A sombre mood engulfed the Air Force Military Base in Pretoria as the remains of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers were repatriated on Thursday evening. A gentle rain fell as grieving families, senior government officials, and military personnel gathered to honour the fallen heroes who perished during combat in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
A Nation in Mourning
The soldiers, who were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (Monusco), lost their lives in an intense attack on their base. Among them were two highly trained officers from the Special Reaction Force in the Free State, who were killed when a mortar strike hit the SANDF base near Goma Airport.
“Our soldiers fought bravely,” said a senior SANDF member, speaking anonymously. “They put their lives on the line to protect their comrades and serve their country.”
The Repatriation Ceremony
The official handover of the soldiers’ remains was presided over by President Cyril Ramaphosa and Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga. Families of the fallen soldiers arrived in a solemn convoy, ushered into a special tent where they sat in quiet sorrow as the coffins were carried in a dignified procession. Soldiers from various units stood in salute, their eyes fixed on the flag-draped coffins as military drums echoed through the air.
At precisely 18h00, President Ramaphosa officiated the transfer ceremony, paying tribute to the SANDF soldiers who had laid down their lives in service of peace.
“These men and women will forever be remembered as heroes,” he declared. “Their sacrifice was not in vain.”
Remembering the Heroes
The 14 SANDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives hailed from various provinces across South Africa:
- Limpopo: Eight soldiers
- Northern Cape: Two soldiers
- Free State: Two soldiers
- North West: One soldier
- Eastern Cape: One soldier
Their remains will be laid to rest next weekend in their respective hometowns. The SANDF released their names to honour their service:
- 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
The Battle in Eastern DRC
The SANDF soldiers were deployed to the conflict-ridden Eastern DRC as part of a regional peacekeeping mission. Reports indicate that M23 rebels launched multiple mortar strikes toward Goma Airport, one of which struck the SANDF base.
“The two Special Reaction Force officers were at the frontline of the attack,” the SANDF member explained. “Their swift actions prevented further casualties, but sadly, they and 12 of their comrades paid the ultimate price.”
Honouring Their Legacy
The loss of these SANDF soldiers serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by South African troops deployed in peacekeeping missions. As the nation mourns, government officials have pledged continued support for the bereaved families and reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining stability in the region.
As the rain fell over Pretoria, it symbolized the tears of a grieving nation—mourning the loss, but also honouring the bravery, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication of the SANDF soldiers who served with distinction. Their courage will forever be etched in the annals of South African military history.
Final Salute
The repatriation of the 14 soldiers has left an indelible mark on South Africa, uniting the nation in grief and remembrance. Their sacrifices will not be forgotten, and their legacy will inspire future generations of SANDF soldiers who continue to stand on the frontlines of peacekeeping missions across Africa.
