South African National Defence Force (SANDF)

Citation :

Scramble Magazine

South African Air Force Hercules slid of runway

On Sunday 5 July 2020, South African Air Force (SAAF) 28 Squadron "Portamus" Lockheed C-130BZ Hercules, serial 405, went off the runway after trying to make a 180 degree turn at Ysterplaat Air Force Base. The damage was reported as minimal as it was ferried to Waterkloof AFB the very same day.

This is the same aircraft that experienced a nose gear collapse at Waterkloof AFB *).

*) SFN 23 April 2020, "Knee bend" by South African Air Force C-130
https://www.facebook.com/Scramblemagazine/posts/3577616072264901

Photos via defenceweb.co.za

Les véhicules blindés Matador et Marauder 4x4 sont désormais éprouvés au combat Le véhicule blindé 4x4 Matador et Marauder produit par la société sud-africaine Paramount Group a maintenant fait ses preuves au combat après le conflit entre l'Azerbaïdjan et l'Arménie. Le magazine Azeri Defence a rapporté que les véhicules avaient démontré de bonnes performances pendant la guerre de cinq jours entre l'Azerbaïdjan et l'Arménie en avril 2016, lors d'une explosion dans un dépôt de munitions à Gilazi, en Azerbaïdjan en 2017, ainsi que lors des opérations militaires azéries lancées le 27 de septembre 2020 dans le cadre du conflit du Haut-Karabakh. Suivez Army Recognition sur Google Actualités à ce lien Véhicule blindé Matador 4x4 de l'armée azerbaïdjanaise. (Source de l'image Wikimedia) En 2012, le ministère azerbaïdjanais des industries de la défense (MDI) a commandé 30 véhicules Marauder et 35 Matador protégés contre les mines, à la suite de la création d'une usine de production conjointe en Azerbaïdjan et de la production initiale de 15 Matador et 15 Marauders dans le cadre d'un accord de production conjointe. en 2009. Le Marauder est un véhicule blindé 4x4 conçu et fabriqué par la société sud-africaine Paramount Group. Le véhicule a été lancé lors de l'exposition de défense IDEX en février 2017. Le véhicule est basé sur une structure de coque monocoque avec une carrosserie construite à partir de plaques de blindage, plutôt que de les attacher à un cadre. Cela réduit le poids pour une quantité d'armure donnée. Le Marauder est utilisé comme véhicule blindé de transport de troupes (APC) assurant le niveau de protection 4a / 4b STANAG 4569, contre l'explosion de 14 kg de TNT sous les roues et la carrosserie ainsi que la protection balistique contre le tir d'armes légères 7,62 x 54 mm RB 32 API et munitions API (anti-blindage) de 12,7 mm. Le Marauder est conçu pour transporter un équipage de 2 à l'avant et 8 soldats entièrement équipés à l'arrière. il peut être configuré comme un simple véhicule de transport de troupes à roues ou comme un véhicule de combat efficace par l'ajout d'une mitrailleuse lourde montée dans une variété de tourelles. Le Matador est également conçu et fabriqué par Paramount Group, il a été dévoilé en 2008 lors du salon de la défense AAD en Afrique du Sud. Le véhicule est également basé sur une coque monocoque à double peau. Le véhicule offre une protection balistique et antimines de niveau III STANAG 4569 contre les tirs d'armes légères de 7,62 mm OTAN perforantes et 8 kg d'explosion de TNT sous les roues et la carrosserie. Le Matador en tant que véhicule blindé de transport de troupes peut accueillir un équipage de deux et 12 fantassins. Il peut être équipé d'un poste d'armes manuel ou télécommandé armé de mitrailleuses de calibre léger et moyen.
https://www.armyrecognition.com/weapons_defence_industry_military_technology_uk/matador_and_marauder_4x4_armored_vehicles_are_now_combat-proven.html

Fabrication par le régime "Mandela" et la suite... avant du temps de Balthazar cette petite erreur n'existait pas, le temps où ils apprenait aux Français le blindage par pliage de métal, plutôt que la soudure, ils ont pourtant fournis aux américains des excellents MRAP pdt le conflit en Irak.... bref les pauvres ex-USSR peuple pays se sont fait arnaquer...

