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The Herald, December 19,1980
With the introduction of a new camouflage uniform, it has been decided to ban the wearing of any military uniform by civilians and by soldiers off duty and outside cantonment areas.
A spokesperson for the Joint High Command said that a clause in the Defence Act which had been allowed to lapse during the war would now be strictly enforced.
This clause bans the wearing of any uniform other than for military duties.
He said that with immediate effect it would be against army regulations for any soldier to wear uniform outside cantonment areas except when travelling on duty or to and from work.
LESSONS FOR TODAY
- A uniform is a variety of costume worn by members of an organisation while participating in that organisation’s activities. For the security forces, a uniform serves a special purpose. It distinguishes the one wearing it from the rest. In most cases the uniforms have military insignia of bars that depict the rank.
- Uniforms are a form of identity and as such, they should only be won by people who identify with a specific brand or organisation.
- The ban on the wearing of military uniform is important in preventing rogue elements in society from committing crimes while posing as soldiers.
- There have been cases of uniforms especially for the police being abused by criminals to rob innocent people while posing as policemen on official duty.
Online Reporter
Bongani Ndlovu