Police Minister Bheki Cele has said police and law enforcement agencies are prepared to quell any unrest following the ruling that former President Jacob Zuma's release on medical parole is unlawful.

On Wednesday, the North Gauteng High Court in Pretoria issued the ruling and ordered Zuma back to jail.

During a briefing by the Justice, Crime Prevention and Security (JCPS) Cluster on the state of readiness for the festive season, Cele said the police had learnt from the July unrest. Cele said the JCPS had noted the ruling and the Department of Correctional Services' decision to appeal the judgment.

Zuma is also expected to appeal the decision.

"As a cluster, we wish to reiterate our confidence in our constitutional democracy that provides that all people are equal before the law. The separation of powers and the independence of the judiciary are the bedrock of the Constitution, and our courts function without fear or favour. Any form of recourse must follow appropriate channels within the confines of the law," said Cele.

During the briefing on Thursday morning, Cele went off-script and said the police and other law enforcement agencies "learnt their lessons last July".

"The experience gained from there will be utilised to ensure South Africa remains safe, stable and calm, and all people in South Africa are protected along with their property," said Cele.

While the army has not been deployed in anticipation of unrest, the army has been called on to intervene following recent protests on national highways by truckers, said Defence Minister Thandi Modise.

"[The SANDF] has agreed to take over toll roads and toll gates. We cannot afford a situation, as a country, where trucks block strategic economic routes. We have already started looking at how we will deploy to do that," she said.

Cele said the SANDF will be approached to assist with any unrest, if needed. He added that processes were being put in place to improve the response time of both police and the army. He said police and law enforcement agencies would be "extra cautious and extra agile" during their festive season deployment.