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Ramaphosa deploys 510 soldiers to KwaZulu-Natal after Durban protests

Published

Ongoing: Elections Hot

The deployment will cost R34 million and runs until 30 November, in support of Operation Prosper. Ramaphosa told Parliament the soldiers will help police keep law and order during anti-immigration protests in Durban.

Ramaphosa informed Parliament in writing through a notice dated 21 October. The notice says the troops come from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The President said misinformation about a court judgment led to violence during the protests. One person was killed in Durban just over a week before the notice.

Ramaphosa said the soldiers will be "on standby for any eventualities".

Key facts

Who
Cyril Ramaphosa (President of South Africa); South African National Defence Force (deploying military force (510 members)); Vincent Magwenya (Presidency spokesperson); Nirmala Gopal (Professor of Criminology and Forensic Studies at University of KwaZulu-Natal…)
What
Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of just over 500 SANDF soldiers (510 members, costing R34 million) in KwaZulu-Natal until 30 November, in support of Operation Prosper, to help maintain law and order during anti-immigration protests in Durban. He informed Parliament in writing via a notice dated 21 October.
When
26 October 2026
Where
KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, Gauteng
Status
Reported

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