Floyd Shivambu, the Secretary-General of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, has openly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for the deaths of 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers. These soldiers were killed by M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) while on a peacekeeping mission. Shivambu alleged that under former President Jacob Zuma’s leadership, such a tragedy would not have occurred.
**Shivambu’s Criticism of Ramaphosa**
Shivambu did not hold back in his criticism, blaming Ramaphosa’s leadership for the soldiers’ deaths. He claimed that South Africa currently lacks a strong commander-in-chief, stating that the last effective leader of the armed forces was Jacob Zuma.
“South Africa does not have a leader. We are undermined by small countries, which is why we lost soldiers in the DRC. We do not have a commander-in-chief,” Shivambu said. He further argued that the government deployed soldiers without adequate protection, leading to unnecessary casualties.
**Zuma’s Leadership Praised**
According to Shivambu, Zuma commanded respect on the African continent, which would have prevented such a disaster. He suggested that under Zuma’s leadership, the soldiers would not have been placed in harm’s way in the first place.
“The government sent soldiers to be killed by criminals. This would never have happened under Zuma because he was respected in Africa. President Zuma remains sharp and firm in his beliefs,” Shivambu added.
#### **Ramaphosa Faces Further Criticism**
Ramaphosa’s decision to deploy troops to the DRC has been widely questioned. Some critics have even accused him of having personal financial interests in the region’s mining industry. Rwanda has also alleged that South Africa’s military involvement in the DRC is linked to these economic interests.
During his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), Ramaphosa faced backlash when he mentioned the presence of South African soldiers in the DRC. Many in Parliament heckled him, demanding answers regarding the military deployment.
#### **Controversy Over SANDF’s Role in the DRC**
The SANDF has been at the center of controversy since the release of a viral video showing soldiers waving a white flag, leading to speculation that they had surrendered. However, the military force has denied these claims.
Additionally, the South African National Defence Union (SANDU) has expressed concerns over the lack of resources available to SANDF forces. They argue that the soldiers are not well-equipped to handle the challenges they face in the DRC.
The bodies of the 14 fallen soldiers were confirmed to be repatriated on February 5.
#### **Calls to Withdraw Troops from the DRC**
Several political leaders have called for the withdrawal of SANDF forces from the DRC. Among them are Helen Zille and Julius Malema, who have both expressed concerns over the government’s handling of the situation.
Malema criticized Defence Minister Angie Motshekga for her response to the crisis, arguing that the army should return home immediately. Zille later shared his statement on social media, signaling her agreement.
#### **Conclusion**
The deaths of 14 SANDF soldiers have intensified debates about South Africa’s military involvement in the DRC. Floyd Shivambu has used this tragedy to attack Ramaphosa’s leadership, insisting that Zuma’s tenure was marked by greater respect and stronger military decisions. As criticism grows, the government faces mounting pressure to justify its foreign military engagements and ensure that similar tragedies do not happen again.