Question NW4218 to the President of the Republic
03 January 2023 - NW4218
Steenhuisen, Mr JH to ask the President of the Republic
Given the ongoing attack by the Russian Federation on sovereign Ukraine, the Government’s avowed position of neutrality with respect to the war and commitment to human rights, the potential consequences for greylisting and the significant SA National Defence Force (SANDF) budget constraints that are preventing the maintenance and acquisition of essential prime mission equipment which is needed by South African soldiers deployed in hostile environments to protect the integrity of the Republic, how does he justify the recent joint military exercise of the SANDF and Russia?
Reply:
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has not been involved in any joint military exercise with the Russian Federation recently. The last joint exercise by the two nations was conducted over the period 25-29 November 2019.