South African troops are said to be demoralised

It says the result is racism, which "manifests itself in many ways", from abusive language and assault, to discrimination in accommodation and in disciplinary proceedings.

The report, published by Defence Minister Mosiuoa Lekota, says lack of money is another problem facing the military. But correspondents say this problem is common to all of South Africa's public services.

"Military culture is in a crisis because there has not been exercises to build the much talked about one army concept," the report said.

Hardship

There is alienation between the mass of troops and the leader group

General Nyanda

General Siphiwe Nyanda, head of the South African National Defence Force, highlighted the fact that most officers were white while most ordinary soldiers were black.

"There is alienation between the mass of troops and the leader group," he said. "It is not something you can transform immediately. It is a process."

Full recommendations will be made later this year on how to change things. But already the Department of Defence says civilian judges who are black should be brought in to sit on military discipline panels to ensure fairer treatment.

The report said the closure of military bases with the army's reduction to a force of 86,000 had led to hardships for remaining members who had to move further from their families.

Absences

Absences without leave had climbed sharply but little or no consideration was given to the offenders, the report said.

A further problem facing the army was that its personnel were getting older, the report said, noting that the average age was now well over 25 years.

Mr Lekota said new equipment due to begin arriving shortly would help ease some of the problems, but there had to be a fundamental shift in approach and attitudes.