President Zuma extends employment of SANDF personnel to fulfil international obligations
17 April 2013
President Jacob Zuma has today informed Parliament of the extensions until April 2014, of the employment of personnel of the South African National Defence (SANDF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan to fulfil various international obligations.
The employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.
The President has extended until April 2014, the following operations;
The employment of Eight Hundred and Fifty (850) South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in Darfur, Sudan, for service in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union (AU) and United Nations (UN). The members had been employed in Darfur for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013, as part of the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and will continue serving in the mission.
The employment of eleven South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members for service in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC). They had been employed in the DRC as a Special Advisory Team, for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013, to assist with capacity building of the DRC Defence Force (FARDC), and will continue for another year.
The employment of One Thousand Two Hundred and Sixty-seven (1267) South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel, in the DRC for service in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the United Nations. The members were employed in the DRC for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013, to participate in the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC and will continue in this mission.
The employment of Sixty-seven (67) SANDF personnel for service in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC. They had been employed in the DRC for the period 01 April 2012 to 31 March 2013, to train the DRC Armed Force (FARDC).
President Zuma congratulated the SANDF on its sterling role in the promotion of peace in the continent.
"Our soldiers are doing exceptionally well. 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, April 17 2013
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