Pretoria - Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu, today met with the newly appointed National Defence Force Service Commission (NDFSC).
The Commission, which was appointed in September by the minister, was tasked with reviewing the condition of service of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and working towards a separate dispensation for the Defence Force.
Sisulu told the Commission that she had been working on how best to develop a comprehensive solution that will improve the condition of service of the SANDF.
The minister discussed the terms of references with the Commission and reassured them that the leadership of the Defence Force, the Department of Defence and the soldiers will cooperate with them to finalise their work within three months.
Given the enormity of the task, the minister is seeking the guidance and assistance of an impartial commission as well as Parliament to assist in formulating appropriate regulations, which will regulate condition of service and a new dispensation for the SANDF.
She added that until the Defence Act is properly amended to make provision for a permanent NDFSC, which will be responsible for considering the issues which affect members of the Defence Force, the current Commission will remain in force.
The Commission will, among other things, investigate and make recommendations regarding remuneration and the conditions of service of members of the Defence Force.
It will also conduct interviews with members of the military, conduct research and embark on international benchmarking exercises to ensure that the conditions of service are broadly in line with international best practice.
Members of the Commission consist of experts from the civil society, academia and business sector.
