Latest news with #SouthAfricanNationalDefenceForce
Eyewitness News
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
General Maphwanya: SANDF undeterred and committed to ensure peace prevails in Africa
JOHANNESBURG - The chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) , General Rudzani Maphwanya, has reaffirmed the defence force's commitment to ensure peace and stability in war-ridden regions. He addressed the annual global commemoration of the International Day of United Nations (UN) Peacekeepers in De Brug Army Base in Bloemfontein on Thursday. Soldiers who died in various peacekeeping missions were honoured during a wreath-laying ceremony, with the most recent being the 14 soldiers who died in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). READ: SANDF to honour 14 soldiers who died in DRC on UN Peacekeeping Day General Maphwanya said their commitment to the mission would not be forgotten. " We extend our deepest condolences to the families, friends, and comrades of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Their courage and selfless commitment to peace remain an inspiration. As the chief of the South African National Defence Force and the entire members of the National Defence Force, we remain undeterred and committed to working with like-minded forces to ensure peace prevails in our continent."
Eyewitness News
21-05-2025
- Business
- Eyewitness News
Budget 3.0: Funds for SANDF peacekeeping mission in DRC reduced to R3 billion
JOHANNESBURG - Funding for the South African National Defence Force's (SANDF) peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been reduced to R3 billion. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced the decision to cut the funding during his budget speech on Wednesday. ALSO READ: DRC says it is 'indebted' to SA for sacrifices made by SANDF troops during peacekeeping mission SANDF soldiers have been deployed in Goma for over 15 months for peacekeeping efforts amid ongoing conflict between the DRC's armed forces and M23 rebels. However, the government recently confirmed a phased withdrawal of SANDF troops from the mission. Godongwana says the decision to reduce funding is due to this planned withdrawal. "In this regard, the R5 billion we had proposed to allocate to the Department of Defence for its participation in the SADC mission in the DRC is reduced. But the allocation for 2025/26 has been increased from R1.8 billion to R3 billion. This will cover the immediate costs of an orderly and safe withdrawal of our troops and mission equipment."
eNCA
19-05-2025
- Politics
- eNCA
SANDF downplays claims of stranded troops
GOMA - In the latest from the South African National Defence Force, claims are swirling that a group of troops is stranded in the eastern DRC. READ: SANDF starts phased withdrawal from DRC Reportedly buses meant to transport soldiers from Goma back to South Africa never showed up. SANDF insists everything's on track, even though logistics seem to be giving them a bit of a headache. With around 3,000 South African troops stationed in Goma since December, it is no surprise that pulling them out is proving to be complicated. So, how should the government handle this withdrawal and the growing tensions around it? Defence expert Helmoed Heitman discussed these reports with eNCA.
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!
Eyewitness News
19-05-2025
- Politics
- Eyewitness News
SANDF downplays claims group of SA troops stranded in eastern DRC
JOHANNESBURG - The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has downplayed claims that a group of South African troops are stranded in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) in a stalled mission to withdraw peacekeepers in the warring country. This follows reports in the Sunday papers that buses meant to transport soldiers from Goma back to South Africa failed to arrive after army officials announced the scaling down of the mission two weeks ago. Around 3,000 SANDF troops have been stationed in Goma since December 2023 in peacekeeping efforts amid tensions between the DRC armed forces and M23 rebels. The decision to withdraw regional troops from the volatile eastern DRC was taken by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) after a ceasefire was brokered earlier in 2025. The first group of the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) troops exited Goma in April, including 30 South Africans who are part of a team responsible for organising the withdrawal of the remaining peacekeepers. ALSO READ: The second phase of the withdrawal is expected to wrap up in May. However, a report by the City Press has now cast doubt on the pace of the mission, with claims SADC has not hired the buses needed to complete the withdrawal due to a lack of funds. In a late-night statement, the SANDF refuted these claims, adding that the plans are still on track. Artillery, heavy weapons, and other equipment are being transported out by trucks. 'The South African National Defence Force wishes to assure the public that the withdrawal of the SAMIDRC contingent from the Democratic Republic of Congo is currently underway and proceeding according to plan, as previously communicated at the DoD Media Briefing held on Sunday, 4 May 2025,' the statement reads. 'The logistical arrangements for the withdrawal remain under the full coordination and control of the Southern African Development Community. 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. While the SANDF has come under fire for deploying troops where 14 South African soldiers died, army chief Rudzani Maphwanya previously described the mission as a success.
