More than 250 SANDF troops deployed to DRC set to arrive back on home soil! Over 250 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops who were deployed to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are set to arrive back on home soil on Friday afternoon.
The troops are expected to land at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein at midday.
This marks the end of the SANDF’s participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, which saw South African soldiers fight alongside Malawian and Tanzanian troops in an effort to restore peace in the eastern part of the country.
SANDF troops deployed to DRC
In May, South Africa withdrew its troops from the DRC, having lost 14 soldiers in a battle with M23 rebels in January.
The loss of lives sparked a national outcry, resulting in a public spat between President Cyril Ramaphosa and Rwandan President Paul Kagame on X.
Ramaphosa’s labelling of the Rwandan Defence Force as a “militia” didn’t sit well with Kagame.
Tensions between the countries have since subsided.
In May, both leaders formed part of a presidential panel at the opening of the African CEO Forum in the Ivory Coast.
Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is expected to welcome the troops upon their arrival.
In other news – Shebeshxt opens up about the pain of losing his daughter
Controversial Limpopo rapper, Shebeshxt, has opened up about his grief after the death of his daughter. On June 8 2024, the star was involved in a crash on his way to a gig which left him seriously injured, his partner Kholofelo Moloto with moderate to serious injuries, and claimed the life of their nine-year-old daughter.
While he has since been back at work, Shebeshxt, real name Lehlogonolo Chauke, said the death left him devastated to a point of no recovery. Read More
