President Zuma employs SANDF in the DRC

23 Aug 2013

President Jacob Zuma has informed parliament of the employment of 1345 members of the South African National Defence Force for service in the Democratic Republic of Congo, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations.

The members will participate in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) as part of the Force Intervention Brigade flowing from the mandate as reflected in the United Nations Security Council Resolution 2098.

The employment has been made in terms of Section 201 (2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa read with Section 93 of the Defence Act (Act 42 of 2002).

The deployment is for the period 13 June 2013 to 31 March 2014. The expenditure expected to be incurred for this employment is R402 800 000.

"Our soldiers are doing exceptionally well in the continent. We congratulate them and assure them of the support of their compatriots as they continue to contribute to the building of a better Africa, as a force for peace. We are very proud of them and their contribution to African renewal and development", said President Zuma.

Statement issued by Mac Maharaj, The Presidency, August 23 2013

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