MINISTER OF DEFENCE AND MILITARY VETERANS CLARIFIES ISSUES

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula has refused to be drawn into discussing matters of security of the state in the public domain. She has insisted that despite the temptation of an election year, care must be taken by all to ensure that information that secures our territorial integrity should not be compromised simply to gain political points.  

At the end of the day, the vulnerability of our state security should be a concern of us all. She once again appealed to all South Africans to respect the need to handle matters of our security with responsibility.  

As we celebrate 20 years of democracy, we all need to take into consideration that certain state security matters cannot be discussed or haphazardly thrown into the public domain. This is to ensure that none of our citizen's security is jeopardised as a result of exposing our state security features and capabilities.

The minister has once again vowed to protect the SANDF as a national asset that serves all South Africans without being subjected to political manipulation of any kind. She expressed her dismay at attempts by those who seem to want to undermine our security and information, and questioned whose interests they serve. She is confident that South Africans will resist attempts to be manipulated to undermine our country, sovereignty and security.

The Minister has once again reiterated that any such protection of the integrity of our security capabilities should be balanced with the need for accountability.

Members of parliament are fully aware of parliamentary protocols and procedures in raising or discussing sensitive matters of such nature.

Statement issued by Joy Nonzukiso Peter, spokesperson for Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans, January 23 2014

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