The Parliament Joint Standing Committee on Defence has expressed serious concern over the appearance of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members at a recent #JusticeForCwecwe protest in Matatiele, Eastern Cape.
A video circulating on social media appears to show uniformed soldiers working alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS) during what has been described as a peaceful demonstration.
In response, the committee has announced that it will urgently write to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, as well as the Chief of the SANDF, demanding clarity on whether a formal deployment was authorised and why Parliament was not informed as required by law.
PARLIAMENT NOT INFORMED OF DEPLOYMENT
According to the committee, any internal deployment of the SANDF must follow constitutional and legislative procedures. Section 18(2) and (3) of the Defence Act clearly states that when SANDF members are employed internally under Section 201(2) of the Constitution, both the President and the Minister must ensure that Parliament is informed without delay.
“This has not been done,” said Mr Malusi Gigaba, Co-Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence. “We expect the Minister and the Chief of the SANDF to provide a comprehensive and urgent report on the matter, including the legality and the reasons behind this deployment.”
PROTEST DID NOT MEET CRITERIA FOR MILITARY INTERVENTION
The committee highlighted that the Matatiele protest, which formed part of a wider national campaign against gender-based violence, did not present any extraordinary threat to life or property that could justify a military presence.
“SAPS is well-equipped to manage public protests,” said Mr Phiroane Phala, also Co-Chairperson of the committee. “There was no indication that the protest was violent or posed a serious threat. The use of military personnel in such cases raises serious questions about proportionality and proper use of state resources.”
Mr Phala added that the report must include a detailed explanation of who authorised the SANDF presence, the costs involved, and why Parliament was bypassed in the process.
CONCERNS ABOUT SANDF’S LIMITED RESOURCES
The committee further expressed concern over the continued strain on the SANDF’s already limited budget. Given the high costs associated with recent deployments, such as Operation Prosper, the committee warned that unauthorised or unnecessary deployments could further weaken the Defence Force’s ability to carry out its primary duties.
“The SANDF is currently operating under financial pressure. Any internal deployment must be reserved for situations of national importance or emergency,” said Mr Gigaba. “We cannot allow a precedent to be set where the military is used to respond to peaceful civilian demonstrations.”
GOOD PARTY CALLS FOR TRANSPARENCY
In support of Parliament’s stance, the GOOD Party also released a statement raising alarm at the SANDF’s involvement in the Matatiele protest. The party described the deployment as unwarranted, noting that the demonstration was peaceful and aimed at raising awareness about gender-based violence following the alleged rape of a 7-year-old girl at her school.
“The primary function of the SANDF is to protect the country against external threats,” the party said. “Deploying the military to manage domestic protests—particularly peaceful ones—should only occur in exceptional cases and with full legal oversight.”
The GOOD Party criticised the lack of transparency in the deployment process, adding that such actions undermine constitutional rights. “This was not a situation that warranted military intervention. South Africans have the right to protest, and there is no evidence that this protest posed any danger to national security.”
CALL FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
Both Parliament and the GOOD Party agree that clear communication and strict adherence to legal procedures are necessary when deploying military forces internally. The Joint Standing Committee has committed to holding the relevant officials accountable and ensuring that the public receives full disclosure.
“The Department of Defence must explain how and why the SANDF was present at this protest, and whether this deployment was authorised by the President or Minister,” said Mr Phala. “Parliament will not accept silence or vague answers when constitutional procedures have not been followed.”
The committee has given urgency to the matter and awaits a formal response. It has also stressed that this incident must not set a precedent for future unregulated SANDF deployments within the country.
DO YOU THINK THE DEFENCE MINISTER MUST ACCOUNT FOR EVERY SANDF DEPLOYMENTS IN THE COUNTRY ?
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