Sisulu slams NDF

By Khanyisa Tabata
26 August 2009


Defence Minister and Military Veterans, Lindiwe Sisulu has lashed out at South African National Defence Force members who have indicated they will embark on a protest march to the Union Buildings, in Pretoria.

Soldiers and staff belonging to the South African National Defence Union marched from the Pretoria City Hall to the Union Buildings today. They are demanding a 30 percent wage increase.

The minister said the protest march was unnecessary, irresponsible and in breach of national security.

In a statement, the minister further said she was dismayed with the decision by SANDU to abandon the bargaining chamber and other formal platforms of negotiation. She said their concerns were being addressed by both her and the department.

She said she had shown her commitment to addressing all challenges facing the working soldier and some of the key issues are on the verge of being finalised and implemented.

Sisulu called on the union to return to the bargaining chamber immediately.

She said having considered all their options, the department was considering making a request for a separate dispensation for the Department of Defence that would allow them to deal creatively with the departments own unique requirements.