President Ramaphosa says the outbreak of Covid-19 continues to increase across the country and that the services of these SANDF members are still required to combat the spread of the pandemic.

The SANDF was fulfilling the mandate, set to continue for as long as the pandemic was not under control, of supporting and working with the department of health through the provision of field hospitals, medical screening, quarantine facilities and backing the department of co-operative governance and traditional affairs in ensuring adequate water supply and engineering services, Parliament added.

It would also help police enforce lockdown regulations aimed at curbing the virus and would enhance the safeguarding of borders through additional patrols.

Ramaphosa made the extension in terms of South Africa's Constitution and Defence Act. The move is set to cost R1.5 billion.

African News Agency (ANA)