Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is set to appear before Parliament on Tuesday to provide an update on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This follows increasing pressure from political parties demanding clarity on the status of South African troops deployed in the region, particularly after the deaths of 14 soldiers last week, allegedly at the hands of M23 rebels.
The incident has sparked a diplomatic dispute between South Africa and Rwanda over the purpose of the mission and responsibility for the soldiers’ deaths.
Political parties expressed outrage last week when Dakota Legoete, chairperson of the Standing Committee on Defence, unilaterally cancelled a scheduled meeting where they had expected Motshekga to provide details on the casualties in Goma.
Legoete defended the decision, stating that the postponement was necessary to allow the minister sufficient time to compile a comprehensive report for Parliament.
South Africa has had over 1,000 troops stationed in the DRC since December 2023 as part of a joint peacekeeping effort under the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the United Nations. However, conflicting reports have emerged regarding the precise nature of their mission.
Concerns about the safety and preparedness of South African forces in the region have been ongoing. A year ago, a South African National Defence Force (SANDF) helicopter was shot down in the same area, resulting in the death of at least one soldier. This incident initially raised questions about whether troops were adequately equipped for the mission.
Calls for a More Subdued State of the Nation Address
Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has urged National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza to scale back the military displays typically featured at the upcoming State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Thursday.
The party argues that proceeding with a grand showcase of military strength, while troops face challenges abroad, would be inappropriate given the recent loss of soldiers.
DA MP Chris Hattingh stated, “The DA believes proceeding with the patronising display of military capability while our troops face hardships abroad in the absence thereof, is not only tone deaf, but also a gross disservice to those who have sacrificed for our country.”
Despite concerns over troop preparedness, Motshekga, who visited Goma in January, denied reports suggesting that soldiers lacked essential combat resources. Speaking at a media briefing last week, she insisted that claims of insufficient equipment were inaccurate.
Motshekga’s parliamentary briefing is expected to address these concerns and provide clarity on South Africa’s continued involvement in the DRC conflict.
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