Cape Town – Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says logistical challenges are delaying the return of 250 South African soldiers who were part of the SADC mission in the DRC.
Speaking at Tempe Military Base in Bloemfontein on Friday, she confirmed the troops have boarded a plane and are expected to arrive at Bloemspruit Air Force Base between today and tomorrow.
“The indication is the arrival has been delayed due to technical and logistical challenges with the contracted airline… We have been assured that they are on board and will definitely arrive any time today [Friday] or tomorrow [Saturday] by the earliest.”
LIVE | Speaking at a media briefing, Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga says the troops’ arrival has been delayed due to logistical challenges. pic.twitter.com/UivuffWnSS
— SABC News (@SABCNews) June 13, 2025
She added: “They initially started off the logistics with Tanzanian Airways but now they have moved to Kenyan Airways. Our officers in Tanzania said our soldiers are on board…
“So what we are expecting now is the arrival, which we don’t want to commit — but we are happy that they are on board. They can arrive any time, five hours from here, but they have not left when we last spoke to them.”
[WATCH] Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga says the first batch, consisting of 249 SANDF soldiers, is set to arrive in South Africa today. #Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/a11UaEQKuj
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) June 13, 2025
The SANDF previously lost 14 soldiers in the conflict, whose bodies were repatriated earlier this year.
Motshekga, along with military veterans and the command council, will welcome the returning troops.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
