Welcoming back our troops
5SA Infantry Battalion (5SAI) was deployed externally in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from May 20 last year to June 8 this year
A ‘Welcoming Back Parade’ was held on Friday in Ezakheni D-Section to honour 5SAI soldiers who have been deployed.
5SA Infantry Battalion (5SAI) was deployed externally in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) from May 20 last year to June 8 this year.
The unit is the second to be deployed as a Force Intervention Brigade (FIB), which operates under Chapter Seven of the United Nations mandate – a mission that was totally different from the other missions the unit has been involved in.
This unit was established after the need arose to stop an armed grouping from taking over Goma, a large town in eastern DRC.
The unit has been very active in terms of external deployment, with its first external mission in 2004, then 2009 and recently in 2014 and 2015.
In an effort to bring peace and stability to the DRC, the battalion was spread throughout the eastern part of the country, with its headquarters situated in Sake (25km east of Goma).
Three companies were deployed across the RSA battalion’s area of responsibility, with Alpha Company deployed in Kashebere and later re-deployed to Miriki. Bravo Company was deployed in Mpofi and then later on re-deployed to Pinga. Charlie Company was deployed to Nyabiondo, then to Kashuga.
The presence of South African forces plays a vital role in the DRC community, especially the eastern part, where armed groupings’ activities are extremely high. In conjunction with the local defence force, FARDC, 5SAI managed to clear ‘no go’ areas and in turn, locals who left their homes to save their lives had an opportunity to live normal lives again.
5SAI was not only involved in offensive actions, but the communities also benefited from community outreaches where the members would donate to the needy. Spending the whole year away from their loved ones is not an easy task, but as soldiers, they dedicate their lives to the benefit of mankind and with good-quality training, a year outside the country is not easy but 100% possible.
The ‘Welcoming Back Parade’ is a token of appreciation for the selfless effort, hard work and dedication of these troops, and is therefore a way to integrate them back into the community of Ladysmith which, as a unit, they feel very much a part of. Welcome back, troops!
