SANDF chief Lt-Gen Vusumuzi Masondo needed to explain how it was possible that a decision to dismiss soldiers was taken without first subjecting them to disciplinary processes, SA National Defence Union national secretary Pikkie Greeff said.

The defence force’s spokesman Xolani Mabanga could not immediately confirm Sandu’s statement. “I cannot confirm that they were dismissed, however what I do know is that we are in the process of taking disciplinary measures against those who disobeyed the instructions to return to their home bases,” Mabanga said.

In August, the Supreme Court of Appeal found the dismissal, without a hearing, of 650 soldiers involved in an illegal march on the Union Buildings in 2009 was unlawful.

Only 296 of those charged had been subjected to a probe, in Mtubatuba, KwaZulu-Natal. Due to a lack of evidence against them they were recalled to duty and their special leave was cancelled.

Greeff said the balance of members on special leave were not charged and, until their dismissal on Friday, remained at home.

“The question arises as to why the special leave of the members at the KZN probe was revoked, but not that of the remaining affected members.” 

Greeff said hundreds of soldiers reported to their bases this week to enquire about the cancellation of their special leave, but had been told to stay at home.

“If the basis for such dismissals is the failure of affected members to report for duty, then Sandu challenges Masondo to produce evidence of any such recalls,” he said.

“If such proof exists, he must explain why the members were not afforded an opportunity in due process of law to be notified of their recall and a chance to explain their alleged failure to return to duty.” 

Mabanga conceded that on August 20, the Supreme Court of Appeal found the SANDF had been unfair by not following correct dismissal processes.

However, in the judgment, the court stated that the SANDF had the right to maintain and manage a disciplined military force as required by the Constitution.

“As a result, the SANDF issued instructions to those soldiers to report to their home units for arraignment. Some responded positively to that instruction and some deliberately ignored it,” Mabanga said.

“If they disobeyed the instruction, according to the policies and administrative rules, they would then face disciplinary measures, one of which could be discharge.” 

While Sandu maintained its members did not receive instructions to report to their home bases, Mabanga said the SANDF was mindful of individuals and organisations misleading people for their personal gain.

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Thu May 23 09:26:03 SAST 2013 ::

Oct 27, 2012

BrentJ

Wow! A unionized military force?! Does that mean that the union leaders can decide what the members do and not the politicians? If the country needed to be defended, that would be a perfect time to strike for better pay and a three-day work week!!!
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Oct 29, 2012

Shredder

BrenTJ - the problem with the people in this country is that they don't take what they do seriously. They do it just to finish the task and get paid. We don't really think thoroughly why we are at our destined tasks. Cutting corners, sitting in the office when there is an emergency call (10111). Taking bribes to let criminals go free. it is a serious disease. The day when we are going to reflect on why we are at our respective posts and how it affects the country, that's when we are going to be progressive and avoid unnecessary strikes. That's when the country is going to be progressive.

Where on earth did the army go on strike? Compromising the security of the country. **shaking my head in disbelief**
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Oct 29, 2012

knobkirrie

Shredder- I could'nt have put it better myself. It was right to dismiss the soldiers. No-where on earth does the army go on strike. Army is devoid of democracy, and rightly so. When taking the oath ' ....defend my country from enemies, domestic and international....', how is that defending going to happen when the army go on strike?? Next step: Get rid of all obese soldiers and policemen, anyone entrusted with our country's security should wiegh no more than 87Kg. Only in SA you find fat soldiers and policemen
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