Question NW491 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
02 September 2019 - NW491
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)(a) Why was the deployment of troops only authorise for a two-month deployment instead of the several requests for a three-month deployment of soldiers in the Cape flats, Cape Town, (b) why were only about 400 soldiers deployed while the President authorised 1320 soldiers for deployment and (c) how will the R23 million authorised for the deployment be spent; (2) was the R23 million provided for in the existing budget of her department and the SA National Defence Force; if not, (a) how and (b) from where will the R23million be funded; if so, what will be the impact on the already underfunded budget?
Reply:
1. (a) The duration of the employment was decided upon following consultation with all relevant stakeholders.
(b) The Presidential Minute and the letters sent to Parliament indicated the employment of a total of 1320 soldiers, but for operational reasons the commanders can utilise the number of soldiers required at any given time during the operation.
(c) On allowances and operational support.
2. No
(a) and (b) through a reprioritisation with the existing budget allocation of the Department.