Latest news with #DefenceandMilitaryVeterans
The South African
21 hours ago
- Politics
- The South African
Angie Motshekga named acting president of South Africa
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga will serve as South Africa's Acting President from 17 to 19 June 2025, the Presidency confirmed this week. Her appointment comes as both President Cyril Ramaphosa and Deputy President Paul Mashatile embark on international trips – Ramaphosa to Canada for the G7 Summit and Mashatile to Moscow for a diplomatic visit. The decision falls under Section 90(1)(b) of the Constitution, which permits the president to designate an acting head of state during periods of absence. This is not Angie Motshekga's first time in the role. The veteran politician, born in Soweto, has previously served as acting president on several occasions, including in 2019, 2021, and most recently, in August 2024. Her temporary leadership continues to mark a historic precedent for women in South African politics. Best known for her long tenure as Minister of Basic Education, Motshekga played a key role in managing the sector through challenges such as the Covid-19 pandemic. Her recent transition to the defence portfolio placed her at the heart of national security during a period of heightened global uncertainty. Her latest appointment reflects her growing stature within the government as South Africa strengthens its diplomatic ties abroad. 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.
IOL News
a day ago
- Politics
- IOL News
Angie Motshekga appointed as acting president
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, has been appointed to serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from 17 to 19 June 2025. Minister Angie Motshekga has been announced as acting president while President Ramaphosa conducts a working visit to Canada to attend the G7 Leadership Summit. In a short statement, the Presidency said the current Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, is also on a working visit to Moscow in the Russian Federation. Motshekga, the current Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, will serve as Acting President of the Republic of South Africa from June 17 to 19, 2025. Motshekga was also appointed Acting President back in August last year and back in 2021, as well as in 2019.
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa begins structured withdrawal of SANDF from the Democratic Republic of Congo
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga gives an update regarding the phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from the eastern DRC. Image: Supplied The phased withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the war-prone eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks a significant new chapter in regional peace-keeping efforts. This was according to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, who provided an update on the phased withdrawal of the SANDF during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday. She explained that the withdrawal was a structured process, designed to ensure the safe return of both troops and equipment was not compromised. The soldiers were deployed in the DRC in December 2023 as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and UN peacekeeping deployments. Fourteen SANDF members have been killed and several injured during intense combat with the M23 rebel group near Goma. Motshekga praised the "brave men and women of the SANDF" for serving with honour, pride, professionalism, and commitment under extremely challenging circumstances. 'I want to say to them your contribution has helped to lay the groundwork for peace in the region. And to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, your loss is shared by a very grateful nation with full appreciation. Their memory will forever be etched in the history of our commitment to peace on the African continent,' she said. South Africa remains committed to a peaceful, stable and a prosperous DRC, the minister added. 'Our diplomatic deployments and humanitarian engagements will continue. As we transit out of the active combat deployment, we reinforce our commitment to African-led solutions and the values of the African Union agenda 2063,' Motshekga said. SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanywa said the withdrawal was a result of political efforts and a signed agreement between the DRC and M23 to cease hostilities, aimed at achieving peace and stability in the eastern DRC. He said the troops will proceed to the assembly area in Chato in Tanzania, from where they will return to their respective countries. Equipment will be transported to South Africa by sea, while personnel will travel by air. The withdrawal process began on April 29, with an advanced team of 57 members and 13 trucks already currently at the assembly area, preparing for the rest of the soldiers to follow. He declined to share further details, citing security concerns. 'What is a bit difficult for me at the moment is to give you the breakdown of future activities because that actually borders on the safety of our troops. Suffice to say the initial team is currently in Chato, the rest of the SADC members will move from Sake and Goma and they will disperse from the assembly area which is in Tanzania,' said Maphwanya. He said the second batch was expected to reach the assembly area, with the entire withdrawal process set to conclude by the end of the month. He explained that the withdrawal was being coordinated by SADC, which has allocated a budget funded by contributions from all its member states. Lieutenant-General Lucky Sangweni, the chief of joint operations, said the initial plan was to complete the movement from Goma to Tanzania in one day, given the short distance. However, site conditions and vehicle breakdowns delayed the process, taking two days. He said preparations are now underway for phased movements from Goma to Tanzania, with adjustments made to accommodate the challenges encountered. 'Our plans might now be affected in terms of when exactly we will be able to finalise the movement but there is quite a lot of work that is being done in Goma and Sake,' he said. Cape Times
IOL News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Minister Motshekga outlines SANDF troops' withdrawal from Congo
Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga also paid tribute to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives, sharing the nation's gratitude and honouring their memory. Image: Phando Jikelo/Independent Newspapers The phased withdrawal of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has been announced by Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Angie Motshekga. This signals a new chapter in regional peacekeeping efforts under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mandate. During a media briefing held at the Government Communications Information Service (GCIS) on Sunday, Motshekga said the decision followed extensive diplomatic engagements and notable progress in stabilising the eastern DRC, particularly around Goma and the surrounding territories of Sake. The announcement also comes after the recent SAMIDRC Summit of Heads of State and Government in Harare on March 13, concluding with a consensus to gradually withdraw peacekeeping forces to allow political and diplomatic processes to take root and resolve ongoing security challenges. Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga announced the phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from the DRC. Image: Supplied The eastern DRC has long been a volatile region, plagued by clashes between government forces and various rebel groups, most notably the M23 movement. Backed by neighbouring Rwanda and with alleged support from other regional actors, M23 has been accused of destabilising the region through armed conflict, including alleged attacks on civilian populations and military installations. In recent years, the conflict escalated, leading to significant humanitarian crises and regional insecurity. The SANDF and troops from Tanzania and Malawi were deployed as part of the SADC-led peacekeeping mission to support the DRC government in stabilising the eastern provinces, particularly around Goma. This city has often been at the frontline of clashes. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ 'The peace agreement is a crucial step forward,' said Motshekga. 'It demonstrates the collective will of regional stakeholders to pursue peaceful resolution rather than prolonged military engagement.' She said the decision to withdraw SANDF troops is based on a careful assessment that the region's security environment has improved sufficiently to allow for a transition. She said the phased withdrawal will ensure that logistical support continues and personnel and equipment safety is maintained throughout the process. 'Our troops have served with distinction and professionalism,' Motshekga said. 'We are grateful for their sacrifice and dedication, which have been instrumental in creating the conditions for peace.' Motshekga paid tribute to the soldiers who lost their lives during the mission and expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of the nation. 'To the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice, we share your grief and honor their memory. Their courage has helped pave the way for peace in the region.' She also reassured that South Africa remains committed to supporting the DRC's sovereignty and stability through diplomatic, developmental, and humanitarian efforts. 'Our engagement does not end here. We will continue to work with regional partners to foster a peaceful, prosperous, and stable DRC, aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063.' Cape Argus
IOL News
04-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
South Africa begins phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from DRC
Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga gives an update regarding the phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from the eastern DRC. The phased withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops from the war-prone eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marks a significant new chapter in regional peace-keeping efforts. This was according to Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, who gave an update regarding the phased withdrawal of SANDF during a media briefing in Pretoria on Sunday. She explained that the withdrawal was a structured process, designed to ensure the safe return of both troops and equipment was not compromised. The soldiers were deployed in the DRC in December 2023 as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and UN peacekeeping deployments. Earlier this year, opposition parties expressed sadness over the deaths of 14 SANDF members in eastern DRC and called on President Cyril Ramaphosa and Motshekga to provide answers. The soldiers were killed and several injured during intense combat with the M23 rebel group near Goma. Motshekga praised the "brave men and women of the SANDF" for serving with honour, pride, professionalism, and commitment under extremely challenging circumstances. 'I want to say to them your contribution has helped to lay the groundwork for peace in the region. And to the families of those who made the ultimate sacrifice your loss is shared by a very grateful nation with full appreciation. Their memory will forever be etched in the history of our commitment to peace on the African continent,' she said. She said South Africa remains committed to a peaceful, stable and a prosperous DRC. 'Our diplomatic deployments and humanitarian engagements will continue. As we transit out of the active combat deployment, we reinforce our commitment to African-led solutions and the values of the African Union agenda 2063,' Motshekga. SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanywa said the withdrawal is a result of political efforts and a signed agreement between the DRC and M23 to cease hostilities, aimed at achieving peace and stability in eastern DRC. He said the troops will proceed to the assembly area in Chato in Tanzania, from where they will return to their respective countries, adding that equipment will be transported to South Africa by sea, while personnel will travel by air. The withdrawal process began on April 29, with an advance team of 57 members and 13 trucks already currently at the assembly area, preparing for the rest of the soldiers to follow. He declined to share further details, citing security concerns, saying it would compromise the safety of the troops. 'What is a bit difficult for me at the moment is to give you the breakdown of future activities because that actually borders on the safety of our troops. Suffice to say the initial team is currently in Chato, the rest of the SADC members will move from Sake and Goma and they will disperse from the assembly area which is in Tanzania,' said Maphwanya. He said the second batch is expected to reach the assembly area today, with the entire withdrawal process set to conclude by the end of the month. He urged the media to rely on official department information, warning that unofficial sources can compromise security and provide inaccurate information. He emphasised that the SANDF prioritises the security of its people, operating in a war-fighting context. 'Whatever the information that the media have it is best used if you get it from the Defence Force because the so-called sources that you have might not give you the correct positions as they prevail. I would like to urge the media that we are not in the James Bond business, we are in a war fighting business and therefore security of our people is paramount for all of us,' he said. He explained that the withdrawal is being coordinated by SADC, which has allocated a budget funded by contributions from all its member states. Lieutenant-General Lucky Sangweni, chief of joint operations, said the initial plan was to complete the movement from Goma to Tanzania in one day, given the short distance. However, site conditions and vehicle breakdowns delayed the process, taking two days. He said preparations are now underway for phased movements from Goma to Tanzania, with adjustments made to accommodate the challenges encountered. 'Our plans might now be affected in terms of when exactly we will be able to finalise the movement but there is quite a lot of work that is being done in Goma and Sake,' he said.
