Zuko Komisa

The South African National Defense Force (SANDF) has denied social media rumors that its troops in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) gave themselves over to M23 rebels. These accusations are false and misleading, according to the SANDF.
This is heartbreaking to see.
— Kiakili_ (@kiakili_) January 28, 2025
It looks like SANDF soldiers are waving a white flag, which symbolizes surrender.
Our Soldiers are not well equipped and have been sent on a suicide mission 💔 pic.twitter.com/gM2zkoD97Q
The SANDF refuted the false information spreading in a video clip that claimed SANDF forces had given up to M23 rebels in a statement released on Tuesday.
Furthermore, the SANDF reiterated its unwavering dedication to its peacekeeping role under the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC) and the United Nations Stabilization Mission (MONUSCO) in the DRC.
“We wish to set the record straight. The footage in question depicts a white flag raised, which is an outcome of discussions between the opposing fighting forces to agree on a truce to allow M23 to recover their dead and injured in the vicinity of our base.
“This will also open the route for our troops to access medical facilities. This is common practice in any war. Let members of the public not be alarmed by a video clip and its meaning,” said the SANDF in a statement
Point of View with Phemelo Motene spoke to Professor at the Faculty for Military Science at Stellenbosch University, Thomas Mandrup on the latest developments in the DRC.
Listen to the full conversation here:
The SANDF further emphasized that in order to establish peace and stability in the area, its soldiers will continue to fight with courage, discipline, and resolve.
Earlier this week SA’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Mathu Joyini, stated that South Africa will continue to contribute to promoting peace and stability in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo and to the continent’s overall peacekeeping efforts.
“We deplore these unwarranted attacks against MONUSCO [United Nations Organisation Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo] and the SAMIDRC uniformed personnel who are deployed not only to promote peace, security, and stability in eastern DRC but, by extension, in the African continent in general.” said Joyini
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