President Cyril Ramaphosa has recently made a decision to extend the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to assist SAPS with upholding law and order at Eskom’s power stations.
The decision comes after the president wrote two letters to Acting National Assembly Speaker, Lechesa Tsenoli to notify the parliament about his decision.
In his lengthy letter, he stated the following:
“I have extended the employment of 746 members of the SANDF for service in co-operation with the SAPS in the prevention and combating of crime and maintenance and prevention of law and order in the Republic of South Africa under Operation Prosper Eskom power stations.”
He explained that members of SANDF and SAPS will work together to protect and safeguard national key points and critical infrastructure in the energy sector from 1 April 2024 until 31 March 2025.
In another letter, he later revealed that 2300 soldiers will be deployed to deal with illegal mining under Operation Prosper. The extension of this deployment will take place between 29 April and 31 October 2024.
News publication IOL reported that the combine costs of these operations would equate to more than R553 million in taxpayers money.
The president first deployed soldiers to Eskom in 2022. This came after criminals targeted the power station’s infrastructure which led to the loss of diesel, cables and damage to property.
“The deployment of SANDF has enabled Eskom to repair, maintain and secure power stations and furthermore has positively contributed towards reducing load shedding and enabled the government to continue to work towards stabilising and increasing the energy action plan,” he explained.
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