Their bodies are now expected to arrive in South Africa on Thursday (13/2) after their remains were initially set to return last week. Unforeseen delays stalled the process.

On Saturday (8/2), SANDF spokesperson Simphiwe Dlamini confirmed the bodies had arrived in Entebbe, Uganda, where post-mortems and medical procedures were expected to conclude by Tuesday. However, during a parliamentary debate, Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga announced the repatriation would only take place on Thursday.

The debate in Cape Town focused on the dangers SANDF soldiers face in high-risk deployments. Motshekga said seven of the deceased were from Limpopo, three from the Free State, and one each from the Eastern Cape, Northern Cape, and North West. All will receive full military honours.

Motshekga acknowledged the frustration caused by the delays, explaining that the bodies were still undergoing medical procedures in Uganda. “We were hoping to receive them today (Monday), but we are now told the latest will be Thursday,” she said.

She also emphasised the dangers faced by SANDF soldiers in the volatile eastern DRC, particularly in North Kivu, where they contend with the M23 rebel group. “Our soldiers are deployed in one of the most dangerous regions, where armed groups continue to terrorise civilians,” Motshekga said, defending South Africa’s role in regional stability efforts.

However, opposition leaders strongly criticised the government’s handling of the mission. EFF leader Julius Malema accused the government of sending ill-equipped soldiers into combat against heavily armed rebels.

EFF President during a parliament debate on a matter of national importance, namely the fallen heroes of the SANDF who died in the DRC. Photo: Screenshot

“Our troops are fighting an enemy with superior weaponry, while they lack drones, fighter jets, and essential military assets,” Malema claimed, adding the mission was more about sacrificing soldiers in a never-ending conflict than actual peacekeeping.

Bosa leader Mmusi Maimane echoed these concerns and questioned whether government officials would send their children into the DRC under such circumstances. “This is not a peacekeeping mission; it’s a combat deployment, and our young soldiers are paying the price,” Maimane said, urging the government to withdraw SA’s troops.

The Minister of International Relations, Ronald Lamola, defended the deployment. South Africa must contribute to regional stability, he said. “Instability in the DRC affects the entire continent. We cannot afford to ignore the conflict.”

The fallen soldiers are:

• S. Sgt William Eddie Cola
• S. Sgt Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
• S. Sgt Shwahlane Theophilius Seepe
• Cpl Matome Justice Malesa
• Cpl Rinae Nemavhulani
• L/Bdr Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
• L/Cpl Tseke Moffat Molapo
• L/Cpl Metse Stansly Raswiswi
• Rfn Sebatane Richard Chokoe
• Rfn Derrick Maluleke
• Rfn Tshidiso Andries Mabele
• Rfn Calvin Louis Moagi
• Rfn Mokeke Joseph Mobe
• Priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom

Several other SANDF members have been injured during the mission.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg