President Ramaphosa Deploys SANDF to Ensure Order During Elections
Image Source: SA army members have been deployed to ensure a smooth election on Wednesday.
Published by Everything ZA News
Johannesburg, 28 May 2024 – President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 2,828 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel to maintain law and order as South Africans head to the polls on Wednesday. The announcement was made on Tuesday night by Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
In his statement, Magwenya conveyed that Ramaphosa had officially informed the National Assembly about the deployment, which comes at a cost of R59,451,704. “President Ramaphosa has informed the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly and the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces that the employment of SANDF personnel will form part of Operation PROSPER and applies from 20 May to 7 June 2024,” Magwenya said.
“This employment is authorized in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, read with Section 19 of the Defence Act of 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002).”
Law enforcement agencies have been on high alert since the much-anticipated election season kicked off. News24 reported that, in its last media briefing, the Justice Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster assured South Africans that stringent measures were in place to ensure the national elections proceeded smoothly.
The JCPS cluster emphasized its coordination with the government to address any threats or potential threats that could compromise the integrity and smooth running of the elections. This heightened vigilance comes amidst tensions stirred by former president Jacob Zuma’s newly established uMkhonto weSizwe Party. Launched on 16 December, the party had previously threatened violence if Zuma’s face did not appear on the ballot.
Police Minister Bheki Cele has been vocal about the government’s stance on election day violence. “Anarchy and violence will not be tolerated on voting day,” Cele stated in an earlier address.
As the election day approaches, the deployment of SANDF personnel is seen as a crucial measure to ensure a peaceful and orderly process, reinforcing the government’s commitment to upholding democratic principles and the rule of law.
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