Latest news with #AngieMotshekga
Eyewitness News
7 days ago
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
African countries must work together for peace: Defence Minister Motshekga
JOHANNESBURG - Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said it was important for African countries to work together to bring peace to war-torn countries on the continent. She reiterated the call to foster stability in conflict-ridden regions during the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday. All the fallen soldiers who fought in peacekeeping missions since 1948 were honoured in a wreath-laying ceremony globally. The country has also honoured the 14 soldiers who recently died in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). "And as Africa, we are the epicentre of instability in the world. And so it's for us as Africans to work together to stabilise our problems for the sake of our children and for the sake of our future. And everybody has a responsibility to make sure that we don't become this continent with all its wealth that becomes this epicentre of which we are," said Motshekga.
Daily Maverick
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Daily Maverick
Twelve years on, families of soldiers killed in Battle of Bangui call for accountability
It has been 12 years since 15 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers died in and after the Battle of Bangui in the Central African Republic in March 2013. After years of broken promises, the families, desperate for answers, are once again calling on the government to provide answers. On 23 March 2013, 200 soldiers from an elite SANDF unit deployed to Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR), clashed with 7,000 Seleka rebels in a desperate battle that lasted several hours. The fierce encounter, later dubbed the Battle of Bangui, resulted in the deaths of 15 soldiers, a ceasefire, and the withdrawal of the remaining troops from a deployment that has since been shrouded in controversy. The nation has since moved on from the deadly clash, with the SANDF and government shifting focus to other contentious deployments elsewhere on the continent. However, for the families who lost loved ones in the Battle of Bangui, unfulfilled promises and unanswered questions from the Ministry of Defence and the South African government remain a daily reminder of their profound loss. After years of government silence, the families of the fallen soldiers have penned an open letter to President Cyril Ramaphosa, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, and the South African government, demanding accountability. Chief among the families' frustrations is the lack of transparency around the deployment to CAR. Former president Jacob Zuma sent the SANDF's crack unit to assist then-president François Bozizé's forces in their fight against the Seleka rebels. Zuma made this decision without explaining why the troops were sent and without the authorisation of either the United Nations or the African Union — raising concerns over a breach of international law. The SANDF conducted a Board of Inquiry to investigate the battle and the deaths of the soldiers. However, the findings were never made public, and the details remained a mystery until author and journalist Warren Thompson won a legal battle in 2024 to access the Board of Inquiry's outcome. In May 2024, the court ordered the SANDF to release the report, but the families say they had still not received any of its findings. 'We demand transparency regarding the Memorandum of Understanding that governed this deployment, and the publication of the Board of Inquiry's findings. An open commission of inquiry into this matter is long overdue,' the families stated. 'As families, we crave closure and accountability. We deserve to know the truth about what transpired, even if it's painful. The ongoing court battles between the SANDF and the authors of the book The Battle of Bangui only add to our frustration and confusion.' Unfulfilled promises 'After the tragic loss of our loved ones, the SANDF and government officials made numerous promises to honour their memory and support us. However, these promises have proven to be empty words,' the families said. They explained that the government had pledged to erect a monument, rename government buildings, and produce a documentary to honour the fallen soldiers — none of which, they allege, has happened. In 2017, during a meeting with Zuma, CAR President Faustin-Archange Touadéra promised to build a monument in his country to honour the 15 soldiers killed in the battle. However, it remains unclear whether the monument was ever erected. The families also noted that former defence minister Thandi Modise had promised compensation for the loss of their loved ones — another promise they say never materialised. In 2023, Modise claimed in a written response to parliamentary questions from Democratic Alliance MP Kobus Marais that all affected families had received payouts. Battle of Bangui widow speaks out 'They are avoiding us. It's as if they want to force us into silence, whether we like it or not – but we refuse to be treated this way. This is the mentality we are fighting against,' said Kelebogile Bojane, the widow of Rifleman Bojane, in an interview with Daily Maverick. Bojane said the families of those who fell in the Battle of Bangui had made multiple attempts to reach out to the president and the Ministry of Defence, to no avail. She said the government had ceased all communication with the families, which is why they decided to write an open letter. On the issue of compensation, Bojane said that while the families had received a lump sum payment of R200,000, none of them had received the widow's pension to which they are entitled under the Military Pensions Act. 