The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s commitment during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) to deploy the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) to combat crime, gang violence and illegal mining across the country.
Mr Legoete said the fight against internal criminal threats is just as critical as protecting the country from external aggression. “The safety of our citizens is non-negotiable. When organised crime syndicates and illegal mining networks terrorise communities, threaten livelihoods and undermine the rule of law, the state must respond decisively. We fully support the President’s firm commitment to restore order and protect our people.”
He welcomed the President’s announcement that government will consolidate intelligence at the national level, identify priority criminal syndicates, and deploy specialised, multidisciplinary intervention teams to dismantle organised crime networks.
Mr Legoete emphasised that the Constitution empowers the SANDF to defend and protect the Republic, its territorial integrity and its people. “The SANDF has a constitutional duty to defend and protect the Republic and its people. When criminal elements effectively hold communities hostage, particularly through illegal mining operations and violent gang activity, the deployment of the Defence Force becomes both necessary and justified,” he said.
The Chairperson noted that operations such as Operation Vala Mgodi have already exposed the scale of illegal mining activities, including the involvement of foreign nationals from Zimbabwe, Lesotho and Mozambique working with organised syndicates to exploit abandoned and disused mines, often terrorising surrounding communities. “Illegal mining is not a petty offence,” he said. “It is organised crime. It fuels violence, damages infrastructure, deprives the state of revenue and leaves communities living in fear. We cannot allow criminal syndicates to operate with impunity within our borders.”
Mr Legoete further stated that he has consistently called for the strategic deployment of the SANDF to support SAPS in stabilising crime hotspots. “I have long warned that the threats we are facing within our own borders have escalated beyond what can be effectively managed through ordinary policing alone. The scale and sophistication of organised crime now require a more coordinated and robust intervention, one that includes the disciplined capacity of the SANDF working in support of SAPS. I therefore welcome the President’s decision.” He said the situation, particularly in the Western Cape, has reached alarming levels. “Gang violence continues to terrorise communities, and the proliferation of illegal firearms in the hands of gangs and extortionists is completely out of control. Our people deserve urgent and decisive action.”
“This intervention is long overdue,” the Chairperson said. “Our people deserve to feel safe in their homes and in their communities. The deployment of the SANDF, working in support of SAPS, will strengthen government’s capacity to decisively confront those who threaten our national security.”
Mr Legoete said he is confident that the President will, in line with constitutional requirements, inform Parliament of the details of the deployment, including its scope, duration and cost implications. He emphasised that expanding internal security responsibilities must be matched with adequate resources.
“We cannot expect the Defence Force to meet growing internal and external security demands while it remains severely underfunded. Chronic budget constraints weaken operational readiness, delay modernisation and ultimately compromise our national security.”
According to the Chairperson, strengthening the SANDF is not only about domestic safety, but also about the country’s regional obligations. “South Africa’s security is closely linked to the stability of the Southern African region. A capable, properly funded and modernised SANDF is essential for safeguarding our sovereignty, supporting peace missions and contributing to regional stability.”
He urged government to prioritise the implementation of the 2015 Defence Review and ensure sustainable funding for the Defence Force. “The SANDF is more than a military institution. It is a symbol of our sovereignty, resilience and unity. If we are serious about defeating organised crime and protecting our constitutional democracy, we must equip and fund our Defence Force accordingly. The time for decisive action is now.”
Jabulani Majozi
13 February 2026
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