Question NW1009 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
29 March 2021 - NW1009
Steyn, Ms A to ask the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans
(1)Whether the 6 South African Infantry Battalion training area in Grahamstown is fenced; if not, (a) why not and (b) on what date will it be fenced; if so, what are the relevant details; (2) whether she has been informed of disputes and/or complaints by the surrounding farmers regarding illegal hunting and stock theft allegedly by persons making use of the grounds of the training centre; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, what are the relevant details; (3) whether the SA National Defence Force and/or any company contracted to her department patrols the perimeter of the training centre grounds; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1.(a) The eastern part of the fence of the 6 South African Infantry Battalion (6 SAI Bn) training area is absent as it has been stolen. (b) A Project was registered and sent out for tender via the Department of Public Works and Infrastructure (DPWI), but the process was placed on hold by DPWI due to insufficient funding.
2.The SA Army is aware of complaints by farmers adjacent to the 6 SAI Bn training area, centred on stock theft and illegal poaching, exacerbated by the absent perimeter fence, and has reported this to the SANDF. The Defence Works Formation is co-ordinating the restoration of the absent perimeter fence with the provincial Department of Public Works and Infrastructure, on behalf of the Department of Defence.
3. Static and Roving guards from 6 SAI Bn are in place and patrolling the vast training area.