Central SA
SANDF commemorates fallen heroes on UN International Peacekeepers Day─── KEKELETSO MOSEBETSI 07:20 Thu, 29 May 2025
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) will hold a solemn memorial service this morning at the De Brug Military Base near Bloemfontein to mark United Nations International Peacekeepers Day.
The ceremony, led by Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga and SANDF Chief, General Rudzani Maphwanya, will honour the soldiers who lost their lives in peacekeeping missions, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Family members of the fallen heroes and heroines will also be in attendance.
SANDF spokesperson Admiral Prince Tshabalala explained the significance of the annual event, emphasising that it is a moment for reflection and a tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“Today’s event, held in partnership with our United Nations counterparts, reaffirms the SANDF’s commitment to peace and stability on the continent,” he said.
The memorial service follows the tragic loss of 14 SANDF soldiers who were killed during a peacekeeping mission in the DRC. The soldiers, along with three Malawian military personnel, were part of an international effort to stabilise the conflict-ridden region. The mission faced heightened challenges from rebel groups, including the M23 and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF), which launched an offensive near Goma, the provincial capital of North Kivu.
While the fatalities raised concerns about the SANDF’s capabilities and South Africa’s national security, President Cyril Ramaphosa clarified that the mission was not an act of war but a peacekeeping initiative.
Adm. Tshabalala reiterated the SANDF’s dedication to peacekeeping missions in alignment with South Africa’s foreign policy, which prioritises “silencing the guns” in Africa.
“Our mandates sometimes come from the United Nations or the African Union. All these missions are aimed at ensuring peace and stability on the continent,” he said.
The DRC mission, funded at R5 million, has since been terminated, with R3 million of the budget now reallocated for domestic military needs. This reallocation comes amidst broader financial challenges faced by the SANDF, following recent budget cuts announced by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.
Chap. Masello Mothopong, the SANDF’s Acting National Chief of Staff, confirmed that the withdrawal of troops from the DRC will be phased. She said the SANDF remains committed to fulfilling its obligations despite budgetary constraints.
