South African Government has handed over of the mortal remains of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo, to the families.
The President, Cyril Ramaphosa who made the handing over paid his respects to the families of the departed soldiers alongside Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Angie Motshekga and Chief of the SANDF General Rudzani Maphwanya at the Air Force Base Swartkops on Thursday.
South Africa mourned the tragic and devastating loss of its brave soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo as the National Flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country for a period of seven days from Friday.
At the Memorial service on Thursday, the President extended his condolences on behalf of the South African government and people to the families and the people of the United Republic of Tanzania and the Republic of Malawi for the loss of their soldiers.
According to him, “Our nation is in mourning for these brave souls who lost their lives in defence of our brothers and sisters in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. On behalf of all the people of South Africa, I offer my profound and deepest sympathies to the families of our fallen soldiers.
“They lost their lives in the name of duty, in pursuit of peace and in the cause of silencing the guns across our beloved continent Africa. They lost their lives in defence of the defenceless.
“Indeed, the SANDF is for the brave, for the proud. We have fulfilled our duty to bring our soldiers home. We must fulfil our duty to complete their mission”, the President added.
Ramaphosa thanked the Ministry of Defence and the leadership of the SANDF for making every effort to repatriate the remains of these fallen troops to their families. “Our thanks go to the United Nations, Southern African Development Community and other governments for their assistance”.
He spoke about their operation which he said its involved considerable logistical challenges at a time when the security situation in the eastern DRC remains volatile. “This solemn occasion is a stark reminder of the great cost of building peace, often paid in the lives of our finest.
He said, “As a troop contributing country to the SADC Mission in the DRC and the UN Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa remains firmly committed to supporting all processes to bring this terrible conflict to an end.
“We are encouraged by the outcomes of last week’s joint summit of the East African Community and Southern African Development Community, which resolved to prioritise a political solution to the crisis in the eastern DRC”.
The President reiterated South Africa’s call for an immediate ceasefire, for a cessation of hostilities and for all the warring parties to resume inclusive negotiations. 
“As Africans, we are one people. When one part of Africa bleeds, we feel its pain. The Congolese people cry out for protection, for an end to war and for dignity. The gallant soldiers we receive home today answered that call.
“To the families, we say, take comfort that they were heroes. Their work in the DRC was not just about maintaining order. It was about building bridges, fostering understanding and creating pathways to lasting peace.
“We will not weaken in our resolve to realise the vision of an Africa free from war and conflict; an Africa free of poverty and underdevelopment; and an Africa at peace with itself and the world.
“The achievement of this vision is the most fitting tribute we can pay to our fallen heroes and the greatest honour to their memory”, South African leader said.
The slain soldiers are: Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola, Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi, Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
Corporal Matome Justice Malesa,
Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani.
Others are: Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo, Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo, Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi, Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe, Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele, Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi,
Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe, Private Peter Jacobus Strydom.
