The latest fatalities occurred during intense battles between SANDF troops and M23 rebels near Goma on Sunday and Monday, with footage emerging showing soldiers surrendering by waving white flags. Four more soldiers perished in the onslaught on the UN peacekeeping mission.
This devastating loss has ignited a firestorm of criticism, with prominent figures demanding accountability and transparency. EFF Member of Parliament Carl Niehaus, a member of Parliament’s portfolio committee on defence and military veterans and the joint standing committee of defence, has directly called for Motshekga’s resignation. In a scathing interview with IOL, Niehaus expressed his profound disappointment and anger at the Minister’s handling of the situation.
“She must go, she must resign,” Niehaus declared. He pointed to Motshekga’s recent appearance on SABC, where she reportedly stated that the SANDF was fully capable and that the situation in the DRC was under control. “At that time, this tragedy we are now aware of, was already playing out,” he stated, highlighting the stark contrast between Motshekga’s assurances and the grim reality on the ground.
Niehaus further criticised the perceived inadequacy of SANDF equipment and training compared to the M23 rebels.
“The sad thing is that the M23 rebels are far better equipped, with technical equipment and training than what the SANDF troops are. This is not something we learned yesterday. We knew it all along, so to have sent the troops there, was to send them to a killing field,” he said.
He concluded his criticism with a damning assessment of the Minister’s competence, stating: “For the minister to have recently said on an SABC show that all is well, it is misleading and a lie. The minister is out of her depth, she is incompetent and she must resign.”
Adding to the growing controversy, a Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Defence meeting with Motshekga, scheduled for Wednesday, has been postponed indefinitely. The meeting was intended to discuss various issues, including reports on the SA Military Health Services’ pharmacies.
The tragic loss of life has also prompted calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to address the nation. Several political parties are urging him to speak to the South African public, providing clarity and expressing condolences. Build One South Africa (BOSA) Acting Spokesman Roger Solomons criticised Ramaphosa’s silence, calling for an urgent “family meeting” to update citizens on the situation.
“These South Africans paid the ultimate price in a mission aimed at stopping rebel groups in the region. We extend our heartfelt condolences to their families and loved ones,” Solomons said.
He raised serious questions about the true motives behind South Africa’s military involvement in the DRC, questioning whether it is a selfless peacekeeping mission or driven by geopolitical and resource interests.
“For too long, South Africans have been kept in the dark about the true motives and implications of our military’s involvement in this resource-rich, yet war-torn region. We deserve answers,” he added. “It can only be national interests that require military power to be deployed to another country,” he stated emphatically.
Similarly, Congress of the People (COPE) Acting National Treasurer Teboho Loate highlighted the need for decisive action from Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF.
“The tragic loss of soldiers demands not only a call for peace but also a clear strategy to protect our military personnel. How many more soldiers should die on the battlefield before Ramaphosa addresses the nation to show sympathy and empathy?” he questioned.
