This archive report was first published on 28 August 2021.
Published on August 28, 2021, a group of soldiers from the South African National Defence Forces (SANDF) caused a scene in Pietermaritzburg, the hometown of former President Jacob Zuma, following reports of renewed protests in support of Zuma's release from jail.
The soldiers, who were deployed by helicopter, landed near the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) province premier's office, creating a heavy and intimidating presence in the area.
The deployment was a response to potential disturbances, which were planned for Monday as part of a national shutdown. The State Security Agency, which is now reporting directly to President Cyril Ramaphosa, activated the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NatJOINTS) to avert any possible violent protests.
“Law enforcement agencies are on high alert and have, through the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure, put measures in place to ensure the safety and security of South Africans amidst threats of a ‘National Shutdown’ on 23 August 2021,” NatJOINTS said in a statement.
However, the Economic Freedom Fighters party leader, Julius Malema, has called for the soldiers to be removed from the streets, arguing that the problem in South Africa is not insurrection, but rather political differences and discontent among the masses.
“We don’t need more soldiers on the ground in South Africa. I think we need a political solution to political problems,” Malema said.
