Defence Committee Honors Fallen Soldiers and Reaffirms Commitment to Peacekeeping
On February 13, 2025, the Defence Committee celebrated the return of fallen SANDF soldiers from the DRC. The committee acknowledged Uganda’s assistance and reiterated South Africa’s commitment to ongoing peacekeeping efforts. They called for an investigation into the incident and stressed the importance of supporting the soldiers’ families during their grief.
On Thursday, February 13, 2025, in Parliament, the Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr. Malusi Gigaba and Mr. Phiroane Phala, were present at the ceremonial repatriation of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who perished in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Mr. Phala expressed appreciation for the collective efforts of the Department of Defence, the United Nations, SADC, and SANDF in facilitating this solemn return.
Mr. Phala noted, “We appreciate the work done by the department, United Nations, SADC and the SANDF to repatriate our gallant soldiers back home for their final burial.” He emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring the return of the remains, acknowledging the complexities of the process and expressing gratitude for its completion despite prior delays.
The committee also recognized Uganda’s vital role in assisting with the transfer of the soldiers’ remains from the DRC to South Africa. Mr. Gigaba highlighted, “The spirit of cooperation is what is needed currently to enable dialogue, which will be critical in finding solutions to the longstanding instability in the DRC.” This collaboration reflects the importance of unity in addressing regional conflicts.
The committee reiterated South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping missions as a moral obligation. Mr. Gigaba stated, “South Africa, as part of the African Union (AU), subscribes to the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to silence the guns… to ensure peace on our continent.” This underlines South Africa’s role in diplomacy and conflict resolution throughout Africa.
While emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation into the incident to prevent recurrence, the committee maintained that diplomatic measures must remain a priority. Mr. Phala remarked, “It is now critical that families of the fallen soldiers are given adequate support and care during this difficult time.” The commitment to supporting the families signifies the importance of care in times of loss.
The successful return of the soldiers’ remains affirms a promise made by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of SANDF that all necessary efforts would be harnessed for their repatriation. The parliamentary body is keen on providing adequate support to the grieving families as a priority during this mourning period.
The Defence Committee expressed gratitude for the successful repatriation of SANDF soldiers who died in the DRC, thanking various organizations for their support. They emphasized the importance of ongoing peacekeeping efforts, while acknowledging the need for a comprehensive investigation into the incident. Support for the families of the fallen soldiers is deemed critical during this difficult time, showcasing a commitment to honor their sacrifices.
Original Source: www.parliament.gov.za
