SA’S FALLEN SOLDIERS EXPECTED HOME SOON

• Preparations are underway to return the bodies of 14 soldiers who were killed during a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• The repatriation process is being conducted by the United Nations at its logistics base in Uganda.
• During the State of the Nation Address and the official opening of Parliament on 6 February 2025, the joint sitting of the National Assembly and the Council of the Provinces, paid homage to the fallen with a moment of silence.

The bodies of the 14 South African National Defence Force members who died on a peacekeeping operation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are expected to be returned to South Africa this weekend.

The troops fell in a skirmish around Goma, in the eastern region of the DRC

A statement from the South African National Defence Force confirmed that following delays encountered in moving the remains of the deceased from the DRC to the United Nations Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda the process is now underway.

The movement is conducted by the United Nations.

It is expected that by Saturday afternoon, 8 February 2025, the remains of the fallen soldiers will arrive in Entebbe and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania.

South Africa’s flags are being flown at half-mast for a week in honour of the fallen.

In his State of the Nation Address at the opening of Parliament on 6 February 2025 President Cyril Ramaphosa paid homage to the South African National Defence for members.

“We gather here as our country is mourning the tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo,” he said in his opening remarks.

He paid tribute to:

•       Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
•       Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
•       Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
•       Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
•       Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
•       Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
•       Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
•       Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
•       Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
•       Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
•       Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
•       Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
•       Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
•       Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

“Alongside soldiers from other southern African countries, they lost their lives in defence of the fundamental right of the Congolese people to live in peace and security.  They lost their lives not in the pursuit of resources or territory or power. They lost their lives so that the guns on our continent may be forever silenced,” the president added.

Before the State of the Nation Address, the ceremony in Cape Town reflected the somber occasion, with all military personnel at the event wearing black armbands out of respect for their fallen comrades.

The joint sitting of both houses of Parliament, the National Assembly and National Council of Provinces, along with the dignitaries at the State of the Nation event also paused for a minute’s silence to pay homage to the soldiers.