The bodies of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who were killed during a fierce clash with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), are expected to be repatriated on Wednesday. This somber update was provided by SANDF Major-General Rudzani Maphwanya during a Defence Portfolio Committee briefing in Parliament on Tuesday.
Major-General Maphwanya, alongside Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, faced tough questions from committee members demanding clarity on the reasons behind the soldiers’ deployment to the DRC. Minister Motshekga confirmed that the SANDF is participating as one of 16 forces engaged in a broader peacekeeping mission in the region. Maphwanya assured the committee that the soldiers had been adequately trained and resourced for their mission, emphasizing their readiness to handle the challenges of the battlefield.
Despite these reassurances, the committee voiced dissatisfaction with the explanations provided. Members expressed concerns over the transparency and necessity of the mission, hinting that a more in-depth inquiry might be needed to fully understand the SANDF’s role in the conflict. This scrutiny comes as tensions remain high, even though the M23 rebels declared a ceasefire on Tuesday, February 5, 2025.
Co-chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Phiroane Phala, stressed the importance of clear communication from the SANDF regarding the status and welfare of troops still deployed in the DRC. He highlighted that such transparency is crucial not only for the morale of the soldiers on the ground but also for the confidence of the South African public.
The committee further emphasized the need for robust support systems for the families of the fallen soldiers, acknowledging the profound loss these families have endured. In a move to honor the deceased, the SANDF released the full list of the soldiers who lost their lives in the DRC on Saturday, February 1, marking a tragic chapter in the country’s ongoing involvement in regional peacekeeping efforts.
