iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 23/06/2026

That’s a misleading chart drawn from a too-limited time period that excludes the seasons where other regions see their worst storms. A multi-year average from the same source & a density map look very different. The DRC has a significantly higher density of lightning strikes than any other country.

Global lightning map for 2013-2017, created using Vaisala’s GLD360 dataset. https://weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/news/2018-05-07-world-lightning-strikes-map-vaisala-2013-2017

Average number of lightning strikes per km2 per year (resolution 0.5°/ODT and LIS data/satellite-based optical determination for 1995–2010). (© Rachel et al. (2016))

1150

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 07/03/2026

This is a photo of the IRIS Dena at the exercise. Weapons are clearly fitted.

IRIS Dena at the recent international fleet review and exercise in India, showing weapons fitted. Photo credit: Ricardo Teixeira

020

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 07/03/2026

It most certainly was not stripped of its weapons. Photos from the exercise in India show it with all weapons fitted as normal.

IRIS Dena photographed at Exercise MILAN 2026 in India. Credit: Ricardo Teixeira

020

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 16/01/2026

South Africa's Minister of Defence has confirmed via a statement that President Ramaphosa issued an order on Iran's continued participation in "Will For Peace", and that it was communicated "to all concerned". She announced an inquiry to determine if the order was misrepresented or ignored.

South Africa's Minister of Defence has issued a statement confirming that President Ramaphosa issued an order on Iran's continued participation in Exercise Will For Peace '26, and that it was communicated "to all concerned".

She announced a Board of Inquiry to determine if the instruction was misrepresented or ignored.

183

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 10/01/2026

The SA National Hydrographic Office has published a NavWarning for Exercise Will For Peace 2026, from 13 to 15 January.

GUNNERY FIRING EXERCISES WILL TAKE PLACE BETWEEN 0600 – 2000 UTC FROM 13 TO 15 JAN 2026 IN AREA BOUNDED BY: 4A. 34 – 16 S 018 – 35 E
B. 34 – 30 S 018 – 27 E
C. 34 – 16 S 018 – 44 E
D. 34 – 30 S 018 – 31 E
E. 34 – 16 S 018 – 51 E
F. 34 – 30 S 018 – 44 E 5 ALL VESSELS REQUESTED TO KEEP CLEAR
POTENTIAL DANGER SHOULD VESSELS ENTER RANGE UNNOTICED
CANCEL THIS MESSAGE 2230 LOCAL TIME ON 15 JAN 2026 (NOTE FOR ATC: DANGER HEIGHT 14000 FT)

010

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 31/12/2025

This is a good comprehensive overview of the situation around the upcoming 'Will For Peace' exercise. I'm quoted in the article. In short, hosting this exercise in this particular format, with this list of attendees, is strategically harmful for South Africa. www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2025...

Military expert Darren Olivier argues that BRICS lacks a formal defense agreement or mechanism to organize such exercises. He notes that while South Africa, Russia, China, and Iran are involved, key BRICS members India and Brazil have not participated in exercises like Mosi I, II, or the upcoming "Exercise for Peace 2026." Olivier describes the branding as "not smart geopolitics," suggesting South Africa is risking its relationships with India and Brazil by prioritizing these drills over established partnerships like the Ibsamar maritime exercise.

050

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 26/11/2025

Some more great pics coming out of Exercise VUKUHLOME. The SANDF’s field photographers have outdone themselves this year.

Soldiers fast-rope from a South African Air Force Oryx helicopter at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in a demonstration for the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

South African Army Ratel armoured vehicles on the move at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in a demonstration for the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

South African Army Mamba armoured personnel carriers head out, in front of a Rooikat armoured reconnaissance vehicle and Ratel infantry fighting vehicle at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in a demonstration for the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

A South African Air Force Oryx helicopter demonstrates hoisting a casualty at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in a demonstration for the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

160

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/11/2025

I believe the antenna peeking out on the left, behind the Geckos, Ratel ZT3s and Rooikat and alongside the ESR 220 Thutlwa might belong to the seldom-seen self-propelled Eekhoring system. It's quite ancient by now and could do with a replacement.

A view from the stable parade showing Gecko vehicles in front, with Ratel ZT3s and a Rooikat behind, and two antennas likely belonging to an Eekhoring system and the ESR 220 Thutlwa respectively.

