Cape Town - The families of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members killed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are expected to finally receive the mortal remains of their loved ones on Thursday.

“The handing over ceremony of the mortal remains of the SANDF heroes, who lost their lives in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), will take place (at the) Air Force Base Swartkop,” said SANDF spokesperson Simphiwe Dlamini.

The fallen soldiers are:

Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola,

Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi,

Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe,

Corporal Matome Justice Malesa,

Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani,

Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo,

Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo,

Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi,

Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe,

Rifleman Derrick Maluleke,

Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele,

Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi,

Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe,

Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.

They were killed when rebel group the M23, backed by Rwandan forces, advanced to the crucial area of Goma in the DRC. The soldiers were part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which includes troops from Malawi and Tanzania.

In an opinion piece this week, Professor Theo Neethling, of the Department of Political Studies and Governance at the University of the Free State, highlights the severe underfunding the SANDF has experienced over the years.

“The defence budget then further decreased to 1.54% of GDP in 2004/05 and levelled out in 2014/15 at around 1.2% to 1.1% of GDP. Despite a dwindling defence budget, the government increasingly expected the SANDF to support the SAPS as murder and death rates rose to levels comparable to – or in some cases even exceeding – those in high-intensity war zones internationally.”

The South African Aerospace, Maritime and Defence Industries Association (AMD) believes revitalising the SANDF could play a key role in helping the government meet some of its goals.

ADM executive chairperson Sandile Ndlovu said South Africa must explore alternative funding models. Ndlovu said a public-private partnership (PPP) could provide relief by allowing private companies to finance and develop military systems while the government pays over an extended period.

He said this model fosters innovation, efficiency, and long-term sustainability.

“It will be interesting to see if Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana deals with defence spending in his Budget Speech later this month. As the most industrialised nation in Africa and the current president of the G20, our role on the continent and globally is in sharp focus,” said Ndlovu.

Rise Mzansi also called for an adequate defence budget and a new strategic plan during the National Assembly debate on the recent casualties incurred by SANDF in the DRC and their implications for the defence force.

Cape Argus