The soldiers are expected to land at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein at 12:00, marking the beginning of a phased withdrawal from the SADC Mission in the DRC. Their return follows a directive from the SADC heads of state summit in March, which called for the conclusion of the regional mission battling armed group resurgence in eastern DRC.

The troops are allowed safe passage to Rwanda and Tanzania via a designated route, approved by SADC defence ministers and chiefs of defence forces. From Goma, they are travelling through Rwanda to Chato in Tanzania before proceeding to their respective home countries.

Upon arrival, the returning soldiers will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, accompanied by members of the military command council.

The DRC mission was funded with R5 million, of which R3 million was reallocated to support domestic military needs since the withdrawal. This move reflects ongoing financial constraints within the SANDF, following national budget cuts announced earlier this year by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana.

Peacekeepers honoured

An International Day of UN Peacekeepers ceremony was held at De Brug outside Bloemfontein on Thursday, 29 May. The event honoured peacekeepers who lost their lives in service, including 14 SANDF soldiers who died in the DRC.

SANDF Chief Gen. Rudzani Maphwanya, recently emphasised the importance of modernising peacekeeping operations to meet evolving threats. Speaking on the future of military readiness, he advocated for greater integration of advanced technology, including artificial intelligence, into peacekeeping strategies.

Meanwhile, returning troops will receive psychosocial support before being reintegrated into communities.

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi cg