Ramaphosa Raises Concerns Over ‘Unwarranted’ Attacks On The Judiciary, Constitution

CYRIL RAMAPHOSA|

Yesterday, as Commander-In-Chief of our country’s armed forces, I officiated at the annual celebration of Armed Forces Day in the Castle in Cape Town. This important event is held each year on the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917, in which more than 600 black South African soldiers and 30 crew lost their lives.
 
On Armed Forces Day, we remember the men and women who have lost their lives in the service of our nation. We are also reminded on this day of the responsibility that the defence force has to protect our democracy.
 
The Constitution asserts that the primary object of the defence force is to defend the Republic, its territorial integrity and its people in accordance with the Constitution.
 
While the defence force is the only lawful military force in the country, the responsibility to defend our democracy