The Speaker
The President of the Republic submitted the following letter dated 29
August 2004 to the Speaker of the National Assembly informing Members
of the Assembly of the employment of the South African National Defence
Force:
EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE
FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE
CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN CO-OPERATION WITH THE SOUTH
AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE FOR PROTECTION AND SAFETY
OF THE PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA
DURING AN OFFICIAL VISIT TO THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC
OF THE CONGO
This serves to inform the National Assembly that I authorised the
employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
personnel to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), for service in
co-operation with the South African Police Service for protection of the
President of the Republic of South Africa during an official visit to the DRC
on 30 and 31 August 2004.
This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of
section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996
(Act No 108 of 1996), read with section 19(3) of the Defence Act, 2002
(Act No 42 of 2002).
A total of thirty-six (36) members will be employed for service in
co-operation with the South African Police Service as from 29 August to
1 September 2004.
The total estimated cost to be borne by South Africa for the deployment of
personnel to the joint operation is R 150 000-00 which will be paid out of
the SANDF’s Special Forces Brigade budget. Transport and accommodation
cost will be borne by the South African Police Service.
I will communicate this report to the Members of the National Council of
Provinces and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the
notice of the National Assembly.
Regards
SIGNED
T M MBEKI