SANDF troops deployed for stability

27/03/2013 Civilians and members of the SANDF observes a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers in Central African Republic during the change of command parade at the Defence sport club, Thaba Tshwane. Picture: Phill Magakoe

27/03/2013 Civilians and members of the SANDF observes a moment of silence for the fallen soldiers in Central African Republic during the change of command parade at the Defence sport club, Thaba Tshwane. Picture: Phill Magakoe

Published Mar 28, 2013

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Johannesburg - SANDF soldiers in the Central African Republic (CAR) are more likely to be there to ensure the stability of the region than to protect South Africa’s own business interests in that country, say analysts.

On Wednesday, debates over South Africa’s controversial involvement in the CAR continued, after bodies were flown home, memorial services planned and explanations to Parliament demanded.

Defence analyst Helmoed-Romer Heitman said it was probably more important for South Africa to ensure that the conflict in the CAR did not spill over to the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan.

“In all these neighbouring countries South Africa has political and business interests,” Heitman said.

Defence and Military Veterans Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula’s statement this week that soldiers were defending South African assets in the CAR was met with opposition party demands over what the assets were, and who owned them.

Thirteen SANDF soldiers were killed and 27 injured when rebels attacked South Africa positions in the CAR on Saturday.

Heitman said some South African companies had exploration rights in the CAR, but it seemed “no real assets” were there.

Sandton-based oil company, Dig Oil, said on its website that it has had a permit since November 2011 to explore for oil in the CAR.

In 2006, the government said South Africa exported machinery for mining, drilling and transport, spare parts, oil and refrigerators to the CAR, while diamonds and timber were imported.

“The South African Diamond Company, De Beers, has established an office in the CAR and is in the process of prospecting diamonds. Some small South African companies and individuals are involved in mineral exploration in the CAR,” said a statement by the then Department of Foreign Affairs.

Africa Practice analyst Vukani Mde, who advises companies on investment in Africa, said the CAR was “smack in the middle of an explosive region” and the stability was important to South African mining interests in the region, but also to South Africa as a leader in Africa.

“Zuma and South Africa has painted itself in a corner and it can’t pull out now. It will be bad for the country and the African Union that a group of rebels can get one of the continent’s biggest powers to leave the country,” Mde said.

Heitman added that the SANDF first had to beef up their presence in the CAR, hold their position, ensure stability and then would be able to withdraw.

South African National Defence Union (Sandu) national secretary Pikkie Greeff said soldiers in the CAR were told to protect buildings and offices around the capital Bangui since January.

“They weren’t there to help with training or disarmament, they were protecting buildings,” he said.

Last night the SANDF hit out at Sandu, calling its comments “irresponsible, childish and ill informed”.

Defence Deputy Minister Thabang Makwetla, Chief of the SANDF General Solly Shoke, and Surgeon-General Lieutenant-General Aubrey Sedibare were expected to visit the 27 wounded soldiers at 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria this morning.

They were expected to go to Waterkloof Air Force Base this afternoon for the formal military receiving of the mortal remains of the 13 soldiers who died.

An SANDF memorial service is planned for Tuesday at 11am at Thaba Tshwane Town Hall.

Spokesman Brigadier-General Xolani Mabanga said it was up to the families of the dead soldiers to decide if they wanted semi- or full-military funeral services for their loved ones.

Yesterday, the SANDF named the soldier who was reported missing in action, but was later found alive and in good spirits as Lance-Corporal Makwenkwe Daniel Tats.

“There are no SANDF troops who have been held captive or as prisoners of war, according to the reports in our disposal,” Mabanga said. He rejected reports that the CAR troops attacked and killed SANDF soldiers.

North West Premier Thandi Modise called for prayers for the families of the dead, and said a national day of mourning was proposed.

Opposition parties called on President Jacob Zuma to tell Parliament why South African troops were deployed in the CAR.

“I have written to President Jacob Zuma to request that he calls both houses of Parliament to a joint-sitting as a matter of urgency, so that he can provide a detailed briefing on the events unfolding in the CAR,” said DA parliamentary leader Lindiwe Mazibuko.

A key question was why South African soldiers needed to lose their lives to defend the now ousted CAR president, Francois Bozize, she said.

“Bozize came to power in a military coup a decade ago. Why did South Africa need to lose lives to defend him?” Mazibuko asked.

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The Star and Sapa

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