JOHANNESBURG, May 7 (NNN-BUANEWS) – South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, has deployed 880 soldiers, to protect power stations of the country’s power utility, Eskom, said the Presidency, yesterday.
“Members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will assist the South African Police, in protecting Eskom power stations around the country where sabotage, theft and other crimes may threaten the functioning of power stations and the supply of electricity,” the Presidency said in a statement.
The employment of the 880 soldiers started Apr 17, and will last until Oct 17, 2023, according to the Presidency.
The country employed 2,700 members of the SANDF, to assist the police in protecting Eskom power stations from Mar 17 to Apr 17.
The moves came, as Eskom’s power stations have been affected by sabotage and theft. South Africa has been experiencing a severe electricity crisis, with current load shedding, or power cuts reaching more than eight hours a day.
