10 000 soldiers deployed for elections

By: Ofentse Seanego

At least 10 000 soldiers will be deployed on the ground as the country goes to the polls on November 1.

The South African National Defe3nce Force (SANDF) on Thursday said President Cyril Ramaphosa had authorized the deployment of the soldiers across the country in order to support law enforcement agencies safeguard the elections.

SANDF spokesperson Brigadier General Mafi Mgobozi said the deployment would commence on Saturday, October 30, 2021, to be completed on Wednesday, November 3, 2021.

“It is worth noting that the SANDF’s deployment aims to establish a safe, secure, and peaceful environment for all law enforcement agencies assigned to carry out their Constitutionally mandated and order duties during elections. The SANDF will be deployed in terms of Section 201 (a) of the Constitution, read with Section 19 of Defence Act, Act 42 of 2002 for service in cooperation with the Police Service,” Mgobozi said.

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He added that the deployed SANDF members would have the same powers and duties as South African Police Service (SAPS) members in terms of Section 20 of the Defence Act.

“As informed by the prevailing or anticipated security situation, the SANDF in cooperation with other law enforcement agencies is tasked with the protection of National Key Points, strategic and critical infrastructure of national importance, strategic routes, Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) voting material storage warehouses, and transportation of voting materials to inaccessible areas by our air assets,” he said.

Millions are expected to turn out on November 1 to cast their votes in the local government elections. They are expected to be most fiercely contested as more people have become vocal about their areas’ lack of service delivery and development.

At least 325 parties will be contesting the 2021 local government elections. There will be 95,427 candidates vying for votes on Monday, with 1,546 being independent candidates.

Chief electoral officer Sy Mamabolo on Wednesday said 26.2 million people had registered to vote. There is a 100 000 drop compared to the 2016 local government elections.