Defence Minister Angie Motshekga Expresses Hopeful Outlook on Arrival of Fallen Soldiers’ Remains.

By: Pamella Majola

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has expressed optimism that the remains of the 14 South African soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will return to South Africa by Thursday this week.

Minister Motshekga made the statement while briefing the National Assembly during an urgent debate on the deaths of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members. The soldiers died while on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC, which is currently embroiled in conflict with the Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

The debate in Parliament follows growing calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to withdraw SANDF personnel from the mission. These calls have intensified in the wake of the tragic loss of life, with various political parties criticising the handling of the situation.

During the debate, Minister Motshekga clarified that the SANDF’s deployment was part of a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission, rather than a South African-only operation. She emphasised that the South African government is contributing to a regional effort aimed at stabilising the DRC.

In the debate, Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Chris Hattingh argued that the SANDF was ill-equipped to confront the M23 rebels, and criticised the government, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, for failing to prioritise the safety of South African troops. He further questioned the government’s decision to send soldiers into a volatile region without the necessary resources to ensure their safety.

ActionSA leader Athol Trollip called for Minister Motshekga’s resignation, stating that the government should not have sent inadequately equipped soldiers into a conflict zone, which ultimately led to unnecessary casualties.

The African National Congress (ANC) responded with Malusi Gigaba acknowledging the sacrifices made by African countries in supporting South Africa’s freedom and reiterated the importance of collective action to resolve conflicts across the continent. Gigaba stressed the need for continued unity among African nations to address issues like the ongoing conflict in the DRC.

Meanwhile, Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema accused the government of neglecting its duty to adequately equip soldiers for combat, thereby putting their lives at risk.

Minister Motshekga has since confirmed that the remains of the fallen soldiers are expected to arrive in South Africa by Thursday, providing a measure of closure for the families and the nation.