The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) said on Monday it would deploy soldiers to support the South African Police Service (SAPS) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Protests against the incarceration of former President Jacob Zuma have turned to violent looting.
The SANDF has stressed that its objective is to provide a safe working environment for SAPS members and other law enforcement agencies.
The National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure requested assistance from the SANDF, which has begun pre-deployment processes and procedures.
Political parties have been calling for an urgent deployment of the SANDF to support the SAPS as violent looting surges in the two provinces.
The SANDF says its deployment will quell the unrest that has gripped both provinces in the last few days.
The duration and number of deploying soldiers will be determined based on the assessment of the situation on the ground by the relevant law enforcement agencies.