SA National Defence Force

◆ President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed the SANDF to assist the police who seemed to be overwhelmed by the surging crowds of looters.

◆ On Sunday night, July 11, the SANDF’s operational command was instructed to deploy by Monday morning.

◆ Initially, the government proposed that 2 500 members be deployed but the number increased to 25 000.

◆ Some elements of the SANDF were on the ground by midday Monday, July 12.

◆ The SANDF told the panel they encountered difficulties in rapidly procuring supplies for the deployed members because of supply chain requirements.

◆ Although the police and some members of the public felt that the SANDF members arrived on the scene a little late, the SANDF believed it was the fastest turnaround time for a military operation.

◆ The SANDF keeps a company in every province but for reasons of preservation and care they keep most of their larger hardware in Lohatla, Northern Cape.

◆ The arrival and the continued presence of the SANDF members went a long way to help calm the situation.

◆ Initially, SANDF members were deployed to national key points, which freed police to try to contain the riots. Looked at from this perspective, the SANDF response was timely and effective.

◆ The government must find ways of speedy procurement approvals in cases where the security of the state is under threat.