"David Maynier hates to see the progress in the SANDF, he actually hates our soldiers, that is why he projects them in negative light everyday"

5 Nov 2010

The Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans has noted comments made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) member David Maynier in relation to the alleged contents of the Interim National Defence Force Service Commission.

Mr Maynier read in parliament yesterday, 4 November 2010 a paragraph from what he called the leaked Interim National Defence Force Service Commission which he says reflect that conditions within the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) are a threat to national security.

The ministry would like to state for the record that conditions in the SANDF have never been better, salaries have been increased in the lowest ranks up to 100 percent, the SANDF is implementing a new grievance mechanism.  The bad condition of service which David Maynier refers to that he says is a threat to national security is lies being spread to discredit the SANDF and its leaders for political gains.

The morale in the SANDF is very high; soldiers have been deployed recently to the borders. They run 74 hospitals during the public service strike and are making us proud at the borders.

The minister and the leadership of the SANDF are dealing with all challenges facing soldiers and the recently passed Defence Amendment Bill which will create a separate dispensation for the SANDF will create an environment in which the government can fast track the implementation of programmes to create a better life for soldiers.

We reject the lies and on going campaign by David Maynier to negatively project the SANDF. It is a known fact that he hates the SANDF and will do anything to bad mouth and spread lies about the organisation. We call on him to be responsible and respect the SANDF. 

Statement issued by Ndivhuwo Mabaya, Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans, November 5 2010

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