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The Department of Defence (DoD) is responsible for overseeing the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), ensuring national security, territorial integrity, and peacekeeping efforts. The department manages military operations, defense policy, and strategic planning, focusing on combat readiness, border protection, and international peacekeeping missions. It also plays a crucial role in disaster response, cybersecurity, and supporting diplomatic efforts through military cooperation. By maintaining a well-equipped and trained defense force, the DoD works to safeguard South Africa against internal and external threats, contributing to national and regional stability.
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Ministries related
Ministries related
Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans
Mrs. Matsie Angelina Motshekga, born on 19 June 1955 in Pimville, Soweto, has long been involved in South Africa’s political and educational transformation. Her activism began during the anti-apartheid struggle, and she later earned degrees in education from the University of the North and Wits University. With a career spanning teaching, lecturing, and research in education, gender development, and language, she has held influential roles including convener for Gender in the Office of the President and trainer in the Department of Public Service and Administration.
Her political journey began in the Gauteng Provincial Legislature in 1999, followed by appointments as MEC for Social Development and Education. She served as Minister of Basic Education from 2009 until 2024, when she was appointed Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. A dedicated member of the ANC and ANC Women’s League, she led the ANCWL as National President from 2008 to 2015 and currently serves on the ANC’s National Executive and Working Committees.
The son of Chief Bazindlovu Holomisa, was educated at Jongilizwe College, a school for the sons of traditional leaders. He joined the Transkei Defence Force in 1976 and rose to become its Commander by 1987. In 1988, he led a coup against Stella Sigcau and chaired the Military Council, unbanning numerous liberation organizations and facilitating Transkei’s peaceful transition to democracy.
Holomisa played a key role in the CODESA negotiations and campaigned nationally for the ANC in 1994, later serving as Deputy Minister of Environment and Tourism. After being expelled from the ANC in 1996 for his testimony to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, he co-founded the United Democratic Movement (UDM) in 1997 and remains its President. Holomisa has represented South Africa in global forums, mediated local conflicts, and maintained a strong presence in sports and civic engagement.
sourced from sahistory.org.za
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