Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana has announced a R5 billion allocation to the SANDF in the 2025 Budget Speech.
This is to support troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), reinforcing South Africa’s commitment to regional peacekeeping efforts.
SANDF KEEPING THE PEACE
During the 2025 Budget Speech in Cape Town on Wednesday, 12 March, Godongwana confirmed R9.4 billion had been allocated to fund the defence force and correctional services.
“Over the medium term, R5 billion has been allocated to the Department of Defence to support South Africa’s participation in the Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and to supplement existing peace keeping activities,” he said.
WHY DOES SOUTH AFRICA DEPLOY TROOPS TO THE DRC?
South Africa deploys troops to the DRC as part of its commitment to regional stability and peacekeeping efforts. This is mainly under the United Nations Organization Stabilisation Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
The deployment of South African troops to the DRC is rooted in four key reasons:
Regional Stability
The conflict in the DRC poses a threat to the stability of the Southern African region. According to AP News, as a leading member of the SADC, South Africa committed close to 3,000 troops for the SADC mission in the DRC. These soldiers were deployed in December 2023.
Peacekeeping Obligations
South Africa takes part in peacekeeping missions under the auspices of the United Nations and SADC. The SANDF’s involvement aims to support efforts to disarm rebel groups, protect civilians, and assist in stabilising the region, according to Reuters.
Diplomatic Leadership
By contributing to peacekeeping missions, South Africa reinforces its role as a key player in African diplomacy and showcases its commitment to resolving conflicts on the continent.
Economic Interests
Stability in the DRC benefits South African economic interests, as a peaceful environment supports regional trade and investment opportunities.
CALLS TO WITHDRAW SANDF FROM DRC
Despite these points, there have been growing calls to withdraw South African troops following the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers in the DRC last month.
Economic Freedom Fighter leader Julius Malema and Democratic Alliance’s Helen Zille have urged the government to pull out of the region.
Julius Malema has advocated increasing the military budget and overhauling the SANDF before redeploying its troops.
While the R5 billion allocation highlights the government’s focus on regional peacekeeping, South Africa’s role in fostering stability in the DRC remains a contentious yet critical aspect of its foreign policy.
Do you think THE R5 BILLION ALLOCATED TO THE SANDF IS JUSTIFIED?
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