The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) would like to state that the statement attributed to the SASFU which reads “Employment of foreigners into the SANDF is threat to national security” is without context.
It is fashionable of the South African Security Forces Union (SASFU) to discredit the defence force and find fault at every given opportunity of the SANDF. We reject the statement that a foreign national was intentionally recruited by the defence force and that was already serving in the submarine flotilla as unfounded and incorrect.
Our information points to the fact that indeed the young person is a Congolese national with parents living in South Africa and is in possession of the RSA identity document and a residence permit. It must be clearly stated that this matter was picked up by the Navy and dealt with accordingly with other stakeholders. Any claims to the contrary and the fact that the member is serving would be gross exaggeration.
The fact of the matter is that during a targeted recruitment process at a tertiary institution in KZN the learner was part of those that were recruited. As part of the selection process candidates were invited to a medical screening and selection board which is part of the procedures and the applicant was found to be suitable for possible enlistment. During the administration processing of the applicant, it was discovered that the candidate was a non RSA citizen and as a result the candidate is in the process of being withdrawn.
While the SANDF chooses not to be drawn into the statement by SASFU, it must be stated that the SANDF is a voluntary organisation which all South African citizens between the ages of 18 to 24 years are eligible to join the defence force having followed the administrative process and are found to be in possession of all the qualities that qualify them to be enlisted.
Enquiries:
Siphiwe Dlamini
Cell: 083 645 4294
