News24 reports that after high-ranking military officials were seen attending a golfing event this week, the Democratic Alliance (DA) demanded an immediate halt to military celebrations considering ongoing threats to SA soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

In the last week, 13 SA soldiers were killed while on a peacekeeping mission in the DRC. The DA said it was "the height of disrespect" that officials gathered at the event at the Copperleaf Golf Course in Centurion on Tuesday, with more celebrations planned. According to the EFF's Carl Niehaus, the Chief of the SA Air Force (SAAF), Lieutenant-General Wiseman Mbambo, and the chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant-General Lawrence Mbatha attended the golf day. The DA's spokesperson on defence and military veterans, Chris Hattingh, said proceeding with the Armed Forces Day and Air Force Day celebrations would be disrespectful to the SANDF troops who had died and was insensitive to those still facing fire in the DRC. "This is the height of disrespect. The South African Air Force is part of our broader military, which is currently under attack in the DRC. While our soldiers are risking their lives in a foreign conflict, senior officers are celebrating and enjoying festivities," he pointed out. Hattingh added: "High-ranking officers reportedly even travelled to the event in Air Force transport. This is cold, careless, and offensive. To add insult to injury, these events are scheduled to continue while the nation mourns the loss of our soldiers."

• Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Noxolo Sibiya at News24 (subscription or trial registration required)
• Read too, Air Force celebration slated amid crisis facing SANDF in the DRC, at TimesLIVE

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