President Cyril Ramaphosa has authorized the deployment of 1,100 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers to assist police in tackling illegal mining and related crimes, despite the military’s severe financial constraints.
Lieutenant General Siphiwe Sangweni, the SANDF’s joint operations chief, informed MPs that the operation, dubbed Operation Prosper, required reallocating funds within the SANDF’s limited budget to proceed. The estimated cost of the deployment is R140 million, with additional funding expected from the National Treasury.
The deployment, effective from November 1, 2024, to March 31, 2025, targets illegal mining hotspots in Gauteng, Mpumalanga, Limpopo, North West, Free State, and Northern Cape. According to Sangweni, illegal miners often carry rifle-caliber weapons, use explosives, and harass nearby communities, creating a significant security challenge.
This marks the third phase of Operation Prosper Illegal Mining. “The SANDF deployment is part of the Justice, Crime Prevention, and Security (JCPS) cluster’s efforts to address the high levels of illicit mining and its associated crimes,” said Sangweni.
Earlier this week, Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni emphasized the government’s tough stance against illegal mining. She ruled out aiding miners trapped in a Stilfontein shaft in the North West, instead calling for intensified efforts to “smoke out” those involved in unlawful activities.
While some MPs expressed concern over the SANDF’s stretched resources, others have urged the government to prioritize the safety of communities impacted by illegal mining activities.
