GIFT FOR GENERAL COSTS SOLDIERS R44 000

A cash voucher as a departure gift to Lt.-Gen. TM Nkabinde is asked for in a circular letter addressed to all infantry units. Lt.-Gen. Nkabinde has been promoted from Infantry Formations to the Head of Human Resources in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as from the 1st October of this year. In the circular letter addressed to all 44 infantry units it is stated that the gift has been discussed with Nkabinde and that he prefers a cash contribution. An account number is provided and units are requested to contribute a minimum of R1 000 per unit.

"It is unacceptable that such requests are addressed to units as units are placed under pressure and it boils down to the intimidation of units. The funds are usually paid from the regiment's fund. Soldiers contribute on a monthly basis toward this fund and are supposed to be used to create facilities for soldiers. The principle is wrong and the Infantry Headquarters could have given a smaller gift such as a shield or a book.

Soldiers now have to pay up for a gift of cash. This practice of giving cash for departure gifts should be stopped immediately. It opens the door for corruption, units are intimidated and troops are being exploited," Mr. Pieter Groenewald (MP), the chief spokesperson on Defence for the Freedom Front Plus said.

Statement issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus Chief Spokesperson: Defence, November 3 2011

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