Defender

President Cyril Ramaphosa has described the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) fallen soldiers as gallant heroes who “made the ultimate sacrifice so others may live in peace.”

“Thank you for your sacrifice that others may be free. You died on the battlefield, far from all you held dear. But you are home now. You have come to your resting place. We are here to receive you with open arms and to lay you to rest,” the President said. 

This as the President and Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, led the transfer ceremony and memorial service for the troops killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) at Swartkop Air Force Base in Tshwane. 

READ | Remains of 14 SANDF troops finally home 

Thursday’s emotionally charged events saw the weather mirror the sombre mood as rain fell while the mortal remains of the soldiers were ushered in, offering a poignant backdrop to a painful moment for the nation.

The families of the deceased found some solace in receiving the remains of their loved ones as, addressing them and the nation, President Ramaphosa assured them that their sons had not died in vain.

“To the families gathered here, we thank you for your sacrifice for you have made the ultimate sacrifice as well, by letting this country have your sons so they can serve the cause of peace on our continent. 

“And I thank you as a Commander in Chief of [the] Armed Forces because they have paid the ultimate price. We as South Africans join you in your grief as you feel pain as a result of your loss so overwhelming. As a nation we will forever be thankful to you as individual families for the sacrifice you have made. We will give them the honours that they deserve.”

Duty

The fallen soldiers had been deployed as part of South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the DRC under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission. Their mission was to protect the defenceless and contribute to the vision of a conflict-free Africa.

“Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern DRC. They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace, and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent,” President Ramaphosa said.

The President also extended condolences to the families of the soldiers from Tanzania and Malawi who perished in the same mission, thanking the Ugandan government and SADC partners for their support in bringing back the nation’s fallen heroes. 

A nation in grief

Delivering his tribute, General Maphwanya expressed disappointment at the discourse surrounding SANDF’s deployment, urging South Africans to respect the sacrifice of those who had perished.

“As South Africans, we sometimes behave as if we enjoy inflicting pain on ourselves. A nation in grief for their fallen heroes should not be throwing accusations and counter-accusations about the merits and demerits of our deployment,” he said.

He also addressed the ongoing discussions about defence funding, arguing that while the issue remains pressing, it should not overshadow the moment of grief.

“Our fallen heroes would be asking if it is the right time to open a debate on defence funding. We have stated, without shame, that a drastic injection is required to build capacity in the SANDF, but these are interactions that we make with those who are supposed to listen to us,” he said.

Maphwanya added that “we should not be politicising this matter, saying the SANDF could have done better. Our people were armed, resourced, and capable of meeting the challenge they faced.” 

President Ramaphosa also echoed General Maphwanya’s concerns over the politicisation of the soldiers’deaths, calling for a moment of unity and respect.

“He is decrying the politicisation of this whole mission and indeed the politicisation of the lives of our soldiers. His call is a correct one. This is not a time to be debating all the matters that have been current in our media but a time to mourn the death of our fallen soldiers,” he asserted.

Bravery 

General Maphwanya paid tribute to the courage of the soldiers, stating that they had marched into the heart of darkness with unwavering resolve.

“Each member of the SANDF who answered the call to serve in the DRC carried out the mission with the spirit of selflessness and sacrifice. They fought gallantly against the M23 rebels who threatened the fragile peace, embodying the essence of what it means to be a defender of freedom,” he said.

Turning to the grieving families, he reassured them that their loved ones bravery would never be forgotten.

“I want you to know that your loved ones served with unwavering bravery and looked death in the face. They challenged what seemed like a daunting task that many wouldn’t have liked to face, and yet they persevered. Their commendable conduct personified the spirit of resilience, demonstrating a level of commitment that inspires us all. They did not back down in the face of adversity; instead, they rose to the occasion,” he said.

Heroes 

As the military planes stood silent on the tarmac and soldiers saluted their fallen comrades one last time, the weight of their sacrifice was felt.

“To the families, we say, take comfort that they were heroes. Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order; it was about building bridges, fostering understanding, and creating pathways to lasting peace,” President Ramaphosa stated.

Quoting the poet S.E.K Mqhayi, the President offered words of comfort. 

“Be consoled, all you orphans, Be consoled, all you widows, Somebody has to die, so that something can be built, Somebody has to serve, so that others can live.”

As South Africa bowed its head in collective mourning, the President reaffirmed the nation’s commitment to peace, stability, and honouring the memory of those who had paid the ultimate price.

Stabilising the continent 

The President emphasised that the country has a long-standing history of participating in peacekeeping missions, proving its dedication to stability on the continent. 

Despite the sacrifices made, including the loss of soldiers, South Africa remains steadfast in its mission to build and maintain peace.

“As South Africa 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. We will not forget them. These are the sons of our African soil, and these are the honoured heroes of our country,” President Ramaphosa said. – SAnews.gov.za

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