In a somber and emotional ceremony on Thursday night, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa offered his deepest condolences to the families of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who were recently killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The fallen soldiers had given their lives in the pursuit of peace, in the defense of the defenceless, and in the quest to silence the guns across Africa, as the president noted. He also extended heartfelt sympathies to the families and citizens of Tanzania and Malawi, who lost soldiers in the same conflict.
“Tonight we stand here with heavy hearts,” Ramaphosa said, as he spoke of the national mourning for these brave men who had fallen while defending the people of the DRC. He described the SANDF as a force of courage and pride, emphasizing that the country had fulfilled its duty to bring the soldiers home, but still had the responsibility to continue their mission for peace. The president expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Defence, SANDF leadership, and the United Nations, along with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and other nations, for their assistance in the difficult logistical task of repatriating the remains, all amid the ongoing volatile security situation in the region.
The ceremony served as a stark reminder of the high price of peace, often paid in the lives of the bravest. Despite the tragedy, Ramaphosa reiterated South Africa’s unwavering commitment to supporting efforts to bring an end to the conflict in the eastern DRC. He pointed to the joint summit held the previous week between the East African Community and SADC, which had prioritized a political solution to the crisis. Ramaphosa called for an immediate ceasefire, the cessation of hostilities, and inclusive negotiations between the warring parties to restore peace.
The president reminded all present that Africa is united in its struggles, and when one part of the continent suffers, the pain is felt by all. He spoke of the cry for protection and dignity from the Congolese people, emphasizing that the fallen soldiers answered that call with valor. The president also offered solace to the families, urging them to take comfort in the knowledge that their loved ones were heroes who had contributed to something much greater than themselves. Their mission in the DRC was not simply about maintaining order, he said, but about building understanding, fostering cooperation, and creating pathways to lasting peace.
Ramaphosa concluded by reinforcing South Africa’s determination to achieve the vision of a united, peaceful, and prosperous Africa. He stressed that this goal, an Africa free of war, poverty, and conflict, is the greatest tribute that could be paid to the memory of the fallen soldiers and the finest honor to their sacrifice.
The fallen heroes who were remembered and honored in this ceremony include Staff Sergeants William Eddie Cola, Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, and Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe; Corporals Matome Justice Malesa and Rinae Nemavhulani; Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo; Lance Corporals Tseke Moffat Molapo and Metse Stansly Raswiswi; Riflemen Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Derrick Maluleke, Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Calvin Louis Moagi, and Mokete Joseph Mobe; and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.
