and at the end of each financial year. have halted the downwards trend of piracy encroaching our waters. The SANDF contributes with contingent force men and women under the Mission dubbed MONUSCO in the DRC Over the past two decades we have continued to enhance and soldiers under the Mission code named UNAMID in our many policies that are aimed at positioning the De- Sudan. Apart from the troop contribution in the Peace partment of Defence to best deliver on its mandate. We Mission in the DRC, SANDF troops also provide post have been hard at work to ensure that we do not falter on conflict reconstruction in that country with the view to our responsibility of fulfilling our mandate. The purpose, strengthening the weak state apparatus and institutions. therefore, remains unchanged, but our strategies must al- ways be responsive to the changing circumstances. In this respect the focus areas are integration and team building training, transformation process and general military training of the Armed Forces. South Africa pur- sues the maintenance of peace and stability through both bilateral and multinational means. As most causes of in- stability transcend international borders, the SANDF has (MS N.N. Mapisa-NQAKulA) MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS iv A N N U A L R E P O R T F Y 2 0 1 2 / 1 3 DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE Introduction by the Secretary for Defence, Dr S.M. Gulube The Secretary for Defence is the Head of the Department, the Accounting Officer, the Information Officer and the principal adviser to the Minister of Defence on defence policy matters. The Defence Secretariat is established in terms of section 204 of the Constitution, given substance to by section 6 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002) and executes its functions in terms of section 8. In implementing government priorities that are linked to its mandate the DOD, is guided by the Ministerial priori- ties that are embedded in the departmental plans. Civil Control Civil control over the military is a key feature of the South African democracy. In line with this, the DOD ensured that the employment of the SANDF was conducted in ac- cordance with the law by preparing employment papers for all operations. It is often said that no country can survive in isolation and this is specifically true to the security of any country. Throughout the year under review, the DOD continued to strengthen its defence relations with strategic partners throughout the world in support of the South African For- eign Policy. This effort is of long term benefits to the secu- Dr S.M. Gulube Secretary for Defence rity of the country. Corporate Governance youth with the necessary skills that they can use in fur- As a government department responsible for the defence thering their careers either in the DOD or elsewhere. of the Republic, the DOD is subject to government regula- tory frameworks on good corporate governance. To pur- For an organisation to function optimally towards realis- sue this, the DOD has operated within the parameters of ing its mandate it must be effective in its Strategic Man- good corporate governance in all its work throughout the agement, Human Resource Management, Governance reporting period.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 30 August 2019 NOTE
    ANNEXURE B DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE CLOSING DATE : 30 August 2019 NOTE : The advertisement(s) contained herein is/are meant for the attention/perusal of all interested job seekers, whether they are serving employees/officials of the DOD/Public Service, unemployed persons or persons employed outside the Public Service. Persons not employed by the DOD/Public Service are encouraged to apply for the vacancies advertised in this circular. Applications must be submitted on the prescribed form Z83 (obtainable from any Public Service department), which must be originally signed and dated by the applicant and which must be accompanied by a detailed CV (with full particulars of the applicants’ training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge & experience) and clear certified copies of original educational qualification certificates, ID document and Driver’s license (where applicable). Failure to comply with the above instructions will result in applications being disqualified. Applicants applying for more than one post must submit a separate form Z83 (as well as the documentation mentioned above) in respect of each post being applied for. If an applicant wishes to withdraw an application it must be done in writing. Should an application be received where an applicant applies for more than one post on the same applications form, the application will only be considered for the first post indicated on the application and not for any of the other posts. Under no circumstances will photostat copies or faxed copies of application documents be accepted. The successful candidates will be subjected to Personnel Suitability Checks (criminal record-, citizenship- & financial/asset record checks and qualification and employment verification).
