A memorial service for the 14 soldiers who died in the Democratic Republic of Congo was held last night at the Swartkops Airforce Base in Centurion, Gauteng, where their remains were also handed over to their families. The families gathered as the rain poured.
IT WAS NOT IN VAIN
Amongst attendees was Commander in Chief of the SANDF army, President Cyril Ramaphosa, who commended the fallen soldiers' bravery and selflessness on their mission to restore peace in the DRC. "Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. On behalf of all the people of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers. They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent of Africa. They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless," he said. He added:"As Africans, we are one people. When one part of Africa bleeds, we feel its pain. The Congolese people cry out for protection, the end of war, and their dignity. The gallant soldiers whose lives we are celebrating and mourning answered the call."
REST IN PEACE
The fallen soldiers, 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, and Private Peter Jacobus Strydom were commended for their sacrifice. "Thank you for your sacrifice that others may be free. You died on the battlefield, far from all you held dear. But you are home now. You have come to your rest. We are here to receive you with open arms. SANDF Commander General Rudzani Maphwanya said: "Our soldiers went into the heart of darkness with deep courage. I must address my message to the generals, both serving and retired; our utterances and behaviour must reflect that resolve to occupy the moral high ground befitting the ethical morality that governs the general staff. If there is a national security issue that affects our nation, grandstanding on national TV may not bring an immediate solution."
