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SANDF’s Mounting Troop Casualties in the DRC

Dear Editor

The Democratic Alliance expresses its condolences with the families of the three SANDF members who tragically lost their lives in the intensified conflict in Sake in the eastern DRC on the 23rd January 2025.

In addition, at least 18 SANDF soldiers were wounded in the ongoing battles with M23 rebels in their new offensive which coincided with the inauguration of US President Donald Trump.

The lack of communication forthcoming from the SANDF about the situation in the DRC is of serious concern.

South Africans must rely on DRC sources to be informed of casualties.

The embarrassing silence comes in the wake of the public assurances by the Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, that the SANDF is ready and prepared for any threat.

The South African casualties come after repeated concerns of the DA about the preparedness of the SANDF after years of throttled budgets which resulted in cutbacks in training, failure to modernize equipment, reduced serviceability of equipment, including main battle equipment and the withdrawal of SA air support.

The Democratic Alliance repeats its call for the withdrawal of the SANDF forces from the DRC.

The continued deployment of undertrained, underequipped and under supported South African soldiers in an escalating regional conflict cannot be supported.

Regards

Chris Hattingh MP
DA Spokesperson on Defence & Military Veterans

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