SANDF rejects claims linking military to foreign national influx

The claims have prompted the SANDF to distance itself from public discussions about immigration policy. In a statement, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini said the organisation was concerned about remarks on social media associating it with immigration-related issues.

Dlamini described the claims as misleading and damaging to the integrity of the military institution.

“The SANDF rejects these allegations with the contempt they deserve. These unfounded claims are misleading and appear intended to cast aspersions on the integrity of the Defence Force,” Dlamini said.

SANDF says it did not advise government

The Defence Force said none of its members had issued warnings or made recommendations to the government about the presence or arrival of foreign nationals in the country.

It also rejected suggestions that it had challenged, opposed or attempted to influence government decisions on immigration policy or related issues. The clarification places responsibility for those policy decisions with the relevant government authorities rather than the military.

Immigration policy involves decisions about how a country manages entry, residence and related administrative matters. The SANDF said it does not have a role in formulating or implementing that policy.

Military emphasises its constitutional role

Dlamini said the SANDF operates within the Constitution, applicable legislation and lawful directives issued by the South African government.

“As a disciplined military force, the SANDF operates strictly within the confines of the Constitution, applicable legislation, and lawful directives issued by the Government of the Republic of South Africa,” he said.

He added that the formulation and implementation of immigration policy remained the responsibility of the relevant government authorities.

The statement also reaffirmed the Defence Force’s commitment to carrying out its constitutional mandate professionally. The SANDF said its members were expected to maintain discipline and political neutrality while performing their duties.

Warning over misleading social media claims

The SANDF’s response highlights the risks of attributing official warnings or policy positions to a public institution without confirmation. Claims shared online can quickly blur the distinction between an individual opinion, an unverified message and an authorised institutional position.

In this case, the Defence Force said attempts to associate it with immigration debates were irresponsible and harmful to public confidence in national institutions.

“Attempts to draw the Defence Force into public narratives and debates for which it bears no responsibility are both irresponsible and damaging to public confidence in national institutions,” Dlamini said.

The SANDF urged members of the public and social media users not to circulate information it described as false and misleading. It said such claims undermined the integrity of both the Defence Force and its members.

What the statement means

The SANDF’s position is that it has not taken a public policy stance on the influx of foreign nationals and has not submitted recommendations to government on the issue. It has also stressed that its operations are guided by lawful government directives and the constitutional framework governing the military.

The clarification is intended to separate the Defence Force from claims about immigration policy and to reaffirm its role as a disciplined, politically neutral institution. For readers encountering similar claims online, the statement underscores the importance of checking whether information has been confirmed by the institution it is said to represent.

For now, the SANDF has firmly rejected the allegations and called for greater responsibility when sharing information about the military and other public institutions on social media.