Cape Town – Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga has announced that injured members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) who were involved in battles with M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) will soon return home.
This follows the cancellation of a mission to bring back over 100 injured and ill SANDF soldiers last week, according to Times Live.
Motshekga made the announcement during the funeral of rifleman Richard Chokoe, one of 14 SANDF members who lost their lives in the conflict.
Speaking to Newzroom Afrika, the minister emphasised the government’s duty to support soldiers in the field and pledged assistance for the families of fallen soldiers.
“We are expecting the injured ones to be back soon. We are also in direct communication with those who are in the DRC for other missions,” Motshekga said.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga says SANDF members who were injured in DRC during a battle with M23 rebels will be back to the country “soon.” She committed the government to looking after the families of the 14 fallen soldiers. @mwelimasilela has more.
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“Our soldiers face unimaginable challenges in the field. It’s our duty to provide them with the support they need to succeed and return home safely. Those who are in mission, we will work with them and make sure they get all the necessary support. As government we continue to commit ourselves to work with them.”
Motshekga also expressed confidence in South Africa’s international relations and the positive progress being made regarding the situation in the DRC, following endorsements from the UN and the African Union.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
