A second contingent of 257 South African troops coming from a mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is set to arrive at the Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane on Sunday.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announced the upcoming arrival of the second group of soldiers returning from the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (SAMIDRC).

“This group is scheduled to land at Air Force Base Waterkloof on Sunday, 15 June 2025, between 3pm and 5pm,” said SANDF spokesperson, Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala.

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A third group is also expected to return to South Africa on Monday afternoon. 

“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,” said Tshabalala.

On Friday night, IOL reported that videos shared by the defence ministry showed soldiers in uniform dancing and chanting on arrival at the Waterkloof Air Force Base, welcomed by airbase staff with cheers and fist-bumps.

The troops were deployed under a Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission sent to the war-torn country in December 2023 to help restore peace and security in the region.

But the SADC said in March it would end its military mission in the mineral-rich area after 17 of its soldiers were killed.

AFP reported that earlier this year, fighting in the region erupted once more when the Rwandan-backed M23 force seized large swathes of DRC’s north and south Kivu provinces — both of which border Rwanda.

Last month, Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya provided clarity on the phased withdrawal.

Maphwanya explained that the movement of personnel and logistics started on April 29, 2025, with the departure of the first group from eastern DRC via road through Rwanda to Tanzania.

He reassured the nation that most logistical equipment will be transported by sea from Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, to South Africa. 

jonisayi.maromo@iol.co.za

IOL News 

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