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The '''South African National Defence Force''' ('''SANDF''') comprises the [[armed force]]s of [[South Africa]]. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the [[President of South Africa]] from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the [[Minister of Defence and Military Veterans]] of the [[Department of Defence (South Africa)|Defence Department]].
The '''South African National Defence Force''' ('''SANDF''') comprises the [[armed force]]s of [[South Africa]]. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the [[President of South Africa]] from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the [[Minister of Defence and Military Veterans]] of the [[Department of Defence (South Africa)|Defence Department]].


The military as it exists today was created in 1994,<ref name="constitution-1993-224">{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/93cons.htm#SECTION224 |title=Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 (Section 224) |accessdate=2008-06-23 |year=1993 |publisher=South African Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.issafrica.org/Pubs/ASR/6No2/VanStade.html |title=Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge |accessdate=2008-06-23 |year=1997 |author=L B van Stade |publisher=Institute for Security Studies }}</ref> following South Africa's first post-[[apartheid]] national elections and the adoption of a new constitution. It replaced the [[South African Defence Force]].
The military as it exists today was created in 1994,<ref name="constitution-1993-224">{{cite web |url=http://www.info.gov.za/documents/constitution/93cons.htm#SECTION224 |title=Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 (Section 224) |accessdate=2008-06-23 |year=1993 |publisher=South African Government}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.issafrica.org/Pubs/ASR/6No2/VanStade.html |title=Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge |accessdate=2008-06-23 |year=1997 |author=L B van Stade |publisher=Institute for Security Studies |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20160316204323/https://issafrica.org/pubs/asr/6no2/vanstade.html |archivedate=16 March 2016 |df=dmy-all }}</ref> following South Africa's first post-[[apartheid]] national elections and the adoption of a new constitution. It replaced the [[South African Defence Force]].


==History==
==History==
The SANDF took over the personnel and equipment from the SADF and integrated forces from the former [[Bantustan]] homelands forces,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wessels|first1=André|title=The South African National Defence Force, 1994–2009: A Historical Perspective|url=http://humanities.ufs.ac.za/dl/userfiles/Documents/00001/1093_eng.pdf|website=humanities.ufs.ac.za/|publisher=University of the Free State|accessdate=21 October 2014}}</ref>{{rp|5}} as well as personnel from the former guerrilla forces of some of the political parties involved in South Africa, such as the [[African National Congress]]'s [[Umkhonto we Sizwe]], the [[Pan Africanist Congress]]'s [[Azanian People's Liberation Army]] and the Self-Protection Units of the [[Inkatha Freedom Party]] (IFP).<ref name="constitution-1993-224"/>
The SANDF took over the personnel and equipment from the SADF and integrated forces from the former [[Bantustan]] homelands forces,<ref>{{cite web|last1=Wessels|first1=André|title=The South African National Defence Force, 1994–2009: A Historical Perspective|url=http://humanities.ufs.ac.za/dl/userfiles/Documents/00001/1093_eng.pdf|website=humanities.ufs.ac.za/|publisher=University of the Free State|accessdate=21 October 2014|deadurl=yes|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130801082203/http://humanities.ufs.ac.za/dl/userfiles/Documents/00001/1093_eng.pdf|archivedate=1 August 2013|df=dmy-all}}</ref>{{rp|5}} as well as personnel from the former guerrilla forces of some of the political parties involved in South Africa, such as the [[African National Congress]]'s [[Umkhonto we Sizwe]], the [[Pan Africanist Congress]]'s [[Azanian People's Liberation Army]] and the Self-Protection Units of the [[Inkatha Freedom Party]] (IFP).<ref name="constitution-1993-224"/>


As of 2004, the integration process was considered complete, with retaining personnel, structure, and equipment from the SADF. However, due to integration problems, financial constraints, and other issues, the SANDF faced capability constraints.'<ref>U.S. Embassy The Hague, [http://www.wikileaks.ch/cable/2005/11/05THEHAGUE2973.html 05THEHAGUE2973 Netherlands/Africa: DASD Whelan's visit to The Hague], 1 November 2005, via Wikileaks [[United States diplomatic cables leak]]</ref>
As of 2004, the integration process was considered complete, with retaining personnel, structure, and equipment from the SADF. However, due to integration problems, financial constraints, and other issues, the SANDF faced capability constraints.'<ref>U.S. Embassy The Hague, [http://www.wikileaks.ch/cable/2005/11/05THEHAGUE2973.html 05THEHAGUE2973 Netherlands/Africa: DASD Whelan's visit to The Hague] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111220459/http://wikileaks.ch/cable/2005/11/05THEHAGUE2973.html |date=11 November 2011 }}, 1 November 2005, via Wikileaks [[United States diplomatic cables leak]]</ref>


