Khayelihle Khumalo

The handing over of mortal remains will be held at the Airforce Base Swartkop in Centurion, Gauteng province on Thursday.

There will also be a memorial service to pay homage to the departed troops.

President Cyril Ramaphosa declared seven days of mourning and the national flag flown at half-mast to honour the fallen heroes.

The repatriation process of the soldiers has been riddled with a number of delays. One of the delays has been the pathology process that had to be done.

Meanwhile, a historic joint summit by Southern African Development Community-East African Community leaders called for a ceasefire in the Eastern DRC and for the states and non-states actors get on the negotiating table.

“The time for action is now. The lives of millions depend on our ability to navigate this complex and challenging situation with wisdom, clarify of mind, empathy for the millions whose lives and livelihoods have been plunged into uncertainty,” says Kenyan President William Ruto.

SA authorities worked with the United Nations to facilitate the movement of mortal remains.

This is a critical moment for the bereaved families as they want closure and they certainly hope that their loved ones will also rest in eternal peace.

--SABC--