    [Show full text]
  • PUBLIC SERVICE VACANCY CIRCULAR PUBLICATION NO 29 of 2019 DATE ISSUED: 16 AUGUST 2019 1. Introduction 1.1 This Circular Is, Exce
    PUBLIC SERVICE VACANCY CIRCULAR PUBLICATION NO 29 OF 2019 DATE ISSUED: 16 AUGUST 2019 1. Introduction 1.1 This Circular is, except during December, published on a weekly basis and contains the advertisements of vacant posts and jobs in Public Service departments. 1.2 Although the Circular is issued by the Department of Public Service and Administration, the Department is not responsible for the content of the advertisements. Enquiries about an advertisement must be addressed to the relevant advertising department. 2. Directions to candidates 2.1 Applications on form Z83 with full particulars of the applicants’ training, qualifications, competencies, knowledge and experience (on a separate sheet if necessary or a CV) must be forwarded to the department in which the vacancy/vacancies exist(s). 2.2 Applicants must indicate the reference number of the vacancy in their applications. 2.3 Applicants requiring additional information regarding an advertised post must direct their enquiries to the department where the vacancy exists. The Department of Public Service and Administration must not be approached for such information. 2.4 It must be ensured that applications reach the relevant advertising departments on or before the applicable closing dates. 3. Directions to departments 3.1 The contents of this Circular must be brought to the attention of all employees. 3.2 It must be ensured that employees declared in excess are informed of the advertised vacancies. Potential candidates from the excess group must be assisted in applying timeously for vacancies and attending where applicable, interviews. 3.3 Where vacancies have been identified to promote representativeness, the provisions of sections 15 (affirmative action measures) and 20 (employment equity plan) of the Employment Equity Act, 1998 should be applied.
    [Show full text]
  • SADF Military Operations
    SADF Military Operations 1975 -1989 Contents 1 List of operations of the South African Border War 1 2 Operation Savannah (Angola) 3 2.1 Background .............................................. 3 2.2 Military intervention .......................................... 4 2.2.1 Support for UNITA and FNLA ................................ 5 2.2.2 Ruacana-Calueque occupation ................................ 5 2.2.3 Task Force Zulu ........................................ 5 2.2.4 Cuban intervention ...................................... 6 2.2.5 South African reinforcements ................................. 6 2.2.6 End of South African advance ................................ 6 2.3 Major battles and incidents ...................................... 6 2.3.1 Battle of Quifangondo .................................... 7 2.3.2 Battle of Ebo ......................................... 7 2.3.3 “Bridge 14” .......................................... 7 2.3.4 Battle of Luso ......................................... 7 2.3.5 Battles involving Battlegroup Zulu in the west ........................ 8 2.3.6 Ambrizete incident ...................................... 8 2.4 Aftermath ............................................... 8 2.5 South African order of battle ..................................... 9 2.6 Association .............................................. 9 2.7 Further reading ............................................ 9 2.8 References ............................................... 9 3 Operation Bruilof 13 3.1 Background .............................................
    [Show full text]
  • Military Despatches Vol 24, June 2019
    Military Despatches Vol 24 June 2019 Operation Deadstick A mission vital to D-Day Remembering D-Day Marking the 75th anniversary of D-Day Forged in Battle The Katyusha MRLS, Stalin’s Organ Isoroku Yamamoto The architect of Pearl Harbour Thank your lucky stars Life in the North Korean military For the military enthusiast CONTENTS June 2019 Page 62 Click on any video below to view Page 14 How much do you know about movie theme songs? Take our quiz and find out. Hipe’s Wouter de The old South African Goede interviews former Defence Force used 28’s gang boss David a mixture of English, Williams. Afrikaans, slang and Thank your lucky stars techno-speak that few Serving in the North Korean Military outside the military could hope to under- 32 stand. Some of the terms Features were humorous, some Rank Structure 6 This month we look at the Ca- were clever, while others nadian Armed Forces. were downright crude. Top Ten Wartime Urban Legends Ten disturbing wartime urban 36 legends that turned out to be A matter of survival Part of Hipe’s “On the fiction. This month we’re looking at couch” series, this is an 10 constructing bird traps. interview with one of Special Forces - Canada 29 author Herman Charles Part Four of a series that takes Jimmy’s get together Quiz Bosman’s most famous a look at Special Forces units We attend the Signal’s Associ- characters, Oom Schalk around the world. ation luncheon and meet a 98 47 year old World War II veteran.