A file photo of the Eekhoring system mounted on a Samil 20-based ‘Rhino’ armoured vehicle.

020

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/11/2025

Some great pics coming out of the SANDF Exercise VUKUHLOME stable parade this year. VUKUHLOME is the SANDF's annual force preparation exercise held at Combat Training Centre Lohatlha in the Northern Cape.

Overview of the brigade stable parade at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in the run up to the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

Rooikat armoured surveillance vehicles seen during the Brigade Stable Parade at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in the run up to the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

Ratel infantry fighting vehicles seen during the Brigade Stable Parade at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in the run up to the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

Casspir armoured personnel carriers seen during the Brigade Stable Parade at South African Army Combat Training Centre Lohatlha, in the run up to the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV 2025 Distinguished Visitors Day.

241

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 22/11/2025

A reminder that South Africa still has troops deployed in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, who remain there as part of the UN mission, MONUSCO. Here’s an official feature on some community outreach the units have been doing. www.facebook.com/share/p/16Ce...

South African National Defence Force soldiers deployed with the United Nations peace mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, MONUSCO, are photographed providing school supplies to the children of Sadiki Primary School as part of community outreach initiatives.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 01/11/2025

General Mpho Churchill O. Mophuting has been appointed as the new Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF). Interestingly, he is the first head of the BDF to be given the General rank, all predecessors have been Lt Gens, and he was recalled from retirement for the post.

Official press release dated 31 October 2025 from the Office of the President of Botswana, featuring the national coat of arms. The document announces that President Duma Gideon Boko has appointed Ambassador Mpho Churchill Mophuting to the rank of General and Commander of the Botswana Defence Force, and Major General Joseph Eno Seelo to Lieutenant General and Deputy Commander. Appointments effective 6 November 2025. Signed by Emmah A. Peloetletse, Permanent Secretary to the President

A photo of General Maphuting wearing military uniform.

020

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 26/10/2025

South African Air Force Oryx serial 1211 has returned to South Africa from Lubumbashi, DRC, inside an Il-76, this week. It had an engine issue that required depot-level support, and it was deemed safer to airlift it rather than fly directly. It was one of the ex-MONUSCO Oryxes.

010

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/10/2025

More details can be found in the video they uploaded to YouTube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Iu6...

030

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 24/10/2025

The delay is unlucky, as it pushes back the peak availability of the fleet somewhere beyond FY 2028/29, rather than at the end of FY 2027/28. But these things happen. Even though Marshall Aerospace is just about the best in the business, upgrading such old aircraft always has delay risks.

South African Air Force C-130 transport aircraft upgrade and maintenance plan for tail numbers 401-409, covering fiscal years 2023/24 to 2028/29. Colour-coded table shows operational periods (white), major service and upgrade periods (yellow), and awaiting bay status (grey). Schedule tracks minor services, major services, internal and external upgrades, and long-term storage. Bottom row indicates operational output capacity ranging from 1 to 4 aircraft available per fiscal year.

130

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 05/09/2025

This year's joint MSDS intake is a bit better at 11 000, but is far from enough and likely can't be sustained. Making it a joint basic training, rather than service-specific, also implies that there are serious capacity problems with just 11 000 recruits. www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/s...

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 05/09/2025

I’m not surprised to see these figures, many of us expected it following the sharp cutbacks in recruitment via the MSDS after ~2011. That underfunding-driven decision reversed years of progress. In 2000, just 10% of SANDF privates were 18-24. By 2011 it had improved to 57%.

A line graph titled "Age Distribution of Privates as at 1 April 2013." The blue line, representing the total number of privates, shows a peak of around 20,700 in Sep 2000, a dip to about 16,600 in Apr 2004, and then a gradual increase to around 21,600 in Apr 2011 before decreasing to about 18,400 in Apr 2013. The red line, representing the number of 18- to 24-year-olds, shows a general upward trend, increasing from around 2,200 in Sep 2000 to a peak of around 12,200 in Apr 2011, then falling to about 8,200 in Apr 2013. A green line representing the percentage of 18- to 24-year-olds shows that this group makes up between 10.8% and 57% of the total privates over this period.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 05/09/2025

The table wrongly mixes junior NCOs & junior enlisted. But even when corrected for that, the data exposes a critical structural imbalance in the SANDF, with an inverted junior/senior officer structure, poor NCO ratios, and far too few junior enlisted compared to other forces.

