CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 19: A view of the Ratel 90 along Muizenberg Beach on February 19, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. The SANDF takes up positions in preparations for the night shoot, the event forms part of National Armed Forces Day and is rotated among the provinces on an annual basis. (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – FEBRUARY 19: A view of the Ratel 90 along Muizenberg Beach on February 19, 2019 in Cape Town, South Africa. The SANDF takes up positions in preparations for the night shoot, the event forms part of National Armed Forces Day and is rotated among the provinces on an annual basis. (Photo by Gallo Images/Jeffrey Abrahams)
The SA National Defence Force (SANDF) has lashed out at a ‘set of scammers’, who are allegedly trying to swindle young South Africans interested in serving their country. The false campaign has been likened to a ‘child soldier recruitment drive’ by furious military officials.
Army fuming over more ‘false reports’
Adverts asking children as young as 15 to sign-up for the army – with the promise of a stipend and free accommodation – have been doing the rounds on social media. However, this is categorically nothing to do with SANDF.
It’s the second time within a week that the army has had to comprehensively refute a ‘fake news’ story. We learned a few days ago that reports of Navy officials firing a cannon into Simon’s Town were based on untruths.
- And, if they were mad last week, it’s fair to say the top brass at SANDF are now apoplectic with these latest lies:
“We are outraged by the efforts of faceless criminals to bring SANDF into disrepute. The recent use of various social media platforms – targeting youths as young as 15 – is absolutely unethical, and should be condemned.”
“SANDF does not engage in the employment of child soldiers. The Constitution does not allow for the recruitment of minors. It’s therefore illegal to suggest the army is calling upon minors to enroll. Scammers are offering stipends and free accommodation, so we must reiterate, we are NOT conducting any recruitment drives.”
SANDF statement
Child soldiers for SANDF? Don’t be daft…
The targeting of 15-year-olds for military service would violate the Constitution, and as it stands, there are no active campaigns to get more soldiers signed up for SANDF. Indeed, their position is crystal clear:
The SA National Defence Force Media Statement Update || Monday, 07 February 2022 || The Chief of the SA Army outraged at repeated criminal acts aimed at bringing the SA Army into disrepute.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison#SAArmy pic.twitter.com/t9mRhzZ2LS
— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) February 7, 2022
