Defence on Reserve Force call up to combat Coronavirus COVID-19

23 April 2020

Reserves in the South African Army, South African Air Force, South African Navy and the South African Military Health Service (“Four Services”) form an important component of the SANDF. 

To date a large number of the Reserves in each of the Four Services has been called up and deployed on borderline protection and together with the Regular Force in support of the SAPS and the Department of Health during OP NOTLELA to combat COVID-19.  

In addition, certain Reserve force units and selected individuals have been put on 25 hours standby.

The remaining members who are currently serving in the Reserve Force but who have not yet been called up have been asked to contact their units in order to confirm their availability. They will be called up as soon as they are required.

Those members of the Reserves who have not yet been called up and who have specialist skills are requested to contact the Defence Reserves offices in their provinces (contact details are available on www.rfdiv.mil.za) to volunteer their service.  Such persons include

Health care practitioners, especially nurses and doctors

Qualified chefs

Qualified mechanics

Qualified engineers, technical and mechanical

Pilot or aviation experience

Qualified seamstresses

They should provide the following information:

Force Number

Rank

First Name

Surname

Identity Number

Corps

Nearest town or city

Nature of Scarce Skill/ Qualification

The SA National Defence would like to thank the members of the Reserve Force for their willingness to serve, and for the significant contribution they are making.

Issued by Maj Gen R.C. Andersen, Chief Defence Reserves, Department of Defence, 23 April 2020