Possible “mass uprising” against Zuma spurred SONA army call: report
Intelligence operatives have reportedly received an early warning of a massive uprising targeting President Jacob Zuma’s State of the Nation Address, involving several disgruntled groups which have joined forces to disrupt the event and destabilise the area, News24 reports.
According to News24’s “well-placed” sources, the reported mass uprising was why President Jacob Zuma had authorised the posting of 441 soldiers to assist police during the Sona proceedings, amid fears that the police alone would not be able to manage a potentially violent disruption on Thursday evening.
According to these sources, the deployment of soldiers could then be used by groups opposed to Zuma.
“If any violence involving the soldiers breaks out, imagine how bad it will look for the country. This plan to clamp down could backfire,” a source said.
This contrasts with earlier statements made by secretary to Parliament Gengezi Mgidlana who insisted the SANDF forces would only perform traditional functions.
This would include acting as door openers, guards of honour, military band, flag bearers, ceremonial motorcycle escort, and the gun salute.
The president had to employ the SANDF members as they [SANDF] had no jurisdiction, said Mgidlana .
“If he doesn’t do that, then they can’t participate in the SONA. I don’t know where this misinformation is coming from, but it is important to note that the president has to deploy the military after a request from the minister’s office,” he said.
Mgidlana was also quick to quell fears that the number of deployed SANDF members was excessive this year, saying SONA was a big event, but the soldiers were merely there to perform duties outside of law and order.
Read: 400 soldiers will just open doors, hold flags and play in a band: Parliament
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