Citation :

09.06.2021
Afrique du Sud: le lent mais inexorable déclin des forces armées (SANDF)



La situation tant des armées sud-africaines que de l'industrie de défense nationale est on ne peut plus précaire. Et tout le monde: militaires, civils et politiciens le reconnait. Et de se lamenter sur la pitoyable enveloppe accordée aux armées. Le budget de la défense (47 milliards de rands, soit moins de 3 milliards d'euros) ne représente que 0,86% du PIB en 2021 (0,97% en 2020).

L'état des lieux a de quoi alarmer. Commençons par l'industrie de défense.

Armscor, l'équivalent de la DGA française, vit grâce à la perfusion budgétaire du ministère de la Défense sud-africain qui lui fournit 79,5% de son budget. Le reste, soit un peu plus de 20%, est péniblement généré par les revenus commerciaux. Armaments Corporation of South Africa, créé en 1968, tente désormais de joindre les deux bouts en vendant des biens immobiliers et en démarchant de nouveaux clients, en particulier dans le monde pas plus fortuné des agences civiles de l'Etat sud-africain. Une quinzaine de clients auraient été identifiés.

Denel, entreprise créée en 1992 lors du démantèlement d'Armscor et qui a repris ses activités de production d'armement, est menacée de liquidation judiciaire après une demande déposée auprès des tribunaux sud-africains par Saab Grintek Defence, lassé de voir ses factures restées impayées: la querelle porte aussi sur les 211 blindés Badger que Denel doit produire en Afrique du Sud.

Factures impayées et salaires pas versés! Les employés de Denel Land Systems n'ont rien touché en avril, par exemple. On estime que 500 millions de rands (30,3 millions d'euros) de salaires n'ont pas été versés. Fragilisé depuis 2015, Denel est désormais menacé d'insolvabilité et pourrait à termes mettre la clé sous la porte.

Au tour de la SANDF.

L'armée sud-africaine n'affiche pas une meilleure santé. Un état des lieux alarmant a été fait en avril par l'analyste Helmoed Romer Heitman qui l'a publié dans le Business Day.




Heitman s'attend "à de gros problèmes au moindre pépin". Le célèbre analyste et historien militaire a déclaré que la moyenne d'âge des fantassins des bataillons d'infanterie de la SANDF est de 37 ans, "alors qu'il devrait être de 25 ans". Et Heitman de poursuivre: "37 ans, c'est l'âge d'un lieutenant-colonel ou d'un sergent major". Ce vieillissement a aussi un impact sur les soldes qui pèsent un peu plus lourd chaque année sur le budget (elles représentent 63% du budget en 2020 contre 57% l'année précédente).

Le matériel a souvent, quant à lui, plus de 37 ans: certains équipements datent des années 1970, d'autres (les plus nombreux) des années 1980-1990 (comme les Ratel 90, photo ci-dessus).

Vieillissement donc mais aussi sous-effectif: en 2012, le ministère de la Défense comptait 79 100 personnels; en 2020, ils n'étaient plus que 74 000 et la chute se poursuit.

La marine est sous-équipée pour surveiller et protéger 2 800 km de côtes avec ses quatre frégates et ses trois sous-marins, le reste des bâtiments étant trop vieux, trop petits et trop mal adaptés pour des missions de longue durée. L'aviation de patrouille maritime est inexistante (il ne faut pas compter sur quelques DC-3 sans optronique).

Restons dans la dimension air: l'armée de l'Air a mis ses Gripen sous cocon et la poignée qui reste en ligne ne dispose pas d'armement moderne. Et la litanie peut se poursuivre, confirmant l'obsolescence de toute la défense sud-africaine et sa lente agonie.

Du coup, la SANDF a bien du mal à déployer un bataillon de Casques bleus (opération Mistral) en RDC au sein de la MONUSCO. Il est appuyé par trois hélicoptères de combat Rooivalk et trois Oryx de transport, ce qui ne laisse guère de moyens sur le territoire national. Le contingent de la SANDF (qui a perdu un soldat le 3 juin, lors d'un tir ami) compte environ mille hommes.

