It gives me great pleasure and pride to present the government's White Paper on National Defence for the Republic of South Africa. Following South Africa's first democratic election in April 1994, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was established through the integration of former statutory and non-statutory forces. The integration of these forces, many of which were once enemies-in-arms, is a powerful symbol and practical demonstration of our country's commitment to national reconciliation and unity. Just as the establishment of the SANDF represents the unity of military formations, so this White Paper reflects a national consensus on defence policy. The White Paper is the culmination of a lengthy process of consultation following the tabling of a first draft in Parliament on 21 June 1995. We received many responses to that draft; we engaged in a lively debate to accommodate and reconcile these responses; and we were enriched, in particular, by the significant contributions of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence and the Portfolio Committee on Defence. It is therefore no exaggeration to say that this White Paper is a historic document. For the first time in our history, defence policy has been shaped by substantial inputs from Parliament, members of the public, non-governmental organisations and, of course, the Department of Defence. For the first time in our history, a White Paper on Defence reflects the interests of our people and represents a national consensus on this critical function of government.
Joe Modise
MINISTER OF DEFENCE
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