Getting the Job Done: Transformation in the South African Military‪.‬

ABSTRACT This article explores the nexus between transformation and the ability of the South African military to fulfil its constitutionally defined mission since democratisation in 1994. Transformation in the South African military was linked to the 'national democratic revolution' and placed a high emphasis on racial and gender representivity. During the Mandela era, the focus was predominantly on structural and other organisational changes. During the Mbeki era, the military became an important instrument of foreign policy. This article argues that the transformation of the South African National Defence Force was successful in orientating the organisation in a new direction. At the same time though, and in view of the current challenges confronting the South African National Defence Force, transformational change did not take the force to an entirely different level of effectiveness.