13-06-2025
'Logistical challenges' delay SANDF soldiers' midday arrival: Motshekga
Defence and military veterans minister Angie Motshekga says the midday arrival of the first group of South African National Defence Force troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been delayed due to technical and logistical challenges.
The group included 249 troops due to arrive from Tanzania. They were part of the Southern African Development Community (Sadc) Mission in the DRC.
Motshekga said the troops were expected to fly from Tanzania and their latest estimated arrival was Saturday morning.
'The indication is the arrival has been delayed due to technical and logistical challenges with the contracted airline. We have been assured they are on board and will arrive any time today [Friday] or tomorrow [Saturday].'
Sadc, which is facilitating the flights, had challenges with the contracting airline company.
