Even after the deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the DRC, President Cyril Ramaphosa insists the SANDF troops are fully capable of defending the nation and intervening for peace and security where needed.
However, the deaths at the hands of the notorious M23 rebel group backed by Rwandan-military forces have left many South Africans and politicians to question whether the deployment was justified, especially given concerns over insufficient resources and equipment for peacekeeping efforts in the DRC.
The situation has raised doubts about whether the SANDF was adequately prepared for the challenges it faced in the DRC.
Fuming politicians even suggested that the deployment was linked to protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s mining industry.
However, the presidency rejected the stating these claims, urging those who make such claims to provide evidence.
Soldiers' deaths highlight the heavy cost of peace
In his address during the memorial service, Ramaphosa described the deaths of the soldiers as a “great opportunity”, calling it a strong reminder of the great cost associated with constructing peace.
“It is a great opportunity. It is a great reminder of the great cost associated with the construction of peace in our country,” Ramaphosa said at Air Force Base Swartkop, in Centurion on Thursday night.
Ramaphosa emphasised that the SANDF is not only capable of defending South Africa’s citizens, but also of intervening to ensure peace and security in the region.
“We intervened recently in Mozambique when Mozambique was threatened by negative forces and we knew that as we intervened, we were not only intervening on behalf of the people of Mozambique, but on our own behalf as well, because what had befallen Mozambique through the incursions of insurgents could easily befall us,” Ramaphosa said.
He added that South Africa acted in defence of its own country as well as in defence of Mozambique and the broader region.
“South Africa is a troop-contributing country to the South African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC as well,” he said.
“And as a country, we remain firmly committed to supporting all processes to bring peace in our region, but more particularly to bring an end to the conflict that has been raging in the DRC for almost 30 years.”
Troops sacrificed their lives defending the vulnerable
Paying tribute to the slain soldiers, Ramaphosa thanked those from various countries who assisted in bringing back the fallen soldiers.
“The nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the Eastern DRC,” he said.
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers.”
Ramaphosa reiterated that the soldiers died from defending the defenseless.
“Yes, our fellow Africans, even if they may sound like they are in faraway countries, they are still Africans,” he said.
He added that the SANDF is a force for the brave, made up by those who have taken an oath to serve the people of South Africa.
”The SANDF is called upon to participate in missions of the African continent, but also in international missions,” Ramaphosa said.
“They responded to that call to serve. As a nation, we are indeed proud of our very brave fallen soldiers.”
Ramaphosa said while the country had fulfilled its duty to bring the soldiers home, it must also fulfill its duty to complete their mission.
Loss of soldiers is a great tragedy
Speaking about his meeting with the families of the fallen soldiers before the memorial service, Ramaphosa said it was a moment of great sadness.
“It was a moment of great sadness as we passed our condolences directly to the families. They are sorrowful and it is to be understood,” he said.
Ramaphosa expressed his gratitude to the United Nations (UN), SADC and other governments for their assistance in repatriating the bodies.
“This was an operation involving considerable logistical challenges at a time when the security situation in the Eastern DRC remains volatile,” he said, admitting to the delays in bringing back troops.
“I would like to thank the commanders who are currently in the DRC for sending a message to the families of those who have fallen, but also a message to all of us in South Africa,” Ramaphosa added.
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