In a move to bolster security during the 2024 SA elections, President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deployment of 2,828 SANDF members to cooperate with the South African Police Service (SAPS).
SANDF to remain in hotspot areas on Election Day
This extension, part of Operation PROSPER, is intended to prevent and combat crime, as well as to maintain and preserve law and order in identified hotspot areas across the country.
The SANDF personnel have been deployed since Monday, 20 May 2024, and their presence will continue until Friday, 7 June 2024.
This decision follows several incidents of unrest and violence in various regions, prompting the need for heightened security measures.
The expenditure for this deployment is estimated at R59.4 million.
“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),” the Presidency statement read.
The goal is to ensure a safe and secure environment for all voters, allowing the electoral process to proceed smoothly and without disruption.
SA elections 2024: Special voting comes to an end
The special voting period for the 2024 SA elections has concluded, with approximately 937,000 voters having cast their ballots over the past two days.
This figure surpasses the number of special votes in previous elections, indicating a robust engagement from the electorate.
Special voting included home visits for those unable to reach voting stations, ensuring that all eligible voters had the opportunity to participate.
Despite some disruptions reported, the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) has assured that those who were unable to cast their special votes will be allowed to do so on the official voting day.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) has filed papers with the Electoral Court following a national address by President Ramaphosa on Sunday.
The IEC has acknowledged the matter and stated that the legal process should be allowed to unfold without interference.