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President Cyril Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of nearly 900 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to protect power utility Eskom until October, the Presidency announced on Saturday, 6 May.
THE DEPLOYMENT OF NEARLY 900 SANDF MEMBERS TO PROTECT ESKOM IS THE SECOND SUCH DEPLOYMENT IN LESS THAN A YEAR
Ramaphosa informed Parliament of the authorisation. The 880 soldiers will be used to “safeguard” several Eskom power stations across the country.
“The President has informed Speaker of the National Assembly Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula and NCOP Chairperson Amos Masondo in writing of the employment of SANDF personnel for service in cooperation with the South African Police Service for the prevention and combating of crime and maintenance and preservation of law and order in the Republic of South Africa under Operation Prosper,” said Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya.
The deployment is valid from 17 April until 17 October 2023 and will cost R146 718 427,00.
As previously reported, Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of 2700 SANDF members for the same reason between 16 December and 16 March. The cost of that deployment was believed to be R206 031 240,00.
The SANDF members are meant to help the police protect Eskom power stations from sabotage, theft and other crimes that may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity.
“The current employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2) (a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996,” said the Presidency.
source:More than R350m spent on SANDF deployment to protect Eskom (thesouthafrican.com)
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