Floyd Shivambu Blames Cyril Ramaphosa For SANDF Soldiers' Tragedy

• Floyd Shivambu accused President Cyril Ramaphosa of responsibility in the deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers.
• Shivambu emphasized that Jacob Zuma's leadership was the last time the nation had a true commander-in-chief.
• According to Shivambu, these soldiers wouldn't have perished under Zuma's administration.

CAPE TOWN – Floyd Shivambu recently delivered a pointed critique aimed at President Cyril Ramaphosa, holding him accountable for the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers. His comments reflect ongoing dissatisfaction with the leadership's handling of military deployments abroad.

These soldiers tragically lost their lives in clashes with M23 rebels while carrying out peacekeeping duties in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). Critics, including Ramaphosa himself, have faced backlash over the decision to deploy troops to this volatile region. Some accuse the president of prioritizing personal mining interests in the DRC, a claim denied by the government but nonetheless fueling public skepticism.

Shivambu Champions Zuma as a Strong Commander-in-Chief

Addressing the media during Jacob Zuma's court appearance in Pietermaritzburg, the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party Secretary-General laid the blame squarely on poor leadership. Shivambu suggested that the nation is currently leaderless, which has weakened South Africa's standing on the continent and beyond.

Read also:

Skomota Caught Gaming At The Club The Hilarious Viral Moment

“South Africa is being undermined by smaller countries, and that's why we lost our soldiers in the eastern DRC. The root cause is the lack of strong leadership. It's clear that we don't have a commander-in-chief leading our armed forces effectively,” Shivambu passionately stated.

He further elaborated that the last time the country enjoyed robust military leadership was under Jacob Zuma. Shivambu insisted that such casualties wouldn’t have occurred under Zuma’s watch, praising the former president for his strong continental influence.

“The government is sending our soldiers to their deaths without adequate support or strategy. Under Zuma, he commanded respect across Africa, and he wouldn't have allowed our troops to be placed in such precarious situations. President Zuma remains steadfast and sharp in his convictions,” Shivambu continued.

Ramaphosa Faces Public Criticism During State of the Nation Address

Shivambu isn't alone in his criticism. The controversy surrounding South Africa's involvement in the DRC has sparked widespread debate. Many citizens question whether Ramaphosa's decision to deploy troops stems from personal mineral interests abroad, adding fuel to an already contentious issue.

During his State of the Nation Address, Ramaphosa faced vocal opposition when he highlighted the SANDF's role in protecting the Congolese people. This moment underscored the growing public dissatisfaction with the current administration's foreign policy decisions.

Key Facts About SANDF's Mission in the DRC

Following the viral spread of a video showing SANDF troops allegedly surrendering, the military leadership swiftly denied claims of surrender. Instead, they emphasized the complexities of the battlefield and the challenges faced by under-resourced forces.

In response to public demand, the SANDF released the names of the 14 fallen soldiers, honoring their sacrifice and providing closure to their families. However, the challenges persist, with the SANDF highlighting resource shortages that significantly hinder their effectiveness in conflict zones.

The SANDF confirmed plans to repatriate the remains of the fallen soldiers on February 5, a gesture aimed at honoring their service and addressing the concerns of their loved ones.

Read also:

Nota Baloyis Father Steps In Amid Rape Allegations

Political Leaders Unite in Calling for Troop Recall

Briefly News reported that prominent figures like Helen Zille and Julius Malema have joined forces in demanding the recall of SANDF forces from the DRC. Their stance reflects a broader sentiment among South Africans who believe the troops should prioritize national security over foreign missions.

Malema specifically criticized Defense Minister Angie Motshekga for what he perceived as an inadequate response to the escalating DRC crisis. He advocated for bringing the troops home, a sentiment echoed by Zille, who publicly agreed with Malema's stance, marking a rare moment of bipartisan agreement on this critical issue.