Lessons Learnt During the South African Early Deployment in International Peacekeeping Operations

Abstract

Since the establishment of democracy in South Africa in 1994, it was only a matter of time before South Africa and the South African National Defence Force would participate in international peace missions. When this occurred in 1999, the defence force, particularly the staff at the Joint Operations Division, was largely unprepared for such a deployment, requiring personnel to adapt rapidly – amidst institutional changes as part of democratic reforms, and the restructuring of command and logistical frameworks. The deployment in support of the United Nations mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo presented numerous challenges that had to be addressed for a successful outcome. The study on which the article is based, examined these challenges and the planning measures of the Joint Operations Division staff employed to overcome them. These strategies were recorded and used for future deployments. The study focussed on the personal experience of the author while serving as a member of the Joint Operations Division staff.