MPs slam Motshekga for DRC troop meeting ‘snub’

The committee met to discuss the withdrawal of SANDF troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The meeting comes days after the government confirmed a phased pullout of South African troops from the war-torn eastern region of the DRC.

 But Motshekga, currently in Russia for that country’s Victory Day commemorations, was a no-show, prompting MPs to question her priorities.

Victory Day, marked annually on 9 May, commemorates the Soviet Union’s triumph over Nazi Germany in World War II.

This year’s event marks the 80th anniversary and remains one of the most symbolic events in Russian President Vladimir Putin’s calendar.

Despite the significance of the commemoration, opposition MPs argued that the committee meeting, scheduled weeks in advance, deserved the minister’s presence.

Democratic Alliance MP Nicholas Gotsell said Motshekga’s apology felt last-minute and deeply inadequate, especially given the seriousness of the agenda.

"I don't believe a celebration in Russia is more important, especially not today. This agenda item was approved and scheduled for this term long ago, and I want to formally record my dissatisfaction with the minister’s absence," he said.

Although Motshekga delegated Deputy Ministers Bantu Holomisa and Richard Mkhungo to represent her and respond to questions, Gotsell said her physical absence was unacceptable given the crisis.

On Sunday, Motshekga and SANDF Chief Rudzani Maphwanya updated the nation on the gradual return of troops, following a Southern African Development Community (SADC) decision in March to end its multinational deployment in the DRC.

However, Gotsell remains unconvinced, especially after 14 South African soldiers died and more than 170 were wounded during the mission.

“This is a delusional attempt to mask what was, by every measurable standard, a catastrophic failure of the ANC’s regional ambitions, both strategically and morally,” he said.

Gotsell also called for clarity on reported financial discrepancies between funds received from SADC for the deployment and what soldiers received in allowances.

Meanwhile, committee co-chairperson Malusi Gigaba defended Motshekga’s absence, insisting there may be diplomatic matters at play.

"Honourable members, this may not be just a celebration.

"There are diplomatic relations at play, and we must respect that, especially since we are not privy to the reasons behind the president’s decision to deploy the minister to Russia. It’s not simply about a commemoration.

"Given that the president recently met with the President of Ukraine, it’s possible that some of those diplomatic matters are on the minister’s agenda," said Gigaba.

Deputy Minister of Defence Bantu Holomisa also tried to reassure MPs that all their concerns would be addressed.

"We are joined today by the Chief of Staff of the South African Military Personnel Force and the Chief of Joint Operations, who will deliver a detailed presentation on our regional deployments, specifically our involvement in MONUSCO operations in the DRC and the broader SADC peace support mission.

"Let me state unequivocally: our forces remain operational in the DRC under the MONUSCO framework, although the situation on the ground remains fluid. As you are aware, troops under the SADC Mission (SAMIDRC) are currently being withdrawn. More details on that will be provided by the Chief of Staff Operations," said Holomisa.

He also emphasised the role of diplomacy in securing the current ceasefire, which he says is holding “for now”.

"We extend our gratitude to His Excellency President Cyril Ramaphosa, His Excellency President Paul Kagame, and the leadership of the SADC community. Their collective commitment to peace has been critical in facilitating this withdrawal.

"Key meetings have taken place between our military leadership and affected parties, contributing meaningfully to stabilising the situation," Holomisa added.

 ALSO READ