Not a 'skop, skiet en donner' moment: defence force deployment in the time of COVID-19

Abstract

With the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for three months to assist the police in containing COVID-19, it is important to reflect on the nature of civil-military relations in the country, and the influence that this mission may have on continued public support. Looking at national survey data on attitudes towards the SANDF, Jare Struwig, Dr Ben Roberts and Dr Steven Gordon point out that the public's high level of trust in, and support of, the SANDF is likely to be critically tested by the conduct of soldiers during the national lockdown.