The South African Army has released a statement saying that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been deployed to support other government departments in terms of disaster relief, humanitarian assistance and crisis response at this time.

This after members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) arrived in busloads on Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall this afternoon (23 March).

Two sub-units are to be deployed in Gauteng. One in the City of Johannesburg, the other in the City of Tshwane.

The duration of this operation is 21 days, but this may be extended for three months, according to the statement.

Initial report, 23 March 3.30pm

Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been seen arriving in busloads on Jan Smuts Avenue, Craighall, ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s address to the nation this evening.

It is still unclear why they were there but an eyewitness suggested that it looks as if they were simply being transported but not deployed. The troops arrived at the Rand Light Infantry Regiment base in Craighall.

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