Question NW1162 to the President of the Republic
15 May 2023 - NW1162
Tambo, Mr S to ask the President of the Republic
Whether there was any credible intelligence on which he relied when he employed the SA National Defence Force for a month until 17 April 2023 regarding the national shutdown that was held on 20 March 2023; if not, what is the position in this regard; if so, is such a threat still existing?
Reply:
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was authorised to deploy in support of the South African Police Service (SAPS) under Operation Prosper in preparation for protests planned for 20 March 2023. This deployment was at the request of the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS), which determined that the SANDF would be required to deploy for the protection and safeguarding of National Key Points and critical infrastructure in order to relieve the police from that function.
The NATJOINTS had conducted an assessment and identified the need for the police to be on the ground across the entire country to provide a safe and secure environment for the planned protests to take place, as well as the condition of a safe and secure environment, freedom of movement and action for those who were not going to participate in the protests.
The SAPS returned to their posts on 23 March 2023 and the SANDF withdrew, with some of the elements returning back to their units whilst other elements continued with the protection and safeguarding of Eskom power stations until 17 April 2023 as per the Presidential Authority.