President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorised the deployment of 800 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to safeguard a number of Eskom power stations around the country.

Ramaphosa has informed the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, and the Chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, in writing.

According to the statement released on Saturday, the soldiers work with the South African Police Service (SAPS) for the prevention and combating of crime and the maintenance and preservation of law and order in the Republic of South Africa under Operation Prosper.

“Members of the SANDF employed will assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations around the country where sabotage, theft, and other crimes may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity.”

The deployment is from April 17 to October 17.

Previously, the Presidency said 2 700 members of the SANDF were employed to assist the SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations under Operation Prosper from March 17 to April 17.

“The current employment is authorised in accordance with the provisions of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996.”

Meanwhile, the expenditure expected to be incurred for this exercise is over R146m. – SAnews.gov.za