South Africa
Sona 2025: President Ramaphosa pays tribute to fallen SANDF members─── ZENANDE MPAME 19:57 Thu, 06 Feb 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the fallen South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members at the 2025 State of the Nation Address (Sona) in Cape Town.
The 14 SANDF members tragically lost their lives during recent operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The soldiers hailed from various provinces, including the Free State and Northern Cape.
The fallen soldiers include S. Sgt William Eddie Cola, S. Sgt Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, S. Sgt Shwahlane Theophilius Seepe, Corp. Matome Justice Malesa, Corp. Rinae Nemavhulani, L. Brig. Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, L. Corp. Tseke Moffat Molapo, L. Corp. Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rfn Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rfn Derrick Maluleke, Rfn Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rfn Calvin Louis Moagi, Rfn Mokeke Joseph Mobe, and priv. Peter Jacobus Strydom.
“We gather here as we mourn the tragic death and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” said Ramaphosa.
“We pay tribute and bow our heads to them, I have directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast in honour of these fallen heroes for a week, starting Friday (7/2).”
These soldiers lost their lives in defence of the fundamental rights of the Congolese people to live in peace and security, they lost their lives not in the pursuit of resources, territory or power. “They lost their lives so that the guns on our continent may be forever silenced, so we salute them,” he said.
The remains of 14 SANDF soldiers who died during operations in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) were set to arrive in South Africa on Wednesday (5/2).
To combat illegal armed organisations and aid in peace efforts, more than 2,000 SANDF soldiers have been stationed in the area as part of SAMIDRC and Operation Mistral.
However, the operation has encountered increasing difficulties. The soldiers were killed and numerous more were injured in the latest rebel attacks, which are thought to have been connected to M23 militants backed by Rwanda.
“These brave men and women were on a mission to restore stability and protect lives in the eastern DRC,” said SANDF Ch. Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya.
