18 October 2006

FROM: T M MBEKI : PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

TO : Ms B MBETE , MP : SPEAKER OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY, PARLIAMENT OF SOUTH AFRICA

Dear Madam Speaker,

EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the DRC in support of the second round of the electoral process, as part of the National Observe Mission. The second round of the elections in the DRC is scheduled to take place on 29 October 2006.

This employment was authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201 (2)(c) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, read with section 93 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002).

A total of twenty seven (27) members are employed as from 14 October to 15 November 2006 as part of the National Observe Mission. The total estimated cost to be borne by the Department of Foreign Affairs from the African Renaissance Fund for the deployment of the personnel is R 4 992 9997,62. The cost may escalate depending on chartering of aircraft and the number of hours flown.

I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly.

Regards

TM MBEKI