President Cyril Ramaphosa once again addressed ‘fellow South Africans’ during his State of the Nation Address (SONA 2025).
Speaking from Cape Town on Thursday, Ramaphosa touched on the South African National Defence Force’s presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Ramaphosa addresses SANDF concerns
The SONA kicked off almost immediately with a silent prayer for the fallen members of the SANDF. Ramaphosa himself has highlighted the “devastating loss” of the 14 South Africans who perished in combat in the Congo.
The President took the time to individually acknowledge every fallen comrade during the address, dubbing them ‘fallen heroes’. Ramaphosa directed that the national flag shall be flown at half-mast to honour their sacrifice for a week starting from Friday.
“They lost their lives in defence of the fundamental rights of the Congolese people, to live in peace and security. They lost their lives, not in the pursuit of resources, or territory, or power. They lost their lives so that the guns on our continent may be forever silenced. So we salute them.”
President defends SANDF presence amid calls for withdraw
Despite calls for SANDF troops to withdraw from the conflict after soldiers lost their lives in combat, Ramaphosa has defended SA’s involvement as peacekeepers.
“Supporting peacebuilding and the resolution of conflict in Africa has been a cornerstone of our country’s foreign policy since the advent of democracy, as we have sought to draw on our experience of political dialogue and national reconciliation.”
Ramaphosa acknowledged the pressure to withdraw amid claims that South Africa has ‘no business’ being there.
“But violence and conflict in Africa is the business of all Africans. The humanitarian, economic and social effects of these conflicts are felt across borders and regions. Instability in any part of the continent affects the prospects for growth and development across the continent.”
Do you feel that President Cyril Ramaphosa’s decision over the SANDF in the Congo is the right move for South Africa?
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