Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya has called on ‘overnight defence specialists’ to show sympathy to grieving families rather than playing the blame game.
Image: Jacques Naude/African News Agency(ANA)
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya has strongly criticised what he termed “overnight defence specialists” for playing the blame game over the deaths of 14 SANDF troops killed in the Democratic republic of Congo (DRC).
He argued that this rhetoric exacerbates the pain of those already mourning, urging empathy in times of national tragedy.
“As a commander of the National Defence Force, I urge that we both, serving and retired generals, including our media, should not be playing a blame game at this moment if indeed we are concerned about our challenges and supporting our soldiers and their bereaved families,” Maphwanya said at the memorial service for the fallen troops on Thursday night at Air Force Base Swartkop in Centurion.
The soldiers were killed two weeks ago by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group while on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC.
Inside the memorial service, candles were lit in their honour and framed photos of the slain soldiers were set against the backdrop of the national flag.
Maphwanya's comments followed sharp criticism from defence analysts and former SANDF members, who questioned the adequacy of the troops’ equipment and support in the DRC.
The debate has sparked political calls to withdraw troops from the DRC, citing concerns over the military’s preparedness to confront the M23 rebels.
Some politicians even suggested that the deployment was aimed at protecting President Cyril Ramaphosa’s mining industry, a claim he has since rubbished.
In his address, Maphwanya responded forcefully to the critics, urging the nation to prioritise support for the bereaved over political or military debates.
“If indeed we feel that the nation has the right to know, we will make the people know,” he said.
The bodies of the 14 fallen soldiers have been handed over to their families in a moving ceremony.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
He stressed the importance of allowing time for mourning before discussing military operations and challenges surrounding them.
“It is more appropriate to first go through a period of mourning, where people grieve and reflect,” Maphwanya said, adding the discussions should come after that time of collective reflection.
Maphwanya further emphasised that it is inappropriate for a nation in grief to apportion blame on the deployment’s status.
He also stressed the need for increased involvement in military capacity, acknowledging that strengthening defence infrastructure requires substantial time and resources.
“This drastic injection is urgent. We are fighting to establish a defence force of the future,” Maphwanya said.
“Buying weapons is not like buying bread … it takes long.”
He added that it is no use at this time of national mourning to politicise the issues surrounding South Africa’s involvement in the DRC.
“In my opinion, bringing and discussing these issues at this particular moment of mourning is indeed insensitive and tantamount to rubbing the salt on the gaping wounds of the nation in grief,” Maphwanya added.
Maphwanya called on the leaders, both serving and retired, to inspire confidence and hope, emphasising that their words and actions should reflect the moral high ground that defines military staff conduct.
He cautioned: “Grandstanding on national television may not bring immediate solutions but may, in most instances, be harmful to the image of our country and to that particular individual as a general, his reputation becomes questionable.”
The remains of the 14 SANDF killed in the DRC have been handed over to their families during a handover ceremony that was led by President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Image: SANDF/Se-Anne Rall
Prior to the memorial service, Ramaphosa the handed over of the remains of the fallen soldiers to the families.
He was flanked by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga, and Maphwanya, where he expressed his sincere sympathies to the families.
The emotional ceremony saw the coffins, draped in the national flag, being carried by soldiers and loaded into hearses.
Families had identified the remains of their loved ones earlier that day, ahead of the service.
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