Tuesday, February 11, 2025
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has confirmed that the remains of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers, who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), are currently delayed in Uganda due to medical processing. The soldiers were killed during intense fighting in the Goma region as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which aims to restore peace and stability in the country.
Minister Motshekga addressed Parliament on Monday during an urgent debate on South Africa’s involvement in the DRC, revealing that the soldiers’ remains are now expected to return to South Africa by Thursday, following necessary medical procedures.
“I must say, from the latest reports, yes, indeed, the delay is disheartening,” Motshekga said. “From the reports we are receiving, they are still in Uganda, undergoing all the medical processes, and we also are pressing very hard to get our deceased. We were hoping that we’ll get them by today, but by the latest, we are told that Thursday they will be here.”
The soldiers had been part of the mission in the DRC when they came under heavy attack from the M23 rebel group, which had intensified its assault on Congolese forces in the region. Motshekga assured MPs that the soldiers would be honored with full military honours during their funeral services.
In the wake of this tragedy, opposition MPs have called for the withdrawal of South African forces from the DRC. However, International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Ronald Lamola, dismissed the proposal, labeling it as a dangerous move. “Abrupt withdrawal as called upon by some in the House, is not even a tactical retreat, it is even worse than a surrender,” Lamola argued. He warned that pulling out would expose troops to even greater risks, citing the numerous armed groups operating in the region.
Lamola also highlighted the positive steps taken by regional leaders, including those from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the East Africa Community (EAC), who have called for a ceasefire and dialogue in the DRC. This came after a summit of SADC and EAC Heads of State, which President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in, clarified the future approach to the ongoing conflict in the region.
As the nation mourns the loss of the fallen soldiers, their return home marks a bittersweet moment, as families and the country await the chance to honor their service.
