The soldiers, who hailed from various provinces, including the Free State and Northern Cape, were honoured on Saturday (1/3) when their names were released by the SANDF.

The fallen soldiers include SSgt William Eddie Cola, SSgt Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, SSgt Shwahlane Theophilius Seepe, Cpl Matome Justice Malesa, Cpl Rinae Nemavhulani, LBdr Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, LCpl Tseke Moffat Molapo, LCpl Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rfm. Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rfm. Derrick Maluleke, Rfm. Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rfm. Calvin Louis Moagi, Rfm. Mokeke Joseph Mobe, and Priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom.

Brave men and women

SANDF Ch.Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya paid tribute to the soldiers, praising their courage in the face of danger. “These brave men and women were on a mission to restore stability and protect lives in the eastern DRC,” Maphwanya stated.

Over 2,000 SANDF troops have been deployed in the region as part of SAMIDRC and Operation Mistral, aimed at neutralising illegal armed groups and supporting peace efforts.

The operation, however, has faced growing challenges. The recent offensive by rebel forces, believed to be linked to Rwanda-backed M23 militants, resulted in the deaths of the soldiers and injuries to several others.

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and General Maphwanya visited a military health facility in the DRC where wounded soldiers are receiving treatment. Photo: X

Defence Minister Angie Motshekga and General Maphwanya visited a military health facility in the DRC where wounded soldiers are receiving treatment. During her visit, Motshekga expressed gratitude to the injured troops for their bravery.

“Your sacrifice and dedication are deeply valued by South Africa. We are committed to ensuring you receive the best medical care and support,” she assured.

While South Africa grieves the loss of its soldiers, families of the deceased are calling for answers and clarity on the repatriation of their loved ones’ remains.

Pieter Strydom, father of Priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom, voiced his frustration.

“I’m frustrated to know that my son is still in Goma. He’s dead, and there’s no clarity on when we can expect them back. There’s also no clarity as to what happened at the moment he passed away. That is bothering me a lot,” he said.

Jessica Strydom, the soldier’s wife from the Northern Cape, recounted their last conversation on WhatsApp. In a message sent on Tuesday (21/1), he expressed fear about not returning home. 

“He told me there was fighting in the DRC and that he was scared he might never see me or our children again,” she recounted.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg