Chapter 2 - P rogramme 1 - Department of Defence

| Department of Defence |
APPENDIX A
Status of the SANDF Reserves
Project PHOENIX, aimed at ensuring the
transformation and revitalisation of the Reserves,
is bearing fruit. This is evidenced by higher
recruitment figures, enhanced leader group training
and increased deployments, complemented by
improved representivity.
Set out below is an overview of the progress made
in implementing Project PHOENIX with the aim
of preparing the Reserves to fulfil their role as part
of the “Core Growth-One Force” concept of the
SANDF, as is required by the Reserve Force Strategy.
The challenges for the future are also addressed.
Policy Issues
Implementation of the Reserve Force Strategy,
approved in 2004, received a boost in 2007 at the
Reserve Force Symposium when the strategy was
publicly evaluated and endorsed. The Minister of
Defence, the Secretary for Defence and the Chief
of the SANDF have made the revitalisation of
the Reserves a priority. Parliamentary interest and
support also continues at a high level.
The role of the Reserves has been confirmed in the
Defence Update as:
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providing the majority of the conventional
landward defence capability;
providing support to the people;
supplementing peace support operations; and
maintaining a pool of specialist skills.
This clarity of role and purpose has led to increased
impetus in developing the Reserves and has assisted
in preparing the draft force design and structure.
In addition, the Defence Reserves Office has, with
the support of the Reserve Force Council, prepared
the following proposals which will, if approved
and implemented, have a material impact on the
development and employment of Reserves:
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Draft possible legislation which will facilitate the
call-up of Reserves in times other than war;
General Regulations to the Defence Act, 2002
(Act No. 42 of 20 in so far as they affect
Reserves; and
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Revised contracts for Reserve service, which are
currently being implemented.
Support is also being given to the Chief of Human
Resources in updating human resource policies for
the Reserves.
Recruitment
Service in the Reserves continues to be popular, with
the total number of men and women volunteering
now approaching 18 000 out of a force design of
70 052 per the latest draft of the Defence Update
2025. Of these, more than 70% are from previously
disadvantaged backgrounds, with a concurrent
improvement in gender representivity.
The current strength of the Reserves, as rounded
off, is:
SA Army 12 250
SA Air Force 1 050
SA Navy 1 250
SAMHS 1 300
Divisions 1 900
Total 17 750
To date, 3 500 selected former members of the
Army Territorial Reserve (Commandos) have been
transferred to the Army Conventional Reserve and
have received retraining.
At the end of 2007, the first significant transfer of
1 800 Military Skills Development System (MSDS)
members to the Reserves occurred. This, together
with the recruitment of former Regulars (both from
the former statutory and non-statutory forces), will
have a positive impact on the employment of the
Reserves. Progress has also been made in identifying
civilian employment opportunities for MSDS
members joining the Reserves.
Employment
The deployment of Reserves in peace support
operations in Burundi and the DRC continues to
be successful and will be expanded to Sudan. The
deployment of infantry and CMIS sub-units has
201 Annual Report FY 2007 - 2008
| Appendix A - Status of the SANDF Reserves |