Preface

Published in South African Defence Review Issue No 8, 1993

The content of this issue of the South African Defence Review is a revised compilation of two comprehensive submissions which the Institute for Defence Policy (IDP) made to CODESA on 2 March and 8 May 1992. To a large degree this Review attempts to integrate and build upon those existing agreements relating to the future of the military that have been reached within the national Peace Accord and CODESA. This coherence is made possible by placing these agreements and proposals within a coherent framework - a common departure point. The essense of that approach is a concept suitable for armed forces in a society in transition to democracy as in South Africa. This concept is called the Citizen in Uniform and is based on a concept instituted by the Bundeswehr in Germany since 1956.

The proposals have also readily been influenced by numerous individuals within a number of organizations and agencies over a perod of more that 18 months. These include the South African Defence Force, the African National Congress and its armed wing, the Inktha Freedom Party, the government of Venda and its defence force, the government of the Transkei and its defence force, the Democratic Party and various others. Such discussions do not and should not be construed to indicate any necessary agreement on or approval of the contents of this Review.

With the resumption of multi-lateral negotiations now apparently imminent, we believe it opportune at this stage to publish these proposals for wider discussion and debate. This is not a blue-print. It is a contribution to an existing debate and agreements.

It is however, vital for the successful implementation of any such concept that it be accepted not only by the defence force and political leaders but by the population as a whole.

Jakkie Cilliers
Editor: SADR