SANDF Denies Deployment to Monitor Matatiele GBV March
SANDF Denies Deployment to Monitor Matatiele GBV March Amid Political Scrutiny
By Jabulani Chauke
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has strongly denied reports that it deployed soldiers to monitor a recent community march against gender-based violence (GBV) in Matatiele, Eastern Cape, through a media statement released on their media media accounts. This follows growing public concern and political pressure after members of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and ActionSA wrote a formal letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, seeking clarity in accordance with Section 201, Chapter 2 and 3 of the Constitution regarding the alleged deployment.
Image credits: South African National Defence Force Facebook page
In a media statement released on Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the SANDF addressed what it called misleading reports suggesting that its personnel had been sent specifically to oversee the peaceful community gathering. The march, which was organized to raise awareness about the ongoing crisis of GBV, was reportedly overshadowed by the unexpected presence of uniformed soldiers in the area.
“The SANDF can confirm that there has been no such deployment,” the statement read. “We wish to state that the SANDF has members in the area on border safeguarding duties and nothing else.”
The SANDF emphasized that the presence of its soldiers was not related to the march, but rather part of ongoing national operations to protect South Africa’s borders. However, the timing of their presence caused confusion and concern among participants of the march and members of the public, with some perceiving it as an intimidation tactic or inappropriate militarization of a civilian-led event.
The controversy was further fueled when both the EFF and ActionSA collectively addressed a letter to the Speaker of the National Assembly, raising constitutional concerns over the potential misuse of military forces in domestic matters. Section 201 of the Constitution outlines the authority and conditions under which the SANDF can be deployed within South Africa’s borders, which can only be authorized by the President of the Republic. Specifically, Chapter 2 and 3 require the President to inform Parliament about any deployment of the Defence Force for internal operations, including reasons and duration of deployment.
Both political parties requested clarity on whether such procedures were followed, given the sensitive nature of the march and the constitutional implications of deploying soldiers in domestic, non-violent events and seeking the official letter that was sent to the Speaker of national Assembly by the president.
In response, the SANDF expressed regret over any misunderstandings caused by the soldiers' presence during the march and reaffirmed its commitment to supporting initiatives against gender-based violence.
“The SANDF is a gender-sensitive organisation and supports gender programs. We are cognisant of the unacceptable high levels of gender-based violence, and the prevalence of violence against women and children,” the statement added.
The Defence Force reiterated that it remains committed to national efforts to eliminate gender-based violence and will continue to support interventions led by institutions and communities to protect women and children.
The matter has raised broader questions about the transparency of military operations within the country, particularly in relation to civilian activities. Parliament is expected to deliberate on the matter following the letter from opposition parties, as citizens await a formal response from the Speaker’s office.
The SANDF has called for calm and encouraged the public to verify information through official channels to avoid misinformation and unnecessary panic.
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