Chapter 2 - P rogramme 1 - Department of Defence

| Appendix A - Status of the SANDF Reserves |
widened to include engineers and chaplains. To date,
14 Reserve infantry companies have been deployed
on internal and external operations. In addition,
during Operation BATA, during the public service
strike, 20% of the total infantry and medical orderly
deployments comprised Reserve members.
The use of Reserve Squadron aircraft has resulted in
increased flying hours from the 148 civilian aircraft
currently available to the SA Air Force. The SA Navy
has 15% of its Reserves under call-up at any one
time, with berths being available on the new frigates
and submarines.
The percentage of the call-up for duty per Service,
as measured against the actual strength of the
Reserves in FY 2007/8, was:
SA Army 64%
SA Air Force 57%
SA Navy 24%
SAMHS 28%
Further details on the status of the Reserves are
found under the Defence Reserves Division report,
within the Administration Programme.
Leader Group Development
The transformation of the Reserves is largely
dependent on the creation of a new cadre of leaders.
The SA Army is currently training an average of 200
young Reserve officers and NCOs per annum. The
training of Reserve leaders is of the same standard
and duration as that for their Regular counterparts.
The SA Air Force, Navy and Military Health Services
have similar programmes in place. In addition,
SAMHS continues with the development of the
University Reserve Training Unit.
Ceremonial
The enhanced capacity of the Reserves is reflected
in their increasing participation in both local
and international parades and tattoos, with the
maintenance of high standards. Highlights include
the opening of Parliament, the Moscow Tattoo
(Transvaal Scottish), the firing of a salute at the
Tower of London (Transvaal Horse Artillery) and
exercising the freedom of entry into cities and
towns. The revitalisation of military tattoo in Cape
Town will be expanded to Durban in 2008 and
Gauteng in 2009.
Infrastructure
Annual Report FY 2007 - 2008 202
| Department of Defence |
Progress has been made in improving Reserve
infrastructure such as at Fort iKapa in Cape Town.
A budget is available for the renovation of Lords
Ground in Durban and Kensington Garrison in
Johannesburg.
Marketing and Reserves
The marketing and promotion of Reserve service
is a key role of the Defence Reserves Office, via
an activity entitled “Shield”. Shield funds have been
constructively deployed in:
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briefing sessions for captains of industry;
support of military tattoos, shows and parades;
a nationwide advertising campaign in carefully
selected and targeted magazines;
the development of the SANDF Reserve
website – www.rfdiv.mil.za; and
the publication twice annually of The Reserve
Force Volunteer.
There is every indication that Reserve service is
achieving increased support amongst national
decision-makers, employers, labour and the youth.
Challenges for the Future
The challenges for the future, which are being
addressed, include:
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continuation training for Reserve units, with
a concomitant improvement in readiness.
This budget constraint is currently the most
significant weakness in the Reserve System;
ongoing transfer of MSDS members to the
Reserves and the possible implementation of
new feeder systems;
the motivation of MSDS members to serve in
the Reserves;
incentivisation of Reserves; and
widening the employer support base.