By Thapelo Molefe
The SA National Defence Force has reported the deaths of four additional soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing the total number of South African peacekeepers killed to 13.
These fatalities occurred amid intensified clashes with the M23 rebel group near Goma, a strategic city in the region.
The SANDF confirmed that the nine members were killed last Thursday and Friday during a week-long visit by the Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to the DRC.
The latest deaths occurred on Monday, when M23 rebels launched mortar bombs at Goma Airport, where the SANDF base is located.
“Three members of the SANDF were caught in the crossfire and were killed. Furthermore, one of our members who was injured during the battle over the past three days later succumbed to injuries,” the Defence Department said in a statement.
The department confirmed on Tuesday that the remaining injured soldiers were receiving treatment at the Level 3 Hospital in Goma.
Despite these losses, the SANDF reaffirmed its dedication to its peacekeeping role under the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the DRC and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
“Our troops continue to operate with resolve, courage and discipline in pursuit of peace and stability in the region,” the department emphasised.
Motshekga, along with senior military officials, extended their condolences to the families of the deceased and the broader SANDF community.
The Economic Freedom Fighters has called for an urgent discussion in Parliament to address what it describes as a failure of government leadership in ensuring the safety of SANDF troops.
In a letter addressed to the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, EFF Chief Whip Nontando Nolutshungu expressed outrage over the government’s handling of the peacekeeping mission.
“The EFF has long maintained that the SANDF lacks the capacity to participate in military operations due to the collapse of our defence capabilities, caused by poor political leadership and relentless budget cuts,” the letter stated.
The EFF accused the government of deploying under-resourced soldiers, prioritising the interests of multinational corporations exploiting the DRC’s mineral wealth over the lives of South African soldiers.
“Reports have surfaced indicating that our soldiers were ill-equipped, with inadequate supplies and ammunition,” the letter continued.
Nolutshungu urged the Speaker to convene an urgent sitting of the National Assembly to discuss the matter, stating that the government’s inaction “amounts to a dereliction of Parliament’s duty to hold the executive accountable in times of crisis”.
Adding to the tensions, a viral video circulating on social media claimed that SANDF troops had surrendered to the M23 rebels.
The department clarified that the footage depicted a temporary ceasefire negotiation to recover the dead and injured on both sides.
“The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce,” the statement explained.
“This is common practice in any war and was necessary to allow safe access to medical facilities.”
The SANDF urged the public to avoid misinterpreting the video.
“Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” it added.
The EFF’s letter criticised the government for failing to provide credible updates on the situation or adequate contingency plans for the mission.
“The government has demonstrated gross incompetence and has neglected its duty to ensure the safety and well-being of our troops,” the party stated.
The situation in Goma remains tense, with continued clashes between the Congolese Defence Force and M23 rebels, causing further instability in the region. The SANDF faces significant challenges as it continues its mission in the volatile environment.
“The SANDF remains fully committed to its peacekeeping responsibilities,” the department said. It called for support from the South African public as troops worked to stabilise the conflict-ridden area.
The SANDF troops deployed in the SAMIDRC were involved in a fierce two-day battle aimed at halting the advance of the M23 rebel group toward Goma.
Despite claims by the M23 rebels on Monday that they had taken control of Goma, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini assured that South African peacekeepers stationed in the DRC remained safe and secure within their bases.
President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwanda’s Paul Kagame have called for an immediate ceasefire in the DRC.
The Presidency said the leaders held a phone conversation to discuss the worsening crisis in the eastern DRC.
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