President Ramaphosa extends SANDF deployment abroad

President Cyril Ramaphosa has formally announced the extension of the South African National Defense Force’s (SANDF) deployment for various international obligations.

This extension, sanctioned under section 201(2)(C) of the Constitution, encompasses significant international duties in Mozambique, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the South African Development Community (SADC) Maritime security strategy.

RAMAPHOSA EXTENDS SANDF SERVICE FOR SADC DUTY

President Ramaphosa has extended the service of 1495 SANDF members to fulfill an international obligation towards the SADC Region.

“The deployment will help combat acts of terrorism and violent extremists affecting the northern areas of Mozambique under Operation VIKELA,” said Vincent Magwenya, Spokesperson to the President on a statement.

The extension will run from 16 April to 31 December, with an estimated expenditure of R984 368 057.

Additionally, the extension includes 1198 SANDF members deployed for service in the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with an estimated expenditure of R805 057 755.

Furthermore, the deployment of 200 SANDF members will continue for the fulfillment of an international obligation towards the SADC Maritime Security Strategy (SADC MSS).

RAMAPHOSA BOOSTS DEPLOYMENT TO COUNTER MARITIME THREATS IN SADC REGION

Moreover, this deployment aims to counter the threat of piracy and other illegal maritime activities along the Southern African coast of the Indian Ocean. In addition, the estimated expenditure for this extension amounts to R35 325 852.

President Ramaphosa has assured the National Assembly and the (acting) Speaker of his commitment to transparency and accountability by communicating this report to the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).

In February, President Ramaphosa dispatched 2900 troops to the eastern DRC as part of a SADC mission.

Tragically, two SANDF members were killed and three injured by a mortar bomb.

The Democratic Alliance’s Kobus Marais criticised Ramaphosa.

“Ramaphosa has ignored several warnings from military experts against this deployment and has instead decided to unilaterally place our troops in harms’ way,” he said.