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South African taxpayers will fork out more than R146.7 million to cover the cost of deploying soldiers to guard Eskom power stations.
Parliamentary spokesperson, Moloto Mothapo, said that the Speaker of the National Assembly received correspondence from the President on the use of SANDF members in supporting the police.
He said President Ramaphosa authorised the deployment of 880 SANDF members for service in “co-operation with the South African Police Service for the prevention and combating of crime, maintenance, and preservation of law and order within the country under Operation Prosper.”
“According to the correspondence, the employed members of the SANDF will assist SAPS in protecting Eskom power stations identified around the country,” Mothapo said.
“The expected expenditure to be incurred for this employment amounts to R146 718 427,” he said, and will be effective from 17 April 2023 to 17 October 2023.
