In a contentious debate within South Africa’s National Assembly, the African National Congress (ANC) and its government of national unity (GNU) partners find themselves at loggerheads regarding the ongoing military engagement in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). This division follows the tragic death of 14 South African soldiers in the Central African conflict, leaving grieving families anxiously awaiting the repatriation of their loved ones’ remains.
International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola articulated a fervent defence for South Africa’s involvement in DRC, asserting that withdrawal from such a complex situation would be “reckless.” During Monday’s urgent debate, he underscored the country’s historical commitment to peacekeeping on the continent, emphasising, “Since the dawn of our democracy, our country has been an unwavering champion for peace and justice on the continent and the globe.”
Lamola reiterated that the peacekeeping mission aligns with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission, sanctioned by the African Union (AU) and supported by the United Nations (UN). He remarked, “Abrupt withdrawal … is worse than a surrender,” advocating for a multinational approach to the conflict that transcends any single nation’s efforts.
The minister further pointed out South Africa’s vested interests in maintaining stability, noting the major corporate players like MultiChoice and MTN that nurture economic ties across the continent. ANC MP Malusi Gigaba echoed Lamola’s sentiments, insisting on the moral obligation to support the soldiers deployed in the DRC. He referenced President Cyril Ramaphosa’s State of the Nation address, which reaffirmed the country’s role in upholding “progressive internationalism.”
Despite this unified government front, the debate became heated as opposition parties vehemently criticised the SANDF’s continued presence in the DRC. Democratic Alliance (DA) MP Chris Hattingh called for immediate disengagement, stating that a successful offensive would demand capabilities the current military structures lack. “Let’s be realistic … we need strong, decisive and competent leadership — something the SANDF has not seen in a very long time,” he declared.
Calls for accountability were echoed by ActionSA’s Athol Trollip, who urged Defence Minister Angie Motshekga to resign for allegedly sending troops into the conflict without adequate preparation. Others, including Freedom Front Plus leader Pieter Groenewald, decried a lack of transparency regarding the military mission, claiming that critical information had been withheld from President Ramaphosa.
Meanwhile, the uMlkhonto weSizwe party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema have also voiced their concerns, each advocating for an end to what they describe as an unwinnable battle. Malema pointed to the systemic weakening of the SANDF, citing budget cuts that compromise the military’s operational effectiveness.
The debate on South Africa’s role in the DRC comes at a crucial time as the nation grapples with balancing national interests against the moral implications of foreign military engagement. With families mourning the loss of soldiers, the call for a unified approach, accountability, and a reassessment of military strategies resonates across the political spectrum.