Question NW1121 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
14 October 2019 - NW1121
Marais, Mr S to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
With reference to her reply to question 950 on 8 October 2019 and in view of the fact that the normal retirement age of members of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) is 60 years, (a) why has a certain person (name and details furnished) not gone on retirement and vacated the position, (b) is the specified person a full time member of the SANDF or acts as a reserve force member, (c) on what date will the specified person retire and (d) what is the (i) process and (ii) timelines for the appointment of a replacement commander?
Reply:
(a) Section 11 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002), read with section 52(1) of the Act, makes provision for a uniformed member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to serve in the regular force after reaching the statutory retirement age of 60 years for a period up to the age of 65 years on a contract. On 1 June 2016, the President extended the term of service of General Shoke for a period of 5 years.
(b) A regular force member.
(c) 31 May 2021
(d) Section 202(1) of the Constitution provides as follows: “The President as head of the national executive is Commander-in-Chief of the defence force, and must appoint the Military Command of the defence force”. Section 13(1) of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No 42 of 2002), provides that the President must appoint the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (CSANDF).