Pretoria – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it is studying the judgement ruling that all those soldiers who were placed on special leave for taking part in a march to the Union Buildings in August 2009 be reinstated.
The Supreme Court of Appeal handed down the judgement on Thursday.
Thousands of soldiers, affiliated to South African National Defence Union (SANDU), embarked on an illegal march in Pretoria, citing a wage grievance in 2009.
The protest turned violent when marchers at the Union Buildings were not allowed access to the property. The then Minister of Defence subsequently placed on special leave those who were involved.
This was challenged in the North Gauteng High Court which found the suspension process was unfair.
The Department of Defence appealed the court ruling, citing the concern that it may affect the management and discipline in the defence force, which will have a negative impact on national security.
The department at the time said discipline in the military was non-negotiable and was the sole responsibility of the Chief of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF). It also said at the time that ill-disciplined soldiers had no place in the SANDF.
SANDF spokesperson General Xolani Mabanga told SAnews the department was still studying the judgement.
“We still studying the report and thereafter we will be in a position to comment,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
