Ramaphosa Deploys 510 SANDF Soldiers To KwaZulu-Natal Amid Anti-Immigration Protests

President Cyril Ramaphosa has approved the deployment of 510 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to KwaZulu-Natal to support police efforts to maintain law and order amid anti-immigration protests.

The deployment, which will run until 30 November 2026, forms part of Operation Prosper, an ongoing joint security operation conducted in several provinces.

According to the deployment notice sent to Parliament on 21 October, the soldiers will assist police during protests in Durban and remain on standby to respond to potential flare-ups.

The operation is expected to cost R34 million.

Soldiers To Support Police In Durban

Ramaphosa authorised the deployment in response to unrest linked to anti-immigration protests in Durban. The deployment notice informed Parliament that 510 SANDF members would be assigned to KwaZulu-Natal in support of Operation Prosper.

The President said misinformation surrounding a court judgment had contributed to violence during the protests.

He added that SANDF members would be “on standby for any eventualities”.

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The deployment follows a protest in Durban during which one person was reportedly killed just over a week before the notice to Parliament was issued.

SANDF members were also reported to have already arrived in some parts of Durban.

Deployment Costs R34 Million

The deployment is expected to cost R34 million, with the soldiers providing support to police under the existing joint security operation.

Ramaphosa notified Parliament in writing, as required by the Constitution, of the deployment of the 510 SANDF members.

Their presence is intended to support police operations and help prevent further violence while tensions remain high.

The deployment is scheduled to end on 30 November, although the supplied information does not indicate whether an extension is being considered.