Parliament, Friday, 30 October 2026 – The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has expressed its support for the deployment of 510 members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to work alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) in responding to prevailing high levels of destruction, instability and related criminality in KwaZulu-Natal.
The committee was categorical that wanton violence, destruction of property and threats to communities are inconsistent with the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. It reiterated that while the right to protest is constitutionally protected, this right must be exercised responsibly and with due regard for the rights of others.
The committee acknowledged the urgency of the deployment and the SANDF's swift response. However, it reiterated its concern about the continued late submission of deployment notifications to Parliament, contrary to the provisions of Section 201(2)(a) of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and Section 19 of the Defence Act, 42 of 2002 (as amended).
The committee emphasised that notifying Parliament timeously about any SANDF deployment, whether internal or external, is essential to enable Parliament to fulfil its constitutional oversight and accountability responsibilities. It resolved to write to the Presiding Officers of Parliament to formally raise its concerns about the recurring delays.
Furthermore, the committee requested the SANDF to provide a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with the deployment to ensure transparency and accountability for the expenditure incurred.
The committee will table a report in both Houses of Parliament recommending that the Houses note the deployment.
ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR MIKE HALA AND MR PHIROANE PHALA.
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