President Cyril Ramaphosa has extended the deployment of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) members to combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism in various parts of Africa.
Presidency spokesperson Vincent Magwenya said Ramaphosa had informed acting National Assembly Speaker Lechesa Tsenoli of the retention of SANDF members in Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as well as to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Maritime Security Strategy to address piracy in the SADC Indian Ocean, in accordance with Section 201(2)(C) of the Constitution.
"The president has extended the employment of 1 495 members of the SANDF for service in fulfilment of an international obligation of the Republic of South Africa towards the SADC region. The deployment will help combat acts of terrorism and violent extremism affecting the northern areas of Mozambique under Operation Vikela," said Magwenya.