    [Show full text]
  • Alcohol Misuse in Patients Attending a Defence Force General Medical Clinic
    Original Research Alcohol misuse in patients attending a defence force general medical clinic Bekker D, MBChB, MFamMed Van Velden DP, MBChB, MPraxMed Department of Family Medicine, University of Stellenbosch Correspondence: Dr D Bekker, 3 Grobler Street, Aurora Durbanville, 7550 Tel: 021-5902635, e-mail: [email protected] Keywords: alcohol misuse; Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT); general medical practice; defence force; prevalence Abstract Aim.: To determine the prevalence of alcohol misuse in adult patients attending a defence force general practice clinic. Design: Descriptive cross-sectional survey. Methods: The setting is a military sickbay situated in the Cape Town metropolitan area, South Africa. Participants included all adult patients (³ð18 years) attending the clinic during a three week period midyear. The Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) questionnaire was completed by patients. Two direct alcohol consumption questions were added determining the total drinks per week as well as the maximum number of drinks per occasion. Results: Of the 658 patients approached, 40 (6%) declined to fill in the questionnaire. 42% of the 618 patients surveyed were female and 58% were male with an average age of 41 years. The group consisted of 44% current defence force members, 25% retired defence force members, 22% medical dependents and 7% civilians. The overall rate of alcohol misuse according to the AUDIT-questionnaire was 13,27%. Among male patients, 20,6% scored as misusers of alcohol, compared with 2,7% among females. A much higher level of misuse was also found under younger age groups. 38,1% of male apprentices at the technical college and 40,0% of male current defence force members staying on the base scored 8 or more on the AUDIT.
    [Show full text]
  • A South African Diary: Contested Identity, My Family - Our Story
    How many bones must you bury before you can call yourself an African? Updated February 2012 A South African Diary: Contested Identity, My Family - Our Story Part F: 1975 - 1986 Compiled by: Dr. Anthony Turton [email protected] Caution in the use and interpretation of these data This document consists of events data presented in chronological order. It is designed to give the reader an insight into the complex drivers at work over time, by showing how many events were occurring simultaneously. It is also designed to guide future research by serious scholars, who would verify all data independently as a matter of sound scholarship and never accept this as being valid in its own right. Read together, they indicate a trend, whereas read in isolation, they become sterile facts devoid of much meaning. Given that they are “facts”, their origin is generally not cited, as a fact belongs to nobody. On occasion where an interpretation is made, then the commentator’s name is cited as appropriate. Where similar information is shown for different dates, it is because some confusion exists on the exact detail of that event, so the reader must use caution when interpreting it, because a “fact” is something over which no alternate interpretation can be given. These events data are considered by the author to be relevant, based on his professional experience as a trained researcher. Own judgement must be used at all times . All users are urged to verify these data independently. The individual selection of data also represents the author’s bias, so the dataset must not be regarded as being complete.
    [Show full text]
  • Music and Militarisation During the Period of the South African Border War (1966-1989): Perspectives from Paratus
    Music and Militarisation during the period of the South African Border War (1966-1989): Perspectives from Paratus Martha Susanna de Jongh Dissertation presented for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University Supervisor: Professor Stephanus Muller Co-supervisor: Professor Ian van der Waag December 2020 Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Declaration By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (unless to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification. Date: 29 July 2020 Copyright © 2020 Stellenbosch University All rights reserved i Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za Abstract In the absence of literature of the kind, this study addresses the role of music in militarising South African society during the time of the South African Border War (1966-1989). The War on the border between Namibia and Angola took place against the backdrop of the Cold War, during which the apartheid South African government believed that it had to protect the last remnants of Western civilization on the African continent against the communist onslaught. Civilians were made aware of this perceived threat through various civilian and military channels, which included the media, education and the private business sector. The involvement of these civilian sectors in the military resulted in the increasing militarisation of South African society through the blurring of boundaries between the civilian and the military.
