PUB2602
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 OCTOBER 2025
, Introduction
The provision of protection services is central to the South African government’s
constitutional obligation to safeguard its citizens, sovereignty, and democratic order.
Lesson 6 of PUB2602 highlights the importance of institutions such as the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF), intelligence services, and the South
African Police Service (SAPS) in maintaining security at the national level. This
portfolio examines the functions and challenges of these institutions through three
questions: the SANDF’s role in national security, the functions of intelligence services,
and SAPS’s strategies in law enforcement.
Question 1: Role and Functions of the SANDF in National Security
2.1 Constitutional and Legislative Mandate
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Section 200–204)
establishes the SANDF as the country’s defence institution responsible for safeguarding
sovereignty and citizens. The Defence Act 42 of 2002 further provides for the
employment of the SANDF by the President in defence, internal stability, peacekeeping,
and disaster relief roles.
2.2 Core Functions of the SANDF
Territorial Defence: Protects against external aggression through the Army,
Navy, Air Force and Military Health Service.
Border Safeguarding: Through Operation Corona, the SANDF combats
smuggling, stock theft, and illegal migration.
Maritime Security: The Navy has patrolled the Mozambique Channel to counter
piracy (Operation Copper).
ASSIGNMENT 3 SEMESTER 2 2025
UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 16 OCTOBER 2025
, Introduction
The provision of protection services is central to the South African government’s
constitutional obligation to safeguard its citizens, sovereignty, and democratic order.
Lesson 6 of PUB2602 highlights the importance of institutions such as the South
African National Defence Force (SANDF), intelligence services, and the South
African Police Service (SAPS) in maintaining security at the national level. This
portfolio examines the functions and challenges of these institutions through three
questions: the SANDF’s role in national security, the functions of intelligence services,
and SAPS’s strategies in law enforcement.
Question 1: Role and Functions of the SANDF in National Security
2.1 Constitutional and Legislative Mandate
The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Section 200–204)
establishes the SANDF as the country’s defence institution responsible for safeguarding
sovereignty and citizens. The Defence Act 42 of 2002 further provides for the
employment of the SANDF by the President in defence, internal stability, peacekeeping,
and disaster relief roles.
2.2 Core Functions of the SANDF
Territorial Defence: Protects against external aggression through the Army,
Navy, Air Force and Military Health Service.
Border Safeguarding: Through Operation Corona, the SANDF combats
smuggling, stock theft, and illegal migration.
Maritime Security: The Navy has patrolled the Mozambique Channel to counter
piracy (Operation Copper).
