SANDF responds to strong criticism from Julius Malema that they can’t even look after cabbages

The recent deployment of South African troops to the Democratic Republic of Congo has sparked controversy and debate.

President Cyril Ramaphosa announced the deployment of 2,900 soldiers as part of a regional army support mission against rebel attacks.

However, opposition parties, such as the EFF and DA, have criticized the move, calling it reckless and demanding the withdrawal of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).

The calls for withdrawal intensified after two soldiers were killed and three wounded in a mortar bomb attack on a South African military base in eastern DRC.


These soldiers had been stationed in the DRC since December, and their deaths further fueled concerns about the safety and effectiveness of the mission.

In response to the criticism, SANDF spokesperson Siphiwe Dlamini defended the deployment, stating that South African soldiers have been involved in DRC military missions for over a decade and are well-equipped for such deployments.

He highlighted that South African troops have been part of the UN stabilisation mission in the DRC since 2013 and have been deployed multiple times.

Dlamini emphasized that the South African soldiers attacked were part of an experienced team sent to analyze the situation before deployment.

This suggests that the SANDF takes necessary precautions to ensure the safety and preparedness of its troops.