    [Show full text]
  • Republic of South Africa Department of Defence Annual Report 2005
    All enquiries with respect to this report can be forwarded to Colonel E. van der Post at telephone number +27-12 355 5312 or Fax +27-12 355 5021 email: [email protected] Ms C.K. Ramulifho at telephone number +27-12 355 5087 or Fax +27-12 355 5613 email: [email protected] All enquiries with respect to the Annual Financial Statements can be forwarded to Mr H.J. Fourie at telephone number +27-12 392 2735 or Fax +27-12 392 2748 ISBN 0-621-36760-5 RP 163/2006 Printed by 1 MILITARY PRINTING REGIMENT, PRETORIA DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE ANNUAL REPORT FY 2005 - 2006 D e p a r t m e n t o f D e f e n c e A n n u a l R e p o r t F Y 2 0 0 5 / 2 0 0 6 Mr M.G.P. Lekota Minister of Defence Report of the Department of Defence: 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006. It is my pleasure and privilege to submit to you the Annual Report of the Department of Defence for the period 1 April 2005 to 31 March 2006, in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999. J.B. MASILELA SECRETARY FOR DEFENCE: DIRECTOR GENERAL DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE ANNUAL REPORT FY 2005 - 2006 i TABLE OF CONTENTS PAGE PART 2: ORGANISATION AND HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT PAGE Chapter 2 Human Resource Management List of Tables v List of Figures x Organisational Structure 10 Overview of DOD 11 Macro-workforce Composition 11 INTRODUCTORY INFORMATION Human Resource Strategy 2010 Implementation Progress 11 Personnel Expenditure 12 Foreword by the Minister of Defence xi Employment and Vacancies 15 Foreword by the Deputy Minister of Defence xiii Job Evaluation 17 Overview by the Secretary for Defence xv Employment Changes
    [Show full text]
  • Denel Overberg Test Range
    DENEL OVERBERG TEST RANGE Company Profile Denel SOC Ltd trading as Denel Overberg Test Range is a versatile Test Range specialising in in-flight systems performance measurements for the local and international aerospace industries. Its spectrum of services range from tests of short range guided munitions for land, sea and air combat, to evaluation of modern standoff weapons and aviation systems. In addition, the Test Range can provide mobile telemetry launch support services at remote sites almost anywhere. The Test Range was established in the mid-eighties as an integrated test facility with the flexibility to allow multipurpose applications. Since final qualification in 1991, the Range has proved its ability to manage and execute any combination of air, ground and sea flight tests, rendering invaluable performance evaluation services to international defence forces and the armaments industry. The Test Range’s focus is mainly on evaluation of flight performance rather than the destructive power of weapons. The vast majority of firings are thus performed with inert warheads and/or telemetry packs. Its array of measuring systems, sophisticated support facilities, experienced personnel and unique location make Denel Overberg Test Range a well- equipped and effective test range by international standards. Denel Overberg Test Range is located immediately east of the remote southernmost tip of the African continent at latitude of 34 south on the south- eastern coast of the Western Cape. This area is virtually void of air traffic and shipping is limited compared to Northern Hemisphere traffic. A large overland area of approximately 43 000ha adds to the convenience of the vast sea arena, allowing tests to take place over both land and sea.