The [[South African Commando System]] was a civil militia active until 2008, based upon local units from the size of company to battalion.<ref name="Reflections">{{cite book |title=Reflections on War – Preparedness and Consequences|last1=Potgieter |first1=Thean |authorlink1=Thean Potgieter |last2=Liebenberg |first2=Ian |authorlink2=Ian Liebenberg |date=October 2012 |origyear=2012 |location=Stellenbosch |publisher=[[Sun Media Stellenbosch]]|isbn=978-1-920338-84-8}}</ref> In its final years its role was to support the [[South African Police Service]] during internal operations. During such deployments the units came under SAPS control.
The [[South African Commando System]] was a civil militia active until 2008, based upon local units from the size of company to battalion.<ref name="Reflections">{{cite book |title=Reflections on War – Preparedness and Consequences|last1=Potgieter |first1=Thean |authorlink1=Thean Potgieter |last2=Liebenberg |first2=Ian |authorlink2=Ian Liebenberg |date=October 2012 |origyear=2012 |location=Stellenbosch |publisher=[[Sun Media Stellenbosch]]|isbn=978-1-920338-84-8}}</ref> In its final years its role was to support the [[South African Police Service]] during internal operations. During such deployments the units came under SAPS control.
Line 78: Line 78:
===Re-armament===
===Re-armament===
{{main article|South African Arms Deal}}
{{main article|South African Arms Deal}}
In 1999, a R30 billion (US$4.8 billion) [[South African Arms Deal|purchase of weaponry]] by the [[African National Congress|South African Government]] was finalised, which has been subject to allegations of corruption.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ifp.org.za/Newsletters/071122wn.htm |title=Mangosuthu Buthelezi's Weekly Newsletter to the Nation |date=22 November 2007 |publisher=[[Inkatha Freedom Party]] |work=Ifp.org.za |accessdate=2008-11-13 |first=Mangosuthu |last=Buthelezi |authorlink=Mangosuthu Buthelezi}}</ref><ref name=rotten>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/jan/10/somethingisrotten Bright hopes betrayed] Mail & Guardian</ref> The [[South African Department of Defence]]'s Strategic Defence Acquisition purchased [[frigate]]s, [[submarine]]s, light utility [[helicopter]]s, [[lead-in fighter trainer]] and [[multirole combat aircraft]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Neethling|first1=Theo|title=Military spending, socio-economic challenges and foreign policy demands: Appraising South Africa’s predicament|journal=African Security Review|date=22 Jul 2010|volume=15|issue=4|pages=57–78|doi=10.1080/10246029.2006.9627622|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10246029.2006.9627622#.VEYMV_mUeSo|accessdate=21 October 2014|publisher=Institute for Security Studies|format=pdf|issn=2154-0128}}</ref>
In 1999, a R30 billion (US$4.8 billion) [[South African Arms Deal|purchase of weaponry]] by the [[African National Congress|South African Government]] was finalised, which has been subject to allegations of corruption.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ifp.org.za/Newsletters/071122wn.htm |title=Mangosuthu Buthelezi's Weekly Newsletter to the Nation |date=22 November 2007 |publisher=[[Inkatha Freedom Party]] |work=Ifp.org.za |accessdate=2008-11-13 |first=Mangosuthu |last=Buthelezi |authorlink=Mangosuthu Buthelezi |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20081203170352/http://www.ifp.org.za/Newsletters/071122wn.htm |archivedate=3 December 2008 |df=dmy-all }}</ref><ref name=rotten>[https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2007/jan/10/somethingisrotten Bright hopes betrayed] Mail & Guardian</ref> The [[South African Department of Defence]]'s Strategic Defence Acquisition purchased [[frigate]]s, [[submarine]]s, light utility [[helicopter]]s, [[lead-in fighter trainer]] and [[multirole combat aircraft]].<ref>{{cite journal|last1=Neethling|first1=Theo|title=Military spending, socio-economic challenges and foreign policy demands: Appraising South Africa’s predicament|journal=African Security Review|date=22 Jul 2010|volume=15|issue=4|pages=57–78|doi=10.1080/10246029.2006.9627622|url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/10246029.2006.9627622#.VEYMV_mUeSo|accessdate=21 October 2014|publisher=Institute for Security Studies|format=pdf|issn=2154-0128}}</ref>


