Ramaphosa Deploys SANDF
President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 2828 personnel from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to ensure the smooth and secure conduct of upcoming elections.
This contingent will work alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) to bolster law enforcement efforts and safeguard the electoral process. The estimated expenditure for this deployment stands at R59,451,704.
Operation PROSPER Launched
Vincent Magwenya, President Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, announced that the President has formally communicated with the Acting Speaker of the National Assembly and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces. This deployment marks the initiation of Operation PROSPER and is set to span from 20 May to 7 June 2024.
“This employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa of 1996, read with Section 19 of the Defence Act of 2002 (Act No.42 of 2002),” said Magwenya.
Law Enforcement Agencies Assert Control
As the nation gears up for the polls, law enforcement agencies have assured citizens of their readiness. Speaking on the matter, police Deputy National Commissioner Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili indicated, “We are in charge and in control” during a media address on Sunday, 26 May 2024, highlighting the robust preparations made by the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS).
“To all voters, go out there having full confidence that the NatJOINTS’ plan is on track to protect your rights and our democracy. We are in charge, we are in control. As law enforcement agencies, we will ensure your safety throughout this period,” Mosikili assured.
Ensuring a Peaceful Electoral Process
The Lieutenant General acknowledged that ensuring a safe election period is a formidable task but expressed confidence in the preparedness of law enforcement agencies, drawn from past experiences. “The task at hand is immense but through past experiences of ensuring safe and secure elections, we are confident that we are ready for this next phase. The road to a safe, secure and peaceful election requires the commitment and effort from all stakeholders, including our communities.”
She lauded citizens for displaying responsible conduct and reminded political parties that campaigning must end by midnight on 28 May 2024. Any campaigning beyond this period would constitute a transgression of the Electoral Act.
Tackling Fake News and Ensuring Lawful Conduct
Addressing concerns about misinformation, Mosikili stressed the significance of verifying facts before sharing information, urging citizens to refrain from spreading fake news that could incite panic. “We will not tolerate any incitement of violence on any platform. Our intelligence communities and cybercrime units are closely monitoring online users. We are warned not to step out of line,” she said.
She urged law enforcement officials to carry out their duties within the legal framework. “It is more boots on the ground. Our law enforcement agencies are out there deployed to ensure that everyone who will be exercising their democratic right does so in a peaceful, safe and secure environment,” she added.
Additional Measures in KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape
In a related development, additional Public Order Policing (POP) members will be deployed across KwaZulu-Natal and Mthatha in the Eastern Cape, starting Monday, 27 May 2024. More than 700 POP members were dispatched from Harrismith in a send-off parade, reflecting the authorities’ commitment to intensifying crime combatting efforts.
Addressing the additional deployment, General Fannie Masemola, National Commissioner of SAPS, stated, “We are sending you off to maintain law and order. No disruptions and acts of criminality should take place under your watch. We are sending you out there to protect the constitutional right of South Africans and the integrity of the election process.”
Lieutenant General Tebello Mosikili, co-chair of NatJOINTS, also participated in the parade, urging officers to uphold their duties within the bounds of the law.
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