Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has welcomed President Cyril Ramaphosa’s announcement during the 2026 State of the Nation Address (SONA) that members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in combating illegal mining.
Ramaphosa made the announcement durulng the SONA that was held at the Cape Town’s City Hall on Thursday evening.
Lesufi described the deployment as a decisive and necessary intervention to address the growing threat posed by illegal mining.
He said it undermines the rule of law, endangers communities, damages critical infrastructure and negatively affects the province’s economy.
“Illegal mining has become a serious criminal enterprise that threatens the safety of our communities, exploits vulnerable people, and causes extensive environmental damage. The deployment of soldiers to assist the police demonstrates government’s commitment to restoring law and order and protecting communities,” Lesufi said.
Lesufi noted that Gauteng has borne the brunt of illegal mining activities, including violent crime, unsafe abandoned mining shafts and the intimidation of residents in affected areas.
He expressed confidence that the joint deployment would strengthen law enforcement capacity and enhance coordinated operations against illegal mining syndicates.
“The people of Gauteng deserve to live in safe communities free from criminality. We remain committed to doing everything possible, together with national government, to eradicate illegal mining and its associated crimes,” he said.