Demobilisation Amendment Bill and Termination of Integration Intake Bill

Speech by Adv. Z.L. Madasa MP – ACDP

Thursday, 18 October 2001

In Parliament today Advocate Z.L. Madasa MP and member of the Portfolio Committee on Defence, for the African Christian Democratic Party gave the following speech on the Demobilisation Amendment Bill and Termination of Integration Intake Bill:

The two Bills constitute a fulfilment of constitutional legal requirement, that is, the establishment of one united South African army.

The two Bills once and for all confirm and affirm that we now have one SANDF.

But do we in fact have a united army? This is the question we pose to the Minister and the government.

During a presentation from the Equal opportunities and Affirmative Action office to the committee of Defence it was reported by the researcher from that office that as much as 61 % of the soldiers interviewed expressed concern about racism in the army.

How will unity be achieved in the present circumstances? The Department must encourage the white component of the army to be loyal to the government and the constitution by mixing skill, experience and new blood sensitively when promotions are considered.

The veterans association and political parties, who have access to the army, should play a role to encourage soldiers to remain in the Department.

Unity between the so-called statutory and non–statutory must continue to be encouraged. Any means of distinction between these forces must be stopped immediately.

Let us all work to unify the army.



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For more information please call Adv Madasa MP at 083 3024938 or ACDP Media Liaison Liza Bloemetje at 082 4781037