Tables comparing SANDF personnel structure with international benchmarks. Key findings: junior officers outnumbered by seniors (0.65:1 vs 2–3:1), too few junior enlisted (29.6% vs 35–45%), oversized senior NCO cohort (25.2% vs 10–15%), and low operational base (49.2% vs 60–75%). Overall: inverted officer pyramid, bloated middle management, reduced operational capacity.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 05/09/2025

South Africa's Minister of Defence has released updated SANDF personnel & rank numbers in response to a Parliamentary question. Notable is the average age of 39, confirmation that there are 230 (not 400!) officers of General/Admiral rank, and 2755 fewer personnel since 2018.

Table titled "Rank Distribution" showing military personnel strength across six hierarchical categories. Row 1: Senior Management System comprising General/Admiral to Brigadier General/Rear Admiral Junior Grade positions with 230 personnel. Row 2: Senior Officers from Colonel/Captain SA Navy to Major/Lieutenant Commander with 6,065 personnel. Row 3: Junior Officers from Captain/Lieutenant SAN Na to Second Lieutenant/Sub Lieutenant with 3,924 personnel. Row 4: Warrant Officers including Warrant Officer Class I and Warrant Officer Class 2 with 5,447 personnel. Row 5: Senior Non-commissioned Officers covering Staff Sergeant/Flight Sergeant/Chief Petty Officer and Sergeant Petty Officer with 15,371 personnel. Row 6: Junior Non-commissioned Officers from Corporal/Leading Seaman to Private/Airman/Seaman with 29,969 personnel, representing nearly half of total strength. Total personnel strength across all ranks: 61,006.

142

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 04/09/2025

South Africa’s Dept of Defence, seemingly under pressure from the Presidency & DIRCO, has postponed the planned naval exercise with Russia & China, Ex MOSI III, which was set for November during SA’s G20 summit. It’s welcome, but baffling that the DoD considered it appropriate in the first place.

Official media statement from the South African Department of Defence, dated 4 September 2025. It announces the postponement of the planned November 2025 BRICS joint naval exercise between South Africa, Russia, and China due to South Africa’s G20 Presidency. The statement notes that China was to host the exercise, and the postponement is to avoid logistical and security clashes with G20 commitments. It reaffirms South Africa’s commitment to joint and multinational military exercises with a wide range of partner countries.

122

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 13/08/2025

The Minister of Defence slapping down General Maphwanya and distancing herself from his statements too. I can’t see how he can continue in his post after this.

Official media statement from South Africa’s Ministry of Defence and Military Veterans dated 13 August 2025. The statement clarifies that foreign policy and international relations are solely the prerogative of the President and Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), not the Defence Ministry. It addresses political statements reportedly made by General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force, during a meeting with Iranian Defence Force leadership. The ministry reiterates that only the President and DIRCO determine national policy on international relations. Contact details for Ministry spokesperson Onicca Kwakwa are provided at the bottom.

010

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 11/06/2025

The SANDF has announced that the first group of its troops that formed a part of SAMIDRC will be arriving in South Africa this Friday. SAMIDRC has been steadily leaving Goma overland through Rwanda to a staging point at Chato in Tanzania. It'll take at least a few more weeks.

Here's the full text for Bluesky:

SANDF MEDIA ADVISORY - 11 June 2025

FIRST GROUP OF SANDF TROOPS RETURN FROM SAMIDRC DEPLOYMENT: FRIDAY, 13 JUNE 2025

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) announces the return of the first group of South African troops who were deployed to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC). The soldiers will arrive at Air Force Base Bloemfontein on Friday, 13 June 2025. The estimated time of arrival is 12h00 midday.

The troops will be welcomed by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, accompanied by members of the Military Command Council.

The Minister will address members of the media after she has received and welcomed the troops. The media briefing is scheduled for 14:00 at 44 Parachute Regiment, Tempe Military Base.

Members of the media are invited to witness the arrival of the troops and attend the media briefing. For those wishing to travel to Bloemfontein for the event, transport will be arranged and will depart from Armscor Building at 14h00 from the visitors parking.

Media based in Gauteng Province interested in attending are requested to submit their particulars to Major Donald Nyalungu on 083 250 4745.

