SA Troops Face Longest Deployment Yet, Families Struggle With Uncertainty
It’s been over 14 long, tense months since South African troops packed their bags and kissed their families goodbye, heading to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the Southern African Development Community Mission (SAMIDRC). What began as a regional peacekeeping mission to assist in stabilising the conflict-ridden North Kivu region has, for many, become a seemingly endless deployment filled with silence, uncertainty, and sorrow.
Waiting Without Answers
Thandi Mhlongo remembers the day her husband left like it was yesterday. “He hugged the kids, told them he’d be home soon. It’s been more than a year now,” she says, her voice a mix of strength and heartache. Thandi is one of countless South African spouses and parents caught in limbo, with no firm return date and few updates from officials.
This growing frustration, quoting another relative who said, “We’ve been told nothing. No clear date. It’s difficult.” The emotional weight is taking a toll on families—especially children who don’t understand why their loved ones are still not home.
A Costly Peace
The SANDF deployment was part of a regional initiative to support the DRC’s efforts in fighting off M23 rebels. Initially intended as a peacekeeping measure, the mission quickly morphed into direct engagement in one of Africa’s most complex and violent conflicts.
In January 2025, tragedy struck. Fourteen SANDF soldiers were killed in heavy fighting near Sake and Goma. Their remains were delayed in returning home, adding to the anguish of grieving families. It was reported that logistical challenges under UN supervision hindered repatriation efforts.
Defence analyst Helmoed Romer Heitman offered a blunt critique: “This deployment is an unfair imposition on the military—they lack the equipment and support for such a volatile mission.” His words reflect a sentiment echoed by many in military circles.
Reinforcements Despite the Risks
In an unexpected move, South Africa responded to the losses not with withdrawal, but reinforcement. Nearly 800 troops were deployed to Lubumbashi in early 2025. The decision sparked mixed reactions. Growing concerns about the sustainability of such a commitment, especially with the SANDF already stretched thin.
Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga acknowledged the challenges, stating: “We remain committed to our peacekeeping role, but we acknowledge the logistical challenges and sacrifices involved.”
A Shift in Strategy
Recognising the difficulties, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) announced a phased withdrawal of its forces in March 2025. The decision came after rising casualties and strategic reassessments.
A SADC spokesperson said, “Lasting peace cannot be achieved through military means alone.” The pivot marks a significant shift in regional conflict response, favouring diplomacy over firepower.
Still No Way Home
Yet, as of April 2025, most SANDF troops remain in the DRC. Families continue to wait. No confirmed return date has been issued. Thandi, like many others, marks each passing week with growing anxiety. “My kids ask when daddy is coming back. I don’t know what to tell them anymore.”
This prolonged deployment—one of the longest in South Africa’s post-apartheid military history—has raised questions about mental health support, reintegration planning, and the government’s communication strategy.
Civil society groups are urging the Department of Defence to improve transparency and offer psychosocial support to affected families.
The Bigger Picture in the DRC
The situation in the eastern DRC remains dire. The M23 insurgency has displaced over 7 million people, per United Nations estimates. Rebel attacks, political instability, and alleged foreign interference have created a dangerous environment, even for well-equipped peacekeepers.
South Africa’s presence has undoubtedly helped deter some rebel activity—but at great cost. Heitman summed it up: “We are sending troops into a high-threat environment with insufficient air support and outdated equipment. That is unsustainable.”
South Africa’s Peacekeeping Dilemma
Back home, political pressure is mounting. Critics argue that while peacekeeping is noble, it must not come at the cost of the SANDF’s own readiness or the well-being of soldiers’ families. Parliamentarians have called for a reassessment of future regional missions, especially when the goals are unclear and the risks are high.
At the same time, pulling out too quickly could leave a power vacuum. One senior SADC peacekeeping official, speaking anonymously, warned: “If we leave too fast, we risk undoing any progress made.”
Time for Clarity, Compassion, and Action
The deployment of SA Troops in the DRC has become more than just a military mission—it’s a test of national resolve, transparency, and responsibility. As families wait and questions mount, the government must act decisively. Our troops deserve more than just praise—they deserve a clear plan, proper resources, and a safe return.
For Thandi and so many others, it’s not about politics or strategy—it’s about bringing loved ones home.
ALSO READ: SANDF’s DRC Peace Mission Aborted – Uncertainty Over SANDF Members Will Return
