'The uniform isn't yours': South African Army warns troops after viral explicit videos
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has issued a stern warning to its members against posting explicit content on social media while in uniform, following the circulation of a viral video showing a female soldier performing a striptease in military attire.
In an official statement, the SANDF expressed "serious concern" over the growing trend of uniformed personnel sharing inappropriate material online.
"While the SANDF respects the personal freedoms of its members, the public display of such content, particularly explicit, suggestive, or inappropriate, undermines the dignity of the uniform and the values of the SANDF," the statement read.
The defence force emphasised that such behaviour violates military discipline and the SANDF Code of Conduct. "Members are expected to uphold the highest standards of behaviour and to preserve the dignity of the uniform they wear," the statement continued.
SANDF Spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini reinforced the message, stating: "You cannot express yourself in uniform. Remember, the uniform is not yours; you don’t own the uniform. The uniform is paraphernalia given to you by the SANDF, which in the end becomes government property." He added that clear regulations govern soldiers' conduct while in uniform.
The SANDF warned that such actions constitute a criminal offence under the Military Discipline Code and will be met with strict disciplinary action. "The Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, together with the entire Military Command Council reiterate their unequivocal warning to all SANDF members that this conduct constitutes a criminal offense under military law and will not go unpunished," the statement declared.
While the SANDF has not confirmed whether the soldier in the viral video will face disciplinary proceedings, officials stressed that breaches damaging the military's reputation will be dealt with severely. The warning comes as part of broader efforts to maintain professionalism and public trust in the armed forces.
