By Thapelo Molefe
President Cyril Ramaphosa has spurred on the SA National Defence Force to honour the 14 soldiers who died in a Democratic Republic of Congo peacekeeping mission by completing their mission of restoring peace in that country.
On Thursday night, the remains of the soldiers were handed over to their grieving families at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Tshwane.
Soldiers stood in solemn formation as the SA flag-draped coffins were carried with the utmost reverence, each step measured with the weight of duty and loss. The atmosphere was thick with sorrow as the bereaved families received their loved ones.
The handover was followed by the official ceremonial memorial service, attended by dignitaries, government officials and military leadership.
Speaking at the service, Ramaphosa’s voice carried the gravity of the moment, blending deep sorrow with an unwavering resolve.
“Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern DRC,” he declared.
His words, though measured, bore the weight of grief shared by an entire country.
Tears glistened in the eyes of family members as they clutched tightly onto each other, their mourning punctuated by the occasional stifled sob.
The president’s gaze swept across the gathered mourners, pausing on the grief-stricken faces of those who had lost their fathers, husbands, sons and brothers.
“On behalf of the people of the Republic of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers. They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless.”
Acknowledging the emotional toll on the bereaved families, Ramaphosa assured them of the nation’s gratitude and support. He lauded the soldiers for answering the call to serve beyond South Africa’s borders, reinforcing the country’s commitment to regional stability.
“Yes, our fellow Africans, even if they may sound like they are in faraway countries, they are still Africans. Indeed, the South African National Defence Force is a force that is for the brave, those who have taken an oath to serve the people of our country,” Ramaphosa declared, his voice firm, yet laced with emotion.
As he spoke of the broader implications of the mission, his words carried a deeper meaning, highlighting not just the sacrifices made, but also the hope that their mission would not be in vain.
“Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order. It was about building bridges, fostering understanding and creating pathways to lasting peace in our region and our continent,” he said.
The president also acknowledged the immense logistical challenges faced in repatriating the fallen soldiers, extending gratitude to the United Nations, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and other governments that had assisted in the process. He praised the SANDF leadership for ensuring the dignified return of the soldiers.
South Africa, as a troop-contributing country to the SADC mission in the DRC and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in that country, remained firmly committed to supporting peace efforts.
Ramaphosa stressed the importance of a political solution to the conflict in the region and reiterated calls for an immediate ceasefire and inclusive negotiations.
“As Africans, we are one people. When one part of Africa bleeds, we feel its pain,” he said.
Addressing those questioning SA’s involvement in the peacekeeping mission, the president reminded them of the country’s historical role in building peace across Africa.
“From the time our country became free, we have participated in many missions to bring about peace on our continent. We are a trusted country and a reliable country when it comes to peacebuilding,” he stated with conviction.
In his closing remarks, Ramaphosa’s tone softened, a final farewell to the brave soldiers who would not return home.
“We will eternally remember these soldiers, soldiers that we are now going to lay to rest. Let us celebrate their lives and give them the honour that they deserve. South Africa dips its head collectively in honour of these soldiers.”
The nation now turns to the sombre task of laying these heroes to rest, ensuring that their service and sacrifice are remembered and that their mission of peace continues.
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