SANDF
By Thabo Mosia
A second group of 257 South African soldiers from the SADC peacekeeping mission in the volatile eastern DRC has touched down at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria. They will now begin the standard demobilisation process before being transferred to Bloemfontein, while a third cohort is scheduled to arrive on Monday afternoon as part of the SANDF’s phased withdrawal. 
⸻
SANDF Second Group Lands Amid Growing Welcome
Shortly after 15:00 on Sunday, 15 June 2025, the second contingent of 257 SANDF peacekeepers returned to South African soil at Waterkloof AFB, confirmed Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala. These troops, deployed under the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), played a critical role in stabilising North Kivu province since December 2023. 
According to military liaison officers, the arrival between 15:00 and 17:00 saw a flurry of activity as command-level officials—including SA’s Chief of Staff—stood ready to welcome the troops. Following formal speeches, the soldiers will be briefed before departing to Bloemfontein for demobilisation. 
⸻
Third Group Arrives Monday, Marking Continued Withdrawal
SANDF confirmed a third group will arrive on Monday, 16 June, also landing between 15:00 and 17:00. This timeline closely follows the return of the first group of 249 troops on Friday after logistical delays rerouted them from Bloemfontein to Pretoria. 
The phased approach aligns with SANDF’s plan to repatriate troops over nine flights, with two-day intervals, concluding the mission by end June. 
⸻
Demobilisation: Health, Mental Recovery, Family Reunion
Upon arrival, the troops undergo a four-day demobilisation programme which includes:
• Medical and psychological assessments
• Counselling and reintegration sessions
• Logistical support for their final return to units and families
First batch members, who landed Thursday and were debriefed in Bloemfontein, are now reconnecting with relatives after several days of rest and emotional recovery.   
⸻
Hardship and Heroism: A Complex Mission in the DRC
The SAMIDRC deployment, active from December 2023 to March 2025, aimed to contain the M23 rebel offensive advancing through Goma and surrounding areas. South Africa contributed 2 900 troops, alongside partner nations Tanzania and Malawi. 
While largely stabilising the region, the mission resulted in 14 South African fatalities and dozens more injured in clashes during January–February 2025. The soldier deaths sparked public discussion about the mission’s challenges and outcomes. 
⸻
Logistical Obstacles and SANDF Critique
The return of the first group was marred by logistical issues: the contracted airline’s plane could not dock at Bloemfontein; military authorities had to reroute the flight to Pretoria. This led to an emotional press scramble and raised concerns of insufficient preparedness and funding. 
Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga, accompanying the troops on arrival, admitted the situation caused “anxious families” and described the operation as “very disappointing.” She stressed the need for better planning, funding, and self-reliance within the SANDF. 
⸻
Call for Enhanced SANDF Preparedness
The events have intensified calls to strengthen SANDF logistical capabilities. Motshekga noted a recent R2 billion funding cut left a R57 billion budget, challenging the force’s operational readiness. Defence chiefs highlight the importance of having dedicated military transport and backup plans instead of depending on external assets.
Analysts criticized SANDF’s dependence on SADC-chartered flights and its “lack of transparency and readiness,” describing the repatriation process as “embarrassing”. Critics urge improved strategy and diplomatic coordination for future missions.
⸻
Securing Equipped Withdrawal
Despite repatriation turbulence, SANDF assert all mission-critical equipment will be accounted for. Prime Mission Equipment, including weapons and vehicles, is being transported via sea from Dar Es Salaam to Durban. Damaged equipment is either destroyed or returned under UN protocols. “We will not leave even a pin behind,” defence officials promise. 
⸻
Regional Peace and SANDF Impact
Leadership emphasise that SAMIDRC contributed significantly to peace in North Kivu, opening a window for conflict de-escalation and diplomatic talks between the DRC government and M23. South Africa affirms its commitment to regional security, reinforcing relationships with Tanzania, Malawi, and Rwanda, which facilitated troop transit. 
The mission has become a case study on balancing operational risk, logistical feasibility, and political will in continental peacekeeping.
⸻
Emotional Homecomings and National Solidarity
Video footage from earlier arrivals showed soldiers singing and dancing on the tarmac, greeted by cheers, fist-bumps, and cheers. The scenes reflect the toll the mission took, but also a collective national pride in their safe return. 
Motshekga praised troops as patriots defending South Africa’s constitutional values, while acknowledging family anxiety and uncertainty caused by the delay. The army has offered continuous counselling and post-mission support to soldiers and families.
⸻
What’s Next: Remaining Evacuation & Total Mission Closure
With two groups back and the third scheduled for Monday, six more flights will conclude in the next two weeks. SANDF and SADC officials reaffirm their commitment to bring all remaining personnel home by late June, alongside their equipment. 
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 109 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Rand Water Completes Massive Maintenance Project Ahead of Schedule, Boosting Water Supply Across Gauteng and Beyond
Download Here:
Direct PDF Link:
https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-109.pdf
Read all our publications on magzter:
🔴 Central News Special Edition | Issue 109 🔴 Download the Latest Print and E-Edition | Headline: Rand Water Completes Massive Maintenance Project Ahead of Schedule, Boosting Water Supply Across Gauteng and BeyondDownload Here:https://centralnews.co.za/central-news-special-edition-issue-109-download-the-latest-print-and-e-edition-headline-rand-water-completes-massive-maintenance-project-ahead-of-schedule-boosting-water-supply-across-gauteng/Direct PDF Link:https://centralnews.co.za/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Central-News-Issue-109.pdfRead all our publications on magzter:https://www.magzter.com/ZA/Central-News-Pty-Ltd/Central-News/Newspaper/All-Issues_________Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.Advertisement:To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.zaFor Business Related:business@centralnews.co.zaNewsroom:Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.zaGeneral Info:info@centralnews.co.zaOffice Administrator:admin@centralnews.co.zaWhatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487Website: https://www.centralnews.co.zaSocial Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube#centralnewsza #news #politics
Central News also offers Sponsored Editorial Content, Podcasts , Radio / Social Media Simulcast, Video Production , Live Streaming Services, Press Conferences, and Paid Interviews (Video/Audio) etc.
We guarantee exceptional exposure, reach, and engagement, with an excellent return on investment.
Advertisement:
To place your advert on our platforms (Print Newspaper or Digital Platforms) : Please email : sales@centralnews.co.za
For Business Related:
business@centralnews.co.za
Newsroom:
Send your Stories / Media Statements To: newsroom@centralnews.co.za
General Info:
info@centralnews.co.za
Office Administrator:
admin@centralnews.co.za
Whatsapp / Call: 081 495 5487
Website: https://www.centralnews.co.za
Social Media Platforms (@centralnewsza) : Linkedin, Facebook, Tiktok, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube