Madam Deputy Speaker, the ANC has noted that the SANDF has recently been subjected to attacks by certain sections of the media. Some of these attacks, especially on the role played by the SANDF in promoting peace and security on the African continent, were totally unsubstantiated and based on speculation. Unfortunately, some political parties represented in this House saw fit to jump on the same bandwagon, with uncalled-for attacks on the SANDF, its leadership cadre and our soldiers. The result of such attacks is that it may have a demoralising effect on the SANDF and its men and women in uniform.
When the SANDF is deployed in a foreign country for peace support operations, it is not met with a ready-made situation. It is often faced with challenging conditions in the host country. This places a massive strain on the capabilities of our soldiers, our equipment and our logistical systems.
Due to the vast areas in which our soldiers are deployed, and which stretch over thousands of kilometres, discrepancies in logistical systems are bound to be experienced. Internationally, the role played by the SANDF to promote peace and security in Africa is widely acclaimed. This achievement and other successes are not reported in the media and are often ignored by the opposition parties.
The ANC is proud of the SANDF and its men and women in uniform and their efforts to bring peace, security and progress on our continent. The ANC salutes the SANDF for the fabulous job that they perform. I thank you. [Applause.]