Soldiers from the South African National Defence Force are going to be deployed alongside members of the South African Police Service to combat gangs and armed groups associated with illegal mining.
The announcement by South African president Cyril Ramaphosa in his State of the Nation address in mid-February 2026 received the support of opposition political parties, including the Democratic Alliance and the Economic Freedom Fighters.
More broadly, the decision was both praised and condemned by commentators.
I have studied militarised forms of policing for many years. The findings of my research suggest that there are both positive and negative aspects to these kinds of…
Ferial Haffajee: An influential editor and journalist, known for her contributions to
various publications, including the Mail & Guardian.
Hitch Frenzy
Do not argue with a fool because he will drag you down to his level and then beat you with experience.
Abiss
Ukraine: You have two cows. One of them feeds on American grass, the other feeds on Russian grass.