Latest news with #JointStandingCommitteeonDefence
eNCA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
SADC must account for troop withdrawal delays
JOHANNESBURG - The Southern African Development Community is responsible for the withdrawal of South African troops from the DRC. That's according to the Chairperson of Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi The Southern African Development Community is responsible for the withdrawal of South African troops from the DRC. That's according to the Chairperson of Parliament's Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Malusi Gigaba. South African soldiers deployed as part of the SADC peacekeeping mission remain stuck in Goma, with no clear plan for their return home.
IOL News
13-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
Defence Committee welcomes SANDF's secure withdrawal from DRC
The Joint Standing Committee on Defence has welcomed the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) ongoing withdrawal from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing assurances from senior commanders that the process is steady and secure. The committee also backed continued support for regional peacekeeping efforts and the extension of Operation Copper. Co-Chairperson of the Committee Malusi Gigaba, said the arrival of two convoys at a transit camp marked progress in the safe repatriation of forces and equipment. 'The assurance that all measures have been put in place to ensure that the movement and withdrawal of both personnel and equipment will be done safely and securely and the arrival of the two convoys at the transit camp is a testament to the effective planning that has taken place,' he said. The committee noted that prime mission equipment would be transported by sea and highlighted the importance of ensuring its security, especially since private contractors will be involved. It also expects a full exit report upon the mission's conclusion, including financial details.
eNCA
11-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
Committee says 'too early' for Parliamentary inquiry
JOHANNESBURG - The Joint Standing Committee on Defence says it's still too early for an inquiry into the mission to the DRC. It says it is still awaiting an exit report from the Defence Department. South African troops are expected back at the end of the month after SADC ended its mission to eastern DRC.
Zawya
14-02-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
South Africa: Defence Committee Welcomes Repatriation of Gallant Soldiers Killed in Democratic Republic of Congo Conflict
The Co-Chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Mr Malusi Gigaba and Mr Phiroane Phala, participated in the handing over ceremony of the mortal remains of South African National Defence Force soldiers who lost their lives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 'We appreciate the work done by the department, United Nations, SADC and the SANDF to repatriate our gallant soldiers back home for their final burial,' said Mr Phala. 'The committee has always believed that while the process is complex, everything should be done to return the remains to the country. We remain grateful that this has finally happened despite the delays.' In the spirit of ubuntu and cooperation, the committee appreciates Uganda's contribution to facilitating the transfer of the soldiers' remains from the DRC to South Africa. 'The spirit of cooperation is what is needed currently to enable dialogue, which will be critical in finding solutions to the longstanding instability in the DRC,' said Mr Gigaba. The committee has also reiterated that participation in peacekeeping missions is an obligation that cannot be abandoned. 'South Africa, as part of the African Union (AU), subscribes to the AU's Agenda 2063, which aims to silence the guns and provide a framework of diplomacy, conflict resolution and sustainable development to ensure peace on our continent. It is on this basis that we continue to support the deployment of the SANDF as a diplomatic tool to peacebuilding on the continent,' Mr Gigaba said. While the committee remains of the view that a thorough investigation is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the incident and prevent its recurrence, the continued use of all diplomatic tools available remains necessary to advance the strategic goals of peace, security, and prosperity. The return of the mortal remains of the soldiers is a realisation of the promise made by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF to the committee that no stone will be left unturned to repatriate our fallen soldiers back to South Africa. 'It is now critical that families of the fallen soldiers are given adequate support and care during this difficult time,' Mr Phala said. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
