President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 2 200 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to five provinces to assist police in combating illegal mining and gang violence.
The troops will be deployed in the Eastern Cape, Free State, Gauteng, North West and Western Cape from 1 March 2026 until 31 March 2027 under Operation Prosper.
Ramaphosa informed the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces of the decision on Friday, exercising his constitutional authority under Section 201 of the Constitution.
The deployment will see the SANDF members working in cooperation with the South African Police Service (SAPS) to prevent and combat crime, and to support and preserve law and order in areas afflicted by illegal mining operations and gangsterism.
The Presidency estimates the cost of the deployment at R823 153 960.
The Constitution directs that only the president, as head of the national executive, may authorise the employment of the defence force in cooperation with the police service.
Ramaphosa first announced the intention to deploy the SANDF during the State of the Nation Address in February 2026.
The president has called on communities to work closely with the SAPS and the SANDF to identify criminal elements and improve safety in neighbourhoods affected by these crimes.
