FROM: P. MLAMBO-NGCUKA : DEPUTY-PRESIDENT OF REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

TO: Ms B Mbete, MP: Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament of the Republic of South Africa

20 December 2006

Dear Madam Speaker,

EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN BURUNDI, FOR SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF . THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION

This serves to inform the National Assembly that I have authorised the employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Burundi, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union as part of the African Union Special Task Force in Burundi. The South African National Defence personnel will assist in providing security to leaders and combatants of the Palipehutu-FNL.

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 1100 members are employed to Burundi as from 20 December 2006 to 31 July 2007 to provide security to leaders and combatants of the Palipehutu-FNL.

The total estimated cost to be borne by the government of the Republic of South Africa for the deployment will be R 86, 523, 167 for the financial year 2006 /2007 and R 101, 446, 938 for the financial year 2007 / 2008. The Department of Defence will be responsible for the cost of the deployment.

I will communicate this report to members of the National Council of Provinces and the Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Assembly.

Regards

MLAMBO-NGCUKA ACTING PRESIDENT

Ms B Mbete, MP

Speaker of the National Assembly Parliament of the Republic of South Africa