South African Parliament to Hold Urgent Debate on Fallen SANDF Soldiers in DRC

The National Assembly will hold an urgent debate on Monday regarding the tragic deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers in Goma, located in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The soldiers were killed during an operation in the region, sparking outrage in South Africa, with various political parties calling for their immediate return.

Last week, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa, and SANDF leadership, including General Rudzani Maphwanya, appeared before Parliament to address questions surrounding the soldiers’ deaths. The leaders faced tough questioning from Members of Parliament (MPs) concerning the circumstances of the deaths, whether the soldiers had sufficient supplies, and the details of their mission. The MPs expressed dissatisfaction with the responses, particularly regarding claims that the soldiers had run out of ammunition and food during their deployment.

During a portfolio committee meeting, SANDF leaders offered unsatisfactory updates on the situation and efforts to repatriate the fallen soldiers. They confirmed that regional bodies were working to return the bodies of the deceased soldiers to South Africa as quickly as possible. The generals also revealed that a truce had been brokered between the M23 rebel group and the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), following three days of intense fighting. The priority now is to repatriate both the bodies of the fallen soldiers and the injured personnel.

Names of the Fallen Soldiers

The names of the 14 soldiers who lost their lives in Goma are:

• 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

In a briefing note issued on Sunday, Parliament confirmed that the debate on the soldiers’ deaths would take place at 2pm on Monday afternoon. The debate topic is titled: “The Recent Casualties Incurred by the SANDF in the DRC and Their Implications for the Defence Force.” This debate is expected to address the broader implications of the deaths and the future role of SANDF forces in the region.

In addition to the debate on the SANDF casualties, Parliament will also focus on President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Wednesday at 2pm, followed by the President’s SONA reply on Thursday at 2pm. On Wednesday morning, between 9am and 1pm, the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans will hear a briefing from the Department of Military Veterans on its 2024/25 Quarter 3 expenditure and performance report. Minister Motshekga is also expected to provide an update on the status of the South African National Military Veterans Association (SANVMA) and the planned Conference.

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