Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga has dismissed recent claims that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers stationed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have run out of ammunition and food amid the ongoing conflict. These assertions gained traction following the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers in clashes between the M23 rebel group, the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF) militia, and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).
The tragic deaths of the soldiers came as the violence escalated, with three soldiers killed on Monday in a mortar attack by the M23 rebels near Goma, where the SANDF maintains a base. Another four were killed in a separate attack near Sake. Motshekga, who recently visited the war-torn region to meet with military commanders and assess the situation on the ground, strongly refuted claims of resource shortages, both in terms of ammunition and food.
During a media briefing at the Cabinet Lekgotla in Pretoria, Motshekga explained that she had personally visited Goma and received briefings from the generals on-site. “At no stage did they say they had no ammunition,” she stated, countering reports suggesting that SANDF troops were ill-equipped for the mounting conflict. The Minister also highlighted that additional resources had been sent to reinforce the troops, especially in light of the escalating hostilities. She underscored the importance of maintaining adequate supplies to ensure that soldiers would not find themselves in a position where they lacked essential resources.
Addressing the claims of food shortages, Motshekga was equally firm, revealing that during her visit to the logistics centre in Goma, she was assured that there were no such issues. “At no stage did any of the generals, even the force leader, say to me they had run out of food,” she affirmed, emphasizing that the troops had the necessary provisions to carry out their peacekeeping mission.
The 13 soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the DRC were part of a peacekeeping contingent sent to the region to stabilize the area amid the ongoing conflict. However, Motshekga pointed out that the SANDF’s mission is not one of combat, but of peacekeeping, and that the soldiers were “not armed to go and fight.” She acknowledged that the troops had unfortunately found themselves in the crossfire of intense battles, but stressed the need to reinforce them to ensure they could continue their peacekeeping duties effectively. “That’s why we reinforce,” she explained.
Motshekga also expressed confidence in the leadership of the SANDF generals on the ground, stressing their expertise and experience in handling peacekeeping operations. She added that they were not the only leaders in the mission, highlighting the collaboration with generals from Malawi and Tanzania, further emphasizing the multinational effort in the region.
The loss of South African soldiers has deeply affected their families, with many struggling to come to terms with the tragic deaths. Among the 13 fallen soldiers, Louis Calvin Moagi, 28, from Sekororo village in Limpopo, was the sole breadwinner in his family. Moagi was described as a peacemaker both in his personal and professional life. Another soldier, Matome Justice Malesa, 43, from Mashishimale village in Phalaborwa, died just before his birthday, which was to be celebrated with his family next month.
The families of the fallen soldiers have expressed their devastation, calling on the government to expedite the repatriation process so they can lay their loved ones to rest. The emotional toll on these families has been compounded by the fact that they now face the challenge of navigating the complexities of the international military operation and the tragic circumstances surrounding the deaths of their relatives.
As the situation in the DRC continues to evolve, the SANDF remains committed to its peacekeeping mission, while the families of the fallen soldiers await answers and closure. Motshekga’s reassurances, while offering some comfort, highlight the ongoing challenges faced by peacekeepers in volatile regions and the personal sacrifices made by those who serve.