'When we asked about additional compensation, they said the deployment had no budget – but if there was no budget, why were our husbands sent there? And if there is a budget now, why can't we be paid?' Bojane asked. The SANDF's refusal to assist the families of the fallen soldiers has raised many questions for Bojane, chief among them being whether the deployment was lawful. 'We demand the establishment of a commission of inquiry, and it must be public so that we can obtain the details and find closure regarding what really happened. We're not simply going to forget. We lost husbands, we lost lives. They assume we should just move on – but if we forget, who do we hold accountable?' she said. The refusal to release the findings of the SANDF Board of Inquiry only further fuels the families' suspicions. 'Why are they not releasing it? What is it that they are hiding? They claim the deployment was based on a memorandum of understanding with the Central African Republic, but why can't they give us the findings? We need access to those documents. We need to know what happened. We deserve to know, and we are more entitled than anyone else,' Bojane said. Daily Maverick reached out to the Department of Defence and the Presidency for comment but did not receive a reply by the time of publication. The families are now calling on the government to: Conduct an open commission of inquiry into the deployment of troops to the Central African Republic in 2013. Publish the findings of the Board of Inquiry to provide the facts and recommendations that support the government's version of events, rather than leaving families to rely on hearsay. Provide evidence of compensation paid to the families, as former Defence Minister Thandi Modise indicated in her written parliamentary response. Fulfil the promises made to the families, including the construction of a monument and the renaming of government buildings. Produce the promised documentary about the Battle of Bangui. 'Our children will inherit this painful trauma that continues to be ignored, as though our loss meant nothing. We demand action, transparency, and accountability. It's time for the government to honour its commitments and provide us with the closure we deserve,' the families said. DM
The South African
19-05-2025
- Politics
- The South African
Withdrawal of SANDF troops from DRC slow, but 'on track'
The SANDF has assured the public that the withdrawal of troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo is proceeding according to plan. Image: Wikimedia Commons Home » Withdrawal of SANDF troops from DRC slow, but 'on track' The SANDF has assured the public that the withdrawal of troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo is proceeding according to plan. Image: Wikimedia Commons The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has assured the public that the withdrawal of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) is currently underway and proceeding according to comes after a media report claimed that the South African soldiers were stranded in Goma as the busses that were meant to transport the group had not arrived. In a statement on Sunday, the SANDF said the logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the full coordination and control of the Southern African Development Community (SADC). 'We further assure the public that all SANDF members deployed as part of this mission are safe, adequately supplied for and continue to receive their daily meals and essentials. No member is stranded or without support.'It is unfortunate that the City Press article published on Sunday, 18 May 2025 was released without soliciting comment from the SANDF, despite the significance and sensitivity of the matter. 'The SANDF appeals to members of the public and the media to exercise discernment and patience during this sensitive withdrawal phase. Inaccurate or speculative reporting may cause unnecessary concern and mislead the nation,' the SANDF said. The SANDF emphasised that it remains committed to transparency and will continue to provide updates as the withdrawal this month, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga said the withdrawal of the SANDF from the eastern DRC marked a new chapter in regional peacekeeping efforts. 'This withdrawal is a structured process designed to ensure safe return of both our troops and equipment. All our logistical support will continue during this phase,' the Minister said at a media briefing at the time. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news. Test your B20 knowledge with this 2-minute survey – AND WIN R2 000!
