The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has repatriated 127 critically injured soldiers from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following violent clashes with M23 rebels.
The wounded troops have been admitted to 1 Military Hospital in Pretoria for urgent medical care, highlighting concerns over the preparedness and capability of South Africa’s military intervention in the war-torn region.
The SANDF soldiers were deployed to Goma, in eastern DRC, as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission (MONUSCO). Their mandate was to assist the Congolese army in combating armed groups, particularly the M23 rebels, whose resurgence has destabilized the region.
However, the deployment has been marred by controversy, with military experts and political analysts questioning South Africa’s ability to sustain such a mission. The repatriation of injured soldiers has reignited criticism of the government’s handling of the SANDF, with accusations of underfunding, poor leadership, and outdated equipment hampering operational effectiveness.
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A Mission under fire
Lieutenant General Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha did not mince words when he described the SANDF as a “Mickey Mouse” defence force, accusing the government of failing to adequately equip and support its troops.
Independent defence analyst Kobus Marais echoed these concerns, stating: “Currently, we don’t observe any mature leadership. We have not seen any significant management will or determination from the government or the Military Command Council to downsize the SANDF and curb their ambitions.”
Pikkie Greeff, national secretary of the SA National Defence Union, placed the blame squarely on politicians, saying, “Everything that the Sergeant General said there is factual… It needed to be said, and people don’t always like what they hear, but the ones who don’t like it are the ones who made it the way it is. And that’s the politicians.”
He warned that the SANDF was in “serious trouble”.
The SANDF’s involvement in the DRC has raised concerns about South Africa’s military spending priorities. Reports indicate that soldiers in the field have faced shortages of essential equipment, including ambulances, medical supplies, and attack helicopters. Military clinics have also been forced to close or reduce operating hours due to financial constraints.
Despite these challenges, the government has continued to push for regional peacekeeping missions, sparking debate over whether South Africa is overextending its military commitments while struggling to secure its own borders. Critics argue that the defence budget is inadequate for both the SANDF’s constitutional obligations and President Cyril Ramaphosa’s deployment ambitions.
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The human cost
The toll of the mission has been deeply felt in South Africa. Fourteen were killed last month, sparking outrage and prompting Parliament to debate the deployment.
Jerry Maseko, Limpopo’s MEC for Sports, Arts, and Culture, expressed the province’s grief, stating: “Our hearts are broken in Limpopo with eight of our sons having paid the highest price. This loss shows that the people of Limpopo are willing to serve the nation and the continent, no matter at what cost to themselves”.
Maseko also acknowledged the soldiers’ sacrifice, adding: “We respect what they are doing for peace in South Africa, our Southern African region, and the entire continent.”
The repatriation of the critically injured soldiers marks a turning point in South Africa’s involvement in the DRC. While the remaining troops are expected to return home in the coming days, the mission’s failures and logistical shortcomings have left lingering questions about the SANDF’s future role in regional conflicts.
Siphiwe Dlamini, spokesperson for the SANDF, defended the military’s efforts, stating: “The SANDF, in coordination with other relevant role-players, have worked tirelessly to ensure the safe return of our wounded members.”
