SANDF will only be present for ceremonial duties: Mthembu
Updated | By JacarandaFM News
The ANC's chief whip, Jackson Mthembu, says he's yet to see soldiers in the Parliamentary precinct.
Mthembu says the only SANDF members he expects to see at Parliament today - will be those performing ceremonial duties.
President Jacob Zuma is set to deliver his State of the Nation Address at 7pm tonight.
Opposition parties and some analysts criticised an announcement by the Presidency on Tuesday - that more than 400 SANDF soldiers would be deployed to assist police to enforce law and order.
ALSO READ: SANDF presence in Parli unconstitutional: Expert
They said deploying the SANDF would violate the doctrine of the separation of powers.
Mthembu says he's only seen police officers around the precinct this morning.
"I've been to the place where cars are even searched - there's no army there, there's police. I've been here for quite some time now - I've not seen a single army person. The army people I would expect here are those that will come and do their ceremonial duties - including the 21-gun salute, and singing of the national anthem," he said.
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