By Becker Semela:
The devastated families of South African soldiers who lost their lives in the line of duty in various countries say there is no expiry date for grieving. The families attended the SANDF commemoration of the International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers at De Brug Military Base outside Bloemfontein on Thursday.
Speaking on behalf of the grieving families, Boniwe Mobe, who also lost her husband in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) during a battle on 24 January this year, said the ceremony is important for them as they are slowly healing and finding peace in their hearts.
“But for others, it is still difficult to recover even though they lost their loved ones 10 to 15 years ago, because this is an emotional wound that needs more than enough time. But many thanks to the SANDF for their unlimited psychological support,” emphasised Bobe.
The ceremony that was organised to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have served and sacrificed their lives in the name of peace was also attended by dignitaries, including Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, Free State Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae and Mangaung Metro Mayor Gregory Nthatisi, among others.
Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya led the proceedings and delivered a heartfelt message of remembrance and resolve to the families and surviving soldiers.
“Before we proceed, let us rise and observe a moment of silence in remembrance of those brave individuals who have made the ultimate sacrifice while serving on peacekeeping missions. May their courageous souls rest in eternal peace,” he said.
Maphwanya said this year’s theme, “The Future of Peacekeeping”, recognises the shifting dynamics of global conflict and the need for peace operations to evolve.
“Technology deployed in today’s battlefields compels us to rethink and redesign our approach to peacekeeping. The UN’s pact for the future sets the stage for a more responsive and modern peacekeeping strategy. South Africa’s contribution to global peacekeeping dates back to 1999, beginning with its participation in the UN mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUC). Today, SANDF peacekeepers are involved in several missions, including MONUSCO, UNISFA, and UNMISS, as well as past operations in regions such as Darfur, Liberia and Ethiopia-Eritrea,” said Maphwanya.
Addressing the ongoing phased withdrawal of South African forces from the SADC Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), the General assured the public of the SANDF’s commitment to a smooth and safe return of personnel and equipment.
“We remain focused on mediation and political engagement as the cornerstone of peace. I also urge the media and society at large to be responsible in how they share information. In times of conflict, information is a powerful weapon. Let us resist the temptation to amplify rumours or unverified claims, misinformation can incite panic and undermine the very fabric of our society,” Maphwanya said. – @NewsSA_Online
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