Issued by: Department of Defence (Defence Headquarters – Pretoria)
Enquiries: Rear Admiral (Junior Grade) Prince Tshabalala (Director Defence Corporate Communication)

131

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 28/05/2025

Nice pic of a Rooivalk coming into land yesterday for the United Nations Peacekeepers' Day commemorations at the South African DOD Mobilisation Centre at De Brug. www.facebook.com/SANationalDe...

040

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 27/05/2025

Rebuilding those capabilities will take years & cost tens of billions of Rands, so this is no small undertaking. You need long range patrol aircraft and long-range ships, both at a high level of readiness, along with a host of associated sensors & equipment. The area is massive.

Map showing Search and Rescue Responsibility (SRR) areas in the Southern Ocean. A large red shaded region covering 28.5 million km² represents the Maritime SRR zone extending from South Africa towards Antarctica and across to the Indian Ocean. The map also indicates an Aeronautical SRR area and shows surrounding landmasses including South Africa, Antarctica, and parts of the Atlantic, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

100

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 07/05/2025

This bit about allowances is also a misunderstanding, as countries have the freedom to decide their own allocations for UN/AU/SADC per-person payments. Some give nothing directly to soldiers, SA has always given about ⅓ in these missions, using the rest for operational costs.

Making this worse is a financial insult to the troops. While the South African Development Community (SADC) allocated R108,000 per soldier per month over the period of deployment, South African troops reportedly only received R32,000 per month – with no explanation of where the remaining R76,000 per soldier went. Tanzanian and Malawian troops on the same mission are said to have earned nearly double.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 07/05/2025

This, too, isn't accurate: Neither the SANDF nor the rest of SAMIDRC was specifically deployed to defend or protect any particular town, the withdrawal is not 'disorganised', none sought refuge in UN bases that we know of, and the escort is a negotiated one through Rwanda.

The SANDF failed to halt the advance of M23 rebels, with key towns falling into rebel hands even as South African troops were deployed. The mission ended in a disorganised withdrawal, with troops reportedly seeking refuge at UN bases and being escorted out of the DRC by Rwandan forces. If that is their definition of "success," then the bar is not very high.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 07/05/2025

First, South Africa isn't withdrawing 'from' SAMIDRC, which would imply SAMIDRC remains in place. SADC ended SAMIDRC's mandate and South African forces are withdrawing along with the other SAMIDRC members, Tanzania & Malawi. Within a few weeks all SAMIDRC forces will be out of the DRC.

The DA looks forward to the scheduled meeting of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence this Friday, where the Minister of Defence is expected to brief Parliament on the withdrawal from SAMIDRC (South African Development Community Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo). We will use this opportunity to ask pointed questions about the SANDF's misleading public claims and demand clarity on the financial discrepancies that have yet to be explained to the people of South Africa.

110

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 28/04/2025

According to the article there's a team at Chato already in place and there has been reconnaissance and clearance of the intended route. M23 have, unsurprisingly, been insisting on searching the trucks, slowing the process.

A screenshot of a news article, stating: "A technical advance team from all three countries was assembled to ensure which exact route the troop convoys were to take would be the safest and fastest. This team included operations, intelligence and logistic experts. They also had to provide the necessary reconnaissance while the withdrawal was under way. According to the soldiers, another contingent of SA and other forces is awaiting arrival in Chato to co-ordinate the repatriation of troops and equipment."

A screenshot of a news article, stating: "Soldiers from M23 were keeping a close eye on everything being packed and loaded, even searching the equipment that was ready to go. They entered the camps and made it clear that they were there to watch everybody's movements. 'Our orders say by May 30 everyone and everything needs to be out of Goma and on its way. It has been chaos over the weekend, but nobody is complaining because we're finally going home,' one of the soldiers said."

011

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 16/04/2025

A correction on your story, it wasn’t the DRC government that closed Goma Airport, it was M23 after it took over Goma. A small part of the runway is damaged from shelling, but M23 has also placed vehicles on the runway, blocking it, and Rwanda has reportedly stationed anti-aircraft systems nearby.

A photo of Goma Airport showing vehicles parked on the runway to block it.

