The Presidency has confirmed that President Jacob Zuma has authorised the employment of SANDF personnel to work with Saps 'to maintain law and order' during the opening of Parliament on Thursday.
The 441 SANDF members will work alongside the Saps until Friday.
Military and defence analyst Helmoed Heitman speaks to Africa Melane (standing in for Kieno Kammies) about this move that goes beyond their usual ceremonial role.
Using the wording 'law and order' suggests it is not ceremonial, that it is for security purposes. And that is a surprise. What is it that they are scared of?
— Helmoed Heitman, military and defence analyst
The Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) have questioned the deployment of military troops in Parliament with the DA intend addressing this in Parliament.
Heitman says he presumes [Zuma] is working under the advice of his security specialists. He adds that it is possible they have identified a serious threat.
Listen to security analyst Helmoed Heitman's assessment of security threats ahead of #Sona2017:
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