SANDF
By Karabo Marifi
SANDF Successfully Repatriates Critically Injured Soldiers from DRC – The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed the successful repatriation of critically injured soldiers from Goma in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) on Tuesday, 25 February 2025. These brave men and women, who urgently needed medical attention, are now back on South African soil and will receive top-quality care. The remainder of the wounded troops are expected to return home during the week, marking a significant step in supporting the nation’s soldiers deployed in the conflict zone.
Critically Injured Soldiers Back Home
In a statement released by SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini on Tuesday, 25 February 2025, the military confirmed that a group of critically injured soldiers has been brought back from the DRC. “The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) confirms that the group of critically injured soldiers who needed urgent medical attention have been successfully repatriated from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and will receive high level medical care,” Dlamini said. This follows weeks of intense negotiations and logistical efforts to ensure their safe return from the war-torn region.
The soldiers were injured during fierce clashes with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels in eastern DRC, where the SANDF is part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The conflict escalated in late January 2025, with the rebels capturing key cities like Goma and Bukavu, leaving SANDF troops stranded and under pressure. Reports indicate that at least 189 South African soldiers were wounded or sick in the conflict zone, with five in critical condition and two pregnant soldiers adding urgency to the repatriation efforts.
Ongoing Efforts to Bring All Wounded Home
The SANDF has assured South Africans that the remaining injured soldiers will arrive home soon. “The remainder are scheduled to arrive in South Africa during the course of the week,” Dlamini added. This phased repatriation reflects the military’s coordination with the United Nations (UN) and other regional partners, including Rwanda, to evacuate troops via Kigali. An air ambulance reportedly transported the most severely wounded from Kigali to Air Force Base Waterkloof, while others are expected to follow on a Botswana Air Force aircraft.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga recently spoke about the government’s commitment to the troops, saying, “Our soldiers face unimaginable challenges in the field, it’s our duty to provide them with the support they need to succeed and return home safely.” Her words come amid growing concerns over the welfare of SANDF members, especially after 14 soldiers lost their lives in the DRC last month.
A Call for Privacy and Support
The SANDF has appealed to the public to respect the privacy of the injured soldiers and their families. “We urge the public to respect and afford privacy to the injured members and their families during the healing process,” Dlamini stressed. This request highlights the human side of the military operation, reminding South Africans of the sacrifices made by these troops and the emotional toll on their loved ones.
The South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has also voiced support for the repatriation efforts. SANDU’s Pikkie Greeff told TimesLIVE that three of the returning soldiers need urgent medical attention, underscoring the seriousness of their injuries. “It’s been difficult to get communication from the SANDF. They should be in the country within the next 24 hours,” Greeff said on Monday night, ahead of the confirmed return.
Why SANDF Troops Are in the DRC
South African soldiers are deployed in the DRC as part of SAMIDRC and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO). Their mission is to support peace and protect civilians caught in one of the world’s longest-running conflicts. Since 1996, the DRC war has claimed millions of lives and displaced over seven million people, with groups like M23 adding to the chaos.
However, the deployment has faced criticism. Budget cuts have left the SANDF underfunded, with reports of troops lacking essential equipment like air support and modern helicopters. ActionSA recently slammed the government, pointing to the R10.4 million spent on Defence Minister Motshekga’s travel while soldiers struggled with inadequate resources in the DRC.
New Developments Strengthen the Story
Recent news adds depth to this repatriation effort. On Monday, 24 February 2025, Newzroom Afrika reported that the first group of injured SANDF soldiers was en route home via Kigali, after being trapped for nearly a month. Defence Web also noted that about 200 wounded and sick SAMIDRC troops were being evacuated from Goma, with local journalists spotting 300 unarmed soldiers boarding buses on Monday morning. These updates confirm the scale of the operation and the urgency felt by military leaders.
The UN Security Council’s resolution on 21 February 2025, demanding Rwanda halt its support for M23 and withdraw troops from DRC soil, has also shifted the regional dynamic. Burundi’s withdrawal of forces on 18 February further weakened the Congolese army and its allies, putting extra strain on SANDF troops before their evacuation.
A Nation Awaits Healing and Answers
The SANDF remains steadfast in its commitment to its soldiers. “The SANDF remains committed to the welfare of our soldiers. Further updates will be provided as necessary,” Dlamini concluded. For now, South Africans wait to see how the returning troops recover and what lessons the government will learn from this challenging mission.
This repatriation is a bittersweet moment – a relief that injured soldiers are home, yet a reminder of the high cost of peacekeeping. As the nation honours its fallen heroes, with the South African flag flown at half-mast since 7 February, the focus turns to ensuring the injured receive the care they deserve and that future deployments are better supported.
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