Only hours after 13 South African soldiers lost their lives on the battlefield in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), top brass from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and South African Air Force (SAAF) were seen enjoying a leisurely round of golf at the exclusive Copperleaf Golf Estate in Centurion.
According to reports, senior executives arrived in style, touching down on the green before striding onto the course in matching yellow golf shirts and slacks. The SAAF’s Super Lynx helicopter then flew past at 10am to signal the start of the lavish event. Another, a BK117, was on static display.
Soon enough, they were posting photos from the event with the high-ranking officers that were all smiles with golf clubs in hand, seemingly unfazed by the bloodshed their troops endured, only just hours before.
TONE DEAF SAAF FESTIVITIES
The golf day, that was said to be held as part of the SAAF’s birthday celebrations, was met with immediate outrage. Social media erupted, with South Africans calling the event “tone-deaf” and “callous.”
The Economic Freedom Fighters’ (EFF) Carl Niehaus also shared the sentiment, saying that the participation of SANDF leadership was”heartless” and calling for their immediate resignation.
Defence analyst, Ricardo Teixeira, also described the actions of the SANDF’s leadership as ‘unacceptable’.
“We need new leaders, this is unacceptable. Bring our heroes home, it’s time to rebuild our defence force,” he said in a tweet.
SANDF: WE DID IT FOR CHARITY
As criticism mounted, the SANDF scrambled to defend itself. A statement from Brigadier General Donavan Chetty insisted that the golf day was “an essential networking event” “designed to engage with industry partners and business leaders who support the Air Force.”
According to the SANDF statement, proceeds from the event would go toward “benevolent initiatives” to aid veterans and families in need.
“The proceeds from the golf event will assist in furthering our mission to be a responsible corporate citizen, enabling us to continue our social endeavours and uplift those who need it most,” the statement said.
However, this justification did little to calm public anger, with many questioning the conscience of military leaders teeing off while their subordinates were under fire.
In an apparent attempt at damage control, the South African Air Force announced the postponement of its Prestige Evening and Air Force Parade, initially scheduled for January 30 and 31, citing the “ongoing involvement of the military in the current situation in the DRC.”
SOLDIERS STILL SUFFERING
A video has also emerged of the atrocious living conditions soldiers based in the DRC are subject to. Niehaus has called on the Minister of Defence and Military, Angie Motshekga to account for this. “These are the conditions under which our SANDF soldiers are living. How do you explain this?” he asked.
DO YOU THINK THE SANDF LEADERSHIP SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS, OR IS THEIR REASONING JUSTIFIED?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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