Court overturns SANDF decision on officer's promotion amid dispute

A MEMBER of the South African National Defence Force who was not promoted to the rank of lieutenant because of two prior minor offences — a fine for negligent driving and a reprimand for improper parking — turned to court to have the decision by the SANDF overturned.

- ZELDA VENTER

While the SANDF Act requires that an officer must never have been convicted and imprisoned without the option of a fine, Frans Matjila told the Gauteng High Court, Pretoria, that his transgressions were minor and he only received a fine. The SANDE, on the other hand, regarded them as major offences.

Matjila is a non-commissioned officer and holds the rank of flight sergeant. He joined the SA Air Force in 1998 and advanced through the ranks — airman, corporal and sergeant — before being promoted to flight sergeant.

His role is that of a technician in the Air Force Mobile Deployment Wing (Ground Electronics Section). He completed numerous courses while serving in the Air Force, including an officers’ forming course.