SANDF Chief Confirms 14 Soldiers to Be Repatriated from DRC on Wednesday

by Central News Reporter
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SANDF Chief Confirms 14 Soldiers to Be Repatriated from DRC on Wednesday

South African National Defence Force (SANDF)

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that the bodies of 14 South African soldiers killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will be repatriated on Wednesday, 7 February 2025 (Today).

Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, made the announcement while addressing the National Assembly’s Joint Committee on Defence on Tuesday. He assured Members of Parliament (MPs) that the SANDF had prioritised the return of the fallen soldiers despite logistical and operational challenges.

The 14 soldiers lost their lives in late January during heavy clashes with M23 rebels, marking one of the most significant losses for the South African military in recent history. The incident has sparked national debate on South Africa’s continued involvement in peacekeeping missions in conflict zones.

Background: SANDF’s Deployment in the DRC

✔ South African soldiers have been deployed in the DRC under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission to stabilise the region and combat armed groups, including M23 rebels.
✔ The M23 insurgency in the eastern DRC has escalated significantly, leading to intense fighting and the capture of several strategic locations.
✔ SANDF troops were part of a multinational force stationed in the DRC to support the Congolese government and regional security efforts.

Repatriation of the Fallen Soldiers

Speaking to Parliament, General Rudzani Maphwanya addressed concerns over delays in repatriating the deceased soldiers and provided a definitive date for their return.

✔ “I have been asked this question several times. My response in one word is, tomorrow (Wednesday),” Maphwanya said.
✔ He reassured the committee that the SANDF had worked tirelessly with SADC partners to facilitate the process.
✔ Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga echoed Maphwanya’s sentiments, stating:

“The repatriation of bodies is our priority. It’s SADC which is guiding the process, and we are following through to ensure our fallen soldiers are brought home with dignity.”

✔ The Minister also noted that damage to Goma International Airport’s runway had delayed repatriation efforts. However, arrangements had been made to transport the bodies via alternative routes.

The Deadly Attack on SANDF Troops in the DRC

✔ On 29 January 2025, M23 rebels launched a coordinated assault against the Congolese army and allied peacekeeping forces, including SANDF troops.
✔ The attack targeted South African military positions in Sake, near Goma, the capital of North Kivu province.
✔ The battle lasted three days, with SANDF soldiers bravely defending their positions. However, 14 soldiers lost their lives, and several others sustained injuries.

✔ The DRC government accused Rwanda of backing the M23 rebels, further escalating regional tensions.
✔ The loss of South African soldiers has intensified debates over the country’s role in foreign conflicts.

Political Fallout and Parliament’s Response

✔ During the Defence Committee meeting, MPs demanded accountability from Minister Motshekga and SANDF leadership.
✔ EFF MP Carl Niehaus accused the Minister of misleading the nation by calling the mission a peacekeeping operation.

“This is not a peace mission; they are in a war. You sent our soldiers to die in the DRC. What we would like to know is when you would be resigning over this. You should resign today.”

✔ The heated exchange led to tensions in Parliament, with Committee Chairperson Malusi Gigaba intervening to maintain order.

“Members, as much as you have the right to express your views, you don’t have to point a finger at anyone. You can make your point without pointing a finger,” Gigaba said.

✔ Some opposition MPs have called for a reassessment of South Africa’s military involvement in the DRC, arguing that the safety of South African troops must be prioritised.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga’s Statement

✔ In her official address, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga defended South Africa’s involvement in SADC’s military intervention in the DRC.

✔ She stressed that:

• South Africa has a long history of peacekeeping missions across Africa, including Haiti and Mozambique.
• The deployment was part of a regional agreement to stabilise eastern DRC.
• The SANDF is not acting alone but as part of a broader SADC initiative.

✔ Motshekga also acknowledged the public concern over the safety of South African troops, stating:

“We appreciate the opportunity to brief the committee and the nation on the gravity of the situation. This is not just a South African mission; it is a SADC operation.”

✔ She reiterated that ongoing diplomatic efforts were being made to ensure regional stability and peace in the DRC.

Challenges in the Repatriation Process

✔ Logistical difficulties have hampered efforts to bring the bodies of the fallen soldiers home.
✔ The destruction of the runway at Goma International Airport complicated air transport.
✔ SANDF has worked with SADC and the United Nations to secure a safe and efficient route for repatriation.

✔ General Maphwanya assured Parliament that all necessary measures had been taken to ensure that the bodies would be returned to their families in South Africa with full military honours.

✔ He added that:

“Families have been notified, and we are committed to giving our soldiers the dignified return they deserve.”

Public Reaction and Calls for Re-Evaluation of Foreign Deployments

✔ The deaths of 14 South African soldiers have reignited debate over the country’s military engagements in Africa.
✔ The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) and South African Federation of Trade Unions (SAFTU) have both expressed concerns over troop safety.
✔ Some South Africans have called for a full withdrawal of SANDF troops from the DRC, arguing that South Africa should focus on domestic security challenges instead.

✔ Meanwhile, President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to its peacekeeping obligations:

“Our soldiers died in service of peace and stability. We honour them, and we will continue working with SADC to ensure a peaceful resolution to the conflict in the DRC.”

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