The Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) is profoundly saddened by the tragic loss of 14 courageous soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. We extend our deepest condolences to their families, loved ones, and the entire South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
The IFP recognises the vital role the SANDF plays in safeguarding peace and stability both within South Africa and across the region. We commend their unwavering dedication to protecting our continent and fostering peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The recent escalation of violence and the provocative war-baiting rhetoric are deeply concerning and entirely unacceptable. The IFP unequivocally condemns such actions in the strongest possible terms.
Furthermore, the IFP believes that South Africa should continue to play a strong role in promoting peace and stability among other African states, and that it should support the programmes of the SADC and United Nations.
Every effort must be made to find lasting peace through diplomatic engagement and negotiation. We must silence the guns.
We, therefore, warn against an abrupt and uncoordinated withdrawal of peacekeepers in the absence of a commitment from all States and parties, to ensure that lasting peace will be guaranteed.
South Africa cannot afford another wave and influx of refugees and asylum seekers, which would be the case if we summarily withdraw troops at a time of uncertainty, instability and rise in hostilities.
Our presence in the DRC remains strategic for peace.
Peace in the DRC means peace in Africa. With regard to South Africa’s contribution to the SADC peacekeeping mission, we need an honest assessment of the state of the SANDF.
At this time we should caution against finding financial solutions to non-financial problems. The IFP will not prematurely call for an additional budgetary allocation to the department until a thorough assessment has been done.
Our position is based on the understanding that increased budgets wrongly assume a proportional rise in defence capabilities, which is not always the case. Despite the department’s critical importance, some unpatriotic individuals shamelessly exploit and loot its budget.
The IFP believes that it is time to devise a constructive plan. The road ahead requires bold leadership from all sectors of our society to ease the anxieties of peace-loving South Africans.
Ngqongqoshe sithi ayibuye imizimba yabafethu nodadewethu izophumula ngokuthula ezweni loyise mkhulu. Lamaqhawe namaqhawekazi ebeyodala ukuthula noxolo kuleliya lizwe lase DRC, ukuze abantu bakhona bekwazi ukuhlala ngokuthula njengoba kwenzeka lapha kithi nakwamanye amazwe.
Izwelethu i-South Africa iyingxenye yamazwe abumbene ukudala uzinzo kanye nokuthula ezwenikazi lethu i-Africa. Umlando usibikela ukuthi iSouth Africa ikeyaya ukuyoletha ukuthula eDRC kwaba yimpumelelo.
Siyaphinda sithi dudu kwizihlobo nabathandiweyo babafethu abalimele besemsebenzini eDRC. Sengathike kungashesha ukubuyiswa kwabo ukuze imindeni isheshe igcine izimfanelo zokubeka imizimba yabo.
I thank you.
Hon. Inkosi Russel Cebekhulu, MP
Member of the National Assembly
Member of Portfolio Committee on Defence and Military Veterans
