14 SANDF soldiers who died in DRC: tribute with names and photos

South Africa stands in solemn tribute to 14 brave SANDF soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice in the fight for peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Their courage, dedication, and unwavering commitment to protecting others will never be forgotten.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has released photographs of these fallen warriors, ensuring that their names and faces will be forever etched in the hearts of a grateful nation.

The SANDF has released photographs of the fallen heroes, honoring their commitment to peace and stability on the African continent.

Fallen but never forgotten: the Heroes’ Names

These 14 fearless soldiers lost their lives between January 23 and 27, 2025, while bravely engaging M23 rebels in battle:

• Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe

• Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani

• Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe

• Rifleman Derrick Maluleke

• Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe

• Corporal Matome Justice Malesa

• Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo

• Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo

• Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi

• Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

• Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi

• Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola

• Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele

• Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi

Their images accompany this tribute, a testament to their sacrifice and a reminder of the warriors we have lost.

The mission that cost them their lives

These soldiers were not just fighting an enemy—they were fighting for the safety and stability of Africa. Deployed as part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in DRC (SAMIDRC), they stood against rebel forces that have long destabilized the region.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his 2025 State of the Nation Address, paid tribute to their noble cause:

“They lost their lives, not in the pursuit of resources or power. They lost their lives so that guns on our continent may be forever silenced. So we salute them.”

Bringing Our Soldiers Home

The journey to bring our fallen heroes back to South African soil has been fraught with challenges. Initial efforts to repatriate their remains were delayed due to intense conflict around the city of Goma, where their bases had come under siege.

The United Nations (UN) Peacekeeping Mission confirmed that the bodies of the 14 South African soldiers, along with three Malawian and one Tanzanian comrade, were moved via a UN convoy through Rwanda and Uganda to Entebbe International Airport.

SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini provided an update:

“It is expected that by Sunday afternoon East African Time (EAT), they will arrive in Entebbe and the bodies will be prepared for transportation by air to South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania.”

However, political tensions complicated the repatriation. South Africa had initially opposed routing the remains through Rwanda, wary of giving Rwandan President Paul Kagame an opportunity to frame it as a symbolic victory over South African and regional forces.

A fierce battlefield: the battle of Goma

The Battle of Goma was one of the most intense engagements South African troops have faced in recent years. Surrounded and outgunned, SANDF soldiers held their ground against relentless attacks by the heavily armed M23 rebels, who are known to be backed by Rwanda’s military.

Darren Olivier, Director at African Defence Review, commented on the dire situation:

“Forcing the use of Kigali as an exit is blackmail for optics, as there’s no reason Rwanda & M23 could not re-open Goma Airport & allow repatriation via that route. Holding foreign contingents hostage & giving them just enough food & water to survive is not benevolence.”

Some SANDF soldiers remain trapped in bases near Goma, with reports of severe injuries and limited supplies. Negotiations for their safe extraction continue.

A Nation mourns, but their legacy lives on

The return of these heroes comes at a pivotal moment—on the eve of a joint SASADC-East African Community (EAC) Summit in Dar es Salaam. Here, leaders from across the continent will attempt to find a solution to the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

Their deaths are a double blow for South Africa as the country navigates growing diplomatic tensions, compounded by the Trump administration’s sanctions over land appropriation policies, announced on Friday.

However, the sacrifices of these soldiers will not be in vain. Their service embodies the highest ideals of courage, duty, and honor—values that define South Africa’s commitment to peacekeeping on the continent.

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