South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
By Thabo Mosia
The 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have been honoured as African heroes who sacrificed their lives in the defence of those who could not protect themselves.
This is according to President Cyril Ramaphosa, who addressed the nation through his weekly newsletter on Monday, 3 February 2025. He acknowledged the bravery of the soldiers who were deployed in one of the world’s most protracted conflicts as part of South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in Africa.
“They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless: the men, women, and children who are the victims of one of the world’s most protracted conflicts.”SANDF Soldiers Killed in DRC Attack
The 14 SANDF members were killed in an attack allegedly carried out by M23 rebels, a militia group operating in the eastern DRC. The attack took place despite a ceasefire agreement brokered between the DRC and Rwanda, facilitated by Angolan President João Lourenço.
South African soldiers are in the DRC as part of two international missions:
• Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC)
• United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO)
The soldiers lost their lives when their unit came under attack while conducting peacekeeping operations in the region. President Ramaphosa confirmed that the mission will continue despite the dangers, adding that securing the safety of troops is now a top priority.
Honouring the Fallen Heroes
The names of the 14 SANDF soldiers who lost their lives in the attack have been released:
1. Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
2. Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
3. Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
4. Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
5. Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
6. Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
7. Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
8. Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
9. Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
10. Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
11. Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
12. Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
13. Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
14. Private Peter Jacobus Strydom
“As a nation, we pay tribute to our fallen soldiers. They are South African and African heroes,” said President Ramaphosa.SANDF Mission in the DRC: What Comes Next?
President Ramaphosa assured the nation that South African troops will remain in the DRC as part of peacekeeping operations under SAMIDRC and MONUSCO. However, their presence will wind down gradually in accordance with peace-building measures.
“As this happens, securing the safety of our troops remains paramount. The situation in the areas where our troops are stationed remains highly volatile. We are making every effort to ensure that our soldiers are well-equipped and sufficiently supported during the mission.”SADC Condemns Escalating Violence in the DRC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) held an Extraordinary Summit on 31 January 2025 in Harare, Zimbabwe, to discuss the security situation in the DRC.
President Ramaphosa and other SADC leaders strongly condemned the ongoing violence, particularly the attacks by M23 rebels, which have displaced thousands of civilians.
The SADC bloc has called for urgent diplomatic intervention, urging all warring parties to respect the ceasefire and engage in peace talks.
South Africa’s Longstanding Commitment to African Peacekeeping
President Ramaphosa highlighted South Africa’s historic role in fostering peace and stability across Africa, emphasising the country’s commitment to “silencing the guns” on the continent.
Since 1994, South Africa has contributed troops to various UN and African Union (AU) peace missions, including:
• Burundi
• Ethiopia and Eritrea
• Liberia
• Nepal
• UN-AU Mission in Darfur
• Lesotho, Burundi, and South Sudan peace talks
• Mediating the Ethiopia-Tigray conflict in 2022
“Supporting peacebuilding and the resolution of conflict in Africa has been a cornerstone of our country’s foreign policy since the advent of democracy.”Should South Africa Stay in the DRC?
The deaths of the 14 SANDF soldiers have sparked debate over whether South Africa should continue its involvement in the DRC conflict. Some critics argue that South Africa has no business being there, while others support the government’s peacekeeping role.
President Ramaphosa defended the mission, stating that instability in any part of Africa affects the entire continent.
“Violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions.”He added that for peace to be secured, there must be:
• An immediate end to hostilities
• A ceasefire that must be respected by all parties
• Peace talks involving all stakeholders, including non-state actors
Ramaphosa insisted that diplomacy is the only path to a lasting solution, urging all parties to honour the Luanda Process, a peace initiative aimed at stabilising the eastern DRC.
“Strong political will and leadership will be required from all parties to the conflict, as well as respect for the territorial integrity of the DRC.”Growing Tensions Between South Africa and Rwanda
The conflict in the eastern DRC is not just a local issue—it has become a regional crisis involving Rwanda.
South Africa has accused Rwanda of backing M23 rebels, an allegation Rwanda has denied. The escalation of tensions has led to diplomatic clashes between Pretoria and Kigali, raising concerns about broader instability in the region.
The South African government has reportedly warned Rwanda against further destabilisation of the DRC, with some officials calling the recent attacks a declaration of war.
“We cannot ignore the involvement of external actors in this conflict. If Rwanda is found to be backing these attacks, there will be serious consequences,” said a senior government source.The Future of South Africa’s Military Engagement in Africa
As South Africa continues its mission in the DRC, the cost of peacekeeping operations and soldier safety remain critical concerns.
Ramaphosa reaffirmed that South Africa will remain committed to its role in fostering peace in the DRC and across the continent.
“As a country, we have a duty of support towards the nations of Africa, whose solidarity and material support helped secure our liberation. South Africa will not let up in its support to the people of the DRC, so that they may have the peace and security they rightfully deserve.”
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