A Family's Plea: Bring Our Soldiers Home From The DRC

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

A South African family is growing increasingly anxious about their nephew, a SANDF soldier stationed in the DRC.
Caroline Kordom, from Saron, has urged the government to bring the troops home to prevent further casualties.
Thirteen South African soldiers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

A family in the Western Cape is deeply worried about their nephew, a SANDF soldier deployed in the DRC. Image: Sharon Seretlo/Per-Anders Pettersson. Source: Getty Images

WESTERN CAPE – The Kordom family in Saron is living with an unbearable weight on their shoulders. They’re deeply concerned about the safety of their nephew, a soldier currently stationed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). It’s not just worry—it’s fear. Fear for his life, fear for the lives of all the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers caught in the crossfire of this brutal conflict.

Caroline Kordom, a concerned aunt from Saron, opened up about the mounting fears her family is experiencing. The situation in the eastern part of the DRC, where M23 rebels are clashing with peacekeeping forces, has only grown more dangerous. Caroline's nephew is among the SANDF soldiers stationed in the war-torn Goma region, one of the most volatile areas in Central Africa.

Concerns Mount as Contact Fades

In a recent interview with EWN, Caroline Kordom voiced her growing concerns. She revealed that the family hasn’t heard from their nephew since news broke of the deaths of several SANDF soldiers in the DRC. On January 24, 2025, the SANDF confirmed that nine soldiers were killed during clashes with rebel forces. Just days later, on January 28, the death toll climbed as four more soldiers were declared dead. Three of them perished in a devastating mortar attack, while the fourth succumbed to injuries sustained in earlier battles.

Read also:
Tiktok Controversy A Womans Criticism Of Lace Front Wigs Sparks Debate

As the number of fatalities continues to rise, Caroline is urging the government to act swiftly. She believes that withdrawing the troops is the only way to prevent further loss of life. “We haven’t heard anything from them, so we want SANDF to withdraw our soldiers,” she said, her voice filled with desperation.

Adding to their anxiety, the family received a chilling message on January 27 from a contact in Goma. The message stated that the city was surrounded by M23 rebels, deepening their fears for their nephew’s safety. The situation feels dire, and the family is holding onto hope while demanding action from those in power.

The Kordom family is calling for the immediate withdrawal of troops from the DRC to protect the lives of their loved ones. Image: Per-Anders Pettersson. Source: Getty Images

Understanding the Conflict in the DRC

Key Points About the Ongoing Crisis

The South African National Defence Union has raised concerns that SANDF soldiers are severely under-resourced, leaving them vulnerable in combat zones.
Angie Motshekga, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, has faced criticism over her travel expenses while SANDF soldiers are fighting for survival on the front lines.
The SANDF has denied reports suggesting they surrendered to the rebels, emphasizing their commitment to maintaining peace despite the challenges.
Families of fallen soldiers describe their loved ones as patriots who dedicated their lives to serving their country, even in the face of unimaginable danger.

Remembering Those Who Paid the Ultimate Price

In a related report, the SANDF confirmed the tragic deaths of four more soldiers in the DRC. Briefly News detailed the circumstances surrounding their passing. Three soldiers were killed in a brutal mortar attack launched by M23 rebels. The fourth soldier tragically succumbed to injuries sustained during earlier confrontations with the rebels near Goma.

Each of these soldiers left behind families and communities devastated by their loss. They were more than just names—they were fathers, brothers, and sons who answered the call to serve. Their sacrifices are a stark reminder of the human cost of this conflict and the urgent need for action to protect the remaining troops.

What’s Next?

As the world watches, the Kordom family and countless others wait anxiously for updates and action. The situation in the DRC remains tense, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. For Caroline Kordom and her family, the hope is simple: bring our soldiers home, safely and soon.