Praise for efforts as remains of soldiers who perished in DRC are returned

Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence, led by co-chairpersons Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala, has praised the collective efforts of the Department of Defence, the United Nations, and regional partners for successfully repatriating the mortal remains of 14 South African soldiers.

The committee participated in the repatriation of the bodies of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

IOL reported that the 14 soldiers' remains who were killed in a violent clash with the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, were handed over to their families on Thursday in Centurion Pretoria.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, extended condolences on behalf of the South African government and people to the families and the nations of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi for the loss of their soldiers.

The president praised the bravery of the SANDF, stating, “The SANDF is for the brave, for the proud.”

He also reiterated South Africa’s commitment to supporting all efforts to end the conflict in the DRC, emphasising that the fallen soldiers' sacrifice was part of the broader effort for lasting peace.

“We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers home. We must fulfil our duty to complete their mission,” Ramaphosa said.

Phala, expressed appreciation for the efforts of the Department of Defence, United Nations, SADC, and the SANDF in bringing the soldiers back home.

“We appreciate the work done by the department, United Nations, SADC and the SANDF to repatriate our gallant soldiers back home for their final burial,” he said.

“The committee has always believed that while the process is complex, everything should be done to return the remains to the country. We remain grateful that this has finally happened despite the delays.”

Gigaba also acknowledged Uganda’s role in facilitating the transfer of the soldiers' remains, underscoring the importance of cooperation in addressing the instability in the DRC.

“The spirit of cooperation is what is needed currently to enable dialogue, which will be critical in finding solutions to the longstanding instability in the DRC,” Gigaba noted.

The committee also emphasised that South Africa’s participation in peacekeeping missions is an obligation that cannot be abandoned, in line with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks to achieve peace, diplomacy, and sustainable development across Africa.

“South Africa, as part of the African Union (AU), subscribes to the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to silence the guns and provide a framework of diplomacy, conflict resolution, and sustainable development to ensure peace on our continent,” Gigaba said.

While the tragic loss of life remains under investigation, the committee emphasised the need for continued diplomatic efforts to ensure peace and security.

At the sombre hand-over, Ramaphosa said: "This solemn occasion is a stark reminder of the great cost of building peace, often paid in the lives of our finest, and yet peace is an ideal for which we will forever strive."

Ramaphosa also highlighted South Africa’s support for the recent outcomes of the joint summit of the East African Community and SADC, which resolved to prioritise a political solution to the crisis in the DRC.

“We are encouraged by the outcomes of last week’s joint summit of the East African Community and Southern African Development Community, which resolved to prioritise a political solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC,” he said.

He reiterated South Africa's call for an immediate ceasefire and for all warring parties to resume inclusive negotiations.

He urged the families of the fallen soldiers to take comfort in knowing their loved ones were heroes who contributed to more than just maintaining order.

“Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order. It was about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating pathways to lasting peace.”

Phala also underscored the need for support and care for the families of the fallen soldiers during this difficult time, saying, "the return of the mortal remains of the soldiers is a realisation of the promise made by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF to the committee that no stone will be left unturned to repatriate our fallen soldiers back to South Africa.

“It is now critical that families of the fallen soldiers are given adequate support and care during this difficult time.”

Ramaphosa emphasised that achieving peace, security, and prosperity for Africa remains a top priority.