Ramaphosa confirms deployment of 550 soldiers to Gauteng

Pretoria
JM

Jabulile Mbatha

10 March 2026 | 5:12

The Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF said more than R80 million will be spent for the deployment in Gauteng.

Ramaphosa confirms deployment of 550 soldiers to Gauteng

SANDF troops rehearse on 28 May 2025 in preparation for UN International Peacekeepers Day on 29 May 2025. Picture: Simphiwe Nkosi/EWN

President Cyril Ramaphosa has confirmed that 550 soldiers have been deployed to Gauteng to aid police in the fight against crime.

The operation has been dubbed "Prosper" with the aim of tackling rampant illegal mining in the province.

Ramaphosa initially brought this intervention to light during his State of the Nation Address (SONA) last month.

Soldiers have also been deployed to the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape and the Free State to fight crime.

On Monday, Ramaphosa sent a letter to the National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza.

The Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said more than R80 million will be spent for the deployment in Gauteng.

The employment of the soldiers is for the period of 30 January 2026 until 30 April 2026.

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