SANDF Quietly Pulls Troops Out of DRC as Unpaid Soldiers Threaten Legal Action

Loading player...
As tensions rise in the DRC, the SANDF has started pulling back its troops and gear from Lubumbashi – months after deploying them in a failed bid to support peace efforts in the conflict-ridden North Kivu region. Despite being flown in at great cost, sources say the troops never saw action – and now nearly 3,000 soldiers are threatening to take the SANDF to court over unpaid allowances worth R600,000 each. Flight data shows a quiet but steady extraction of soldiers and equipment using SANDF aircraft, but the Defence Force is tight-lipped. Govan Whittles speaks to Defence Analyst Ricardo Teixeira about what this quiet pull-out really signals.
23 Sep 5PM English South Africa Education · Careers

Other recent episodes

Profile Feature: Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh

Academic, podcaster, activist, and father, Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh wears many hats. Phemelo sat down with him for an in-depth conversation on politics, parenting, and how his SMWX platform is shaking up how young South Africans engage with power.
25 Sep 4PM 41 min

What to Watch: Him, London Calling

Leroy Marc takes us through the week’s cinematic gems, including the hauntingly beautiful “Him,” the electric “London Calling,” and the drama-packed “One Battle After Another” and much more.
25 Sep 4PM 14 min

7 Days or We Walk? PA Draws a Line Over Kunene’s Comeback

The Patriotic Alliance is turning up the heat in Joburg's coalition politics - giving the ANC just seven days to reinstate Kenny Kunene to the City of Johannesburg mayoral committee. This comes after Kunene was cleared of any wrongdoing following an internal investigation into his controversial presence at the Sandton…
25 Sep 4PM 20 min

Soweto Pride: Power, Protest & Pride

Now in its 21st year, Soweto Pride is more than a celebration, it’s a political march reclaiming space for Black lesbian identity and justice. Under the theme “Key to Empowerment”, this weekend’s event will centre visibility, healing, and resistance. Activist and filmmaker Dr Bev Ditsie joined the show to reflect…
25 Sep 4PM 7 min

Parliament Under Fire at Madlanga Commission

The Madlanga Judicial Commission heard damning testimony from SAPS legal head Petronella van Rooyen, who slammed Parliament for failing to act on explosive allegations made by KZN Police Commissioner Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. He had accused high-ranking officials, including Police Minister Senzo Mchunu, of ties to crime syndicates. Van Rooyen says oversight…
25 Sep 4PM 9 min