The Citizen reports that SA National Defence Force (SANDF) chief General Solly Shoke has recalled the 507 soldiers still on special leave after marching on the Union Buildings in 2009 over pay issues.  

However, he would not clarify on Monday if the soldiers would face disciplinary action upon their return.  The “illegal” march degenerated into a shambles with police using rubber bullets and tear gas to disperse the soldiers.  Shoke said:  “The matter has been dragging through the courts for quite some time and we are trying now to bring the matter to a conclusion.”  SA National Defence Union (Sandu) general secretary Pikkie Greeff said the recall to active duty was a massive victory for the soldiers, 80 months and R560 million later.  He called for Shoke’s resignation.

• Read this report by Amanda Watson in full at The Citizen
• Read too, Union Building 2009 protesting soldiers recalled, at eNCA
• And also, SANDF members to be recalled, at SA Govt News Agency
• Read Sandu’s press statement at Sandu online

Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page