Dans ce cas, une projection au Mozambique est-elle envisageable? Plus personne n'en parle. Le président Ramaphosa reste silencieux. Rien ne vient de la SADC qui voudrait bien donner un coup de pouce au régime de Maputo en lutte contre les insurgés du Cabo Delgado. Une nouvelle réunion de la SADC pourrait avoir lieu avant le 20 juin.

http://lignesdedefense.blogs.ouest-france.fr/archive/2021/06/08/afrique-du-sud-22206.html

l'armée sidaf est a l'image du pays, un Etat hier prospère qui part en live de toute part...
L'industrie sidaf la 1ere du continent risque de ne plus exister...
idem pour la South African Air Force qui faisait les gros titres des magasines de defense lors de la Guerre des frontières
Merci l'ANC de continuer a détruire ce qui aurait ou etre une grande puissance continentale

Depuis le départ des blancs du pouvoir cet état s'est affaiblie et le SIDA et autres ont commencé à apparaître... les mêmes qui ont mis Mandela au pouvoir et les ONG "pacifiste" de bas étage, le pays s'est nettement dégradé.

Pourtant ce sont les anciens Sud-africain, qui sont à l'origine des AML-90, des missiles Crotale ( Cactus) , et ont appris au français le blindage a metal plié plutôt que soudé le métal...
Le Maroc n'avais aucun problème avec eux, et la suite vous la connaissez..

Si le régime blanc serait encore en place, le pays n'aurai pas connu les maladies et autres misère actuelle..

Dommage je connais bien l'industrie militaire Sud-africaine, Armscor, Denel...

Ils ont produit du pétrole synthétique (Sasol) a partir du charbon...
Ont dit même que des satellites US et URSS ont détecté des flashs dans l'océan Indien suite à des essais nucléaires Sud-africain.. vers 1979..

L'autre superpuissance ... ....

Analisi Difesa a écrit:

La marine sud-africaine ne dispose pas de fonds suffisants pour la modernisation et l'entretien de la plupart de ses frégates et sous-marins ....

C'est ce que confirme le rapport sur l'état des dépenses militaires présenté le 18 août pour l'exercice 2021/22 qui indique que face à un besoin d'entretien et de réparation de 1,470 milliard de rands, seuls 53,4% ont été financés....

les forces speciales sudaf deployer aux mozambique

Et ça veut un siège permanent au VS au nom de l'Afrique

https://tass.com/defense/1564549

Citation :

South Africa, Russia, China to hold joint naval drills in February
TASS
2 minutes

The drills will take place in the Indian Ocean in the area of the port city of Durban and Richards Bay

PRETORIA, January 19. /TASS/. Naval drills involving ships of the South African Republic, Russia and China will take place in South Africa between February 17 and 27 in order to strengthen multilateral ties between the three countries, the South African Department of Defense announced Thursday.

The drills will take place in the Indian Ocean in the area of the port city of Durban and Richards Bay (located 87 nautical miles apart), the Department of Defense said in a statement published on its website, adding that the exercise aims for exchange of operational skills and knowledge and should strengthen in the already prosperous relations between the states.

South Africa will be represented with a contingent of 350 servicemen of various branches of the Armed forces, which will operate in close cooperation with Russian and Chinese counterparts. The Department of Defense also noted that the first trilateral exercise took place in November 2019 near South Africa’s Cape Town. Previously, the Department of Defense said that Russia is expected to be represented by two ships.

The UK’s Marshall Aerospace has secured a contract to perform modifications and servicing on the South African Air Force’s (SAAF) fleet of C-130B Hercules transport aircraft, as well as supporting subsequent in-country modification work.https://t.co/VCJ9kzcPl4

— EuroDefence (@eurodefence) August 15, 2023

Ils voulaient pas prendre 8 A400 M ceux la ?

Citation :

South African Air Force, Lesotho Defence Force strengthen ties

Guy Martin -31st Aug 2023



Members of the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF) are in South Africa under a cooperation agreement aimed at furthering air arm training.

Ad Astra intern Nondumiso Ndhlela reported that the LDF delegation arrived at South African Air Force Headquarters on 28 August, and will be in South Africa until 1 September.

“The purpose of the visit from the Lesotho Defence Force was to follow up on a cooperation agreement which was signed by the SA National Defence Force, authorising the Kingdom of Lesotho Defence Force Air Wing to take part in the military training programmes,” Ndhlela explained.

