Defence Minister Angie Motshekga is under fire after reportedly postponing a parliamentary portfolio committee meeting on defence scheduled for today.
Angie Motshekga accused of postponing defence portfolio committee meeting
Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema alleged that the minister deliberately avoided the meeting, accusing her of failing to address the crisis facing South African National Defence Force (SANDF) troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Malema, in a statement, claimed that the SANDF had surrendered to M23 rebels and that the South African government was misleading the public about the nature of the mission in the DRC.
He further insisted that the country’s military capabilities were insufficient for the operation and called for an immediate withdrawal of troops.
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“The truth is undeniable. The SA army has surrendered, and M23 is disarming them. The meeting was postponed because the minister chose not to appear,” Malema stated.
The ANC has maintained that SANDF’s deployment is part of a United Nations-led peacekeeping effort, but growing concerns over South Africa’s role in the escalating conflict have raised questions about military preparedness.
Parliament has since rescheduled the defence committee meeting to Friday, 7 February 2025.
Motshekga is expected to address the nation later today regarding the 13 SANDF soldiers who have died in the ongoing clashes in eastern DRC.
What’s the latest situation in Goma?
The situation in Goma remains dire as fighting between M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, and Congolese forces continues.
The latest reports indicate that the death toll has surpassed 100, with nearly 1,000 people injured. Over 1,200 Congolese soldiers have surrendered and sought refuge at a UN airport base.
M23 forces now control key areas in Goma, with only their fighters and Rwandan troops seen patrolling the streets.
The humanitarian situation is worsening, with thousands of civilians displaced and local hospitals struggling to manage casualties. The UN has warned of food shortages and potential disease outbreaks.
Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held discussions with Rwandan President Paul Kagame, urging an immediate ceasefire. Kagame acknowledged the need for peace talks but has not confirmed whether Rwandan troops are directly involved in the conflict.
In South Africa, concerns over SANDF’s position in the DRC intensified after a video surfaced showing a South African soldier raising a white flag in what appeared to be a surrender.
However, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini denied this claim, stating that the flag was raised as part of a temporary truce to allow both sides to retrieve their dead and transport the wounded.
“It was not a surrender,” Dlamini emphasised, adding that the agreement collapsed when M23 negotiators withdrew.
South African troops remain confined to their bases in Goma and Sake, unable to resupply or evacuate their injured.
The SANDF has urged for patience as it navigates the unfolding crisis.
