Presidency dares critics to show proof of self-interest in DRC deployment

The Presidency has called on those who claim that the SANDF members deployed in the DRC are there to protect President Cyril Ramaphosa’s interests to provide proof.

President’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, addressed the media in Cape Town in the wake of the damning allegations on the SA troop’s role in the war-stricken eastern DRC.

His media address came as the bodies of 14 SANDF members, who died in the fierce fighting in Goma were being repatriated.

It was in response to backlash from some members of the Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans who took the SANDF top brass to task over the deployment of over 2000 troops.

They claim that the SA army is in the DRC to safeguard Ramaphosa’s mineral interests.

They are also alleging that the soldiers are not on a peacekeeping mission but rather an offensive one.

The Minister of Defence, Angie Motshekga, has, however, rejected the claims as unfounded.

Singing from the hymn book with the Minister, Magwenya says South Africa has been in 23 peacekeeping missions since the dawn of democracy.

“To reduce such a long commitment to the attainment of peace in the DRC to the protection of mining interests is completely devoid of any truth, and it lacks the knowledge and appreciation of South Africa’s role in ensuring peacekeeping or ensuring stability in the continent. We’ve been involved in over 20 peacekeeping missions on the continent, the latest being Mozambique, and there were never accusations there,” he told journalists.

Meanwhile, young people are calling on the President to provide clear and decisive guidance on the conflict that has claimed the lives of hundreds of people when he delivers his State of the Nation Address.

A Congolese national living in the bustling city of Cape Town has commended the SANDF’s efforts to restore peace in his home country.

“The President of Rwanda should stop being hypocritical; we are fighting a battle whereby there is a civil war in Congo and South Africa is swallowing their pride and helping them out. People died in that war; South Africans died in that war so it would be interesting to hear how the President addresses that issue.”

The death of the 14 soldiers in the DRC has sparked much debate in the country, including whether SA troops are fit for war or even adequately equipped when deployed.

Some political parties have called for the suspension of the military displays at SONA.

However, Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, says while they have not decided how to honour the fallen soldiers, the 21-gun salute will take place as planned. Written by Lindiwe Mpanza