SAAF and LDF officials were scheduled to discuss the hosting of LDF Air Wing members in South Africa for courses, and the introduction of joint exercises between the two organisations.

Some members of the Lesotho delegation previously underwent an Officer Forming Course in South Africa and said they were proud products of the SA Air Force.

LDF Colonel Tsukudu said, “we are gladly looking forward to exchanging knowledge on how we are going to maintain and improve our cooperation as well as solutions on development of aviation. It has been a while since we had our intakes with the SA Air Force, which was in 2009. We are delighted to be here to kickstart our cooperation.”

The LDF Air Wing relies on outside sources for pilot training as it has no capacity of its own. The SAAF has trained numerous pilots from its landlocked neighbour, while others have received training at commercial flying schools.

The LDF has a small Air Wing, whose most modern aircraft are three Airbus Helicopters H125s. Several C212s and a single GA-8 Airvan fixed wing aircraft are also believed to be in service, along with several Bell 412s, and a couple of BO 105s.

The LDF is mainly tasked with border control and managing internal security issues, such as cattle rustling, as well as search and rescue. It is contributing a company-sized infantry force to the SADC Mission in Mozambique (SAMIM), with the Air Wing providing a C212 for light transport duties.


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/south-african-air-force-lesotho-defence-force-strengthen-ties/  

Citation :

SAAF in crisis as aircraft serviceability drops to less than 20%

Kim Helfrich/Guy Martin -19th October

The continued emasculation of the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) was vividly brought to the fore by Defence and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise when answering a Parliamentary question.

Her undated response to Kobus Marais, the Democratic Alliance (DA) shadow minister for her portfolio, is specific to the SA Air Force (SAAF) and reveals crisis level rates of serviceability.

As Marais notes in his response yesterday (18 October), “most concerning” is that “a staggering 85% of the SAAF’s aircraft fleet is currently out of action, leaving the nation vulnerable to security threats.”

The majority of the SAAF fleet is grounded due to “a lack of spares or budget constraints to conduct the necessary repairs”. Modise’s reply also informs him unavailability of aircraft implies SAAF defence readiness is “compromised” with aircrew having to regain currency and “the lack of aircraft availability poses a challenge”.

She goes further stating: “The challenge is the severe unavailability of funds to place contracts and it’s not as a result of non-performance by Armscor or SAAF. Armscor had to engage with contractors within limited available funds and, in numerous instances, has not yielded positive results”.

An Armscor presentation to Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans last month revealed there are maintenance and repair contracts in place for most SAAF types, but almost all of these are only partially funded.

Marais’ reaction to Modise’s reply is scathing, pointing the finger at government mismanagement and “lack of political will and neglect” as severely compromising SANDF capabilities. He goes as far as calling it “a national crisis” with the “diminishing strength” of South Africa’s military capability posing “a severe risk”.

That South Africa’s air defence capability, vested in Lieutenant General Wiseman Mbambo’s SAAF, cannot put more than half its aircraft into the air leaves the country “exposed and vulnerable”.

As examples, Modise’s response has it that of the SAAF’s 11 Rooivalk combat support helicopters, three are serviceable with the remaining eight in need of “major repairs/rebuilds” with an ROM (rough order of magnitude) for spares to make six airworthy R1 billion.

One of four Super Lynx maritime helicopters is serviceable with “three awaiting various spare parts by June 2024”. (The most updated information defenceWeb has is that two are serviceable.)

There are five SAAF rotary-wing workhorse Oryx serviceable with two “beyond economic repair”, 10 needing major rebuilds, two more on the major rebuild list following accident damage and 22 “grounded at squadrons awaiting critical parts”. An estimated R2.5 billion is needed to make the 39-strong Oryx fleet airworthy.

Other types in service are in much the same situation with, in one instance, the venerable C-47TP used by Air Force Base (AFB) Ysterplaat-based 35 Squadron for maritime patrol and reconnaissance work at high risk of not flying again. This because no maintenance or repair contract can be placed as there is “no OEM (original equipment manufacturer) for this platform in industry”.

