Anderson Cooper Speaks: A Closer Look At South Africa’s DRC Conflict And The Nation’s Reaction

Holifil

30 Mar, 2025

President Cyril Ramaphosa paid tribute to the fallen SANDF soldiers in the DRC, offering heartfelt condolences to their families.
Ramaphosa addressed concerns about the state of the SANDF, urging South Africans to support their troops amid speculation about resources.
Many citizens expressed dissatisfaction with Ramaphosa’s decision to deliver his statement via social media rather than a formal national address.

Cyril Ramaphosa addresses the DRC conflict, but South Africans are left questioning his approach. Image: Vitalii Nosach/ FG Trade. Source: Getty Images.

Alright, let’s break this down. President Cyril Ramaphosa has finally spoken up about the conflict raging in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). But here’s the twist—many South Africans aren’t exactly thrilled with how he delivered the message. Let me explain why.

Thirteen brave soldiers from the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) have lost their lives in clashes with the M23 rebels in the heart of Central Africa. Now, with growing calls to bring the troops home and whispers about the SANDF being under-resourced, Ramaphosa finally weighed in on the situation. But did he hit the mark? That’s the million-dollar question.

Remembering the Fallen: Ramaphosa Honors the Heroes

Taking to social media, President Ramaphosa began his statement by honoring the soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. He didn’t mince words when expressing his condolences to the families of these brave men and women.

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“To the families, loved ones, and colleagues of our fallen heroes, we extend our sincerest condolences. We bow our heads in honor of their heroic and gallant fight for peace. These brave souls will always be remembered, and we mourn their loss deeply,” Ramaphosa declared.

But it didn’t stop there. The president assured South Africans that support was being extended to the families of the fallen soldiers. He also mentioned that efforts were underway to bring the remains of the soldiers back home, ensuring they receive the respect and dignity they deserve.

Addressing the Rumors: Ramaphosa Speaks on SANDF’s State

Let’s talk about the elephant in the room—speculation swirling around the state of the SANDF. The South African National Defence Union has been vocal about the troops being under-resourced, while other reports claim the soldiers ran out of ammunition during the conflict. Ramaphosa addressed these concerns head-on.

He urged South Africans to rally behind the courageous men and women who are risking their lives to maintain peace on the continent. “These are our heroes, and we must stand with them,” he emphasized. Ramaphosa added that Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, was collaborating closely with military leaders to ensure the troops remained equipped and supported throughout their mission.

One key point he made was that the SANDF’s presence in the DRC wasn’t an act of aggression or war against any nation. Instead, it was part of a peacekeeping effort aimed at restoring stability to the region. This clarification was crucial in setting the record straight.

What You Need to Know About the DRC Conflict

The South African National Defence Union claims that soldiers are severely under-resourced, raising concerns about their ability to carry out their mission effectively.
Minister Angie Motshekga has faced criticism for her travel expenses while the SANDF struggles with limited resources.
The SANDF has denied reports suggesting they surrendered to the M23 rebels, asserting their commitment to the mission.
Family members of slain soldiers describe them as true patriots who dedicated their lives to serving their country.

Social Media vs. National Address: South Africans Disappointed

Now, here’s where things get interesting. Many South Africans took to social media to express their frustration with Ramaphosa’s choice to deliver his statement online rather than through a formal national address. People felt that such a significant issue deserved more attention and a broader platform.

@NPMachanyana1 voiced this sentiment, saying:

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“Some of the family members of these soldiers aren’t even on social media. Please address the entire nation, Mr. President. This is serious.”

@Ayola_M questioned the urgency and decision-making behind the appointment of Angie Motshekga:

“Mr. President, the situation is dire. Can we be more decisive and resolute in our actions? And why did you place Angie in this role?”

@Dikewest3 echoed the call for a formal press conference:

“We demand a proper briefing. This isn’t something that should be handled lightly.”

@MrsMonnica added a poignant plea:

“Bring our soldiers back home. We don’t care about your words of honor. The priority should be bringing back the ones who are still alive.”

@korkied highlighted the delay in communication:

“Why does it take you and your team so long to update the nation? Time is of the essence in situations like this.”

@visse_ss brought up a valid point about priorities:

“South Africa keeps sending soldiers to fight for peace in the DRC, yet our own streets are battlegrounds. Maybe it’s time we focus on fixing our problems at home before playing hero abroad.”

@AgriGrowthBuzz reminded the president of his previous approach during the pandemic:

“Do you really think every South African is glued to these platforms? I remember when you addressed us on TV and radio during COVID-19. You can do better, Mr. President.”

@Wandilemsomix humorously pointed out the president’s tendency to say a lot without saying much:

“You’re great at speaking volumes without actually saying anything. That’s quite the skill, isn’t it?”

More Casualties Reported: SANDF Soldiers Continue to Fall

Briefly News reported that the SANDF confirmed the tragic loss of four additional soldiers in the DRC. Three of these soldiers were killed during a mortar attack by M23 rebels near the Goma airport. The fourth soldier passed away due to injuries sustained in earlier conflicts with the rebels.

This ongoing tragedy underscores the urgency of addressing the challenges faced by the SANDF in the DRC. As the nation mourns its heroes, the call for action grows louder. Will Ramaphosa and his administration step up to the plate? Only time will tell.