The deployment of 880 personnel of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to guard several Eskom power plants across the nation has been approved by President Cyril Ramaphosa. Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the National Assembly speaker, and Amos Masondo, the NCOP chair, have both received written notifications from the president.
According to the statement made public on Saturday, the troops collaborate with the South African Police Service (SAPS) as part of Operation Prosper to prevent and battle crime while upholding and maintaining law and order in the Republic of South Africa.
“Members of the SANDF employed will assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations throughout the country where sabotage, theft, and other crimes may threaten the operation of power stations and the supply of electricity,” reads a statement on the SAPS website. The deployment will take place between 17 April and 17 October 2023.
Prior to this, the Presidency stated that Operation Prosper, which ran from 17 March to 17 April 2023, used 2 700 SANDF members to help the SAPS safeguard Eskom power plants.
According to Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, “the current employment is authorized.”
Meanwhile, approximately R146 million in expenses are anticipated to be incurred for this exercise.