The primary SAAF training aircraft – Pilatus PC-7 Mk II – based at AFB Langebaanweg, is another type to suffer – with aspirant pilots not doing the training hours they should. Six of a fleet of 35 are serviceable with Modise’s response noting “specification for a new contract with Pilatus AG was not acceptable”. It appears the door has not completely closed as “negotiations are ongoing to resolve the impasse”.

R1 billion has been made available from National Treasury to get the C-130BZ fleet airworthy, but there are no maintenance contracts in place for the C-47TP, Cessna Caravan or King Air, although Armscor is in the process of appointing a King Air maintenance contractor.

Defence expert Dean Wingrin pointed out that no air force has a 100% serviceability rate, but around 15% for the SAAF “is shocking.” The major cause, he said, is an insufficient defence budget, ineffectual and inefficient procurement process and a lack of political will and support. “I suppose the lack of understanding by Treasury of the unique defence environment does not help either,” he added.

While South Africa’s poor economy is largely to blame, “the Government has been warned about this for a long time. It comes as no surprise. The effects of a reduced (aviation) capability have been felt throughout the SANDF and it has already led to fatal consequences,” he said. “Talk of an updated defence policy/review/White Paper is too late. The Government needs to do better.”

Darren Olivier, Director at African Defence Review, pointed out that it’s important to note Modise’s statistics are a point in time measurement that does change from day to day, “so what we really need are average rates across each quarter and year. For instance, two Super Lynxes are serviceable now, not just one. Even so, these are bad numbers.”

The following table, compiled from numerous sources including Modise’s written reply, summarises the approximate state of the SAAF’s fleet and indicates a serviceability rate of 17%:

Aircraft   Fleet size    Status

Boeing Business Jet 1 Serviceable

Falcon 50 2 1 serviceable  1 under repair

Falcon 900 1 Undergoing service

C-130BZ 6
1 serviceable
3 awaiting spares
1 undergoing maintenance
1 awaiting rebuilt

C212 3
1 serviceable
2 under repair

King Air 4
4 unserviceable

Cessna Caravan 8
8 unserviceable

PC-12 1 Undergoing maintenance

C-47TP 8
8 unserviceable

Rooivalk
11 3 serviceable
8 unserviceable

Oryx 39
5 serviceable
12 awaiting major rebuilds
22 unserviceable

A109 24
6 serviceable
18 unserviceable/written off

Super Lynx 300 4
2 serviceable
2 unserviceable awaiting spares

BK 117 8
1 serviceable

Gripen 26
2 serviceable
23 unserviceable
1 written off

Hawk Mk 120 24
3 serviceable
21 unserviceable

PC-7 Mk II 35
6 serviceable
29 unserviceable

Total 205
31 serviceable
174 unserviceable/undergoing repair/written off


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/aerospace/aerospace-aerospace/saaf-in-crisis-as-aircraft-serviceability-drops-to-less-than-20/  

Citation :

Second SA Navy MMIPV to be named on Friday

defenceWeb -25th October


MMIPV SAS King Shaka (P1572) off the Cape. Picture: Allan Roy.


The second SA Navy (SAN) multi-mission inshore patrol vessel (MMIPV) built in South Africa will, the shipbuilders have it, be named in a ceremony at Naval Base (NB) Durban on Friday, 27 October.

SAS King Shaka Zulu (P1572) will join SAS King Sekhukhune I (P1571) in SAN service, with MMIPV number three, SAS Adam Kok (P1573) set to complete the class in the SAN patrol squadron next August.

Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) is the shipbuilder for all three MMIPVs and notes in a statement advising of Friday’s naming ceremony the newest addition to the SAN inventory is “a vital addition” to the fleet. Designed for rapid response capabilities along South Africa’s 2 798 km coastline, primary missions include countering piracy, illegal fishing and smuggling operations.

SAS King Sekhukhune I was taken into service in May last year and has, since operational testing and evaluation (OTE), been part of the SAN deployment for this year’s Armed Forces Day/Week in Richards Bay in February and the joint Russo/Sino/SA naval exercise Mosi II off the Northern KwaZulu-Natal coast. Ahead of the Richards Bay deployment, she took part in exercises Ibsamar and Oxide. She was also tasked to be in Cape Town’s V&A Waterfront for last month’s cancelled mini navy festival. The MMIPV was, according to reports, abeam the submarine SAS Manthatisi (S101) during the ill-fated vertrep (vertical replenishment) evolution with a 22 Squadron Super Lynx maritime helicopter on 20 September.

