President Cyril Ramaphosa addressed financial challenges facing the South African National Defence Force during Armed Forces Day celebrations on 21 February 2026 in Thohoyandou, Limpopo. He defended the recent Ramaphosa SANDF deployment to assist police in tackling organized crime. This move follows his announcement in the State of the Nation Address on 12 February 2026.

Ramaphosa emphasized strict guidelines for the deployment to prevent past abuses. He highlighted the SANDF's role in national security and development. The president pledged additional funding to boost the force's capabilities.

Details of the Deployment

Ramaphosa announced the Ramaphosa SANDF deployment during his SONA to support the South African Police Service in the Western Cape, Gauteng, and Eastern Cape. Troops will combat gang violence and illegal mining under police command. This initiative addresses a surge in violent organized crime that threatens public safety.

The deployment falls under the Operation Prosper framework, which started in 2019 and has seen multiple extensions. Soldiers operate with clear rules of engagement and time-limited objectives. Ramaphosa stressed the need to avoid apartheid-era military actions in communities.

Authorities plan to deploy forces within days to high-crime areas. This step aims to restore state authority amid escalating threats. However, experts question long-term effectiveness without sustained police reforms.

Funding Challenges and Solutions

The SANDF has faced significant budget constraints for years due to poor public finances. Ramaphosa acknowledged this strain limits operational capabilities. He committed to stabilizing funding and closing gaps to rebuild readiness.

Government allocated additional resources in the recent budget to equip the SANDF better. This includes reprioritizing funds from other departments if needed. Ramaphosa stated, “Funding for the SANDF has been going down... This can no longer continue.”

The force boasts over 69,000 active personnel and a reserve. Applications opened for the 2027 Military Skills Development System intake. These efforts aim to attract youth and enhance the SANDF's agility in modern threats.

Broader Roles and Reactions

The SANDF contributes beyond crime-fighting, including disaster relief in Limpopo and Mpumalanga floods. They provided healthcare to over 50,000 via Project Owethu and assisted in rural bridge building. During COVID-19, troops supported law enforcement and border security.

Critics view the Ramaphosa SANDF deployment as a short-term fix, urging investment in police capabilities. No official opposition responses emerged immediately after the address. Analysts note historical deployments like Operation Fiela in 2015 raised similar concerns.

Ramaphosa reaffirmed the SANDF's role in safeguarding sovereignty. He called for unity in overcoming challenges. Public reactions on social media show mixed support, with some welcoming the intervention amid rising crime.