(SANDF)
13 February 2007
We are gathered here today to acknowledge the contribution of our South
African National Defence Force (SANDF) men and women who have returned from
Burundi, after having played a significant role in creating peace and stability
in that country. The importance of this contribution politically, socially and
economically cannot be understated.
The occasion is a suitable one to allow us to reflect further on the role of
South Africa and our Department of Defence in lending support to continental
peace-making efforts. It is often said that defence is a function of diplomacy.
So, our work provides a strong support to the work of the Department of Foreign
Affairs (DFA) and the Presidency.
Indeed, in this case this was demonstrated aptly by the fact that after
having laid a political foundation through the political process, the military
intervention followed. You will remember that after the Rwanda genocide Burundi
was moving close to its own genocide until a South African sponsored diplomacy
which resulted in the negotiations was held. These negotiations led to the
unlocking of the impulse and the avoidance of a possible genocide.
Perhaps, more than anything else Burundi provided a lesson for Africa that
its problems can best be solved by Africans themselves. The SANDF underpins our
foreign policy into Africa ensuring South Africa's credibility in supporting
the people of our continent.
When I visited the troops recently in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of
Congo (DRC) I asked the troops to spend one more Christmas away from home. I
know very well that all of you were longing to spend Christmas at home with
your loved ones - wives, children, girlfriends, boyfriends, uncles, etc. It is
your sense of duty that made you to stay another Christmas in Burundi.
As we speak today, the Paliphetu-National Liberation Forces (FNL) leaders
met yesterday and finalised the discussion on their return to Burundi after a
successful facilitation by the Minister of Safety and Security, Mr Charles
Nqakula. The Paliphetu-FNL leaders and combatants will return home under the
protection of the South African National Defence Force. The return of
Paliphetu�FNL will move towards the completion of the process of the
democratisation of Burundi. This in turn will ensure that the Burundi
population will focus their attention on the most pressing problems facing
their country � that is poverty and the improvement of the living conditions of
the people of Burundi.
Your other comrades and colleagues have been left behind to oversee this
important process of the return of the former consultants. They will probably
be spending the Easter holidays there. I would like to thank them here and
through you in absentia.
Your contribution to the initiatives into our Continent is pivotal in
unpinning our position in the greater global defence community. This is of
particular significance at this stage, as South Africa assumes the
non-permanent seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from Monday, 1
January 2007 for a two-year period.
We have accordingly instructed that the department must strengthen its
presence in the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Operations.
Having highlighted the strategic significance of your recent deployment, let
us now reflect on some of our many successes.
The recent elections in the Comoros marked a critical milestone in the
consolidation of democracy in the African area of responsibility. We are proud
that our department was instrumental in safeguarding the elections, albeit at
very short notice. This demonstrated our capability and willingness to act
rapidly and in a disciplined and co-ordinated manner in extraordinary
circumstances.
Similarly the elections held in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, hailed
by many as the most significant development on our continent since 1994, were
successfully concluded, with our men and women once again allowing peace and
stability to prevail. The contribution of the former Chief of Joint Operations,
the late Lt Gen Sipho Banda is recalled at this stage.
Our strategic intervention makes clear the necessity for post-conflict
reconstruction. Post-conflict reconstruction focuses on building communities,
on restoring disintegrated societies, on reconstructing and developing the
country and on fighting poverty through jobs creation and training and
development. You have laid that foundation for Burundi and for that the Barundi
leadership have expressed gratitude through a number of channels.
Apart from the assistance rendered to the Burundi, DRC and Comoros'
elections the SANDF also participated in the recent elections of Madagascar.
Once again, our brothers on the continent are happy for the SANDF; in other
words they are happy for the work performed by the men and women like you.
As members of the South African National Defence Force you are part of the
big family involved not only in peace-keeping operations but also in the
defence of the sovereignty of South Africa and in supporting the people of SA
through the utilisation of the national resources at our disposal.
So, on coming back home and after you have rested and you have visited the
grandmothers and uncles, you must remember that your country still values your
services and that you will be deployed in other missions. So, be for ever ready
for your next call up.
May I also take this opportunity to thank your families without whose
support you would not have endured the rigour of combat life far away from
home. To all the parents, wives and the rest of the family we say keep it up in
supporting your loved ones � for without you their stress levels would be very
high.
Recent media reports highlighted the role of the department in supporting
South Africa in bringing light to the Western Cape. SAS Drakensberg had
embarked to Germany to escort the first Type 209 Mod SA1400 submarine, SAS
Manthatisi, back to South Africa, when the Western Cape was plunged into
darkness. SAS Drakensberg was diverted to Antwerp to uplift a 200-ton rotor for
the Koeberg Nuclear Power Plant. She arrived in Cape Town on 5 April 2006 to a
rousing welcome.
The department affirms its intention to continue to energetically support
internal government initiatives such as Accelerated and Shared Growth
Initiative for South Africa (AsgiSA) in order to foster the development of
skills and economic prosperity for all. The role of our department is critical
in ensuring success in this arena. In this regard, we are proud of our
contribution being made through our Military Skills Development programme. This
programme makes among others, provision for young men and women to be equipped
with key skills in the fields of information technology, financial management
and language within the disciplined ethos of a professional military in a
democracy. On conclusion of their utilisation in the department, these youth
will be a key to building our new South Africa.
The department continues to support our people in areas such as disaster
relief, search and rescue, fire fighting operations and rendering support to
the police and other government departments.
Finally, this occasion provides us with an opportunity to focus internally
on key areas of leadership and management in the department. We need to improve
on our logistical support to deployees in foreign countries so that our
interventions are rendered effective and efficient.
Our Commander in Chief has repeatedly stressed the importance of good
governance. Fundamental in this regard includes the inculcation of the
principles of Batho Pele underpinned by such principles such as efficiency,
effectiveness and transparency. It is of utmost importance that the role of
leadership and good discipline in institutionalising such values must be
acknowledged. The role of sound strategic leadership and professionalism, good
morale and total commitment cannot be overemphasised. The department shall
vigorously pursue these principles as highlighted in our Codes of Conduct and
legislative framework.
As a young democracy and a young defence community we continue to grapple
with issues of consolidation. We will not tolerate a laissez-faire approach to
deviations. In keeping with the principle of transparency, we will interrogate
such deviations and where necessary, will stringently apply due process of the
law in order to fairly and equitably conclude such matters. This is fundamental
to establishing good governance and to ensuring responsible leadership and a
disciplined and cohesive force. Our efforts in this regard receive added
impetus in the context of the acceptance and integration of our Strategic
Defence Packages. These Strategic Defence Packages are technologically advanced
and require high levels of competence and commitment.
The most formidable and most advanced hardware is impotent in the absence of
motivated and qualified personnel, led by strategic and visionary men and
women, who are sensitive to the complexities of the African Battle Space. You
have exemplified such men and women during your recent deployment and the
importance thereof is far larger than you could ever imagine. You are
privileged to have participated in the writing of the prologue of the new
history of our continent.
We are proud of you all.
Issued by: Department of Defence
13 February 2007
