This serves to inform the National Council of Provinces that I have authorised the extension of employment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to Burundi, in fulfilment of the international obligations of the Republic of South Africa towards the African Union as part of the African Union Special Task Force in Burundi. The South African National Defence Force personnel are assisting in providing security to leaders and combatants of the Palipehutu-FNL.