SANDF deny claims of recruiting child soldiers

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has slammed a ‘group of con artists’ who are reportedly attempting to deceive young South Africans into serving their country. Furious military officials have compared the misleading effort to a “kid army recruitment drive.”
More ‘fake reports’ have the army seething.
On social media, advertisements urging children as young as 15 to join the army — with the promise of a stipend and free housing – have been circulating. This, however, has nothing to do with the SANDF.
It’s the second time within a week that the army has had to comprehensively refute a ‘fake news’ story. We learned a few days ago that reports of Navy officials firing a cannon into Simon’s Town were based on untruths.

• And, if they were mad last week, it’s fair to say the top brass at SANDF are now apoplectic with these latest lies:

“We are outraged by the efforts of faceless criminals to bring SANDF into disrepute. The recent use of various social media platforms – targeting youths as young as 15 – is absolutely unethical, and should be condemned.”
“SANDF does not engage in the employment of child soldiers. The Constitution does not allow for the recruitment of minors. It’s therefore illegal to suggest the army is calling upon minors to enroll. Scammers are offering stipends and free accommodation, so we must reiterate, we are NOT conducting any recruitment drives.”
SANDF statement

Child soldiers for SANDF? Don’t be daft…
The targeting of 15-year-olds for military service would violate the Constitution, and as it stands, there are no active campaigns to get more soldiers signed up for SANDF. Indeed, their position is crystal clear:

The SA National Defence Force Media Statement Update || Monday, 07 February 2022 || The Chief of the SA Army outraged at repeated criminal acts aimed at bringing the SA Army into disrepute.#SANDF#DCCMediaLiaison#SAArmy pic.twitter.com/t9mRhzZ2LS

— SA National Defence Force (@SANDF_ZA) February 7, 2022