Ramaphosa extends deployment of soldiers in Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has informed the National Assembly and the (acting) Speaker on the extension of the employment of the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) in various international obligations.
The extension, which is in accordance with section 201(2)(C) of the Constitution, is for services in fulfilment of significant international duties in Mozambique, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and South African Development Community (SADC) Maritime security strategy.
Spokesperson in the Presidency Vincent Magwenya says the President extended the employment of a total of 1 495 members of the SANDF for service in fulfilment of South Africa's 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.
"Members of the SANDF employed will continue with their responsibilities of combating acts of terrorism and violent extremism, over the period 16 April 2024 to 31 December 2024 at the expenditure estimate of R984 368 057.
"The extended employment of 1 198 members of the SANDF at the estimate expenditure of R805 057 755 is for service in fulfilment of an international obligation towards the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission (“MONUSCO”) in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. "
Magwenya adds that the other 200 members of the SANDF falls under the extension of employment as part of the country's international obligation towards SADC Maritime Security Strategy (“SADC MSS”).
"This deployment will help counter the threat of piracy and other related illegal maritime activities along the Southern African coast of the Indian Ocean.
The expenditure estimate to be incurred for this deployment amount to R35 325 852. "
ALSO READ
