By Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced plans to deploy the army to combat organized crime, hold municipal officials accountable for failures in water supply.
Speaking during his State of the Nation Address on Thursday, Ramaphosa described organised crime as “the most immediate threat” to South Africa’s democracy, society, and economic development. He said the army would initially be deployed in the Western Cape and Gauteng, two provinces heavily affected by gang violence. The police and army have been tasked with finalizing operational details within days.
The President also addressed the worsening water crisis, attributing it to failing local government systems and climate-related challenges. He warned that officials who neglect their responsibility to deliver water would face criminal charges. The announcement follows protests in Johannesburg, where some residents experienced water shortages for more than 20 days.
Ramaphosa, who became head of state in 2018, leads South Africa’s first-ever coalition government since June 2024, after the ruling African National Congress lost its parliamentary majority. While the coalition has helped stabilise the economy, persistent unemployment and service delivery failures remain key concerns ahead of municipal elections later this year.
Endemic violent crime has made South Africa one of the world’s most dangerous peacetime countries, with over 20,000 murders annually in a population of roughly 63 million.
The government’s new measures aim to reassure voters of its commitment to security and public service ahead of the elections.
