Ramaphosa Honours Fallen Soldiers, Signals Troop Withdrawal From DRC

THOHOYANDO – President Cyril Ramaphosa used his Armed Forces Day address in Thohoyandou to honour fallen soldiers, outline key security priorities and confirm a phased withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Speaking as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force on Saturday, Ramaphosa said the occasion recognises the men and women who have defended the country’s democracy for more than three decades, while also commemorating those who died in the 1917 SS Mendi tragedy.

SANDF showing some of its vehicles and weapons

“This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniform, and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the horizon. We extend our deepest sympathies to the families and comrades of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. To those who continue to serve: your sacrifices, bravery and commitment are deeply valued by a grateful nation,” he said.

The President confirmed that South Africa will scale back its participation in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO), with the withdrawal to take place in phases to ensure the safe return of personnel and equipment.

Troop drawdown from MONUSCO

He said the decision followed an assessment of national priorities but stressed that South Africa remains committed to peacekeeping through the United Nations, the African Union and the Southern African Development Community.

“Having assessed our current priorities, I have decided to draw down our participation as a troop-contributing nation in the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, known as MONUSCO. This will be done in a phased and well-orchestrated manner to ensure the safe return of our troops and their equipment. As we withdraw, we pledge our continued support to continental peace and security initiatives under the UN, the African Union and SADC,” Ramaphosa said.

President Cyril Ramaphosa at Armed Forces Day

Ramaphosa also highlighted the military’s recent disaster-relief deployments following severe flooding in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and parts of Mozambique, where engineers supported infrastructure repairs and teams assisted with rescue and humanitarian efforts.

He confirmed that SANDF units have been authorised to support the South African Police Service in operations targeting organised crime, illegal mining and gang activity, particularly in high-risk urban areas.

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“I extend a special word of thanks to the Premiers, provincial agencies, local authorities and the SANDF members who have been on the ground in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique since the start of the devastation. As a demonstration of its developmental capabilities, the SANDF has been active in communities in this province as part of the Armed Forces Day programme. During this period, the South African Military Health Service’s Project Owethu provided health services to rural communities in Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Vhembe Districts,” he said.

“These services have covered medical care, mental health, ophthalmology, oral health and orthopaedic care. Over the past week alone, more than 85 cataract procedures were conducted at Elim Hospital, restoring sight to many elderly patients. Furthermore, the SANDF has visited schools to instil the values of patriotism, sharing with learners the importance of national symbols, the national anthem and nationhood. There is also a special programme to introduce the SANDF to the youth and the general public, showcasing the exciting careers available in the Defence Force.”

Budget pressures and modern warfare

The President acknowledged ongoing resource constraints facing the military but said additional funding had been allocated to address critical gaps and improve operational readiness.

He noted that evolving threats, including drone warfare, digital conflict and artificial intelligence, require a more agile and technologically capable defence force.

President Cyril Ramaphosa meeting with SANDF leadership

“There has been a shift on the battlefield from traditional weaponry to high-tech autonomous and unmanned systems such as drones, digital warfare and the use of artificial intelligence. These changes require a SANDF that is responsive, relevant and agile. Our military is having to adapt at a time when public resources are constrained. Given the critical importance of the SANDF to our security, sovereignty and development, additional resources have been allocated from the budget. This is a targeted intervention to close funding gaps, improve efficiencies and ensure our operational ambitions are matched by our resources,” he said.

The President reiterated South Africa’s policy of non-alignment amid global geopolitical tensions, saying the country would maintain strategic autonomy while adhering to international law.

He also encouraged young people to consider careers in the defence force, describing military service as both a professional opportunity and a contribution to nation-building.

Armed Forces Day, held annually on 21 February, has evolved from a day of remembrance into a showcase of military capability, while continuing to honour those who lost their lives in the service of the country.