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Demobilization – 1994

In April 1994, seven forces were combined into one, constituting the united South African National Defence Force (SANDF), as laid out in the Interim Constitution of 1993. The reduction of funds allocated to defense rendered the Joint Military Co-ordinating Committee (JMCC) strategic planning process, which had envisaged a SANDF strength of 90, 000, unaffordable. Therefore, a demobilization and/or rationalization process was started. According to van Stade: “A Personnel Rationalisation Work Group (PRWG) has been instituted in order to oversee the rationalisation process from within the SANDF. The composition of the PRWG includes representatives from all the constituent forces, the Secretary for Defence and memebrs of the British Military Advisory and Training Team (BMATT), and is aimed at ensuring a transparent process within the margins of fair labour practices. This work group has recently instituted a sub-work group to make proposals in respect of psychological and social support to members and their families who will be affected by the rationalisation process in the SANDF. A special Consultation Forum has also been established to negotiate with employee organisations in respect of civilian members that could be affected by the rationalisation process.”¹

Since the integration into the new armed force had just started, demobilization and reintegration was not issue.²

1. L.B. van Stade, “Rationalisation in the SANDF: The Next Challenge,” African Security Review 6, no. 2, (1997), accessed December 6, 2010, http://www.issafrica.org/Pubs/ASR/6No2/VanStade.html.
2. Note: For approach and principles and the criteria to use when identifying individuals for non-renewal of contracts and retrenchment see ibid.