The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) said President Cyril Ramaphosa has executive powers to deploy soldiers.
FILE: SANDF soldiers patrol Alexandra on July 13, 2021 following incidents of rioting and looting in the area. Photo: Boikhutso Ntsoko / Eyewitness News
CAPE TOWN – The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has said President Cyril Ramaphosa has executive powers to deploy soldiers.
According to the SANDF, this will be done in collaboration or with the support of other government actors to contain the ongoing security instability.
The SANDF’s response came after reports of an internal document shared within the country placing soldiers on standby for deployment in light of the insecurity in the country.
SANDF Director of Corporate Communications, Brigadier General Andries Mahapa: “The Chief of the South African National Defense Force, General Mafwanya, would like to reiterate that if the deployment of the SANDF is authorized under section 201/2 of the Constitution, it will be primarily for the protection of health, life and property and not against the people of South Africa.’
Mahapa said senior Defense Force leadership emphasized that the document was never intended for public use and remained an internal document intended for planning and coordination within the SANDF.
