TRC Final Report

Volume 4

Chapter 8

Subsection 13

■ APPENDIX 4

Legislation

In terms of the South African Defence Act, 1912, the Union Defence Force was established and recognised as the armed force of the Union of South Africa. This Act was later replaced by The Defence Act, No 44 of 1957. All aspects of the SADF were thus controlled by law, and the levels of force used were provided in accordance with the Act.

In terms of Section 2 of the Act, females and persons not classified as white were excluded from compulsory military service. The tasks assigned to the SADF were predominantly within the scope of Section 3(2) of the Act:

Section 3

(2) The South African Defence Force or any portion or member thereof may at all times by employed (a) on service in defence of the Republic; (b) on service for the prevention or suppression of terrorism; (c) on service in the prevention or suppression of internal disorder in the Republic; (d) on service in the preservation of life, health or property or the maintenance of essential services; and (e) on such police duties as may be prescribed.