On February 13, 2025, South African officials attended a repatriation ceremony for soldiers who died in the DRC. They expressed gratitude for the efforts made by various organizations and emphasized the importance of cooperation in addressing instability in the region. The committee reaffirmed the need for South Africa to uphold its peacekeeping obligations and provide support to the families of the fallen soldiers.
On February 13, 2025, Mr. Malusi Gigaba and Mr. Phiroane Phala, Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, attended the ceremony for the repatriation of South African soldiers who died in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. They acknowledged the efforts of various organizations, including the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and the United Nations, for facilitating this process.
Mr. Phala expressed gratitude for returning the soldiers’ remains despite earlier delays, stating, “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 emphasized the complex nature of the repatriation but confirmed the committee’s commitment to honoring the fallen soldiers.
The committee commended Uganda for their role in the transfer process, noting the importance of cooperation in addressing the ongoing 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,” Mr. Gigaba remarked.
Mr. Gigaba also reiterated that South Africa must fulfill its peacekeeping obligations as outlined in the African Union’s Agenda 2063. He said, “It is on this basis that we continue to support the deployment of the SANDF as a diplomatic tool to peacebuilding on the continent.”
In addition to calling for a thorough investigation into the incident surrounding the soldiers’ deaths, the committee emphasized the need for ongoing diplomatic measures to promote peace and security. The return of the soldiers’ remains honors the commitment from the Minister of Defence and SANDF leadership to ensure that all efforts are made for repatriation.
Mr. Phala highlighted the necessity of supporting the families of the deceased during this challenging time, ensuring they receive appropriate care and assistance. He stressed the importance of providing this support as they navigate their loss.
Overall, the repatriation of the soldiers is a significant step in recognizing their sacrifice while reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping and stability within the continent.
The Defence Committee’s statement highlights the successful repatriation of South African soldiers who perished in the DRC, recognizing the collaborative efforts involved in the process. Both Co-Chairpersons emphasized the commitment to ongoing peacekeeping initiatives and the essential support for the families of the fallen soldiers. Moreover, they underscored the need for diplomatic measures in addressing instability in the DRC while ensuring a thorough investigation into the incident.
Original Source: www.parliament.gov.za
