The continued transition of the South African National Defense Force: Reserve Force integration and utilization

Abstract

In the past decade, South Africa has undergone radical transitions in government, social integration, and direction. The most remarkable is the restructuring of the military, which included integration of former homeland defense units, the South African Defense Force (SADF), Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA - a military arm of the PAC), and the incorporation of Urn Khonto we Sizwe (MK - militant wing of the ANC) members into the new South African National Defense Force (SANDF). The new democratic government implemented civilian control measures and added transparency to all military operations. The integration and transition led to drastic downsizing of the active component, new involvement of the reserves, drastic cuts in military spending and complete reorganization of the Ministry of Defense. Today, success of the young democracy depends on the state's ability to address plaguing social crisis of education, housing, unemployment, and AIDS. Simply put, South Africans face limitless challenges with severe economic and financial constraints. Already the benchmarks highlighted in the 1998 Defence and Review and 1996 white Paper on Defence are no longer viable due to budget constraints. This thesis argues that given the prominence of severe budget limitations, significant social issues, and increasing economic concerns, the Reserve Force can play a crucial role in South Africa's future in terms of regional stability and democratic stability within its borders. The thesis also asserts that a well- structured reserve facilitates a smaller active force while improving countrywide social conditions and minimizing Minis of Defense budget requirements