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The Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Dakota Legoete, has expressed deep sadness at the tragic loss of nine members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
 
The SANDF members stationed in the DRC, as part of both Southern African Development Community and the United Nations peacekeeping deployments to the area were engaged in intense combat over two days with the M23 rebel group near Goma, the provincial capital of the eastern DRC. The SANDF confirmed on 25 January that nine SANDF members were killed during combat and several others injured.
 
“These brave soldiers were deployed to the DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission aimed at promoting stability and safeguarding the region. Their sacrifice serves as a solemn reminder of the heavy price of freedom,” Mr Legoete said.
 
Mr Legoete further said: “The loss of life is deeply regrettable, especially on foreign soil. However, we salute these fallen heroes for their courage and commitment. Their efforts successfully repelled the enemy, averting what could have been a catastrophic tragedy for the innocent civilians of Goma.” The committee will use its upcoming engagements with the Department of Defence to ensure that efforts are made to ensure that the SANDF contingent in the DRC is well supported and capacitated.
 
“On behalf of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the families of the deceased, as well as to the broader SANDF community. We honour their unwavering dedication to their mission, the SANDF, and the people of South Africa. May their bravery and sacrifice never be forgotten,”  Mr Legoete said.

Issued by the Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, Dakota Legoete