President Cyril Ramaphosa Deploys Army to Tackle Illegal Mining

In an official statement released on Thursday, November 9, President Cyril Ramaphosa has given the green light for 3,300 army personnel to be sent out to address the issue of illegal mining. 

The deployment, known as "Operation Prosper", falls under the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and is estimated to require a budget of approximately 492 million rand ($26 million). 

The primary objective of this action is to uphold law and order, as confirmed by Vincent Magwenya, the spokesperson for President Ramaphosa.

In 2019, the South African National Defense Force (SANDF) was sent to the Western Cape province to combat gang violence as part of a previous operation. 

The presidency has announced that from October 28, 2023 until April 28, 2024, the SANDF, in collaboration with the South African Police Service, will carry out an intensified operation against illegal mining in all provinces.

 The Minerals Council South Africa, a mining industry organization, has stated that illegal mining occurs in both abandoned and active mines, negatively impacting South Africa's appeal as an investment location.