SANDF rejects claims of military involvement in foreign national influx

The SANDF has rejected social media claims linking the military to immigration concerns, saying its members never submitted warnings or recommendations to government about foreign nationals.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has rejected claims linking the military to concerns about the influx of foreign nationals into South Africa, saying its members have never submitted warnings or recommendations to the government on the matter.

In a statement, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the Defence Force was concerned about social media remarks associating it with immigration issues, describing the claims as misleading and damaging to the institution's integrity.

“The SANDF rejects these allegations with the contempt they deserve. These unfounded claims are misleading and appear intended to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Defence Force,” Dlamini said.

SANDF members had not submitted warnings, representations or recommendations to the government or any other authority regarding the influx of foreign nationals into the country.

Dlamini said the military did not challenge, oppose or seek to influence government decisions on immigration policy or related matters.

“As a disciplined military force, the SANDF operates strictly within the confines of the Constitution, applicable legislation, and lawful directives issued by the Government of the Republic of South Africa.

“The formulation and implementation of immigration policy remain the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.”

Dlamini said members of the Defence Force were committed to fulfilling their constitutional mandate professionally, while maintaining discipline and political neutrality.

“Attempts to draw the Defence Force into public narratives and debates for which it bears no responsibility are both irresponsible and damaging to public confidence in national institutions,” he said.

The SANDF urged members of the public and social media users not to spread information it described as false and misleading, saying such claims undermined the integrity of the Defence Force and its members.