It’s time for SA soldiers to return home: MPs

By Simon Nare

The majority political parties in the National Assembly have called for the immediate withdrawal of South African troops who are on a peacekeeping mission in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

During a debate in Parliament on Monday, MPs argued that the South African National Defence Force was not there for peacekeeping, but rather for all-out war. Some went as far to say that troops were there to protect the business interests of the ANC elites.

The only MPs who came out in support of the SA’s presence in the DRC was ANC, who reminded the House of the country’s history of peacekeeping missions on the continent and the importance of stability in Africa.

International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola said South Africa had the largest number of migrants on the continent. It was important to ensure that the continent was politically stable and economically