Political fallout from SANDF soldiers’ deaths in the DRC
From government neglect, mining interests and the withdrawal of troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the EFF, DA and PA did not hold back during the National Assembly’s urgent debate on the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who died in the region two weeks ago.
Members of the SANDF were part of a multinational Southern African Development Community (SADC) force deployed to stabilise the region amid ongoing clashes between the DRC military and M23 rebels.
The debate was held under the theme: “The recent casualties incurred by the SANDF in the Democratic Republic of Congo and their implications for the defence force.”
Several parties called for the withdrawal of the soldiers deployed in the DRC.
Some parties focused on resources afforded to the deployed soldiers and military capacity while others called for Defence and Military Veterans of South Africa Minister Angie Motshekga to be fired or to resign.
EFF leader Julius Malema said the deployment of South African troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) which began in December 2023, was presented as a peacekeeping effort.
“However, the truth is that our soldiers are not there to maintain peace; they are engaged in direct combat, fighting against highly armed and strategically superior M23 rebels, who are supported by the reckless President of Rwanda, under Paul Kagame,” Malema said.
“The reality is that our soldiers are facing an enemy that has better weaponry, better resources and better intelligence.”
Malema continued: “The government has neglected its duty to ensure that our soldiers are adequately prepared and equipped for combat. This is despite the fact that this deployment has cost our government R2,3 billion since it began.”
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— Economic Freedom Fighters (@EFFSouthAfrica) February 10, 2025
President @Julius_S_Malema debating the deployment of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) to DRC today in Parliament.
For over a decade, we have watched as the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has been systematically weakened. Budget cuts have… pic.twitter.com/Xj2l9f5U51
DA MP Emma Louise Powell said the conflict is about politics and money and the M23’s advances are not ideological; they are designed to consolidate control over critical mineral resources and supply lines to Rwanda.
She said in December, the United Nations reported that M23 generates $800,000 in taxes on mineral trades monthly.
“South African soldiers have been sent to die in a war that is not ours in order to safeguard the financial interests of the African National Congress (ANC) and their benefactors,” Powell explained.
“SANDF’s deployment to the DRC is directly tied to the commercial and mining interests of the very men who, working with ex-Deputy President David Mabuza, helped to secure the Honourable Ramaphosa’s ascension to the ANC Presidency in 2017.”
“The ANC’s willingness to compromise our national sovereignty for political and financial gain is not limited to mining interests - but extends to the very infrastructure of our nation,” Powell said.
Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie said: “... We have been humiliated, and we must teach people - when you kill a South African, there are consequences.”
He said South Africa has the highest youth unemployment in the world. This should be an opportunity to call for conscription, bring young people and train them.
“And while we train them, let us go and teach M23 a lesson. Let us go and kill those that killed our soldiers,” McKenzie said.
On people calling themselves CIC (in what appeared to be a veiled reference to the EFF), Mckenzie said: “You are calling yourself titles here, go and fight. I will be one of the first to join the battalion to go and fight.”
Mr @GaytonMcK, Leader of @OnsBaizaNie offers condolences to the families of the fallen @SANDF_ZA soldiers. #7thParliament #DefenceDebate pic.twitter.com/gYulBNcLkK
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 10, 2025
IFP MP Inkosi Russel Cebekhulu warned against an abrupt and uncoordinated withdrawal of peacekeepers in the absence of a commitment from all states and parties, to ensure that lasting peace will be guaranteed.
“South Africa cannot afford another wave and influx of refugees and asylum seekers, which would be the case if we summarily withdraw troops at a time of uncertainty, instability and rise in hostilities,” Inkosi Cebekhulu said.
He said the IFP will not prematurely call for an additional budgetary allocation to the department until a thorough assessment has been done and said he believed it is time for a constructive plan.
Inkosi Nsikayezwe Cebekhulu of @IFP_National says an honest assessment of the state of the @SANDF_ZA is needed. He cautions against finding financial solutions to non-financial problems. #7thParliament #DefenceDebate pic.twitter.com/v1FCOLr6yz
— Parliament of RSA (@ParliamentofRSA) February 10, 2025
On the repatriation of the mortal remains of the 14 soldiers, Motshekga said the soldiers are still in Uganda, undergoing all the standard pathology procedures. It was hoped that hoped they would be home on Monday but the latest is now Thursday, she said.
Ronald Lamola, Minister of International Relations and Cooperation said an abrupt withdrawal of South African troops from the region would be worse than a surrender.
“I also want to point out that these missions, notwithstanding their challenges at the time, have made Africa a better place,” Lamola said.
thobeka.ngema@inl.co.za