Title: White Paper on National Defence for the Republic of South Africa - Chapter IX: land and environmental issues
CHAPTER IX: LAND AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
LAND
1. The SANDF controls approximately 500 000 hectares of state-owned land. It requires the retention of dedicated land for effective force development and preparation, including field exercises and weapons testing. Nevertheless, three sets of issues have to be addressed regarding land which is currently utilised by the military.
2. First, some of the land utilised by the Defence Force was previously occupied by people who were subject to forced removals during the apartheid era. This has given rise to a number of land claims, and more could follow in the future.
3. The DOD will participate in negotiations on these claims in a spirit of social justice. Decisions on restitution are not the sole prerogative of the DOD, however, but will be made in the context of new national land policy and in consultation with other government departments and key stakeholders including, especially, affected communities.
4. Second, in the interests of cost-effective utilisation of resources, the SANDF will undertake a process of rationalisation regarding land which it controls. Land may consequently become available for redistribution in consultation with relevant role players.
5. Third, since state land is a national asset, the SANDF has a moral and legal obligation to utilise its properties in a responsible fashion. It has to attend to the environmental and ecological maintenance of the natural resources under its control, whether they are intended for military or civilian use in the future. These matters are considered below.
ENVIRONMENT
6. The Minister and the Chief of the Defence Force are responsible for ensuring the exercise of proper ecological management and control of military properties. This will be done in co-operation with other government departments and environmental organisations.
7. The Environmental Services of the SANDF engages in the following activities: environmental planning and research; ecological and environmental management of military properties; cultural resource management; and environmental education. These activities are part of the Logistics function and are integrated into the Arms of Service.
8. The mission of the Environmental Services is to ensure the environmental suitability of military facilities for present and future military and national use.
9. SANDF policy on the environment will be consistent with national policy and will include the following guidelines:
9.1 the protection of species and habitats and the conservation of bio-diversity and natural resources;
9.2 the protection of the environment against disturbance, deterioration, poisoning or destruction as a result of human activity and structures;
9.3 the maintenance and improvement of environments which contribute to the quality of life of South African citizens; and
9.4 the provision of a healthy working environment for its personnel.
10. In the light of these guidelines, the planning and execution of military activities will take account of the environmental implications. The activities should not jeopardise the long-term potential of land and other natural resources.
11. The SANDF is committed to the application of the Integrated Environmental Management Procedure in the planning and establishment of physical development on land under its jurisdiction. Where necessary, environmental impact assessments will be undertaken and rehabilitation measures will be applied to counter, as far as possible, the negative impact of development, operations and other activities on the environment.
12. Military properties are regarded and managed as conservation areas. The use of these properties therefore requires the integration of environmental and military considerations. The properties should be accessible to the public for environmental purposes insofar as this does not prejudice security and safety considerations.
13. The SANDF will participate in environmental forums and enlist the support of experts in refining and implementing the policy outlined above.
14. The SANDF will endeavour to instill a sense of awareness and responsibility towards the environment in the training of recruits.