===Domestic operations===
===Domestic operations===

Revision as of 03:33, 22 December 2017

South African National Defence Force
List
  • 10 other official names:
  • Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Weermag (Afrikaans)
  • IButho leSewula Afrika lezokuVikela leliZweloke (Southern Ndebele)
  • UMkhosi woKhuselo weSizwe waseMzantsi Afrika (Xhosa)
  • UMbutho Wezokuvikela WaseNingizimu Afrika (Zulu)
  • Umbutfo Wetekuvikela Wavelonkhe waseNingizimu Afrika (Swazi)
  • Sešole sa Tšhireletšo sa Bosetšhaba sa Afrika Borwa (Northern Sotho)
  • Lebotho la Naha la Tshireletso la Aforika Borwa (Sotho)
  • Sesole sa Tshireletso ya Naga ya Aforika Borwa (Tswana)
  • Vutho ra Rixaka ra Vusirheleli ra Afrika-Dzonga (Tsonga)
  • Tshiimiswa tsha Mmbi ya Vhupileli ya Afurika Tshipembe (Venda)
Emblem of the SANDF
Flag of the SANDF
Current form1994–present
Service branchesSouth African Army
South African Navy
South African Air Force
Military Health Service
HeadquartersPretoria, Gauteng, South Africa
Leadership
Commander-in-ChiefJacob Zuma
Minister of Defence and Military VeteransNosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
Chief of the South African National Defence ForceGeneral Solly Shoke
Personnel
Military age18–49
Available for
military service		10,354,769 males, age 18–49 (2005),
10,626,550 females, age 18–49 (2005)
Fit for
military service		4,927,757 males, age 18–49 (2005),
4,609,071 females, age 18–49 (2005)
Reaching military
age annually		512,407 males (2005),
506,078 females (2005)
Active personnel78,707[1]
Reserve personnel15,107[2]
Expenditure
Budget$US 4.572 billion[3]
Percent of GDP1.1% (2010–2011)
Industry
Domestic suppliersDenel, Paramount Group, Reutech Radar Systems
Foreign suppliersAgustaWestland, BAE Systems, Heckler & Koch, IVECO, MAN, Saab AB, Thales, ThyssenKrupp
Related articles
HistoryMilitary history of South Africa
List of wars involving South Africa
RanksSouth African military ranks

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) comprises the armed forces of South Africa. The commander of the SANDF is appointed by the President of South Africa from one of the armed services. They are in turn accountable to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans of the Defence Department.

The military as it exists today was created in 1994,[4][5] following South Africa's first post-apartheid national elections and the adoption of a new constitution. It replaced the South African Defence Force.

History

The SANDF took over the personnel and equipment from the SADF and integrated forces from the former Bantustan homelands forces,[6]: 5  as well as personnel from the former guerrilla forces of some of the political parties involved in South Africa, such as the African National Congress's Umkhonto we Sizwe, the Pan Africanist Congress's Azanian People's Liberation Army and the Self-Protection Units of the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP).[4]

As of 2004, the integration process was considered complete, with retaining personnel, structure, and equipment from the SADF. However, due to integration problems, financial constraints, and other issues, the SANDF faced capability constraints.'[7]

The South African Commando System was a civil militia active until 2008, based upon local units from the size of company to battalion.[8] In its final years its role was to support the South African Police Service during internal operations. During such deployments the units came under SAPS control.

According to the Defence Ministry's 2014 Defence Review, the SANDF is "in a critical state of decline".[9]

Re-armament

Main article: South African Arms Deal

In 1999, a R30 billion (US$4.8 billion) purchase of weaponry by the South African Government was finalised, which has been subject to allegations of corruption.[10][11] The South African Department of Defence's Strategic Defence Acquisition purchased frigates, submarines, light utility helicopters, lead-in fighter trainer and multirole combat aircraft.[12]

Domestic operations

The SANDF is involved in a number of internal operations, including:[13]

  • Safeguarding the Border (Operation CORONA)
  • Disaster relief and assistance (Operation CHARIOT)
  • Safety and security (Operation PROSPER)
  • Ridding the country of illegal weapons, drug dens, prostitution rings and other illegal activities (Operation FIELA)

International operations

The SANDF partakes in UN peacekeeping missions, mostly on the African continent. It also provides election security when needed.

