Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Act No. 108 of 1996)Chapter 11 : Security ServicesDefence203. State of national defence |
| (1) | The President as head of the national executive may declare a state of national defence, and must inform Parliament promptly and in appropriate detail of— |
| (a) | the reasons for the declaration; |
| (b) | any place where the defence force is being employed; and |
| (c) | the number of people involved. |
| (2) | If Parliament is not sitting when a state of national defence is declared, the President must summon Parliament to an extraordinary sitting within seven days of the declaration. |
| (3) | A declaration of a state of national defence lapses unless it is approved by Parliament within seven days of the declaration. |