Defence to Change Policy Regulations
Government is to alter the policy regulations that have guided the functioning of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota says the changes would be effected on the White Paper on Defence and the Defence Review by the end of this year.
Presenting his Budget vote in Parliament today, Mr Lekota explained that the role envisaged for the defence force ten years ago had changed, citing the country's increased involvement in peacekeeping efforts on the continent.
He cited experiences South Africa had learnt from peacekeeping efforts in Lesotho, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Burundi.
"A defence force engaged in peacekeeping operates entirely different from a defence force at war. Peacekeeping strives to achieve sustainable peace," he said.
Thus, training of members involved in peacekeeping should be based on international law, respect for human life and human rights, the minister added.
He said the Defence Review did not foresee the role the country would play in bringing stability and security around Africa.
The minister said changes would also be made to the internal workings of the Department of Defence to enhance its ability to function effectively.
He announced that the entire top structure of the department would be involved in the review process.
He described it as a "crucial exercise", which would drive the last phase of the transformation of the department.
The minister added the country's involvement in peacekeeping had been a learning experience.
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08 Juin 2004 à 16:36 dans
- zsandf (anglais)
