The Deputy Minister of Defence, Bantu Holomisa, has announced plans for a thorough debriefing following the tragic deaths of 14 South African soldiers in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Minister Holomisa made the statement while attending the funeral service of Staff Sergeant William Cola, a member of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), in Louterwater, Eastern Cape.
During the service, Holomisa expressed his deepest condolences to the families affected by this loss and emphasised the importance of understanding the incidents that led to such devastating outcomes. “We will be doing a debrief after the incident in the DRC and in doing the debrief we will look at whether there were mistakes on our side and whether those mistakes can be verified,” Holomisa stated. He added that if any errors were identified, the department would engage with the National Treasury in accordance with established procedures.
The death of Staff Sergeant Cola has resonated deeply within the community and among his peers. Eastern Cape Premier, Oscar Mabuyane, spoke passionately about Cola’s sacrifice, describing him as a hero. “Because he is our son, he is our hero, we will definitely work with municipalities, the province to find something,” he said. Mabuyane highlighted the need to commemorate Cola’s legacy, advocating for homegrown recognition that would inspire youth in the region. “I would love to see the SANDF come here and put more young people into the career path,” he added.
The funeral service not only served as a memorial for Sergeant Cola but also as a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made by members of the SANDF in pursuit of peace and stability in troubled regions. As families and community members gathered to honour Cola’s brave service, the call for accountability and reflection within the Defence Department has never been more urgent.