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Ramaphosa hails SANDF for not interfering in politics

President Cyril Ramaphosa.
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President Cyril Ramaphosa applauded the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for not getting involved in politics. Ramaphosa gave his first public address to the SANDF at an interfaith prayer in Kimberley.

The President says both the Minister of Defence and the Chief of Defence, General Solly Choke, assured him last week that the army will stick to its mandate which is to protect civilians. The interfaith prayer is part of the build up to Armed Forces Day.

“Your task is to protect the integrity of our democracy. Your task is to protect our Constitution. Your task is to protect the people of South Africa and we are very pleased General Shoke, that this defence force that you lead has remained committed to that task. I was extremely pleased just last week when I met on a one-on-one basis with General Shoke, and he assured me that this SANDF will never get involved in politics. That this SANDF is here to protect the people of South Africa whoever the commander in chief is of our country,” says Ramaphosa.

He further praised former President Nelson Mandela who he says moulded a great institution.

“He left us a defence force that is a true microcosm of our diverse society. This is a South African National Defence Force that inspires confidence for a better and a much more secure tomorrow. A truly national defence force that guarantees that the tanks and the guns will never again roll into our townships and our suburbs to fight against the very same people it was established to protect,” he says.

He has promised to visit the troops that are deployed in peace keeping missions on the continent.

A tower for all the fallen soldiers, in the period leading up to Armed Forces Day, was also unveiled at the service. The day commemorates the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917 and will take place on Wednesday.

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