EXTENSION OF EMPLOYMENT OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE IN BURUNDI, FOR A SERVICE IN FULFILMENT OF THE INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA TOWARDS THE AFRICAN UNION
This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces that I have authorised the extension of 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 Force personnel are assisting 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 were employed to Burundi as from 20 December 2006 to 31 July 2007 to provide security to leaders and combatants of the Palipehutu-FNL. The deployment was extended until 30 March 2008.
I will communicate this report to members of the National Assembly, and wish to request that you bring the contents hereof to the attention of the National Council of Provinces.