SA dips its head collectively in SANDF soldiers honour: Ramaphosa

President Cyril Ramaphosa President says government takes seriously the concerns that various MPs have raised over the deployment of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC),  however, the country has an important role to play in safeguarding peace in Africa.

He spoke at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Pretoria yesterday evening during a handover ceremony and memorial service for the 14 SANDF soldiers, who were killed in fierce fighting between the M23 rebels and the DRC military in the eastern part of the central African country two weeks ago.

Their remains were repatriated on Wednesday.

Ramaphosa says the soldiers were in pursuit of peace.

He says, “We are a trusted country and a reliable country when it comes to peacebuilding. We have succeeded in bringing peace and building peace in a number of countries on our continent, and yes, we have lost heroic soldiers in the course of doing so in many missions that our country and our soldiers have been involved in. This is one of those missions. The achievement of this vision is the most fitting tribute that we can pay to our fallen heroes and the greatest honour to their memories.”

Ramaphosa also thanked the SANDF for facilitating the repatriation of the bodies and the bereaved families for allowing their loved ones to serve South Africa.

He says, “I am very pleased to be leading a South African National Defence Force that is so well organised as to be able to give them the military honours as we lay them to rest in all parts of the country where they have come from.  The children of our various provinces have lost their lives. Let us celebrate their lives and give them the honour that they deserve. South Africa dips its head collectively in honour of these soldiers.”

VIDEO | Handover ceremony and memorial service for SANDF soldiers: