Military Reform – 1995

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Military Reform – 1995

1995

Intermediate Implementation Intermediate implementation

Approximately 10,500 former Umkhonto we Sizwe and Azanian People’s Liberation Army [APLA] troops were integrated into the South African National Defence Force by June 12, 1995. “Two had been commissioned at the rank of lieutenant-general and nine at that of major-general”. In an interview dated February 15, 1995, South African President Mandela stated that the “integration of former guerrillas into the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was going “very well.”1

By May 24, 1995, 11,464 recruits were in a pre-selection phase or had been placed. A total of 11,224 letters of appointment had been issued, of which 10,427 were accepted. According to the statement of General Meiring, 43 percent, or 15,416 of the 34,800 former MK and APLA troops wishing to be integrated, had reported at assembly areas. Of these, 10 had since been arrested for serious crimes. According to a statement, “another 1,535 had joined the South African Police Service, resigned or had been dismissed for absence without leave.”2

On July 11, 1995, members of the ANC Military Wing (MK) who were not assimilated into the SANDF were asked, for the last time, to report to the Wallmannsthal base on July 25, 1995. All former MK members whose name appeared on either the certified or noncertified personnel registered were asked to report.3

  1. “South africa; Mandela says SANDF integration going ‘very well,'” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, February 16, 1995.
  2. “SOUTH AFRICA; Nearly 10,500 MK and APLA troops appointed to SANDF,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, June 14, 1995.
  3. “SOUTH AFRICA; “Last chance” appeal for former MK members to join SANDF,” BBC Summary of World Broadcasts, July 13, 1995.