📍 Bloemfontein, South Africa – 13 June 2025
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has announced the return of the first group of its soldiers deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) under the banner of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC).
The troops are scheduled to arrive at Air Force Base Bloemspruit in Bloemfontein at approximately 12h00 midday on Friday, 13 June 2025.
This marks a significant moment in South Africa’s contribution to regional peacekeeping and stabilisation efforts. The SANDF contingent has been engaged in operations aimed at supporting peace and security in the conflict-affected eastern regions of the DRC as part of the multinational SAMIDRC mission.
Official Welcome Ceremony
The returning troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, alongside members of the Military Command Council. A media briefing will follow the formal welcome at 14h00, hosted at the 44 Parachute Regiment in Tempe Military Base, also located in Bloemfontein.
Media Access and Logistics
Members of the media are invited to witness both the troop arrival and the subsequent media briefing.
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