The army, deployed under Operation Prosper, is assisting the police until 17 April 2023.  According to a report by eNCA, the deployment will cost more than R166 million.

Ramaphosa informed the Speaker of the National Assembly, Nosiviwe Mapisa- Nqakula, and the chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, Amos Masondo, of the decision on Friday.

The Minister of Defence, Thandi Modise, previously stated that soldiers are on standby for Monday's shutdown organised by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).

While law enforcement authorities across the country are prepared for Monday's mass action, the police commissioner of the Western Cape, Thembisile Patekile, said his forces are on high alert.

'Everyone has been briefed, deployed, and is ready'

"As part of the provincial joint operational plan, police officials are on foot, they'll be on horseback, we are also in the air, and we are in vehicles, both visible and those that are in unmarked vehicles on clandestine policing," said Patekile.

"Now, a plea is made to the organisers and participants of the planned action to respect the rule of law. As law enforcement, we will not hesitate to take decisive action against any person who breaks the law."

The spokesperson for the Presidency, Vincent Magwenya, said "it will be 'business as usual on Monday".

"Police officers are out in their numbers to ensure citizens and critical infrastructure are protected. The state has a responsibility to ensure that citizens go about their day in a normal way, and when doing so."

In KwaZulu-Natal, police say deployments are in place to monitor the EFF's shutdown.

Police to pay attention to hotspots

Areas like Umlazi, Phoenix and the Durban CBD are among the hotspots that police will be paying particular attention to.

The 2021 civil unrest saw widespread looting and the destruction of businesses.

Over 300 people died in violent unrest in the province and parts of Gauteng.

KwaZulu-Natal police spokesperson, Robert Netshiunda says: "Law enforcement officers have been deployed at strategic areas to monitor those who will be exercising their constitutional rights to march and to also ensure that the rights of those who are not part of the march are not violated. The safety and security of the residents of KZN are important. Today, being a normal working day, those who will want to commute to work and those who wish to operate their businesses should be rest assured that police are on the ground."

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