Defence
The botched military intervention in Lesotho by the South African National Defence Force in September 1998 exemplifies the unfortunate decline of military intelligence, accuracy and capability since the advent of democracy in South Africa.
   The softening and blurring of the lines between military and civilian codes of conduct and management which the current government seems to think is an imperative of a democratically advanced model is in no small part to blame.
   Regretfully, a defence force cannot be run like a sports or home affairs department; it simply will not work. Soldiers are required to act and respond under extreme and essentially unnatural levels of stress, tension and pressure. To do this effectively the human psyche and body needs training and execution of a different level from the relatively mundane pressures of collegial working groups.
   At one point in our history, the South African soldier was regarded as one of the very best in the world. We need to do everything requisite to regaining this reputation, for it is only then that we can be assured of being in a true position to defend ourselves against any possible attack.
   Currently the permanent sector of the defence force is bloated - this needs down-sizing.
   The part-time sector is all but non-existent, and this puts South Africa dangerously close to being ineffective as a military force in defending its sovereignty. A strong through-flow of young, capable soldiers is necessary to ensure the fitness and readiness of the defence force.
   Also, a decline in the discipline, loyalty and camaraderie (all honourable qualities) of citizens has been observed with the demise of military conscription. For this and the other above-stated reasons, it is therefore submitted that the reintroduction of compulsory military training and service be effected for school-leavers for a period of 18 months. This will also assist in the equipping all of our youth with skills for further use in their careers, as many business and industrial tasks / qualities may be learned in the military.
   The military should be more actively used to supplement the police force in the physical patrolling of all areas in the country. This will boost business and societal confidence, will reduce crime and will lead to a safer and more stable environment in which to live. Investment will increase. More jobs will be created, and the people will have a better chance of helping themselves to improve their lives.
   Referenda must be held on all large proposed military contracts to avoid wasteful expenditure.