Media Statement: Joint Standing Committee on Defence Saddened by Loss of Nine Soldiers in DRC

Parliament, Sunday, 26 January 2025 - The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has learnt with sadness the death of nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after the intense confrontation with M23 rebel group in that country. The soldiers formed part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC and the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

"While the committee acknowledges the gallant resistance by our forces, the loss of nine members of the SANDF is serious and requires investigation to prevent recurrence. Some of the issues that must be looked into include the combat preparedness, defence intelligence capabilities and specifically the availability of combat support equipment including air support and ammunition" said Mr Malusi Gigaba, the Co-Chairperson of the committee.

The Joint Standing Committee on Defence of the 6^th Parliament raised concern regarding serviceability of Prime Mission Equipment and readiness of the mission for deployment. The capacitation of our soldiers is a primary obligation that the SANDF must ensure. This is one area of oversight the committee aims to enhance in the 7^th Parliament to ensure that the SANDF has adequate equipment to respond to any eventuality.

Due to the seriousness of the matter, the committee will urgently schedule a meeting to get a full briefing on the incident as well as the overall status of the deployment. "It is important that we get a full briefing from the Minister, the Acting Secretary of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF not only on the incident but also on the status of the mission and the availably of adequate equipment for SANDF members deployed in DRC and in any mission," said Mr Phiroane Phala, the Co-Chairperson of the committee.

The Co-Chairpersons extended the committee's heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of members who lost their lives and wish soldiers who were injured a speedy recovery. Furthermore, the Chairpersons assured the families that the committee will use its interaction with the department to find answers to understand what occurred and to use its ongoing efforts to strengthen the capacity of the SANDF.

ISSUED BY THE PARLIAMENTARY COMMUNICATION SERVICES ON BEHALF OF THE CO-CHAIRPERSONS OF THE JOINT STANDING COMMITTEE ON DEFENCE, MR MALUSI GIGABA AND MR PHIROANE PHALA

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