Cape Town – ANC secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, has rejected allegations that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) was deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to protect the business interests of individuals.
These claims resurfaced after the deaths of 13 soldiers in the region, which is known for its untapped mineral reserves, including gold, cobalt, and copper.
Speaking on Tuesday, Mbalula dismissed the allegations as false, saying that while South African business people are involved in mining in the DRC, their interests do not require military protection.
“They didn’t die there because they were protecting minerals of somebody. Our people must not be misled. They were there for peace. And that is what it is all about. And it must be understood.
“We have taken this decision after a collective action outlined in the SADC mutual defence act of 2003,” he said.
Furious ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has condemned speculation that the 13 SANDF soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo were there to protect someone’s minerals.
He emphasized that their mission in the DRC is a peacekeeping effort, not one centered around… pic.twitter.com/0n3uImO5xc
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 28, 2025
Mbalula emphasised that the SANDF’s mission is a peacekeeping operation, not a combat mission.
“We didn’t leave here with all our artillery to go to war. We went there to maintain peace and join others. In the process of that, when we’re faced with challenges, and we get attacked and probably, I don’t know, we become collateral in the conflict, it’s a question that we need to address.
“This is exactly the point that President Cyril Ramaphosa is addressing with the heads of state because if we take everything stock and barrel and go to war in the DRC, the question will be relevant: for what?
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula says, “We didn’t send our soldiers to the DRC for war; we sent them to maintain peace.” pic.twitter.com/VoaQ6VAIFB
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) January 28, 2025
“We’re not there for war but to maintain peace, and all the risks must be looked at.”
Mbalula criticised claims that soldiers are unarmed or poorly equipped.
He reaffirmed that South Africa’s involvement in the DRC aligns with its commitment to peace under the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.
[WATCH] The ANC extends its deepest condolences to the families of the SANDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the UN Mission deployed in the eastern DRC. These brave men and women paid the ultimate price in their… pic.twitter.com/EbstoPZv9C
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) January 28, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
