The DA has asked Parliament to scale down on military parade arrangements for the upcoming Sona on Thursday.

“Specifically, we have called for the cancellation of the planned fly-over by the South African Air Force, given the dire situation facing SANDF troops deployed in the DRC,” Chris Hattingh, the DA’s spokesperson on defence and military veterans said in a media statement on Sunday.

He says it’s inappropriate for government officials and dignitaries to be entertained by grand military displays while South African soldiers, ‘under-equipped and lacking critical support,’ are dying on foreign soil.

“The DA firmly believes that proceeding with a patronising presentation of military capability, while our troops face hardship abroad, is not only tone-deaf but also a gross disservice to those who have sacrificed for this country.”

Hatting says the DA urges Parliament to act with respect and urgency by cancelling the fly-over and scaling down the military display.

“The DA awaits a formal response from the Speaker and will continue to push for accountability in ensuring that the plight of our soldiers is not ignored.”

SANDF releases names of soldiers who died in DRC

Last night, the SANDF released the names of 14 soldiers who have passed away in conflict with M23 rebels in the east of the DRC.

The list is as follows:

• Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
• Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi
• Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
• Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
• Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
• Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
• Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
• Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
• Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
• Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
• Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
• Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
• Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
• Private Peter Jacobus Strydom

According to a statement issued by the SANDF, these soldiers were a part of the defence force contingent deployed to the region as part of both the Southern African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) and The United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO).

“They displayed extraordinary courage in their confrontation with the M23 rebels who had attacked their base in sake.”

Angie Motshekga, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, her deputies and SANDF leadership have sent their condolences to the families of the fallen soldiers.