,PUB2602 Assignment 3 (COMPLETE ANSWERS) Semester 2 2025
- DUE 16 October 2025; 100% trusted ,comprehensive and complete
reliable solution with clear explanation.
Question 1
Analyse the role and functions of the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF) in the provision of national security. Discuss how its operations
contribute to safeguarding national interests and responding to internal and
external threats. Support your answer with examples and references to
relevant legislation and policy.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Constitutional and Legislative Framework
3. Functions of the SANDF in National Security
3.1 Defending Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty
3.2 Internal Stability and Support to SAPS
3.3 Peacekeeping and International Operations
3.4 Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance
3.5 Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats
4. Contribution to Safeguarding National Interests
5. Challenges Facing the SANDF
6. Conclusion
7. References
, Introduction
National security is a cornerstone of state sovereignty and stability. In South
Africa, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) plays a crucial role in
ensuring that the Republic is safeguarded from internal and external threats, while
also supporting socio-economic development. The SANDF is established in terms
of Chapter 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which
outlines its mandate and operational principles. Beyond defending territorial
integrity, the SANDF engages in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and
disaster relief, thereby contributing to both security and development. This essay
analyses the SANDF’s roles and functions, while highlighting how its operations
protect national interests and respond to evolving threats.
Constitutional and Legislative Framework
The SANDF’s operations are guided by the Constitution (1996), the Defence Act
42 of 2002, and the White Paper on Defence (1996), among other policy
documents. Section 200 of the Constitution requires the SANDF to be structured
and managed as a disciplined military force that operates under civilian authority
and parliamentary oversight. Its primary function is to defend and protect South
Africa, its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its people. The Defence Act further
empowers the SANDF to perform tasks both domestically and internationally,
including supporting the police, providing humanitarian assistance, and
participating in multinational peace operations.
Functions of the SANDF in National Security
1. Defending Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty
The SANDF’s primary role is to ensure that South Africa’s borders and airspace
remain secure. Although South Africa faces relatively low risks of conventional
military attack, the SANDF maintains readiness to deter potential aggressors and
safeguard sovereignty. For example, Operation Corona has been implemented to
monitor and secure land, air, and sea borders, targeting issues such as illegal
migration, cross-border crime, and smuggling (Department of Defence, 2023).
- DUE 16 October 2025; 100% trusted ,comprehensive and complete
reliable solution with clear explanation.
Question 1
Analyse the role and functions of the South African National Defence Force
(SANDF) in the provision of national security. Discuss how its operations
contribute to safeguarding national interests and responding to internal and
external threats. Support your answer with examples and references to
relevant legislation and policy.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Constitutional and Legislative Framework
3. Functions of the SANDF in National Security
3.1 Defending Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty
3.2 Internal Stability and Support to SAPS
3.3 Peacekeeping and International Operations
3.4 Disaster Relief and Humanitarian Assistance
3.5 Cybersecurity and Emerging Threats
4. Contribution to Safeguarding National Interests
5. Challenges Facing the SANDF
6. Conclusion
7. References
, Introduction
National security is a cornerstone of state sovereignty and stability. In South
Africa, the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) plays a crucial role in
ensuring that the Republic is safeguarded from internal and external threats, while
also supporting socio-economic development. The SANDF is established in terms
of Chapter 11 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, which
outlines its mandate and operational principles. Beyond defending territorial
integrity, the SANDF engages in peacekeeping, humanitarian assistance, and
disaster relief, thereby contributing to both security and development. This essay
analyses the SANDF’s roles and functions, while highlighting how its operations
protect national interests and respond to evolving threats.
Constitutional and Legislative Framework
The SANDF’s operations are guided by the Constitution (1996), the Defence Act
42 of 2002, and the White Paper on Defence (1996), among other policy
documents. Section 200 of the Constitution requires the SANDF to be structured
and managed as a disciplined military force that operates under civilian authority
and parliamentary oversight. Its primary function is to defend and protect South
Africa, its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and its people. The Defence Act further
empowers the SANDF to perform tasks both domestically and internationally,
including supporting the police, providing humanitarian assistance, and
participating in multinational peace operations.
Functions of the SANDF in National Security
1. Defending Territorial Integrity and Sovereignty
The SANDF’s primary role is to ensure that South Africa’s borders and airspace
remain secure. Although South Africa faces relatively low risks of conventional
military attack, the SANDF maintains readiness to deter potential aggressors and
safeguard sovereignty. For example, Operation Corona has been implemented to
monitor and secure land, air, and sea borders, targeting issues such as illegal
migration, cross-border crime, and smuggling (Department of Defence, 2023).
