South African troops were deployed to ensure Wednesday's elections ran smoothly. (Darren Stewart/Gallo Images)
- President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the deployment of 2,828 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops to ensure peaceful elections.
- President Ramaphosa informed Parliament that the deployment would cost taxpayers R59,451,704.
- Everything you need to know about the 2024 general election on News24 Election Hub.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has deployed 2,828 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to provide security as South Africans head to the polls on Wednesday.
Presidency spokesman Vincent Mugwenya said in a statement on Tuesday night that President Ramaphosa had informed Parliament that the cost of the deployment would be R59,451,704.
“President Ramaphosa has informed the acting speaker of Parliament and the speakers of provincial assemblies that the employment of South African National Defence Force personnel is part of Operation Prosper and applies from 20 May to 7 June 2024,” Mugwenya said.
“This employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 and section 19 of the Defence Act, 2002 (Act No. 42 of 2002).”
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News24 reported that in a previous media briefing, the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster assured South Africans that strict measures are being put in place to ensure the national elections go ahead smoothly.
The JCPS Group said it has been working with the government to ensure that any threats or potential threats that could jeopardise the integrity and smooth running of the elections are addressed.
Former president Jacob Zuma's Umkhonto weSizwe party, which was launched on December 16, had previously warned of violence if Zuma's face did not appear on the ballot papers.
Police Minister Bheki Cele had previously said anarchy and violence would not be tolerated on polling day.