Like her sister ships, King Shaka Zulu is a DSCT Stan Patrol 6211 vessel. The 62 metre long, 750 ton vessels have a 20 knot economical speed and a range of 2 000 nautical miles. Each vessel is fitted with a Reutech 20 mm Super Sea Rogue marine gun and Reutech FORT (frequency modulated optical radar tracker) low probability of intercept (LPI) optronics radar tracking system.

Along with SAS King Sekhukhune I and the refurbished strikecraft SAS Makhanda (P1569), King Shaka Zulu will make up the three-ship strong patrol squadron at NB Durban. The busy east coast port was previously home port of the then Warrior strikecraft flotilla and will be the patrol squadron base until the new SAN base at Richards Bay is ready to receive, operate and maintain vessels.

There is, as yet, no finality on when the new naval base will become operational. This was made clear by SAN Chief, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, when addressing an August medal parade. He said the “planned move to Richards Bay is progressing steadily and we [the SAN] are at the mercy of Transnet National Ports Authority to move the process forward. Remember, the TNPA asked us to move, not the other way around. The Navy agreed to the move in principle, but made it clear we expect a brand new naval base in Richards Bay before we move there. Currently the memorandum of understanding between the SANDF and TNPA has been finalised and we are waiting to sign it”.


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/second-sa-navy-mmipv-to-be-named-on-friday/  

Citation :

NOV 24

South African Army Displays New Badger 8x8 Armored Vehicles During VUKUHLOME 2023 Exercise


In a significant military development, South Africa showcased its latest development of an 8x8 wheeled armored vehicle, the Badger, during Exercise
VUKUHLOME 2023. This event took place on November 22, 2023, at the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape. The Badger is set
to replace the Ratel 6x6 armored vehicles, which have been a staple in the South African armed forces for over four decades.



The Badger IFV Infantry Fighting Vehicle was demonstrated during the military exercise VUKUHLOME 2023 on November 22, 2023.  (Picture
source South African Armed Forces)


http://worlddefencenews.blogspot.com/2023/11/south-african-army-displays-new-badger.html  

#Gripen C and D of 2 Sqn, #SAAF on deployment at AFB Ysterplaat today.

Will be flying every day, incl early Thurs evening for #SONA2024 fly past.

Many thanks to members of 2 Sqn and AFB Ysterplaat, your hospitality is appreciated.#SAAirforce @Saab @GripenNews @defenceWeb_Afr pic.twitter.com/0iKWfKk8gm

— Dean Wingrin (@deanwingrin) February 6, 2024

Citation :

SA President humbled by soldiers’ ultimate sacrifice for peace in DR Congo

defenceWeb -28th June 2024



Soldiers bear the coffin of a colleague, killed in DR Congo, from an aircraft at AFB Waterkloof.


South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is “deeply saddened’ by the deaths of two soldiers and injuries to 20 more during a mortar attack on a South African base at Sake in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The 25 June attack, credited to the M23 rebel group, brings to five the number of South African soldiers killed in combat since the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission to the DRC (SAMIDRC) deployed in December.

“President Ramaphosa offers his deep condolences to the families of the fallen troops as well as their commanders and colleagues,” a Presidency statement reads, in part adding “the President’s thoughts are also with the SANDF members who are recovering from their injuries”.

“As we mourn the deaths and casualties inflicted on our soldiers, we value and are humbled by the sacrifices they have made for the cause of peace and stability in our region and they shall not be forgotten,” it continues.

The President also assured the bereaved families and the injured troops that the SANDF will take the utmost care to provide the necessary logistical and psychosocial support to all those affected.

South African forces are part of SAMIDRC, along with Malawi and Tanzania, which was deployed on 15 December last year to support the DRC government in restoring peace and security in the eastern DRC. This was in response to an increase in conflicts and instability caused by the resurgence of armed groups, the Presidency statement has it.

South African soldiers and support personnel are deployed in Mozambique as part of another SADC mission set to wrap up operations in Cabo Delgado next month (July) after a three year-long deployment. Ramaphosa as SANDF Commander-in-Chief informed Parliament in April ahead of the 29 May general election that the South African military commitment would be extended to 31 December. The nine month extension will incur costs of R984 368 057.


