The SACC expresses its desire to initiate dialogue with the Ministry of Defence, and the Unions involved in the recent and widely reported strike and protest action. Our desire to initiate a dialogue between ourselves and the parties involved stems out of the following:

• We are concerned about the negative impact of the now very public spat between the minister and the affected unions which threatens to hurt the dignity of the office of the minister.
• We are concerned not only about the impact of the recent events on the image of our army but on the image of the country as well.
• We are concerned about the seemingly longstanding and, on face value, legitimate concerns raised by the unions, especially relating to the question of wages.
• Recognizing the possible legitimacy of the grievances and the constitutional provisions that are available for the aggrieved party to bargain for their interest and to be unionized, it is however, worrying to see protesting and striking developing into the only mutually-intelligible 'language' between employers and employees in our country today. Against this mindset, and in pursuit of long and short term strategic tactics to find new forms of 'language' and a renewed mindset, we deem it necessary to meet all the parties with an open mind.
• We are concerned with the use of violence both in the execution and control of protest events. It is most worrying to see scenes of violence between members of our army and the police force.

We appreciate the fact that the office of the Minster has hitherto welcomed us in our desire to meet with both the military and political heads of SANDF in the same way as the union leaders have expressed a warm welcome to our invitation. We look forward to honest and fruitful engagements which will lead us out of the present crisis. We pray, as we seek to enter into the fray with empathy and care for all the parties involved, that our nation will exercise calm and uphold us in prayer as we seek God's wisdom in dealing with these matters.

For More Info Please Contact:
Rev. Dr. Vuyani Vellem on 076 156 1109 or
Prof. Tinyiko Maluleke on 082 925 5232