By Johnathan Paoli
A second contingent of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers has landed at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria, marking another phase in South Africa’s ongoing withdrawal from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Addressing the troops at Waterkloof, SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya praised their bravery and resilience.
“You were sent to one of the most volatile regions in Africa and you stood firm in your duty. The nation is proud of your courage, discipline, and service,” Maphwanya said.
The return forms part of a scheduled rotation and demobilisation process following the conclusion of the Southern African Development Community peacekeeping mission in the conflict-ridden eastern province of North Kivu.
A total 257 soldiers were deployed in Goma to combat the M23 rebel insurgency. Their return follows that of a first group of 249 soldiers who arrived on Friday evening after significant logistical delays, which sparked criticism from opposition parties and defence analysts.
Their homecoming comes just months after the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers during fierce clashes in Goma.
According to SANDF spokesperson Prince Tshabalala, the returning troops would be transported to Bloemfontein for a four-day demobilisation programme, including health screenings, psychological support and reintegration services.
“Our members of the SANDF have proven themselves capable of operating in very dynamic and challenging missions. This is the leadership of the SANDF showing its commitment to honouring our soldiers. One of them even told me he was looking forward to a warm South African meal and that really captures the spirit of today,” said Tshabalala.
However, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has condemned what it called the “chaotic and humiliating” reception of the first group on Friday.
DA spokesperson on Defence and Military Veterans, Chris Hattingh labelled the logistical failures a national embarrassment.
“This farcical ‘homecoming’ is not merely a PR disaster. It reflects the SANDF’s growing inability to carry out even the most basic operations, troop movement, equipment return, or coordinated logistics, without confusion, delay, or last-minute crisis-driven haphazard improvisation.,” Hattingh said.
Concerns also remain around the return of heavy equipment and vehicles used in the DRC.
Tshabalala noted that equipment is currently being transported overland to the port of Dar es Salaam in Tanzania, from where it will be shipped to South Africa.
“Some equipment is already in Chato in Tanzania’s green zone. Others will be flown back using cargo aircraft,” he explained.
The SANDF said a total of over 2000 South African troops were deployed in eastern DRC as part of the now-defunct SAMIDRC mission.
All personnel are expected to return home by the end of June, with at least nine rotation flights scheduled in total.
“We are working to ensure that every soldier is brought home safely and that no equipment is left behind,” Tshabalala said.
Despite the operational missteps, for many families gathered at Waterkloof, the safe return of their loved ones was the only thing that mattered.
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