WATCH | Motshekga denies SANDF supply crisis in DRC

Angie Motshekga

Cape Town – Defence Minister Angie Motshekga has dismissed reports that South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are running out of supplies.

She addressed the media alongside Deputy Minister Bantu Holomisa and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola on Wednesday, following the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers in clashes with M23 rebels and the Rwanda Defence Force (RDF).

“In terms of resorces… I personally went to Goma and I got briefing from all the generals. At no stage did they say they have no ammunition,” Motshekga said. 

She described the situation in the DRC as “very volatile” and emphasised ongoing coordination with SAMIDRC allies.

Motshekga reiterated calls for a ceasefire, arguing that peace talks are the only solution to the conflict.

The minister also refuted claims that SANDF soldiers surrendered after a video showed them waving a white flag, explaining that the flag was used to communicate neutrality and allow M23 to retrieve their dead.

“Unfortunately for us, when we were at Goma, the DRC forces were fighting Rwandan forces over our heads. That’s where we lost the three people.

“So we had to quickly communicate with M23 to say we’re not part of the battle, so don’t fire over our heads.

“That’s why then we agreed with them that we’ll hoist the white flag to say we’re not part of the battle — we don’t want to be dragged into it,” Motshekga said.

Article written by