September 1 2009

Nearly 700 soldiers from the South African defence force have been sent letters of dismissal following last week’s strike action.

A spokesman for the South African National Defence Union (Sandu) said members who had received letters of dismissal had 10 days to defend their actions, even as the government denounced the strike.

Up to 3,000 military personnel clashed with the police on the streets of Pretoria during demonstrations over pay and working conditions.

The action was condemned by both the Defence minister and the secretary-general of the ruling party, the ANC.

Sent shockwaves

The soldiers’ union says the sackings are illegal and will inflame tensions.

The image of demonstrating soldiers clashing with the police in the heart of South Africa’s administrative capital sent shockwaves throughout the country, said BBC’s Karen Allen in Johannesburg.

The troops left their barracks and marched to Union Buildings on August 26, insisting on seeing President Jacob Zuma to seek 30 per cent more pay.

Police used rubber bullets and teargas to disperse the marchers, who reportedly became unruly and attacked police cars.
Now 697 soldiers have been sent letters of dismissal from the Defence department, for what the government claims was an illegal protest.

Defence minister Lindiwe Sisulu has condemned their protests as “disgraceful” and a threat to national security.

The union is seeking an urgent injunction in the high court to stop soldiers from losing their jobs.

nation.co.ke