Kim Heller
The fault lines in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have been painfully visible in the recent peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Calls for South Africa to withdraw its troops are growing louder after the death of 14 South African soldiers, and significant inroads by rebel group, M23.
For South Africa, protecting national sovereignty and territorial integrity while actively participating in ensuring regional and Continental stability, is no easy balancing act.
During a debate in the National Assembly earlier this month on the country’s peacekeeping mission in the DRC, International Relations and Cooperation, Minister Ronald Lamola said, “Since the dawn of our democracy, our country has been an unwavering champion for peace and justice on the continent and the globe.”
The Minister emphasised the important and impactful role that democratic South Africa has played in leading or participating in peace missions across the Continent.
Lamola warned that a withdrawal of South African troops from the DRC may “be worse than surrender” and could expose soldiers to the risk of ambush. The current Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), endorsed by the African Union, commenced in December 2023 and includes soldiers from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania. It is estimated that there are 2,900 South African soldiers in the contingent.
It is a catch-22 situation.
The Director of African Defence Review, Darren Olivier has also warned that a sudden exit of troops will be detrimental. Olivier argues that withdrawal at this juncture may be construed as capitulation and that weapons will be seized.
South Africa’s standing as a pre-eminent leader in driving peace and stability in the Continent and its commitment to silencing the guns in Africa, could be dented.
On the other hand, Olivier contends that South Africa may “no longer be in the fight” given that M23 has recently gained control over key strategic cities, including Goma. He questions whether South Africa has the necessary military influence to intervene meaningfully.
In 2013, South Africa, as part of SADC and United Nations efforts to quell conflict in the DRC, was able to help counter the M23 forces militarily. While the cessation of the conflict was short-lived, it did demonstrate the power of the SANDF at the time.
Today, 11 years later, the SANDF is a shadow of its former self. With inadequate capacity, funding and weaponry, the South African contingent is unlikely to wage an effective military operation against rebel groups in the DRC.
There may be no other option but withdrawal, unless a new compact and more robust conflict resolution framework is established between the SADC, African Union, and United Nations. This framework will need to align and integrate with the objectives of the peace process which is currently being stewarded by the East African Community (EAC) and SADC. It will also need to take full cognisance of the ever-changing power dynamics in the battlefields of the DRC. The AU must commit more resources and support.
There is a thin line between diffusing and escalating violence. Any future military activity from the SADC mission in the DRC will need to be guided by clarity of purpose and precision.
At the same time that the potency of South Africa’s military power and influence in the Continent is under scrutiny, there is an explosion of questions about whether the SANDF is fully protecting South Africa’s security and territorial integrity, which is its primary objective.
In an article published in the Conversation in February 2024, Professor Neethling wrote of how the military budget had declined to just 1% of gross domestic product (GDP) in the past decade. This, he points out, is far too low, and below the global average military spending of 2.2% of GDP. In 2025, the military budget is less than 0.7% of the country’s GDP.
The SANDF is expected to protect South Africa’s territorial integrity, actively participate in peace missions in the Continent and are often used to back up the South African police service. It is a big ask for an underfunded and poorly capacitated military.
Lieutenant-General, Peter Ntshavheni Maphaha, speaking at the funeral of one of the soldiers who died in the DRC, claimed that the SANDF has been turned into a "Mickey Mouse force."
He said, “Constitutionally, the South African National Defence Force is mandated to protect and defend the country. Any country displays its worth or its character by the level of security it places around it.”
The South African National Defence Force Union’s national secretary, Pikkie Greef, agrees. He said, “The government has brought the defence force to its knees by controlling the budget, misallocating funds and treating the military as a stepchild of public service.”
Greef warns, “If the ongoing deterioration of the country’s defence capabilities was not urgently addressed, the SANDF would be unable to defend “South Africa’s sovereignty and protect its citizens.”
While the country must play a pivotal role in silencing the guns in Africa, its continental responsibilities should not and cannot trump its domestic challenges.
South Africa’s military budget is not commensurate with its aims to be a leading light in continental peacekeeping. It is estimated that deploying troops to the DRC has cost South Africa R2.4 billion.
While peace is priceless, it is extremely expensive, especially for a country like South Africa which is battling daily with its security challenges. Charity begins at home. So too does safety and security.
* Kim Heller is a Political analyst and author of No White Lies: Black Politics and White Power in South Africa.
** The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.