One of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) more than two weeks ago, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, has been described as a brave and selfless soldier who died with his boots on.
This was revealed by SANDF Chief General Rudzani Maphwanya when delivering a keynote address during Maluleke’s funeral service in Nhaniki village outside Giyani in Limpopo on Sunday.
The SANDF said Maluleke was on his second deployment to the DRC, when he and thirteen of his colleagues died during clashes with the M23 rebels in the eastern city of Goma.
“What a humble giant we had in rifleman Maluleke, a vivid testimony of an unusually rare mixture of courage, persistence, tolerance, and selflessness.
His honesty was a hallmark of the respect he commanded to his peers.
His trustworthiness earned him the highest respect from his superiors.
His bravery was the epitome of his willingness to carry out daring and dangerous operations and paid the ultimate sacrifice with his life,” said Maphwanya.
The 36-year-old Maluleke was described as a loving and caring family man, by various speakers and villagers.
His widow paid tribute to him in a message that was read by a relative.
“You left this world but not my heart.
In my grief, my love gives testimony to the love that I have, ours was a great story that we will continue together someday on the other side.
Your death left a gaping hole in my life that I feel with the love that we shared.
I know it will not be easy to adapt but I promise you, I will do better because I have gained an angel,” read the message.
The peacekeeper leaves behind his wife, three children, five siblings and parents.
There’s been calls for the withdrawal of the soldiers from the DRC, but Maluleke’s friend and colleague, Vutivi Valoyi, said the mission must continue in the DRC, and implored on his colleagues “to fight in honour of the 14 who were killed.”
The soldier’s mortal remains were handed over to the families on Thursday by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the Air Force Base Swartkop in Centurion.
They were repatriated from Kampala, Uganda, on Wednesday night, following delays.
The SANDF said other soldiers are expected to be buried next weekend.