GCIS PARLIAMENTARY MEDIA BRIEFING
20 September 2001
MINISTRY OF DEFENCE
Document handed out:
Minister’s Media Briefing September 20, 2001 (See Appendix)
The Minister, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, went beyond what was handed out in the briefing document in discussing certain issues. With regard to Burundi, he stated that former President Nelson Mandela, and current Deputy President Jacob Zuma had been working towards installing an interim government in Burundi by 1 November 2001. He noted that the next meeting between the defence ministers of the countries involved (Burundi, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, Belgium and South Africa) was due to take place next week. There was a recognition at all levels that South Africa was involved in a number of humanitarian efforts and was determined to fulfill its obligations in this regard, not just in Burundi, but in other regions as well. He drew attention to the Termination of Integration Intake Process Bill, saying that the completion of the process would allow certainty about numbers. Members of the Defence Force could renew their membership, but that only in certain exceptional circumstances would people who had missed the integration process be allowed to join on its terms. For example, those who had been involved in amnesty applications to the TRC could remain eligible. He stressed that new recruits were still being taken. He drew attention to the work done by the command structures of the SANDF in facilitating the integration process.
Questions from the media, and Minister Lekota’s replies (Q) What are your views on the implications of the terrorist attacks in the United States for the South African military. For example, will we be involved in providing SANDF support, is this likely to involve call-ups etc?
First of all, South Africa’s stance on terrorism is well known. The President has articulated it very well and we have called on the international community to fight terrorism. We were involved in the East Africa incident, in evacuating people as well as in apprehending one of the suspects. So essentially our position remains the same. We have taken precautions to protect citizens of other countries who might conceivably be vulnerable to attacks. But in practical terms, we have not been asked to do anything, nor do we have any particular responsibility or duty to do anything in terms of our international obligations. Our intelligence and defence agencies are doing what is needed at this stage. But it is unclear at this time what action is to be taken, by whom and against whom. There is also no immediate activity likely in the region, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is more involved in the issue at this stage than we are.
(Q) Just to clarify, you mentioned citizens of other countries - which countries would these be?
As with the East Africa situation, we had to look at certain missions and embassies. Also, with regard to the Middle East, we are paying attention to communities and people close to that.
(Q) Are you satisfied with the status of race relations in the SANDF?
The situation is much improved compared to the situation just prior to some of these issues. I spoke to the Defence Plenary Staff Council recently, congratulating them on the work done in this regard. When I table the report detailing what has been done, it will become clearer to the electorate. One of the programs is aimed at bringing into the SANDF young South Africans who have grown up in the new South Africa and do not have the baggage of having belonged to one or other group and military culture. This is likely to have a further positive effect. However, we continue to carry some baggage, and in particular I am seriously unhappy with some of the commando elements, who have been behaving like vigilantes. Many of these elements grew up in the old South Africa and have been scarred by racial discrimination. And some of their actions have been abhorrent.
(Q) Could you elaborate on some of the actions?
The commandos must operate under the control of the SAPS, and there have been situations where individuals put on their uniforms and deploy themselves, taking action such as beating up people. Recently, someone in the Rustenburg area caught a member of the public, beat him up, poured petrol on him and threatened to light it. These are not the actions of well-balanced, mentally healthy people and unfortunately some of these elements remain part of the defence force.
(Q) There was initially opposition to the retention of the commando system from some quarters. Are you intending to revisit this issue?
I feel we need the commando structures, and there is nothing wrong with the system, rather the fault lies with individuals. As part of reconstruction, these structures are involved in integrating various elements in the rural areas to contain criminality. I feel that rather than revising this, there is a need to reform the membership.
(Q) I understand that the contract for marine helicopters and Corvettes has not yet been signed. Could you give an indication of when this is likely to happen?
It will be signed very soon, but unfortunately I cannot be more specific.
(Q) Every year, members of the Cape Corps, a Coloured group, demonstrate outside Parliament, urging that they be integrated into the SANDF. What is your response to them?
At the time of integration, all the various structures were brought into the SANDF and had the opportunity of being integrated, including the Cape Corps. After this, some members took packages, including members of that corps, as well as several of the members from the former Bantustans. Many of them were attracted by the large sum of money, but now want to come back into the SANDF. This nation has met its obligation to these groups, they were paid and we have the records. No one was driven out, they did so willingly. My only response would be to offer to show them the records.
(Q) There was an incident involving soldiers in the DRC who were caught with fraudulent dollars. How far has the case progressed, and is there any indication that this was a syndicate operating?
No, the incident you are referring to involved one or two officers who were responsible for making certain payments in the DRC. They were then responsible for returning the money that was not used. Evidently, these two officers changed the dollars for counterfeit ones. This is a criminal act, they were arrested when they returned to this country, but as far as where the case is at present, I do not know, but I can get the information. There is an investigation into whether there was a syndicate involved, but it is largely a police matter now.
(Q) With regard to Burundi, is there enough time left to reach agreement by November 1. And what will South Africa’s role be - you mentioned further deployments?
These four countries have made a commitment and we have a technical team assessing the requirements. Once this is done, we can make decisions about the contributions of each country. At next week’s meeting, we are likely to make further decisions.
With regard to the first part of your question, there is significant time pressure, particularly if we want to train Burundi citizens to take the place of the foreign troops after the retreat of the peace force. It is likely that the training will take place in Tanzania, but we still need to look at the number of people to be involved and the type of training required.
(Q) The Chief of Staff of the SANDF recommended not sending troops into Burundi, out of concerns for their safety. Is there disagreement between yourself and the Chief of Staff?
The Chief of Staff is central as one of the advisers on this issue, but there may be political considerations which overrule his recommendations, such as our international obligations. The Chief of Staff is heading the technical team to Burundi, and will advise us on the risks involved. However, Cabinet will make the decision on whether or not to send troops in. I think that the chief has been misquoted. He said that if there was no cease-fire, he would advise against deployment. I think the press failed to accurately report the circumstances.
(Q) Will the British team (BMATT) retreat after integration?
No, there are other technical matters that they will deal with. But we would like our own command structures to take charge, so we can see how they handle it.
(Q) Is it likely that Burundi will be the first time that South Africa will be involved in peace-keeping by providing armed troops?
We are not sure at this stage if we will be providing armed troops or technical assistance. For example, the language issue, with Burundi being predominantly French-speaking, may restrict our involvement. But we anticipate that we will continue to supply technical assistance which the other countries involved may not have. Nigeria is heavily involved in Sierra Leone and we anticipate that we will be the only ones with the capacity to supply this type of specialised assistance.
(Q) To follow up, would you prefer South Africa not to be involved in an armed capacity?
I would have been happier if we had started earlier with the contingency plans, so that deployment could have been handled by the Burundians. A peace process has a better chance of success if the citizens of the country concerned are heavily involved, as happened in this country. This prevents a vacuum being created after the withdrawal of foreign troops. I would prefer fewer South Africans to be involved, because there are risks involved in this situation.
Appendix: REMARKS BY THE MINISTER OF DEFENCE, THE HONOURABLE MOSIUOA LEKOTA MP, AT THE PARLIAMENTARY MEDIA BRIEFING, 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.