AFP
The deployment of thousands of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) personnel in the fight against illegal mining is an indication of the government’s seriousness in rooting out the scourge of illegal mining.
This is according to Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni who presented the post-cabinet statement at a media briefing on Monday.
"Cabinet welcomed the deployment of 3 300 members of the [SANDF] from 28 October 2023 until 28 April 2024, to support the South African Police Service and other law enforcement agencies to deal with illegal mining in the country.
"This deployment affirms the government’s commitment to put an end to illegal mining and create conditions for inclusive growth and transformation of the economy," the Minister said.
Turning to crime and corruption, Ntshavheni said that the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) cluster has made "progress with work underway to fight against crime" with Police Minister Bheki Cele having already provided an update to the nation on quarterly crime statistics.
Furthermore, the Cabinet has welcomed the "successful hosting" of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council’s (NACAC) National Dialogue.
The dialogue was held last week and deliberated on progress in implementing the National Anti-Corruption Strategy and recommendations of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture.
Minister Ntshavheni said the cabinet also welcomed recent multi-billion rand investment announcements by Ford Motor Company South Africa and Proctor and Gamble.
