Pretoria – The second group of South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers returning from the conflict-ridden eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is expected to land at Air Force Base Waterkloof in Tshwane this Sunday afternoon.
A total of 257 troops are set to touch down between 3pm and 5pm, marking another major step in South Africa’s phased withdrawal from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
Rear Admiral Prince Tshabalala, SANDF spokesperson, confirmed the details and added that a third group of troops will return home on Monday.
“This phased return is part of the SANDF’s planned withdrawal from the mission area,” said Tshabalala. “Upon their return, the soldiers will receive comprehensive support, including medical checkups, mental health services, and family reunification assistance.”
On Friday, joyous scenes unfolded at Waterkloof as the first group of soldiers arrived. In videos shared by the Department of Defence, troops in uniform danced, chanted, and embraced the warm welcome of base staff, who greeted them with smiles, cheers, and fist bumps.
The deployment began in December 2023, when SADC forces were sent to assist in restoring peace to the volatile region. But in March this year, the SADC announced it would end its mission after the loss of 17 soldiers during violent clashes.
The situation in the DRC remains tense. Earlier this year, fighting reignited when the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group seized large parts of the North and South Kivu provinces, close to the Rwandan border.
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the SANDF, recently explained that the withdrawal began on April 29, 2025, with troops making the journey via road through Rwanda to Tanzania. Most military equipment will follow, shipped by sea from Dar Es Salaam to South Africa.
As more troops come home, the country celebrates their return while also mourning the toll the mission has taken. These men and women return not only as soldiers—but as survivors of a difficult and dangerous assignment, having served South Africa with resilience and courage.
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