President Cyril Ramaphosa announced deployment of SANDF soldiers to support police combating gang violence during his 2026 State of Nation Address.
President Cyril Ramaphosa confirmed during his 2026 State of the Nation Address that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will be deployed to support police operations in areas affected by gang violence and organised crime.
The deployment will focus particularly on communities in the Western Cape that have been severely impacted by gang activity, as well as regions affected by illegal mining operations. Ramaphosa said the move forms part of a broader national strategy to restore safety and stability.
The President emphasised that the SANDF would work alongside the South African Police Service (SAPS), strengthening law enforcement efforts and reinforcing state capacity to combat violent crime and organised criminal networks.
South Africa continues to face high levels of gang-related violence, particularly in Cape Town, where gang conflicts, shootings, and drug-related crime have destabilised communities and placed enormous strain on policing resources. The army’s deployment is intended to stabilise these areas and assist with restoring order.
Cape Town Mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis welcomed the announcement, describing the SANDF deployment as an important intervention to provide short-term stabilisation support to police operating in gang crime hotspots.
Ramaphosa said the deployment reflects government’s commitment to protecting citizens and ensuring that communities affected by gang violence can live in safety and dignity. He added that tackling organised crime requires coordinated action across law enforcement, intelligence, and social intervention programmes.
The deployment of the SANDF forms part of wider priorities outlined in the 2026 State of the Nation Address, which included strengthening law enforcement, addressing illegal mining, improving public safety, and restoring confidence in state institutions.
The announcement marks a significant escalation in government efforts to confront gang violence, signalling a coordinated national response to one of South Africa’s most persistent and damaging social and security challenges.
