Minister of Defence Joe Modise takes a tough line on the `arrogant mindset of the old SADF
AT the time of our first ever democratic election, the thought in everyone’s mind was whether the defence force would support change. The result thus far has been encouraging, bearing in mind that in defence, more than in any other state institution, the conflicting pressures of stability and transformation need to be sensitively managed. This is, by far, my ministry’s greatest challenge.
In any great venture, there will be obstacles and setbacks, but our achievements stand as testimony to the progress made in forging a new defence ethos and in maintaining the essential stability our country requires. Whatever I do needs to be judged in terms of this equation. That being said, my ministry is committed to accelerating the transformation programme to strengthen and modernise defence for the 21st century.
The first phase of transformation was amalgamating seven former antagonistic forces into a unified South African National Defence Force (SANDF). There has been no comparable transformation in any government department to date. Of the approximately 28 000 originally registered Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) and 6 000 Azanian People’s Liberation Army (Apla) members, about 16 000 reported for integration and, of these, almost 4 000 chose to demobilise. Of those that integrated, almost 1 700 were appointed as officers – a remarkably high percentage – of which 150 are women. Of these officers, comprising about 10% of all regular force SANDF officers, 11 became generals, including the country’s first black woman general. This group, together with the 500 officers from the former homelands’ forces, is the strategic base from which to develop broad representivity of black officers at all levels of command.
An Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunities (AAEO) programme will fast- track for promotion those with the greatest capability. But simple statistical parity is insufficient, and a comprehensive strategy is required. Firstly, to ensure democratic control over the armed forces, a civilian defence secretariat was created. This secretariat, staffed with appointments reflective of a national liberation and gender background, has the responsibility to ensure policy is implemented. Additionally, the Integration Oversight Committee composed of members of Parliament, the secretariat and the SANDF, is a mechanism ensuring the overseeing of this programme.
The Defence White Paper, the policy basis for transformation and the product of a thorough consultative process, was unanimously endorsed by Parliament last May. It provides the basis for our country’s first ever National Defence Review. This review is determining the “Three M’s of Defence” – money, machines and military personnel – at a time of socio-economic priorities and swingeing defence cuts. Defence requirements must flow from the White Paper, with the review providing options for a new force design, force levels, structures and equipment. This is a logical and transparent approach to appropriate funding, and the alternative to the emotional “guns or butter” debate. Public participation in the review process has been extensive. It is recognised as the most open and consultative defence review in the world.
As important as our new equipment needs are for the 21st century, so too are appropriate attitudes and values, if we are to sustain an adequate defence force to protect our hard-won sovereignty. To create this new culture, I have established civic education, language and religion work groups together with the AAEO structures.
Important changes have also been made in the part-time forces. As one of my first actions, in July 1994, I ended the infamous apartheid conscription system. We now have an all-volunteer force which includes the part-time soldier – the “citizen in uniform” – as an integral part of our democracy.
We are in the process of establishing new structures, including the creation of new regiments to reflect the traditions of the struggle. Given that we are downsizing the SANDF, a Bill to facilitate the reintegration of demobilised combatants into civil society by providing for a demobilisation gratuity, has recently been introduced. I have created a Service Corps, dedicated to the training of ex-combatants in skills suitable to their reintegration into civilian life.
My ministry has restored to veterans of the past – particularly of World War II – their dignity, for so long flouted by the previous government and we are in the process of setting up a Directorate of Veterans’ Affairs.
We also initiated a National Conventional Arms Control Committee to ensure strict regulation of our arms industry. As early as October 1994 we stopped exporting land mines, and we support the United Nations move towards a worldwide ban on anti- personnel mines. Armscor is being restructured to ensure accountability and promote representivity with new appointments to the board.
Reflecting our regional presence, we have become a member of the Inter-State Defence and Security Committee of the South African Development Community (SADC). We are expected to play a more active role in the region – with profound implications for defence capability – and I have initiated studies with regard to possible peace support operations in Africa.
The revision of the Defence Act is continuing, but must await the certification of the Constitution, and the results of the defence review.
Halfway through my tenure of office is an appropriate point to ask: “To what degree has the old order given way to the new?” Certainly, dominant positions are still in the hands of former South African Defence Force (SADF) generals. Their jobs and pensions were, after all, guaranteed by Joe Slovo’s so-called “sunset clause”. But change is underway, and I have made it clear that, in the interests of the SANDF, transformation must succeed and involve a change in the heart, mind and spirit of all who wish to serve. Those not prepared to change can take severance ahead of pending rationalisation, and I have recently signed 3 500 applications in this respect.
I will simply not tolerate the mindset of the old SADF – which was so arrogantly displayed at the Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings in Bisho and Cape Town. But, I encourage and applaud all those, of whatever background, who are willing to participate in the great patriotic undertaking of building a defence force of national unity.
Having established the framework for change, I aim to accelerate the process.