100

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 13/04/2025

The Chief of the SANDF was in Tanzania for a SAMIDRC crisis meeting. The situation is deteriorating rapidly with the renewed fighting and M23’s reneging on the earlier ceasefire and withdrawal agreement it signed with SADC. Odds of a good outcome for SAMIDRC are shrinking fast.

FlightRadar24 screenshot showing a South African Air Force Falcon 50 VIP jet carrying the ‘LMG480’ callsign flying from Kinshasa.

031

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 13/04/2025

Update: The DRC interior ministry is, according to this release, accusing M23 & the RDF of an ‘organised and simulated’ attack in Goma.

This image shows an official government communiqué from the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ministry of Interior, Security, Decentralisation and Customary Affairs. The document, dated 12 April 2025, is written in French and appears to be a formal statement regarding alleged violations by Rwandan forces. It details reported incidents including civilian casualties, attacks on healthcare facilities, and various human rights abuses in eastern Congo. The document is signed by what appears to be Vice-Prime Minister Shabani Lukoo Bihango J., with an official stamp and contact information for the ministry at the bottom.

010

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 09/04/2025

Black and gold colour schemes always look incredible on Dassault aircraft. For instance, here’s the South African Air Force Museum’s Mirage III, ‘Black Widow’.

A photo of a black and gold painted South African Air Force Museum Mirage III fighter aircraft, viewed from the side.

A photo of a black and gold painted South African Air Force Museum Mirage III fighter aircraft, viewed from the top.

031

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 20/03/2025

Another excellent deep dive from Dean, this time on the SANDF's inexplicable push to renew its contracts with Cuba. Another thing the presentation glosses over is that costliest part of Thusano — vocational training in Cuba — hasn't been stopped but falls under CHR's budget.

Alt text: A comparison table titled "HOW IS PROJECT KGALA DIFFERENT FROM THUSANO (1/1)" marked as "RESTRICTED". The table contrasts Project Thusano (left column) with Project Kgala (right column). Project Thusano focused on vocational training of students in Cuba, with expenses now moved to CHR as a Foreign Learning Opportunity. Project Kgala focuses on professional technical services by Cuban Specialists to SANDF for skills transfer, representing the only binding contract with Cuba's Revolutionary Armed Forces. Both share objectives of capacitating the technical Service Corps through skills transfer, with Project Kgala additionally featuring multi-service teams to monitor progress against objectives and timelines.

142

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 18/03/2025

The EAC-SADC joint meeting of ministers was held yesterday. The meeting’s outcomes document requires that, over a phased timetable, Goma & Bukavu airports be re-opened, SAMIDRC be allowed to leave via Goma Airport, and that DRC govt authority be re-established over M23-held areas.

2.2
ADC Summit of 13th March 2025 has taken a decision to
terminate the SAMIRC mandate and it is therefore urgent that
withdrawal processes are expedited including by facilitating the
opening of the Airport.

OUTCOMES OF THE JOINT MEETING OF EAST AFRICAN COMMUNITY.
SOUTHERN AFRICA DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY
MINISTERS
17TH MARCH 2025
1.
1.1
1.2
PREAMBLE
The Joint Meeting of the East African Community (EAC) and the
Southern African Development Community (SADC) (hereinafter called
Joint Meeting of Ministers) met in Harare, the Republic of Zimbabwe on
17" March 2025 to consider progress made on the implementation of
decisions of the Joint Summit of the Heads of State and Government of
the East African Community (EAC) and the Southern African
Development Community (SADC) held on the 8th February 2025 . The
Summit directed that a joint Meeting of Ministers of EAC and SADC be
convened within 30 days to deliberate on:
(a)
The report of the Joint Meeting of the Chiefs of Defence on the
security situation in the Easter DRC;
(b)
stablishment of a Secretanat level Technical Coordinabo
echanism to monitor implementation of the Joint Sumn
decisions;
(c)
An elaborate roadmap detailing immediate, medium and long-
term implementation measures including financing modalities;
and
(d)
Address all other residual issues relating to the attainment of
sustainable peace and security in the Easter DRC and make
appropriate recommendations to the next Joint EAC- SADC
Summit.
The Joint Meeting of Ministers was Co-Chaired by H. E Dr. Musalia
Mudavadi, EGH, Prime Cabinet Secretary & Cabinet Secretary Foreign
and Diaspora Affairs, Republic of Kenya and Head of EAC Delegation
and H.E.
Prof Amon Murwira, Minister of Foreign Affairs and
International Trade, Republic of Zimbabwe and Chair of SADC Council
of Ministers.
1
1.3
The Joint Meeting of Ministers was attended by the following
Member/Partner States
(in)
(m)
(v)
(vi)
(VI)
(Vin)
(x)
(x)
(xin)
(xim)
(xiv)
Republic of Zimbabwe
Republic of Kenya
Republic of Angola
Republic of Burundi
Democratic Republic of Congo
Federal Republic of Somalia
Republic of Madagascar
Republic of Malawi
Republic of Rwanda
Republic of South Africa
Republic of South Sudan
United Republic of Tanzania
Republic of Uganda
Republic of Zambia

