The co-chairpersons of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence Malusi Gigaba and Phiroane Phala stated that the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) as a diplomatic tool for peacebuilding on the continent will continue with support from the committee.

The co-chairpersons were speaking during the handing over ceremony of the bodies of the SANDF soldiers who lost their lives in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The soldiers were part of a multinational Southern African Development Community (SADC) force deployed to stabilise the region amid ongoing clashes between the DRC military and M23 rebels.

Gigaba reiterated that participation in peacekeeping missions was an obligation that could not be abandoned.

“South Africa, as part of the African Union (AU), subscribes to the AU’s Agenda 2063, which aims to silence the guns and provide a framework of diplomacy, conflict resolution and sustainable development to ensure peace on our continent,” he explained.

The remains of the fallen soldiers arrived in the country on Thursday, with Phala saying the committee appreciated the work done by the department, UN, SADC and the SANDF to repatriate the soldiers back home for their final burial.

“The committee has always believed that while the process is complex, everything should be done to return the remains to the country. We remain grateful that this has finally happened despite the delays,” he stated.

Gigaba noted that in the spirit of ubuntu and cooperation, the committee appreciated Uganda’s contribution to facilitating the transfer of the soldiers’ remains from the DRC to South Africa.

“The spirit of cooperation is what is needed currently to enable dialogue, which will be critical in finding solutions to the longstanding instability in the DRC,” he said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa said that the handover of the soldiers’ remains was solemn occasion that was a reminder of the great cost of building peace, often paid in the lives of the country’s finest.

“…and yet peace is an ideal for which we will forever strive.

“As a troop-contributing country to the SADC Mission in the DRC and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa remains firmly committed to supporting all processes to bring this terrible conflict to an end,” he said.

He added that the country was encouraged by the outcomes of last week’s joint summit of the East African Community and SADC, which resolved to prioritise a political solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC.

As President, Ramaphosa reiterated the call for an immediate ceasefire, for a cessation of hostilities and for all the warring parties to resume inclusive negotiations.

“As Africans, we are one people. When one part of Africa bleeds, we feel its pain. The Congolese people cry out for protection, for an end to war and for dignity. The gallant soldiers we receive home today answered that call,” he said.

He explained that the fallen SANDF members’ work in the  DRC, was not just about maintaining order, but also about building bridges, fostering understanding and creating pathways to lasting peace.

“We will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world,” he said.

Ramaphosa said the achievement of this vision was the most fitting tribute the country could pay to the fallen heroes.

Meanwhile, the Joint Standing Committee on Defence highlighted that while it believes a thorough investigation is necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding the death of SANDF members in DRC and prevent its recurrence, the continued use of diplomatic tools remains necessary to advance the strategic goals of peace, security, and prosperity.

“The return of the mortal remains of the soldiers is a realisation of the promise made by the Minister of Defence and the Chief of the SANDF to the committee that no stone will be left unturned to repatriate our fallen soldiers back to South Africa. It is now critical that families of the fallen soldiers are given adequate support and care during this difficult time,” said Phala.