Johannesburg – Two South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers killed in a mortar attack in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been laid to rest in different locations in South Africa.
Speaking at the burial of Captain Lucky Maringa, at West Park Cemetery in Johannesburg on Saturday, new Defence Minister Angie Motshekga said: “We gather today, to bid farewell to a distinguished soldier and a patriot”.
She said the funeral service of Captain Rebaone Kgopane also took place on Saturday in Taung, in the North West province.
The two captains met their untimely death when rebels attacked one of the bases of the SADC Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (SAMIDRC) on the 25th of June 2024.
“Barely a month ago, we buried another soldier, Sgt Mbulelo David Ngubane, who also perished under similar circumstances, in the DRC,” Minister Motshekga said.
“Today, we are forced yet again to confront the mortality of men and women who are willing to sacrifice everything including life and limb, so that Africa and her people live in a peaceful and secure environment.
“An environment that will enable communities to continue with their daily lives knowing that they are safe.
“As we unite in grief again, we do so truly proud to celebrate the glorious life of this distinguished soldier and loyal servant of the people of South Africa, Captain Lucky Maringa.
“I cannot, even as a Minister, in anything I say today diminish the impact of losing soldiers all at once.
“We still cannot help but ask why. Why do we have to lose such good men?
“Part of the answer is, only good men like those who volunteer to serve and defend their country.
“We are not alone in mere personal grief, or our desire to honour the fallen.”
Minister Motshekga said the presence of the SANDF officers here is their effort to acknowledge the sacrifice and the bravery of Captain Maringa.
She said the death of Captain Maringa and all other SANDF officers who are deployed in conflict areas on the continent cannot be in vain.
“It is, in fact, a much clearer indication that efforts to realise a peaceful Africa and the world must be accelerated,” Minister Motshekga said.
“In support of government policy positions, South Africa has participated in more that fifteen Peace Missions since 1994.”
South Africa is an integral part of these include the United Nations and African Union missions, inter alia Lesotho, Burundi, Ivory Coast, Ethiopia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) Sudan, the Comoros, and Liberia.
“South Africa recognises that its security, prosperity, and sustainability and that of the rest of the African continent are inextricably connected,” the defence minister said.
“As I conclude, I would like to reiterate our condolences to the Maringa family and the family of Captain Kgopane.
“Thank you, captain. May God keep you and may God bless the family and the SANDF and the Nation you loved.”
