The troops died in the fighting between the M23 rebels and the Congolese military in eastern DRC. Their bodies are on their way back home, and President Cyril Ramaphosa has directed that the national flag be flown at half-mast at all flag stations around the country until Friday.

The 14 SANDF members lost their lives in the pursuit of peace and security. Alongside soldiers from other Southern African nations, they were deployed to the eastern DRC as part of a peacekeeping mission in defence of the DRC people.

Despite the urgency of today's debate, Parliament has yet to decide on additional measures to commemorate the fallen soldiers.

Since their deaths in Goma in January, Members of Parliament (MPs) have called for clarity on the well-being of SANDF soldiers in the DRC.

MPs have also criticised the ongoing underfunding of the SANDF, emphasising the importance of adequately supporting deployed members. The Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans, along with the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, have called for an investigation into what led to the loss of so many lives.

They have also requested a closed meeting to allow the SANDF to provide more details on operational matters and defence intelligence.

The special parliamentary debate underscores the need for a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the 14 soldiers and highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and preparedness of SANDF members deployed on peacekeeping missions.

The nation mourns the loss of these brave soldiers and remains committed to honouring their sacrifice in the pursuit of peace and security in the region.

--SABC/ChannelAfrica--