annrep 1011 1 to 148.qxp - Department of Defence

D E P A R T M E N T O F D E F E N C ER e v i t a l i s a t i o n o f t h e R e s e r v e sThe current Reserves strength has increased to 26 147 ofwhich approximately 84% are from the previously disadvantagedgroups. About 12 000 Reserves are calledup per year.This has enabled the DOD not only to utilise the Reserves inexternal deployment but also to deploy them on the borderswhere they are achieving success. During the reporting year,the Defence Act was amended to make it compulsory for theReserves to respond to call-ups not only in times of war butalso in times of need. This has provided the ability to investin the development of the Reserves.B o r d e r S e c u r i t yAs per the 2009 Cabinet decision, the SANDF has assumedthe border safeguarding function. In execution of this taskunder Operation CORONA, the SANDF has adopted aphased strategy. The first phase of the borders betweenZimbabwe and South Africa and the second phase of the borderbetween Mozambique and South Africa have been rolledout. The last phase of the strategy with regard to the Lesothoand South Africa border will be completed by FY2012/13.The safeguarding of the borders of South Africa is one of thekey responsibilities of government which helps protect thepeople and the economy of the country from illegal crossingsof people as well as the illegal exportation and importation ofgoods. In the short period that the SANDF has been on theborders, numerous illegal activities have been stopped andprevented. The positive outcomes achieved by the SANDFwith the border safeguarding function will escalate as theSANDF's presence at borders is expanded.P o l i c y R e v i e wDuring September 2010, a work team finalized the developmentof the Defence Strategy Conceptual Framework as aprelude to the development and drafting of the DefenceStrategy. The Defence Strategy Conceptual Framework waspresented to the Minister during March 2011 for her considerationand approval. As a further input to the development ofthe Defence Strategy, two detailed staff papers pertaining togeostrategic environment and defence scenarios as key elementsof the Defence Strategy are in the process of development.It is envisaged that the Defence Strategy will be consideredfor approval by the Minister during the course of theFY2011/12 after a public/stakeholder consultation processhas been finalized. In addition to the above, a staff paper onthe National Security Strategy is in the process of developmentwithin which the National Security Strategy Policyanchors impacting on Defence are to be identified.D e f e n c e W o r k s C a p a b i l i t yThe reversal of the DOD deteriorating infrastructure requiresboth additional financial allocations and increased technicalcapacity. In order to address the declining state of defenceinfrastructure, the DOD will be finalising discussions withthe National Department of Public Works on the establishmentof the Defence Estate Management mechanism whichwill result in DOD progressively exiting from its currentarrangement on Property and Facilities Management with theDepartment of Public Works. In pursuance of this objectiveand the roll-out of the Defence Works Capability, which is anin-house capacity to maintain and repair defence facilities,will be implemented in the coming financial year. On 01April 2011 Project LEBAKA officially merged with ServiceCorps and existing Facility Management elements to form theDefence Works Capability. The new formation is aimed atproviding efficient, effective and economical operationallevel facility management in support of the strategy andobjectives of the DOD. The macro-structure of the DefenceWorks Capability was approved by the Minister of Defenceon 23 March 2011. Subsequently, the A/CSANDF issued animplementation instruction for the establishment of theDefence Works Formation with effect from 01 April 2011.C l e a n A u d i tThe DOD has reduced audit qualifications from 16 to sevenin FY2008/09. In the FY2009/10 the DOD introduced specificinterventions to strengthen its internal controls and toimprove financial processes. These interventions furtherresulted in the reduction of qualifications from seven to one.During FY2010/11 particular focus was paid on addressingthe one very complex remaining asset management qualification.Other matters of emphasis include the continuousenhancement of financial management and internal controls.International experience shows that the asset managementchallenge is not unique and is inherent in most DefenceForces across the World. International benchmarking is beingpursued with the Auditor General, the Accountant Generaland the Standing Committee on Public Accounts (SCOPA) inorder to implement a sustainable solution to this challenge.Notwithstanding this, the DOD has made significant progressin putting action plans in place to address the qualificationon tangible and intangible assets.8ANNUAL REPORT FY 2010/2011