    [Show full text]
  • Pretoria Canopy Quarterly Newsletter Articles Nuus
    BAT CHAT ARTICLES HEADGEAR AND DOG TAGSWAR NUUS VANAF ORAL / NEWS FROM ALL OVER UIT DIE VERLEDE / FROM THE PAST XMAS MESSAGES PRETORIA CANOPY QUARTERLY NEWSLETTER No 4/20 PRETORIA CANOPY BAT CHAT Page 1 CANOPY KOMITEE WOORD VAN DIE REDAKSIE Voorsitter: Willoughby Brits WORD FROM THE EDITORIAL BOARD O/Voorsitter: Krige van Heerden Sekretaris: Roche Vermaak I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone for all their efforts throughout the year. The success of PVO Pretoria Canopy is built on the Tesourier: Wynand Erasmus efforts of our members and in this past year, we have enjoyed many successes. Thank you for the (dedication/loyalty/commitment/etc.) that Kommunikasie: Chris Pohl each one of you has shown us.We’ve come through a year that was filled with both challenges and victories. How reassuring its been to know that we Regskonsultant: Wynand Fourie can count on all of you regardless of what faces us. Please allow me to extend my personal and genuine appreciation to each and every one you for Gasvryheid: Johan Le Roex your valuable contributions to PVO Pretoria Canopy. Working with you this past year has been a pleasure and we’re proud to have you all with us. We offer our best wishes and happiness to you and your families as we all look forward to a successful 2021. The smallest act of kindness is worth more than the grandest intention. Baie dankie aan ons Komitee vir al hul harde werk en tyd. Baie dankie vir almal se goeie gesindheid Baie dankie vir al jul kameraadskap.
    [Show full text]
  • Defence and Military Veterans
    2016BUDGET ESTIMATES OF NATIONAL EXPENDITURE DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS VOTE 19 Estimates of National Expenditure 2016 National Treasury Republic of South Africa 24 February 2016 ISBN: 978-0-621-44244-1 RP: 15/2016 The 2016 Estimates of National Expenditure e-publications are compiled with the latest available information from departmental and other sources. Some of this information is unaudited or subject to revision. The Estimates of National Expenditure e-publications for individual votes are available on www.treasury.gov.za. Compared to the abridged version of the 2016 ENE, the 2016 ENE e-publications contain more comprehensive coverage of goods and services, transfers and subsidies, and programme specific personnel expenditure. Budget information is also provided for the public entities that are not shown in detail in the abridged publication. The abridged version of the ENE contains one additional table at the end of a chapter that shows expenditure on infrastructure, whereas the vote ENE e- publications’ additional tables also contain information on conditional grants to provinces and municipalities, public private partnerships and donor funding. Expenditure information at the level of service delivery is also included, where appropriate. Foreword The 2016 Budget is tabled at a time when both global and domestic economic conditions continue to be difficult. Government is unwavering in its commitment to stay the course of sound fiscal management in the face of this challenging environment. The approach of using the expenditure ceiling as a fiscal anchor, which was adopted in 2012, serves us well. To achieve the fiscal adjustment necessary, the expenditure level has been reduced and further revenue enhancement measures are introduced in the 2016 MTEF period.
    [Show full text]
  • The SA Army: Mandate, Activities, Main Equipment and Key Personalities
    Chapter 9 The SA Army: mandate, activities, main equipment and key personalities The SA Army was established just after midnight on the morning of April 27, 1994 as the senior Service of the new SA National Defence Force. Its seniority derives not as much from history but from the Defence Act, 42 of 2004, which in Section 12(1) lists the SA Army first, followed by the SA Air Force, SA Navy and the SA Military Health Service, thereby setting an order of precedence. For reasons of history and geography what is now the SA Army has always been the largest Service – and will remain that way. The geo-economics of the continent has always suggested to the Navy that South Africa has an island economy, with most of its trade with partners across the sea. As a result, they have always advocated the need for a strong navy. Understandable, of course – even though the Germans and Japanese excepted (the first during both world wars, the latter during the last) – there has never been a significant threat to that trade. For South Africa, the threat has always been on land – for successive colonial/white governments the “black peril”, for the present incumbents, the peril instability poses for development. What is the mandate of the SA Army? The mandate of the SA Army is • to provide combat-ready land forces for – o the pursuance of national defence and the prevention of war, failing which, to jointly and preferably multi-nationally, swiftly and decisively achieve national security goals; and o collaboratively promoting peace and stability internally and externally in concurrence with international obligations; and • to contribute to the development and upliftment of South Africa, its people, and the African continent.
    [Show full text]