3.7
Proposed that the decisions of the Joint EAC-SADC Summit be
implemented in three phases as follows:
3.7.1 IMMEDIATE (LESS THAN 30 DAYS)
ii.
Initiate direct engagement with parties to the conflict at
the military level to commit to an unconditional ceasefire,
cessation of hostilities and cease further expansion of
territory; This is to allow freedom of movement for
humanitarian agencies and opening of the Airports
(Goma and Kavumu)
as well as uninterrupted
evacuation from the conflict zone;
A Joint EAC-SADC verification mechanism
be
established to monitor the cessation of hostilities and
unconditional ceasefire.
Given the fact that the
Expanded Joint Verification Mechanism (EJVM) of the
International Conference on the Great Lakes Region
(ICGLR) and MONUSCO, are available on the ground,
3
iii.
3.7.2
i.
ії.
ili.
3.7.3
i.
the meeting recommended that the ICGLR be engaged
on the possibility for SADC and EAC to enhance the
EJVM by seconding additional staff to act as the primary
tool to monitor the cessation of hostilities, ceasefire and
humanitarian situation; and
A Joint EAC-SADC Field Technical Assessment Team
comprised 12-16 experts from the military and other
government agencies, be constituted to evaluate the
security and humanitarian situation in North and South
Kivu provinces, as well as the status of critical
infrastructure (Airports and other key infrastructure). The
Field Technical Assessment Team is to be composed of
Operations, Intelligence, Logistics, civil works and
aviation experts.
MEDIUM TERM (30 TO 120 DAYS)
Undertake confidence building measures at political and
military levels in concurrence with negotiation and
mediation. Engagement with the parties to the conflict to
be done by the Joint EAC-SADC representatives under
the merged Luanda-Nairobi framework;
Declaration of permanent ceasefire; and
Call upon
the UN to develop appropriate
measures/mandate to enhance MONUSCO's capacity
to support the effort of securitization of North and South
Kivu provinces.
LONG TERM (BEYOND 120 DAYS)
EAC-SADC to explore ways to enhance the Goverment
of DRC forces capabilities to be able to assume the
securitization of Goma, Bukavu and the surrounding
areas:

232

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 24/02/2025

The SANDF has posted a summary & photographs of its SAMIDRC contingent's recent memorial service for their fallen colleagues. Things look quite calm & orderly inside the base. It's not 100% clear whether it's Mubambiro or one of those at the airport. www.facebook.com/share/1HBDKr...

South African soldiers at the SAMIDRC base in the DRC, at a memorial service for fallen colleagues

022

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 17/02/2025

How can Mashatile still be confused about the mandate under which South Africa deployed its troops into harm's way?. He's utterly, yet confidently, wrong. SAMIDRC's mandate is peace enforcement, not mere peacekeeping, and there's nothing wrong with that. x.com/darren_olivi... x.com/eNCA/status/...

141

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 12/02/2025

The press release in question, sent to all media only after midnight.

