Loyal Service and Yet “Demobbed”—Demobilization and the Economic Reintegration of South Africa’s Demobilized Military Personnel

Abstract

This article examines the social reintegration of demobilized members of the armed forces into South African society within the context of limited government resources and a lack of planning for such reintegration. This paper suggests a number of innovative ways in which both government and private enterprise can contribute toward the social reintegration of demobilized members of the armed forces without spending too much. One of the main recommendations in the article is that current policies should shift away from “transforming” or modernizing/rationalizing security institutions towards redressing the situation of those who were adversely affected and those who will still be negatively affected between now and the conclusion of the demobilization process. Particular attention should be paid to those who remain jobless or poverty-stricken, since a potential security threat lies with these disgruntled demobilized personnel.