The Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU) welcomes home the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) peacekeeping mission to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).  We salute these heroic soldiers for their tireless efforts and sacrifices to bring peace to the DRC and protect innocent civilians from one of the continent’s most intractable decades long conflicts.  The nation mourns the loss of gallant members of the SANDF during the course of this important mission. 

South Africa, under the leadership of successive administrations led by the African National Congress since 1994, has played an invaluable role in seeking negotiated solutions to conflicts across Africa, including the DRC, Sudan, Burundi, Mozambique, Lesotho and Comores.  The deployment of the SANDF in support of such internationally mandated peacekeeping missions has helped bring peace to many of these nations. 

Ultimately wars and conflicts need to be settled at the negotiations table, including those in the DRC.  The SANDF can only help to enforce peace.

Whilst supporting the brave efforts and sacrifices of the members of the SANDF, we must provide them with the support, including training, weaponry, vehicles, protection and facilities as well as political; if they are to be able to fulfill their missions.  It is not acceptable that SANDF personnel are deployed with insufficient training, lack of working transport, little air cover or even the most basic of equipment, e.g. uniforms, boots, tents and protective gear. 

COSATU supports the call of Parliament’s Defence Committees on the need for a comprehensive review of the SANDF’s funding to enable it to not only fulfill its constitutional mandates, but also to ensure the personnel of the SANDF are protected from unnecessary risks to life and limb. 

South Africa must continue to play a leading role in securing peace in the continent.  Our destiny is intrinsically tied to Africa’s peace, stability and economic development, including reducing unsustainable migration flows and opening up trade and investment opportunities.  This requires a SANDF that is given the full support of the Fiscus. 

COSATU will be seeking urgent engagements between the Ministry for Defence and the Federation, as well as the South African Security Forces Union and the South African National Defence Union to ensure that the rights and needs of SANDF personnel are addressed and protected at all times. 

Issued by COSATU

Matthew Parks (COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator)

Cell: 082 785 0687

Email: matthew@cosatu.org.za