The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has confirmed that processes are underway to repatriate the bodies of the 14 fallen soldiers and their identities have been released.

FLAG AT HALF MAST

During the State of the Nation Address on Thursday, President Cyril Ramaphosa declared that flag will fly at half mast to honour the fallen heroes. 

"They lost their lives, not in the pursuit of resources of power. They lost their lives so that guns on our continent may be forever silenced. So we salute them," Ramaphosa said.

IDENTIFIED 

The SANDF also reveled the identity of the soldiers as Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe, Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani, Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Corporal Matome Justice Malesa, Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Private Peter Jacobus Strydom, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele and Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi. They lost their lives while fighting the M23 rebels in the DRC between 23-27 January.

The SANDF's Siphiwe Dlamini said, "Following delays that were encountered for the movement of the remains of the deceased from the DRC to the United Nations Logistics Base in Entebbe, Uganda, the SANDF can confirm that the movement is now under way. The movement is conducted by the UN. It is expected that by Sunday afternoon East African Time (EAT), they will arrive in Entebbe and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi and Tanzania," he added.