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The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans is deeply concerned by reports of a recruitment scam involving more than 200 young South Africans who were deceived under the false pretence of recruitment in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).  

Reports allege that over 200 recruits, mostly from KwaZulu-Natal, were promised recruitment into the SANDF. “The Committee is deeply saddened that people are taking advantage of people’s plight and benefiting from their struggles,” said Mr Stanley Motimele, the Chairperson of the Committee.

The Committee has called for an urgent investigation into the matter to ensure that offenders are prosecuted. The Committee welcomes the speed at which the provincial social development department stepped in to offer humanitarian assistance to the group and urge for speed in transporting the young people to their homes.

The Committee has also urged the Department of Defence to strengthen its communication efforts to clearly inform South Africans that no fees are required for placement in the SANDF.

“We also urge the youth to be vigilant for such scams and communicate with the SANDF to verify the authenticity of such recruitment processes,” Mr Motimele emphasised.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Service on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Stanley Motimele