‘SA dips its head in honour’ — Ramaphosa pays tribute to fallen soldiers

SANDF

Cape Town – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping in Africa despite concerns raised by MPs over the deployment of SANDF troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Speaking at Air Force Base Swartkop in Pretoria during a memorial for 14 SANDF soldiers killed in clashes with M23 rebels, Ramaphosa emphasised the country’s role in peacebuilding.

As the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, Ramaphosa presided over the handover ceremony while facing mounting criticism and growing calls to withdraw South African troops from the DRC.

He honoured the fallen soldiers, acknowledging their sacrifice and the nation’s collective mourning.

“Yes, they lost their lives in defence of the defenceless… Even if they may sound like they are faraway countries, they are still Africans. Indeed the SANDF is a force that is for the brave and those who have taken an oath to serve the people of our country but as we our called upon to participate in missions of our continent but also in international missions, they responded to that call to serve.

“As a nation, we are proud of our very brave fallen soldiers. We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers back home. We must fufill our duty to fulfill their mission,” Ramaphosa said.

He expressed gratitude to the fallen soldiers for their sacrifice, which helped ensure the freedom and peace of others.

“Let us celebrate their lives and give them the honour that they deserve. South Africa dips its head collectively in honour of these soldiers,” Ramaphosa said.

He also thanked the SANDF for repatriating their remains and expressed gratitude to the bereaved families for their service to South Africa.

“I am very pleased to be leading a South African National Defence Force that is so well organised as to be able to give them the military honours as we lay them to rest in all parts of the country where they have come from.  The children of our various provinces have lost their lives. Let us celebrate their lives and give them the honour that they deserve. South Africa dips its head collectively in honour of these soldiers.”

He added: “I know that it is a difficult time for you all as families. It is also a difficult time for us as a nation, and we will forever remember them.”

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