DEPUTY defence minister Bantu Holomisa says the army is ready to be deployed to fight crime alongside the police.
This comes after President Cyril Ramaphosa announced during the State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Thursday, 12 February, that soldiers will be sent to help deal with gang violence and illegal mining.
Holomisa said the defence force is prepared and waiting for the president's instruction.
"Firstly, we must congratulate the president for having listened to the members of the GNU when presented to him the situation of security in this country," he said.
Holomisa said security in the country has become a serious concern.
"There's no doubt in anybody's mind that the security is now going to be prioritised," he said.
The deputy minister said the government must act firmly against lawlessness.
"We must make sure that this lawlessness we've been experiencing in the last 10 years or so should come to an end," said Holomisa.
He confirmed that Parliament will be informed about the deployment, as required by law.
"In terms of the deployment of the soldiers, the president said Parliament will be informed, but on our side, we are ready. Once he says go, we're ready on our side," he said.
During his Sona speech, Ramaphosa made it clear that the move is aimed at strengthening the fight against crime.
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"To strengthen our fight against gang violence, I'm deploying the South African National Defence Force to support the police, as we did to great effect with illegal mining," said Ramaphosa.
He stated that he has directed the minister of police and the SANDF to develop a tactical plan within days.
The plan will focus on deployments in the Western Cape and Gauteng, areas heavily affected by gang violence and illegal mining.
Ramaphosa said he'll inform the National Assembly and the National Council of Provinces about the timing, location and cost of the deployment.
"We have to act to rid our country of gang violence," he said.
The president also said the government is working on an integrated strategy to deal with the root causes of crime, including improving street lighting and access to social services.
He further promised action against gun crime.
"We are going to tackle gun crime by streamlining legislation and regulations on licensing, possessing and trading in firearms and ammunition. We will increase enforcement of existing gun laws," said Ramaphosa.
Government leaders said the deployment of soldiers will send a strong message to criminals that the state is ready to restore law and order.
