The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans has returned this evening from Kinshasa, Republic of Congo (DRC) after a second visit aimed at signing off on all responsibilities of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in preparation for the election of Monday November 28, 2011. Media reports that her convoy was stoned on its way to the airport are not true.
The Minister's convoy to the airport was accompanied by Military Police, three trucks to be specific.
By Thursday, 24 November 2011, the SANDF had concluded their first task which was to collect ballot papers from printers in South Africa and deliver them to 13 hubs inside the DRC and also support the distribution to 210 hubs and sub hubs together with the UNair, the Angola Defence Force, National Independent Electoral Commission (CENI) rented planes and the Congolese defence force.
The Minister is happy to confirm that the SANDF has completed all tasks allocated to them by the CENI in preparation for the elections and they have now started supporting the Congolese Defence Force in moving tents, stationery and other necessities of the elections.
“South Africans must be proud that our Defence Force is contributing in building and strengthening democracy in the continent. To the Chief of the SANDF, and all our soldiers deployed in the Congo, we are proud of you, and the people of Congo will never forget the role you played in this important elections” she said.
The Minister call on all South Africans and Africans to support the DRC during this important election. “This election will not only strengthen democracy, but will also ensure that the people of Congo build on the economic development achievement and continue on the path to rebuild their country” she said.
The team from the SANDF will remain in the DRC until all elements of the elections have been concluded, including collecting ballot papers from polling station to Kinshasa. The SANDF is also assisting to transport and protect Southern African Development Community (SADC) observers. In total over 90 helicopters from different stakeholders, 26 fixed wing planes and hundreds of trucks are supporting CENI in coordinating the elections logistics.
Enquiries:
Ndivhuwo Mabaya
Cell: 083 645 783
