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First batch of SANDF members from SAMIDRC.
The fourth group of soldiers returning from the SADC peacekeeping mission in the DRC has arrived at Bram Fischer International Airport in Bloemfontein.
The soldiers are expected to begin with their demobilization programme at Tempe Military base in Bloemfontein.
Their return follows a ceasefire agreement between the M23 rebels and the DRC military. The phased withdrawal is expected to be completed by June 25th.
South Africa lost 14 soldiers as M23 rebels advanced on Goma earlier this year.
The University of Stellenbosch’s Professor Sindi Heinecken says most soldiers need proper counselling before being integrated back into their families and work units respectively.
“So, while our soldiers are adequately prepared to reintegrate back into the unit and back into families. The actual family members don’t fully understand the difficulties and trauma that the soldiers had gone through while on their deployment, like external and as well as internal factors depending on family relations. This is really one those difficult faces for the soldiers coming back. Because even if they have not seen conflict which is unlike us, there’s an element of post-traumatic stress”.
