The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has had a long-standing presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), playing a key role in peacekeeping operations. However, 2024 has been a particularly challenging year for the SANDF, with ten of its soldiers losing their lives in the conflict-ridden region.
SANDF’s Role in the DRC
The SANDF is part of the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC). Its involvement in the DRC is largely aimed at stabilizing the eastern part of the country, which has been plagued by rebel insurgencies such as M23, a notorious rebel group known for destabilizing the area around Goma and Beni. The South African military’s presence in the DRC is part of broader peacekeeping and conflict resolution efforts under the United Nations and African Union.
Recent Tragedies
The most recent incident occurred in July 2024, when a SANDF soldier was tragically shot and killed near Goma Airport. The soldier was reportedly dressed in civilian clothing and was returning to his base after visiting a local restaurant. His body was discovered the following morning, and five people have since been arrested in connection with his death, including the restaurant manager and three Rwandan women living illegally in the DRC.
This incident is part of a string of fatalities involving SANDF personnel in the DRC this year. In early July, Major Tolla Pieterse died when a grenade detonated at his sleeping quarters in Beni. His death, which is being investigated as a possible murder, was one of several that have raised concerns about internal tensions within the SANDF ranks. Pieterse’s strict leadership style had reportedly drawn complaints from disgruntled soldiers.
Additionally, on 14 February 2024, two SANDF soldiers were killed, and three others were injured in a mortar attack by the M23 rebels. Another attack on 30 May saw a medic killed and 13 others wounded during fighting near Sake, while two Captains were killed in a subsequent M23 mortar attack in June.
Challenges Facing SANDF in the DRC
The SANDF faces a unique set of challenges in the DRC, where both combat and non-combat fatalities are becoming increasingly common. The region’s complex political environment, coupled with volatile rebel activity, makes it a dangerous posting for peacekeeping forces.
While SANDF’s involvement in the DRC is vital to stabilizing the region, the rising death toll raises questions about the safety of South African soldiers. With multiple fatalities resulting from internal issues such as disgruntled soldiers and the harsh realities of combat, military leadership will likely have to review strategies for both internal management and operational safety.
The Future of SANDF in the DRC
As the SANDF continues its peacekeeping mission in the DRC, the loss of its soldiers in 2024 underscores the risks involved in maintaining stability in one of Africa’s most troubled regions. With an internal investigation underway to uncover the circumstances behind the latest fatality, and ongoing efforts to quell rebel activity in the region, the SANDF will need to adapt and reinforce its strategies to ensure the safety of its personnel while fulfilling its peacekeeping mandate.
Conclusion
The South African National Defence Force’s deployment in the DRC remains a critical aspect of South Africa’s commitment to peace and security in Africa. However, the spate of deaths in 2024 reveals the harsh realities of military engagement in conflict zones
Overview of Public Universities in South Africa
Here's an overview of some public universities in South Africa, including general admissions requirements and estimated application periods. Keep in mind, specific program requirements and dates can vary significantly, so it's important to check each university's official website for the most current information.
University of Pretoria
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with minimum scores in specific subjects related to the chosen program; for international students, equivalent qualifications.
- Application Period: Usually opens in March and closes at the end of July for most programs.
University of Cape Town
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with pass levels required for degree study; subject-specific requirements depending on the program.
- Application Period: Application opens in April and closes at the end of July.
Stellenbosch University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required marks; some programs have additional testing.
- Application Period: Opens in March and typically closes at the end of June.
University of the Witwatersrand
- Admissions Requirements: Matriculation certificate with university exemption; required scores vary by faculty.
- Application Period: Begins in March and ends on the 30th of September.
University of Johannesburg
- Admissions Requirements: Matric exemption with a minimum APS score; specific subject requirements based on the faculty.
- Application Period: Opens in April and generally closes by the 30th of September.
University of the Free State
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific marks for the program applied to; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Typically opens in April and closes at the end of August.
University of Venda
- Admissions Requirements: Completion of the National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for diploma or degree studies; specific APS scores needed.
- Application Period: Usually from May to September.
University of Fort Hare
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; certain programs may have specific requirements.
- Application Period: Opens around May and closes at the end of September.
University of the Western Cape
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific performance levels; additional requirements for certain programs.
- Application Period: Generally from May to September.
North-West University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with university exemption; program-specific requirements may apply.
- Application Period: Opens in March and usually closes by the end of August.
Rhodes University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate or equivalent; minimum academic performance in certain subjects.
- Application Period: Applications open in April and close at the end of September.
Nelson Mandela University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; portfolio or additional tests for some faculties.
- Application Period: Opens in April, with a deadline at the end of August for most programs.
Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores; additional requirements for certain courses.
- Application Period: Opens in May and typically closes by the end of September.
University of Limpopo
- Admissions Requirements: Senior Certificate with endorsement for diploma or degree courses; specific APS scores for different programs.
- Application Period: From April to September.
University of Zululand
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with an endorsement for bachelor’s degree studies; specific score requirements for various programs.
- Application Period: Usually between April and November.
Central University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with specific scores for the chosen field of study; additional criteria for certain programs.
- Application Period: Application period generally starts in May and ends in October.
Vaal University of Technology
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with a pass that qualifies for admission to bachelor’s degree, diploma, or higher certificate programs.
- Application Period: Typically from May to September.
Walter Sisulu University
- Admissions Requirements: National Senior Certificate with required scores for chosen programs; additional criteria for certain faculties.
- Application Period: From April to September.
This list provides a starting point for understanding the admissions landscape across South Africa's diverse higher education institutions. Given the variability in programs and requirements, it's crucial to consult each university's website for the most accurate and up-to-date information.