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Motshekga warns protests could distract soldiers from elections

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Ongoing: Elections Hot

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga told the Joint Defence Committee that anti-illegal immigration protests make it hard for the army to prepare for the local government elections. She said the elections are less than a week away.

Motshekga briefed the Joint Defence Committee on Friday. She said protests in places like KwaZulu-Natal make it difficult for the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to attend to the elections.

The SANDF has deployed 510 soldiers in KwaZulu-Natal to maintain law and order. Motshekga said this deployment could affect the election plan of the SANDF and divert its priorities.

Committee member Emma Powell also spoke at the briefing. Motshekga said Powell was right on the point about the most urgent matter, which involves Joint Operations.

Key facts

Who
Angie Motshekga (Defence Minister); Cyril Ramaphosa (President); Emma Powell (committee member); South African National Defence Force (military force whose deployment in KZN is discussed)
What
Motshekga told the Joint Defence Committee on Friday that protests in places like KwaZulu-Natal make it difficult for the SANDF to prepare for the elections, which are less than a week away. The deployment of 510 soldiers in KZN to maintain law and order could affect their election plans, she said.
When
30 October 2026
Where
KwaZulu-Natal
Status
Reported

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