1. No, as no ministerial authority has been obtained, yet. (a) there can be no closure of 4 Parachute Battalion as it was never established in Bofulanare, Mafikeng and (b) No, the establishment of a Parachute Battalion in Bulembu, Eastern Cape, is yet to obtain ministerial authority, the project is currently at a feasibility study stage and its strategic benefits will be made visible on the conclusion of the feasibility study.
2. While the SANDF is cognisant of the prevailing budgetary constraints, it has the Constitutional mandate to deliver on the protection of the country, its territorial integrity and its people, therefore, the conduct of this feasibility study is in the spirit of fulfilling this mandate.