The life and death of South Africa's National Peacekeeping Force

Factors which gave rise to and led to the early demise of South Africa's National Peacekeeping Force (NPKF) are examined. The NPKF was conceived in anticipation of the security requirements for the country first democratic elections. However, lack of time and disunity among its diverse elements militated against the NPKF's effective discharge of its mandate. As a consequence, South Africa's formation of a truly national army has also been hindered.