The Citizen
18-05-2025
- Politics
- The Citizen
What is taking so long? Why SANDF troops can't get a lift home
Weapons have already been transported out, leaving many feeling like guns are more important than lives A transport no-show has been blamed for the delay in transporting soldiers back to South Africa. The officers were in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission. They were on the frontline of a conflict between the Congolese army and M23 rebel fighters, which raged for three years in the East of that country until a ceasefire was called in April. But while there was hope that the lengthy process of bringing SA troops home would be sped up, soldiers are still stuck in the region. According to City Press, promised transport for the soldiers has failed to materialise, with no money to send buses among the issues cited. 'Our feedback is that the Southern African Development Community (SADC) has not yet hired the buses, and we are not aware of any flights,' a senior officer told Rapport. Plans for the return have changed over the last month, with troops now expected to travel 250km by bus to another airport. Guns more important than people Meanwhile, soldiers are stuck with dwindling supplies and broken morale. 'The problem is that we are completely in the dark, while we just see how the equipment becomes less and less, but we're not going anywhere,' an officer explained. The officer added that weapons have already been transported out, leaving many feeling like guns are more important than those who had risked their lives for their country. He said troops were fed once a day and relied on 'mercy' not to starve to death. He warned of possible protests by soldiers if conditions do not improve. The SADC and SANDF have yet to respond to the allegations. Any update will be included, once received. ALSO READ: 'A nation that values its military doesn't treat its soldiers as disposable' Mission a success, says SANDF Earlier this month, South African National Defence Force (SANDF) head, General Rudzani Maphwanya and defence minister Angie Motshekga called the mission a success and said it had contributed to peace in the area. The DA slammed this, calling the deployment a 'national tragedy'. 'The death of 14 South African soldiers and a further 174 injured in battle – brave men and women sent into an unstable conflict zone without air support, adequate equipment, or a coherent operational mandate – is not a success story. It is a national tragedy. 'Their blood is on Minister Motshekga's hands. Whilst the returning troops make their way back to South Africa, the minister continues to spin political fairy tales instead of reckoning with the facts.' It claimed that SA troops were paid less than a quarter of the stipend they were allegedly allocated, while Tanzanian and Malawian troops on the same mission 'earned nearly double'. Minister a no-show to Parliament – twice No reason for the discrepancy had been given, but it was among the issues likely to come up when the minister appeared before Parliament on 9 May. But the minister did not show up. Instead, she was in Russia, on instruction from the ANC, to attend World War II Victory Day celebrations. While Parliamentarians raged, committee chairperson, and ANC member, Malusi Gigaba defended the minister. Motshekga failed to pitch to committee meetings again on Friday. Additional reporting by Jarryd Westerdale NOW READ: Families of fallen SANDF troops deserve better than an endless wait with empty promises
The Herald
16-05-2025
- Politics
- The Herald
Sandu urges unhappy soldiers to take legal route to address pay dispute
The South African National Defence Union (Sandu) has expressed concern that some SANDF members who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are threatening unlawful action to protest about allowances payable to them. The union said it had received several complaints from the South African National Defence Force members who were part of the Sadc mission. It said the SANDF had acknowledged the complaints and undertaken to investigate disparities in payments. 'It is with concern that Sandu has noted certain individuals deployed in the DRC threatening on social media unlawful actions to protest the issue.' The union acknowledged the concerns of the soldiers and assured all involved that the necessary legal means were available to address any payment concerns they might have. 'Under no circumstances will Sandu support any unlawful action to protest/raise payment concerns.' Sandu urged its members to register their concerns on the union channel (legal@ in order for the union to have facts to act upon in a legal and orderly way. Meanwhile, the DA says it has written to defence minister Angie Motshekga, requesting a detailed breakdown of the Sadc-funded allowances for troops, including how the payments are structured and where the remaining funds are being held. The political party said it was concerning that soldiers deployed to the DRC were reportedly receiving only R34,000 a month, despite Sadc allocating R108,000 per soldier. 'This discrepancy raises serious questions about transparency and accountability. The South African government separately budgeted R5bn for the mission — funds meant to cover operational costs, including troop allowances,' the DA said. It said Motshekga must explain whether the remainder was being redirected, withheld, or simply vanished into a black hole of defence accounting. TimesLIVE
