South African National Defence Force facts for kids
Quick facts for kids South African National Defence Force |
|
|---|---|
| Current form | 1994 - present |
| Parts | South African Army South African Navy South African Air Force South African Military Health Service |
| Headquarters | Pretoria, Gauteng, South Africa |
| Leadership | |
| Commander-in-Chief | Jacob Zuma |
| Minister of Defence and Military Veterans | Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula |
| Chief of the South African National Defence Force | General Solly Shoke |
| Serving soldiers | |
| Military age | 18-49 |
| Available to be a soldier |
10 354 769 males, age 18-49 (2005), 10 626 550 females, age 18-49 (2005) |
| Fit to be a soldier |
4 927 757 males, age 18-49 (2005), 4 609 071 females, age 18-49 (2005) |
| Reaching military age annually |
512 407 males (2005), 506 078 females (2005) |
| Active employees/soldiers | 67,373 |
| Reserve personnel | 15,107 |
| Expenditures | |
| Budget | $US 4.572 billion |
| Percent of GDP | 1.1% (2010-2011) |
| Industry | |
| Suppliers from inland | Denel, Reutech Radar Systems, Thales, Paramount Group |
| Suppliers from foreign countries |
BAE Systems, Saab AB, ThyssenKrupp, AgustaWestland |
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is the official military of South Africa. Its job is to protect the country and its people.
The SANDF is made up of four main parts, like different teams working together. These are the South African Army, the South African Navy, the South African Air Force, and the South African Military Health Service. Each part has a special role in keeping South Africa safe.
Who Leads the SANDF?
The main leader of the SANDF is the President of South Africa. Right now, that is Jacob Zuma. The President is like the Commander-in-Chief, making the biggest decisions for the military.
There is also a special government department called the Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans. This ministry helps with the political side of the military. The current Minister in charge is Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
The everyday military decisions are made by the General Staff. This group is led by the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, who is currently General Solly Shoke.
A Brief History of the SANDF
The story of South Africa's military goes back a long way. It started in 1912 as the Union Defence Force (UDF). Later, in 1957, it was renamed the South African Defence Force (SADF).
The SADF was involved in conflicts, including fighting against groups like the South-West African People's Organisation (SWAPO) in what is now Namibia. They also took part in the Angolan Civil War.
A big change happened in 1994. The old South African Defence Force joined together with other military groups. These included the African National Congress's Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK), the PAC's Azanian People's Liberation Army (APLA), and forces from different regions of South Africa. They all combined to form the new South African National Defence Force.
The SANDF Today
Since 1994, the SANDF has been working to become a modern, well-trained, and ready military force. They focus on being professional and able to move quickly when needed.
One important role of the SANDF today is helping with peacekeeping missions in Africa. They send soldiers to countries like the DRC and Burundi to help keep the peace and protect people. This shows South Africa's commitment to stability in the region.
Images for kids
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A SANDF helicopter being refuelled during the annual game census
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SANDF Organisation Chart 2019
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SANDF paratroops
