August 2004 to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces

informing Members of the Council of the employment of the South African

National Defence Force:

This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces 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 Assembly

and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the notice of the

National Council of Provinces.

SIGNED

T M MBEKI