Defence Force speaks out about charges against members in Cuba
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says it will not tolerate any ill-discipline within the force and will take drastic action against any member who brings the defence force into disrepute.
This follows the Sandf decision to discharge 35 military students who refused to attend classes at a medical facility in Cuba.
According to reports, the students refused to attend the medical training school to study for a five-year medical degree, because they allege the degree is not an internationally recognised qualification.
SANDF spokesperson, Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi, says the students were discharged according to Chapter 11 (section 200)(1.) of the Constitution, which states that the Defence Force must be structured and managed as a disciplined military.
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"In order to attain this goal, the defence force is managed through the guiding principles of the Defence Force Act and the disciplinary code which each member must comply with or else bear the consequences.
"The SANDF has signed training agreements with various countries in order to empower its members, of which Cuba is but one, " says Mgobozi.
He further denies the claims that the institution is not recognised.
"The foundation of these agreements is that when the SANDF sends its members abroad, they only undergo training in recognised institutions of learning. In return, the members as ambassadors representing all South Africans, are trusted to preserve the SANDF's and our country's image, " Mgobozi said.