Fallen SANDF soldiers laid to rest with full military honours

The 14 soldiers with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), who lost their lives in battle in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will be laid to rest with full military honours. Their repatriation follows weeks of delays, including medical processing in Uganda.

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The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community peacekeeping mission in the DRC. They were killed between 23 and 27 January during clashes with the M23 rebel group near the city of Goma.

The official handover ceremony and memorial service for the SANDF soldiers was held at Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion on Thursday. President Cyril Ramaphosa and military officials paid tribute to their bravery and sacrifice.

Addressing the grieving families, President Ramaphosa acknowledged the immense loss suffered by both the families and the nation.

“I wish you courage as you, as families—assisted by our Defence Force—lay them to rest. It is a difficult time for you all, and it is also a difficult time for us as a nation. We will forever remember them.”

Commander General of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, also extended his condolences and called upon South Africans to honour the fallen by striving for peace.

“We will work tirelessly to ensure that peace flourishes in the region that is plagued by strife… Let their courage inspire us to be better citizens, better soldiers, better neighbours and better human beings… May their souls rest in peace,” said Maphwanya.

Meanwhile, as fighting continues in the DRC, President Ramaphosa reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peace in the region, urging all parties to pursue a political resolution.

“We will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world. The achievement of this vision is the most fitting tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes and the greatest honour to their memory.”