Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma says the participation of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) at Parliament during the State of the Nation Address (SONA) earlier this year should not be viewed or interpreted as a deployment, but a ceremonial traditional practice.
“It is a ceremonial tradition practiced not only in the Republic of South Africa, but by all the countries over the world,” said the President in his response to Parliamentary questions for written reply.
He said the participation is limited to ceremonial activities and once that part of their participation is concluded, the forces withdraw to their respective units.
The functions performed by members of the SANDF between 10 and 13 February 2015 during the opening of Parliament, on the occasion of his State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2015 included Aides-de-Camp, door openers, guard of honour, military band, step lining guards, flag bearers, street lining, military bands, salute flight by the South African Air Force, ceremonial motorcycle escort, gun troop for the gun salute, flame guard, flag orderly, SA Military Health Service support, and decentralised military control personnel.
“The duties of members of the SANDF in assistance of the SA Police Service were in performance of outer perimeter security on 12 February 2015,” he said. - SAnews.gov.za
