Ramaphosa extends SANDF deployment to maintain 'law and order'

CAPE TOWN - President Cyril Ramaphosa has told Parliament that he's extending the deployment of thousands of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to "maintain law and order” across the country.
 
The deployments of the soldiers under "Operation Prosper" include protecting national key points as well as critical infrastructure like Eskom power stations.

The decision followed increasing attacks on Eskom infrastructure at the height of the country's load shedding crisis. 

The president has also informed the national legislature of deployments to target illegal mining with both deployments expected to cost a total of almost R500 million.

Ramaphosa has informed the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) and Parliament that he will be extending the employment of 2,300 soldiers as part of Operation Prosper.

This is expected to cost almost R350 million to fund.

The defence force members in cooperation with the police will also be dealing with the growing problem of illegal mining in around the republic under the operation.

The president has also informed Parliament of the extension of another 746 members of the defence force who will continue to protect and safeguard national keys points and critical infrastructure in the energy sector like Eskom power stations, also under Operation Prosper.

This deployment is expected to continue from the 1 April 2024 until the 31 March next year.