Motshekga expresses full confidence in SANDF discipline ahead of deployment

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says she is confident in the discipline of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), asserting that soldiers will not terrorise the communities where they are set to be deployed to support crime-fighting efforts.

Addressing the National Assembly on Wednesday, Motshekga confirmed that planning for the army’s deployment, a key component of a broader strategy to tackle gangsterism and illegal mining, is now in its final stages.

The minister noted that the formal strategy will be submitted to President Cyril Ramaphosa within a few days.

The move follows the President’s announcement during his State of the Nation Address, where he committed to deploying the army to assist in tempering violence within volatile communities across the Western Cape, Gauteng, and the Eastern Cape.

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While answering questions in the House, Motshekga sought to allay concerns regarding potential heavy-handedness by military personnel.

She emphasised that it is standard practice for the defence force to undergo specific training for deployments of this nature.

"I have high confidence in the defence force. It’s a very disciplined force that I’ve experienced, and I don’t expect too many problems," Motshekga stated.

Over the past two weeks, senior officials have held multiple planning sessions to thrash out the logistics for the military's presence in gang hotspots and areas plagued by illegal mining.

Motshekga outlined the next steps in the legislative process.

"In the coming days, we will have the reports and the plans ready, and they have to go to the president, who has to bring it to Parliament for compliance."

She concluded by reiterating that all soldiers will be expected to strictly adhere to a professional code of conduct.

Motshekga maintained that the primary objective of the SANDF is to help "settle" and stabilise communities rather than use lethal force.