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/african-news/sa-president-humbled-by-soldiers-ultimate-sacrifice-for-peace-in-dr-congo/    

Citation :

South African DR Congo deployment criticised – again

defenceWeb -11th July 2024


SAMIDRC Force Commander, Major General Monwabisi Dyakopu,on the ground with troops
in eastern DRC. Picture: SADC.



In the wake of nine deaths of South African military personnel detached to two separate peacekeeping missions in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), another voice has been added to the chorus of those calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to remove South African soldiers from the central African country.

The deaths caused by, among others, rebel mortar attacks and an as yet unexplained grenade explosion, are laid at the door of a lack of proper equipment, including air support.

South African Department of Defence (DoD) Head of Communication (HoD), Siphiwe Dlamini is reported by IOL as saying the deployment of SA National Defence Force (SANDF) elements is part of “constant scenario planning”. This, according to him, continues at all times in any deployment “as there are developments and every possibility is taken into account to ensure the protection and capabilities of the mission”.

On why there is a South African military presence in the DRC, Dlamini is reported as saying: “Like the UN peacekeeping mission [MONUSCO] the SADC mission [SAMIDRC] is to protect and safeguard civilian population. This is a SADC peacekeeping mission, a decision taken by regional leadership of the region. It is South Africa’s contribution to peace and security in the African continent”.

A different view comes from former Parliamentarian and now an independent defence analyst, Kobus Marais. He gives three reasons why “our soldiers should come home immediately”. They are insufficient funding, there is no threat to South Africa from conflict in the eastern DRC and the SANDF is “falling apart” with defence capabilities “diminishing by the day”.

“The challenge in the eastern DRC is an EAC [East African Community] problem especially as rebel groups are operating from the territories of a number of the DRC’s EAC neighbours against the DRC defence force and the local communities.

“This is not a SADC and a South African problem and certainly not worth the loss of our soldiers’ lives and our prime mission equipment.

“None of our national strategic interests or our national security are under threat. Not even the SADC neighbours of DRC in Angola and Zambia are involved, which should be an indication no South African threat exists,” Marais is reported by IOL as saying.

New Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa told the Sunday Times that he would, as a priority, ask Ramaphosa to urgently boost the budget for the SANDF elements on peacekeeping missions in the DRC and elsewhere so they are able to defend themselves. He said he will also ask the President to engage with his SADC counterparts about changing the rules of engagement for peacekeeping missions as the current rules and equipment are hobbling the SANDF’s ability to be more proactive in defending itself.

“You will find that the SANDF, they go there for peacekeeping purposes, but while they are there they are under attack because the rules and regulations governing peacekeeping are slightly different, to say you are not going to a war. So, you have limited equipment. It has to change.”

He also urged for a political settlement and government-to-government negotiations to resolve the conflict in the DRC.

“The neighbouring country which houses these rebels doesn’t care about us. They take us as if we are part of them, that we are defending the other side, for whatever reason,” Holomisa said of rebel forces that accuse SADC countries for siding with the Kinshasa regime that they are fighting.

M23 rebels have killed five SANDF soldiers in combat this year: on 14 February, two soldiers died and three were injured in an M23 mortar attack, and on 30 May, a medic was killed and 13 troops wounded during an M23 attack on Sake. Two Captains were killed on 25 June in another M23 mortar attack on Sake that also injured 20 SANDF troops.

Another two soldiers died in a murder/suicide in the DRC on 29 February, while a soldier also passed away in hospital. This week a Major was killed in a grenade explosion that is under investigation by the SANDF and UN.


https://www.defenceweb.co.za/african-news/south-african-dr-congo-deployment-criticised-again/  

https://t.co/74ca8THvtq

— Mugenzi Félix (@FelixMugenzi) July 21, 2024

Apparemment, les Sud-africains ont déjà perdu pas mal de monde en déploiements extérieurs.

Il y a aussi eu deux morts au Congo suite à une attaque au mortier au Congo il y a deux mois :
https://www.reuters.com/world/africa/two-killed-mortar-attack-south-african-army-base-congo-2024-06-26/