SANDF’s Operation Prosper supports police in crime combat

TO lead with pride and integrity in protecting life and property during crime combating operations.

This is the mandate of Brigadier-General Molefi Hlalele, recently appointed to head the South African National Defence Force’s (SANDF) Operation Prosper in southern KZN following the wave of unrest in the province last month.

Operating from the Merebank Army Support Base KwaZulu-Natal, the initiative seeks to support and empower the South African Police Services (SAPS) in the case of a security threat by mobilising SANDF members when deemed necessary.

“As the SANDF we form part of the security cluster. Where there is a security issue or threat, we attend to it depending on the core business of that particular time. For example, if it is an issue of invaders, the defence comes in because our core function is to defend the territorial integrity of this country. But if it’s internal instability, we don’t play a leading role as it is the police’s responsibility. Operation Prosper is about reinforcing this and supporting the police. Upholding and enforcing the law remains the primary responsibility of the South African Police Service (SAPS).

When the national defence is employed in cooperation with the SAPS, SANDF members have the same powers and authority as the SAPS, excluding the investigation of crime. Notwithstanding this, SANDF members may perform tasks and duties they are adequately trained and equipped for.

Hlalele highlighted that the SANDF’s cooperation with SAPS is limited to the protection of life and property during crime combating operations.

“The support base in Merebank is specifically here to provide support services to mandated clients as directed by SA Army Support Formation to all client force structure elements in or passing through its area of responsibility in order to meet the objective of the SA Army. We support our own members who are immediately behind the police. We make sure they are good as well as have food, uniform, fuel and all the support that they need.”

He shared that he found it both disappointing and embarrassing to witness the destruction that broke out in last month’s looting and civil unrest action. “As South Africa, we are in a better position, in terms of our economy and military, than most countries in the continent. To see our very own people, especially the youth, be the breakdown of our own development was embarrassing. When something like this happens it taints our country’s image internationally, erodes our influence and credibility and raises so many questions.

“When you analyse the unrest, the people who gave it fuel, was the young people who are frustrated without a job or education. Sixty-seven per cent of the young people in this country are unemployed. We call this ‘bulge’ and should it grow we will have a serious problem on our hands. We need proper guidance on how to target the needs of young people and deal with this effectively.

“But it happened. We are here, the police are stabilising the immediate issue and we are supporting it. We love our people and since we arrived we have had no issues or confrontations from the locals here. We are ready as the military to stand in to protect our people from themselves and buildings. We’re not here to harm anyone, we’re here to show them respect, love and encourage them,” he assured.

Hlalele has served the military for three decades where he has occupied various leadership positions having served as a commander, trainer and has also conducted operations within and outside South Africa. He believes leaders should walk their talk and lead in an exemplary manner.

“I love my job, its passion and I do it with pride. I often advise my peers that it’s important to set goals and give yourself an objective of what you want to achieve in life. For me, it’s about what is the next challenge and how can I conquer it. I enjoy wearing this uniform and serving my country,” said the father of three and published author.

Passionate about education and politics, he attended SA Army College where he obtained a Junior Command and Staff Duties (JCSD) qualification as well as SA National War College where he obtained a Diploma in Joint Operations. He also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) from UNISA, Certificate in Senior Management Programme (SMP) from UP, PGDip in Management from Wits and PGDip in Business Administration from UCT. He is currently working towards completing his Executive MBA at UCT.  

DID YOU KNOW? Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics. To receive news links via WhatsApp or Telegram, send an invite to 061 876 3179. The Southlands Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram – why not join us there?

Do you have more information pertaining to this story? Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist. (Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun).