SANDF refutes allegations of compulsory donations by its members in Cuba
The South African National Defence Force has refuted allegations that soldiers on a training mission in Cuba were pressured to make “voluntary” contributions from their allowances to assist needy Cubans.
According to a News24 report, senior soldiers were allegedly pressured to donate more than R15 000 and junior officers more than R3000 each.
The SANDF said that although a preliminary report was received, it is awaiting a comprehensive report on the matter.
It added that irresponsible and misleading claims undermine public trust and tarnish relations between South Africa and Cuba.
The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has called for an immediate and independent inquiry into the allegations.
SANDU National Secretary Pikkie Greeff said the union was particularly concerned by reports that a list was allegedly compiled, recording the names of members and the amounts they contributed.
SANDU wants an investigation to establish who authorised the alleged collection, where the money went, who controlled it, and what legal or financial authority was relied upon.
It also wants clarity on why soldiers were allegedly promised that their contributions would be repaid in December.
Greeff said these questions cannot simply be treated as an internal administrative matter.
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