SANDF troops to land in Bloemfontein as South Africa ramps up withdrawal from war-torn DRC
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced the upcoming arrival of the third group of soldiers returning from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).
SANDF national spokesperson, Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala said the airplane will be arriving in South Africa with approximately 220 passengers on board.
“This group is scheduled to land at Bram Fischer International Airport on Monday, 16 June 2025, between 3pm and 5pm,” said Tshabalala.
A fourth group is expected to arrive in South Africa on Tuesday.
“This phased return is part of the SANDF’s planned withdrawal from the mission area. Upon their return, the troops will undergo the standard demobilisation programme, which includes health screenings, psychological support, and reunification services,” he said.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
On Sunday night, IOL reported that a second contingent of 257 South African troops coming from the mission in the eastern DRC landed at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane.
The jubilant members of the SANDF were welcomed by the SANDF top brass led by Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya.
The SANDF members arrived in a chartered Air Tanzania Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner on Sunday evening, where they individually met and shook hands with the military leadership.
In high spirits, the SANDF members were singing and dancing as they queued to meet Maphwanya. Afterwards, they were assembled in a building where Maphwanya addressed them, before the troops left for demobilisation in Bloemfontein.
Get your news on the go, click here to join the IOL News WhatsApp channel.
“Some of you, when we met in Goma (city in DRC) you were saying this old man is going to leave us here. I heard it. Now you are back home, welcome back home. I am smiling because I am happy. I came to salute you, and I will continue to salute you for the good work that you have done.
“Your stories are better told by those who were on the other side of the barrel, because they know, they felt it. They are the ones that attested, so be proud of what you were doing. If we are required to do so, we will do it again,” Maphwanya addressed the uniformed troops, with the majority of the soldiers responding: “Yes sir”.
“If we are required to do so, we will do it again, and I will go with you,” Maphwanya said to applause and cheers from the troops.
jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za
IOL News