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Remarks By The Minister Of Defence, The Hon. Mosiuoa Lekota MP, |
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(Source : South African Ministry of Defence ; issued Sept. 20, 2001)
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 Parliamentary Media Briefing
Pretoria, 20 September 2001
PEACEKEEPING
The fluidity of the regional environment and the heightened levels of tension internationally, increase the likelihood of further demands on the SANDF to support peace missions of the United Nations.
As the representative of a country committed to stability, democracy, and good governance, the SANDF must be in a position to fulfil its obligation when called upon to do so.
The Ministry and the Department of Defence regard our involvement in peacekeeping missions of the United Nations as an important work to ensure the stability of the region. We are of the firm view that only with peace and stability, will the region grow and develop economically.
To this end, I am going to approach Cabinet to seek authorisation to increase our contingent of 97 SANDF members deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to include a military police presence of 48 members. These members are expected to perform military police duties for the entire MONUC contingent deployed in the DRC.
The Chief of the SANDF - General Nyanda - has just visited SANDF members deployed in the DRC and was impressed with the standard of our participation.
BURUNDI
South Africa is part of the peace process in Burundi.
On 6 July 2001, I convened a meeting in Pretoria of Ministers of Defence of Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal and Belgium to discuss issues regarding the support of the peace process in that country. During our meeting it was inter-alia resolved that a technical team comprising of military officers from the above countries including South Africa be appointed. The team was to visit Burundi on a fact finding mission with the view to advise the Defence Ministers about what would be required from the involved countries to support the peace process in Burundi. However, the visit had to be postponed due to the security situation in that country.
It is, however, pleasing to say that the technical team will now be going to do its work in Burundi from 24 September 2001 to 5 October 2001.
ETHIOPIA AND ERITREA
We continue to support peace efforts in those countries under the auspices of the OAU and the UN Missions. There are 9 members of the SANDF currently deployed in Ethiopia and Eritrea. Two members are deployed in the liaison mission of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU). While seven members are deployed as military observers and staff officers of the UN Mission.
One Chief Military Liaison Officer is deployed in Kampala - Uganda.
INTERNAL OPERATIONS
The SANDF continue to assist and support other government departments.
During the period April to September this year, the Department of Defence have spent over R19.5 million in support of various government departments. R8.8 million was spent on operations to assist the SAPS to combat crime.
We have also supported and assisted the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism to perform its constitutional duties. These include the conducting of fishery patrols, the countering of poaching of marine resources by foreign vessels as well as illegal poaching of abalone. The SANDF also assisted this department in rescuing and providing medical assistance to ill people from Marion Island. We also assisted the Australian Defence Force to arrest 'vessel South Tome' that was suspected of stealing marine resources in the waters of that country.
LEGISLATION
We will be introducing a few pieces of legislation during this session of parliament.
The Defence Bill is a major piece of legislation. It has taken the Department of Defence since 1994 to re-draft this Bill which, if passed by Parliament, will replace the current 1957 Defence Act. The previous Minister set up a Defence Act Work group to perform this task. This group was composed of academics, legal persons from the President's Office and from the State Law Advisors as well as senior people in the Department.
Two issues have delayed the tabling of the Defence Bill:
1. The introduction of military trade unions; and
2. Moerane report on defence intelligence.
The new Public Finance Management Act will mean further adjustments. I am looking forward to a dynamic debate on this Bill and I am confident that party political differences will not derail or divert the discussions.
The Termination of Integration Intake Process Bill will put a closing date on the Integration process rather than leave it open ended. The last intake to integrate into the SANDF is scheduled for October. The British Military Advisory Training Team (BMATT) that was originally tasked to adjudicate the process, reports that it is on track.
I would like to remind everyone that this process, with all its problems, foreseen and unforeseen, has been a success. Very few countries can boast this achievement.
It is a great tribute to the men and women of the SANDF and the leadership of the SANDF that we can now close this process.
MINISTERIAL COMMISSION
The Ministerial Commission appointed after the shooting at Tempe Military base has been completed and handed to me.
It is at present with the Department. I await feedback and recommendations from the Chief of the SANDF and the Defence Secretary. I will then table the report in Parliament.
I thank you
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