M&G reporters
After battling to integrate former enemies into South Africa’s National Defence Force, the SANDF is now facing an even bigger challenge: how to demobilise 30 000 soldiers.
Jakkie Cilliers, Director of the Institute of Defence Policy (IDP), says it was a mistake to integrate before demobilising. “Now, after they have decided who joins the military, they have to ask people to leave and re-adjust to civil society. Not only will this cause conflict, but it is an expensive bureaucratic process,” said Cilliers.
Major Zanele Vutela, communications Officer of the SANDF’s Service Corps, says among the 30 000 personnel to be demobilised will be veterans, the disabled and those with low academic capabilities.
According to Vutela, the future ex-soldiers will enter the Service Corps and go through an 18-month programme which will offer literacy and practical hands-on training as well as a year’s employment in a Reconstruction and Development Programme (RDP) related
“The Service Corps will be the RDP arm of the Defence Force. The soldiers will not only be demobilised, but
“The Service Corps is voluntary and will be available for those who need help. We envisage 10 000 soldiers joining,” she added.
Commenting on the SANDF’s involvement in the RDP, University of the Witwatersrand Sociology Professor Jackie Cock warned that the role of the military should be strictly limited to territorial defence.
“The military should not be getting involved in reconstruction and development — that is a civilian
SANDF representative, Colonel John Rolt, said that the military’s role was set out in the interim constitution and this could be interpreted to include RDP work.