Question NW623 to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

Reply:

1. The difference between a Honorary Colonel/Captain (SA Navy) and a Patron is:

a) a Honorary Colonel/Captain (SA Navy) is the conduit to foster, maintain or renew civilian local and regional connections of goodwill and support to Arms of Service/Formation/Base/Units of the SANDF.

b) Honorary Colonels/Captains (SA Navy) are draw cards to market the SANDF.

c) a Patron represents the Chief of the SA National Defence Force or Chiefs of Service, respectively.

d) a Patron is a delegated authority drawn from the General Staff ranks of the SANDF and Honorary Colonels/Captains (SA Navy) are identified from the Private or Public Sector.

e) a Patron provides organisational, co-ordination and implementation advice to Chief of the SA National Defence Force or Chiefs of Service whom they represent at a Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

2. The appointment of Honorary Colonels/Captains (SA Navy) in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is regulated by the Department of Defence Instruction: Pol and Plan No 49/2001. The appointment of Honorary Colonels is an established tradition in the SANDF and any person appointed in this capacity does not form part of the chain of command. Any prominent citizen of the Republic of South Africa (RSA) interested in the preparedness and well-being of the SANDF, and any unit in particular, may be considered for appointment. Such a person may not necessarily have any military experience. An appointment as an Honorary Colonel/Captain is purely a titular appointment and shall confer no military status or power of command.

3. Seventy Two (72) civilians have been appointed since 10 May 1994.

4. Criteria for Appointment. The requirement/criteria for all the appointed civilians as Honorary Colonels/Captains is as follows:

a) Age. Preferably over 40 years and below 75 years.

b) Residence. RSA.

c) Profile. Candidates shall be worthy of the appointment as determined by the vetting process.

d) Security Clearance. An appropriate security clearance.

5. Functions. The main current functions of Honorary Colonels are:

a) to foster esprit-de-corps,

b) maintaining regimental and unit traditions,

c) to foster civilian local and regional connections, goodwill and support,

d) provide advice to the Chiefs of the Services on matters which the respective Chiefs may refer to them,

e) assistance in the control of, or advice on, regimental/unit organisations, charities, funds, properties, museums and memorials,

f) maintenance of goodwill and liaison between all parts of the Services whether Regular Force, Reserve Force or any other constituents that may be established in the SANDF and

g) assisting in the recruitment of officers, warrant officers, non-commissioned officers and other ranks into their particular regiments or unit and advice on the selection of unit commanders.

6. The appointment of Patrons in the South African National Defence Force is regulated by the Fundraising Act, 1978 (Act No 107 of 1978), SANDF Sports Policy HSP/D SPORT/103/13/B dated 13 June 1993 and Log 17 Pamphlet 2. Patrons are appointed by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force or Chiefs of Service, respectively to either a Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

7. Patrons are noteworthy members of the SANDF whom the Chief of the SANDF or Chiefs of Service deem it necessary to support the functions of a Board, Fund or Sporting Code. Patrons are mainly appointed from the General Staff or Senior Officers’ ranks of the SANDF to represent the Chief of the SA National Defence Force or Chiefs or Service, respectively.

8. Nineteen (19) General Staff and Senior Officers are delegated as either Board, Fund or Sporting Code Patron in the SANDF. 

9. Criteria of Appointment.

(a) Rank Level: General Staff or Senior Officer in the SANDF.

(b) Profile: Demonstrated ability to support the functions of a Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

(c) Mandating Authority: Delegated authority to represent the Chief of the SA National Defence or Chiefs of Service, respectively.

10. Functions. The main functions of Patrons are:

a) to foster esprit-de-corps,

b)act as ceremonial functionary at events or activities of the Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

c) promote the functions of the Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

d) act in an advisory capacity to Chief of the SA National Defence Force, Chiefs of Service, Chairperson of Board, Fund or Sporting Code.

e) kept abreast of development or requirements of the Board, Fund or Sporting Code iro its operations.