The bodies of the 14 SANDF soldiers, that had been killed in clashes with Rwandan backed M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo, returned to the country earlier this year. Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana said government will commit R5 billion to the continued deployment of the troops in the DRC.
Image: Oupa Mokoena/Independent Newspapers
Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced an allocation of R5 billion towards the continued deployment of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The move comes amid the continued spotlight on the deployment of SANDF troops in the region after 14 SANDF soldiers were killed in clashes with Rwandan-backed M23 rebels.
Godongwana explained that the budget for the peace and security function grows by 4,7 per cent annually, from R250,4 billion in 2024/25 to R287 billion in 2027/28. This increase is primarily to fund SANDF troop deployment in the DRC, enhance capacity in the judiciary and prepare for the 2026 local government elections.
"We will continue working with the Department of Defence on ways to change the composition of expenditure to modernise the defence force," he said.
On Tuesday, President Cyril Ramaphosa provided an update on the ongoing precarious situation of South African troops stationed in the eastern DRC.
Ramaphosa said South Africa remains committed to work with fellow SADC countries towards an inclusive negotiated peace settlement in the conflict.
“Working through other countries through SADC we are assured decisions that are taken to ensure there is peace and durable ceasefire in DRC will enhance the proper cessation of hostilities that will lead in the end to the withdrawal of various troops from troop contributing counties,” he said.
Asked when South African troops would be withdrawn from DRC, where they were encircled by M23 armed forces and when he will inform the nation about the troops there, Ramaphosa said information has been shared by Minister of Defence Angie Motshekga on the situation of troops in Sake and Goma.
“They are in a precarious situation right now,” he said adding that the SANDF is located at Goma Airport.
“The discussions that are ongoing now are aimed at ensuring we have durable cessation of hostilities.”
Overall the allocation to the SANDF forms part of the budget allocated towards crime-fighting, law courts and prisons, and also home affairs. Godongwana said that R9.4 billion will be allocated to fund the defence force and correctional services.
*Additional reporting by Mayibongwe Maqhina.
Cape Times
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