Organisation and structure

Overall command is vested in an officer-designated Chief of the SANDF (CSANDF). Appointed from any of the Arms of Service. He or she is the only person in the SANDF at the rank of General or Admiral, and is accountable to the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, who heads the Department of Defence

The structure of the SANDF is depicted below:[14]

In 2010, a Defence Amendment Bill created a permanent National Defence Force Service Commission (NDFSC), a body that will advise the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans on the improvement of conditions of service of members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).[15]

Members of the Commission include the Chiefs of the service arms, as well as the Chief of Defence Intelligence as well as the Chief of Joint Operations

Four armed services make up the forces of the SANDF:[16]

The Joint Operations Division is responsible for co-ordinating all Joint Operations involving any or all of the four services. The South African Special Forces Brigade is the only organic unit under the direct command of the Joint Operations division. Unlike most other special forces it is not part of the Army or any other branch of the SANDF.[17]

2012 Defence Review

Main article: South African Defence Review 2012

The South African Defence Review 2012 is a policy review process carried out by a panel of experts, chaired by retired politician and former Minister of Defence, Roelf Meyer. The review was commissioned by Lindiwe Sisulu the then Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, in July 2011. The review was motivated by the need to correct the errors and shortcomings of the previous review. According to defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu, the old report was no longer relevant to South Africa's current situation.[18]

See also

References

  1. ^ "SANDF not meeting staffing targets". defenceweb.co.za. DefenceWeb. 11 November 2014. Retrieved 12 November 2014.
  2. ^ "South Africa: South African National Defence Force". DefenceWeb. 1 February 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  3. ^ "National Treasury Budget 2012: Estimates of National Expenditure" (PDF). www.treasury.gov.za. Department of National Treasury. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  4. ^ a b "Constitution of the Republic of South Africa Act 200 of 1993 (Section 224)". South African Government. 1993. Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  5. ^ L B van Stade (1997). "Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge". Institute for Security Studies. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 23 June 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Wessels, André. "The South African National Defence Force, 1994–2009: A Historical Perspective" (PDF). humanities.ufs.ac.za/. University of the Free State. Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 August 2013. Retrieved 21 October 2014. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ U.S. Embassy The Hague, 05THEHAGUE2973 Netherlands/Africa: DASD Whelan's visit to The Hague Archived 11 November 2011 at the Wayback Machine, 1 November 2005, via Wikileaks United States diplomatic cables leak
  8. ^ Potgieter, Thean; Liebenberg, Ian (October 2012) [2012]. Reflections on War – Preparedness and Consequences. Stellenbosch: Sun Media Stellenbosch. ISBN 978-1-920338-84-8.
  9. ^ Dörrie, Peter (9 April 2014). "South Africa's Military Is Falling Apart". medium.com. War is Boring. Retrieved 9 April 2014.
  10. ^ Buthelezi, Mangosuthu (22 November 2007). "Mangosuthu Buthelezi's Weekly Newsletter to the Nation". Ifp.org.za. Inkatha Freedom Party. Archived from the original on 3 December 2008. Retrieved 13 November 2008. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ Bright hopes betrayed Mail & Guardian
  12. ^ Neethling, Theo (22 July 2010). "Military spending, socio-economic challenges and foreign policy demands: Appraising South Africa's predicament" (pdf). African Security Review. 15 (4). Institute for Security Studies: 57–78. doi:10.1080/10246029.2006.9627622. ISSN 2154-0128. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  13. ^ "C J OPS Briefs Media on Deployments". Retrieved 22 January 2013.
  14. ^ "The Department of Defence Strategic Business Plan 2009" (pdf). www.dod.mil.za. Department of Defence South Africa. October 2009. ISBN 978-0-620-43741-7. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  15. ^ "PCODMV adopts Defence Amendment Bill". DefenceWeb.co.za. DefenceWeb. 18 October 2010. Retrieved 21 October 2014.
  16. ^ "Defence Act 42 of 2002" (PDF). South African Government. 12 February 2003. p. 18. Archived from the original (pdf) on 24 June 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2008.
  17. ^ "Fact file: The Joint Operations Division". DefenceWeb. 28 November 2008. Retrieved 13 March 2013.
  18. ^ "Draft Defence Review report released".

Further reading

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