Pretoria - President Jacob Zuma has commended South African soldiers for continuing to display the military discipline and dedication required from those in the service.
"As government and the people of South Africa, we are proud of our soldiers, who through their dedication, loyalty, discipline and professionalism when deployed externally, have successfully promoted the image of our country to the international community.
"Our men and women in arms have never disappointed when called upon to discharge their duties ... saving the lives of our citizens and protecting property," said Zuma.
Addressing members of the South African National Defence Force and Military Veterans during a commemoration of the National Reconciliation Day, held at Thaba Tshwane Hall, Zuma noted that SANDF members have always executed government ordered commitments with distinction, without doubt proving that they are the country's last line.
"That is why we need absolute loyalty, discipline, commitment, reliability and dependability from our force, these are non-negotiables. Anyone who finds these attributes too difficult to adhere to, should not be the defence force at all."
Also acknowledging the role played by military veterans, Zuma stressed the need to provide them with access to socio economic support that will enable them to adjust better to civilian life.
He said that work was already being done by government to support veterans. This included the provision of houses by the Department of Human Settlements, in collaboration with the provincial governments and certain municipalities.
Through the Government Employees Pension Fund, the National Treasury is responsible for providing pensions to military veterans that qualify either for the Non-Statutory Force Pension or the Special Military Pension.
The Department of Social Development also provides war grants for military veterans in line with the Social Assistance Act of 2004. Homage is paid to military veterans through the exhibition of the Wall of Remembrance at Freedom Park, a service provided by the Department of Arts and Culture
In celebrating Reconciliation Day, Zuma urged South Africans to work together to rebuild the country through the same energy they used to fight for freedom.
The event was attended by Ministers of Arts and Culture, Paul Mashatile, Defence and Military Veterans Lindiwe Sisulu, Deputy Minister of Defence Thabang Makwetla and Tshwane Mayor Sputla Ramakgopa, amongst others.
