Cape Town – All South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for peacekeeping have returned home.
The final group of 233 soldiers landed in the Free State on Wednesday, marking the end of their mission in Goma.
“Today, the 25th of June 2025 a poignant chapter in our nation’s history unfolded, marking the return of the eighth and ninth groups of South African National Defence Force soldiers. This was not merely a homecoming; it was a celebration steeped in courage, sacrifice, and an indomitable spirit that defines the essence of our nation,” SANDF said in a statement.
“The moment the soldiers set foot on their homeland, a wave of emotion swept over some of them, it was as if the boarding stairs resonated with the collective heartbeat of the nation, a nation with no divisions, no ranks, no titles, just brotherhood and unity.”
The soldiers’ withdrawal follows a ceasefire between the DRC military and the M23 rebel group.
Around 3,000 SANDF troops had been deployed to the SADC Mission in the DRC over a year ago.
The mission was marked by intense conflict earlier in 2025, resulting in thousands of deaths, including 14 South African soldiers.
The SANDF has hailed the troops’ return as a moment to honour their bravery and sacrifice.
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