Pretoria - Defence and Military Veterans Minister Lindiwe Sisulu today announced a 14-member Defence Review Committee, which will look into the policy of the South African National Defence Force.
The committee will be chaired by former Defence Minister, Roelf Meyer.
Announcing the committee members in Cape Town, Sisulu said she firstly consulted with the Commander-in-Chief, President Jacob Zuma, and decided to appoint the committee to assist with the coordination and facilitation of a draft Review Policy for the country.
The committee is expected to complete its work before the end of the year.
Sisulu explained that there was a need to review all legislations, programmes and policies in order to answer the important question of what the role of the SANDF is in a developing state facing a number of developmental challenges.
"In essence, the national defence policy of a country defines the strategic intent of government regarding defence, including the utilisation of the defence force," Sisulu said.
The review of the South African defence policy seeks to update the current policy in line with defence challenges and opportunities of the 21st century in Southern African Development Community (SADC), Africa and across the world.
It will also look at how the SANDF policy can respond to challenges of the 21st century and the role of the SANDF in a developing state with many developmental and social challenges.
According to Sisulu, the last policy update and review was done in 1998.
"We have to align ourselves with what is happening around us," Sisulu said, adding that the review of the defence policy was long overdue.
As part of their responsibility, Sisulu instructed the committee to look at lessons learnt from other countries.
Asked about the appointment of two former ministers into committee, Sisulu said they brought a wealth of experience with them.
With regards to the appointment of Tony Yengeni, the minister said he was the right man for the job as he was once Chief Whip in Parliament
Meyer said as the committee, they will follow the mandate given to them and that he hoped they would finish the task set for them before the end of the year.
"One of our first tasks will be the development of an understanding of the nexus between national security, foreign policy and the defence policy. The struggle for a better life in South Africa is intertwined with the pursuit of a better Africa in a better world," he said.
The committee comprises two former Defence Force Ministers, Charles Nqakula and Roelf Meyer, North West Premier Thandi Modise (Deputy Chair), Tony Yengeni, Dr Moses Khanyile, Dr Phandelani Motoma, Dr Gulube, Ms Nonkonzo Molai, Colonel G Seape, Mr Nick Sendall, Mr Mr Helmoed Heitman, Admiral Philip Schoultz, Ambassador Thenjiwe Mtintso, and Mr Godfrey Giles.
As part of their duties, committee members will be traveling to other countries to look at their defence forces.
