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IOL News reports that Defence and Military Veterans Minister Angie Motshekga has refuted claims that SA National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ran out of food and ammunition during their United Nations peace mission.
The conflict in the region has resulted in the deaths of 13 SANDF soldiers who were caught in a battle between M23 rebels and DRC soldiers. Speaking on the sidelines of a Cabinet Lekgotla on Wednesday, Motshekga said: “I went to our logistics centre and there was no stage where they said: 'Minister, we have no food’.” Motshekga's comments came amidst growing concerns over the safety and well-being of SANDF troops deployed in the DRC. President Cyril Ramaphosa on Wednesday said he was concerned about the speculation about the state of SANDF troops and the battle conditions. Motshekga indicated that there was a reinforcement plan: "We were not armed to go and fight, we were armed to go there and keep peace. And now that we are caught in the crossfire, it's going to be important for us to reinforce, that's why we reinforced.” The deaths of SANDF soldiers has seen criticism aimed at government for austerity measures that have led to drastic cuts to military capacity and capability. Independent defence analyst William Maphutha noted that the conflict in the DRC has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many calling for greater accountability and transparency from the government.
- Read the full original of the report in the above regard by Mashudu Sadike at IOL News
- See too, Defence department denies claims that SANDF troops in DRC ran out of ammo, food, at EWN
Get other news reports at the SA Labour News home page