Additional SANDF members to focus on logistics, infrastructure
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) says the additional deployment will mostly focus on infrastructure, logistics and medical support.
President Cyril Ramaphosa employed an additional 76 000 soldiers to help enforce lockdown regulations.
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The deployment of the SANDF in the fight against coronavirus will cost the country an estimated R4.5 billion.
In a statement, the defence force said all four branches, the South African Army, South African Air Force, South African Navy and the South African Military Health Service have been called up.
"To date a large number of the Reserves in each of the Four Services has been called up and deployed on borderline protection and together with the Regular Force in support of the SAPS and the Department of Health during OP NOTLELA to combat COVID-19,” the statement said.
"In addition, certain Reserve force units and selected individuals have been put on 25 hours standby.”
The defence force also called on other members, who possess a specific skill set and have not yet been called up, to contact their units in order to confirm their availability.