The SANDF soldiers who were deployed in the DRC had been expected to arrive in Bloemfontein at midday on Friday.
The first group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have returned home, arriving at Waterkloof Air Force Base to a quiet but significant welcome. These soldiers were part of the South African contingent involved in the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC), an ongoing regional effort to help stabilize the conflict-ridden eastern part of the country.
The returning troops touched down after completing their rotation, which included months of service in some of the most volatile regions of the DRC, particularly areas plagued by armed militia activity, humanitarian crises, and ongoing security threats to civilians. Their return marks a milestone in South Africa’s continued commitment to regional peacekeeping and reflects the country’s active participation in efforts to support its neighbors under multilateral frameworks.
Family members, senior military officials, and government representatives were present at Waterkloof to receive the soldiers, with a subdued but respectful acknowledgment of the difficult conditions under which they served. Many of the troops had spent up to six months away from home, engaged in operations that included protection of civilians, supporting humanitarian aid delivery, and helping the Congolese government regain control over territories affected by armed groups.
While the full details of the mission remain classified due to security considerations, SANDF officials emphasized that the troops had performed their duties with professionalism and commitment. Their role often involved high-risk patrols, operating in challenging terrain, and maintaining constant readiness amidst unpredictable conflict dynamics in the eastern DRC.
This deployment was part of a larger regional initiative by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) to intervene in the worsening security crisis in eastern Congo, particularly around the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri. South Africa, as one of the major contributors to the mission, has had a continuous rotation of personnel supporting the joint military campaign, alongside forces from other SADC member states.
The SANDF has faced various logistical and operational challenges during its participation in the DRC mission, including limited resources, difficult terrain, and ongoing security threats from well-armed and mobile rebel groups. Despite these obstacles, South African troops have been commended by their commanders for maintaining discipline and fulfilling their mandate in complex operational environments.
The returning soldiers will undergo a standard debriefing and reintegration process, which includes psychological assessments, medical checkups, and reintegration support to help them transition back to civilian life and peacetime service. Some of the returning troops may later be redeployed depending on mission needs and their own preferences.
The Defence Ministry expressed gratitude for the troops’ service, highlighting their role not just in peacekeeping but also in representing South Africa’s values on the international stage. In an official statement, the Ministry acknowledged the sacrifices made by the soldiers and their families, and reiterated the country’s long-term commitment to regional stability.
Meanwhile, new troops are expected to be deployed to the DRC as part of the ongoing rotation, ensuring that South Africa continues to meet its obligations under the SAMIDRC framework. The situation in eastern DRC remains fluid, with multiple armed groups still active and millions of civilians in need of protection and aid. The SADC mission, while military in nature, also serves as a broader effort to create conditions for peace and dialogue in a region that has seen decades of unrest.
As the SANDF continues its participation in peacekeeping operations abroad, the return of this group of soldiers serves as a reminder of the often unseen and demanding work carried out by South Africa’s military personnel in pursuit of regional peace.
