President Cyril Ramaphosa deployed soldiers of the South African National Defence Force to protect Eskom power facilities nationwide against crime.
TimesLIVE reports that Ramaphosa’s deployment will cost taxpayers R203.9 million and last until March of next year. He stated that the members will collaborate with the South African Police Service to safeguard critical national infrastructure, including power grids. According to Ramaphosa, the initiative, known as initiative Prosper Eskom Power Stations, began in April of this year.
Ramapbosa further stated that 746 SANDF members have been deployed. They will collaborate with the police to prevent and combat crime while also upholding and preserving the law.
In 2022, Ramaphosa sent military to Eskom infrastructure in response to criminal attacks on power installations. This resulted in the loss of diesel and cables, as well as deliberate property damage.
Ramaphosa’s deployment of SANDF personnel did not affect netizens’ reactions on Facebook.
Mashele Bongani Bang said:
“Deployment my foot. They should do that permanently.”
James Saltana said:
“They are fighting crime for their re-election and not for us. They are guarding Eskom because they are afraid of sabotage and loadshedding.”
Charlene Andrews Jood said:
“They like locking themselves inside the police station during dangerous situations anyway, so why not?”
Noto Rapulana Sejosengoe said.
“Good. It’s not like they got many other gigs going on anyway.”
Hlubi N Hadebe said:
“The president of extension.”