The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will only discuss behind closed doors the possibility of the deployment of its special forces to Mozambique to help quell terrorist activities.

Marais wanted to know whether South Africa's special forces were training in the north of Durban for possible deployment in Mozambique, given that the Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Naledi Pandor, recently said South Africa was in discussions with Mozambique about helping in the conflict with ISIS.

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He said perhaps the committee could arrange that it is "discussed under closed doors".

When Mapisa-Nqakula answered the committee's questions, she confirmed with the committee chairperson that the meeting was open to the public, and then said she will not speak about Mozambique.

Pandor noted in an interview with the SABC on 22 May that SA and Mozambique were in discussions regarding the security situation in Mozambique's Cabo Delgado province.