DATE:
EMBARGO:
SUBJECT:
MEDIA ALERT
Wednesday, 12 February 2025
For Immediate Release
POSTPONMENT OF HANDING OVER CEREMONY OF THE MORTAL REMAINS OF THE SAND SOLDIERS WHO LOST THEIR LIVES IN THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO
Due to inevitable Parliamentary commitments related to the State of the Nation Address
SONA) debate, the schedule handing over ceremony of the mortal remains of SANDF faller soldiers as well as the memorial service have been postponed. These events are now scheduled as follows:
Event: Hand-Over Ceremony of Fallen Soldiers' Mortal Remains
Date: Thursday, 13 February 2025
Handing Over Ceremony: 18:00 PM
lemorial Service: 19:00 P
enue: Air Force Base Swartko
All media related enquiries can be directed SANDF Media Liaison section or sandfmedialiaison@amail.com or using a mobile number: 060 554 8031. Members of the at 09:00 Acontinue submitting their details for accreditation until Thursday, 13 February 2025 ENDS.
Issued by:
South At on Natanal Defence Force
Enquiries:
Director Dal (uc oral in Tranbalia

020

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 12/02/2025

This is an insult to the families, a middle finger to the TV & radio stations who made plans for the live broadcast, and yet another broken promise in a series of poorly communicated delays, showing little respect for the sombre task of bringing home SA’s fallen. It’s shameful.

SANDF in a late night announcement now, indicates a DELAY in the repatriation ceremony and memorial service for fallen soldiers to 6pm SA Time on Thursday.
According to their statement, this is due to President Cyril Ramaphosa's commitment to reply to the SONA debate at 2pm SA time to a joint-sitting of the National Assembly in Cape Town. He will then fly to Tshwane to join the bereaved families.
The ceremony was originally scheduled for 9am but has now been delayed by a whopping 9 hours to accommodate the President and Commander-in-Chief.

152

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 11/02/2025

For context, the SA Air Force's C-130BZ fleet, though upgraded, is ~60 years old & budget cuts have been devastating for availability. The SAAF received slightly more funding to return more of them to flight, which is good news, but there have been delays. x.com/deanwingrin/...

A service schedule chart spanning fiscal years 2023/24 to 2028/29. The chart tracks operational status for six units (401, 402, 405, 406, 408, and 409) using color-coding. States include 'Operational' (green), 'Awaiting Bay', various service levels (Minor and Major), and upgrade periods (yellow). The bottom row shows 'Ops Output' values ranging from 1 to 4 across the timeline. Unit 401 starts with a 3rd Minor Service, transitions through operational periods and upgrades. Unit 402 begins awaiting major service, with planned regeneration and upgrades. Units 405-409 follow similar patterns of operational periods, maintenance, and upgrades, with specific timing and durations indicated by the cell spans.

140

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 11/02/2025

Great to see one of the South African Air Force's C-130BZs, serial 401, back in the air again. There was a substantial delay in its return to flight from a spares sourcing issue. Hopefully 409 will also return soon from its major service & upgrade at Marshall in Cambridge.

FlightRadar24 screenshot showing South African Air Force C-13BZ serial 401 flying orbits around Air Force Base Waterkloof.

362

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 06/02/2025

President Ramaphosa’s touching tribute to the 14 South African soldiers killed during this month’s heavy fighting in the DRC, both as part of the SADC & United Nations missions. It was a solemn and proper opening to his address. They served their country, it’s important to honour & remember them.

gather here as our country is mourning the tragic and devastating loss of 14 South African soldiers who were part of a mission to bring peace to the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
We bow our heads in tribute to:
Staff Sergeant William Eddie Cola
Staff Sergeant Molahlehi Ishmael Molahlehi Staff Sergeant Shwahlane Theophilus Seepe
Corporal Matome Justice Malesa
Corporal Rinae Nemavhulani
Lance Bombardier Itumeleng Macdonald Moreo
Lance Corporal Tseke Moffat Molapo
Lance Corporal Metse Stansly Raswiswi
Rifleman Sebatane Richard Chokoe
Rifleman Derrick Maluleke
Rifleman Tshidiso Andries Mabele
Rifleman Calvin Louis Moagi
Rifleman Mokete Joseph Mobe
Private Peter Jacobus Strydom
I have directed that the National Flag be flown at half-mast for a period of a week in honour of our fallen soldiers.

Alongside soldiers from other Southern African countries, they lost their lives in defence of the fundamental right of the Congolese people to live in peace and security.
They lost their lives not in the pursuit of resources or territory or power.
They lost their lives so that the guns on our continent may be forever silenced.
We salute our gallant soldiers.

0155

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 01/02/2025

This is a must-read article from Prof. @LindyHeinecken on the current situation for the SANDF in the DRC. Notably, she states that the SAMIDRC force was just 1300 strong, a lot smaller than the 5000-strong sized force it was meant to be. I've heard similar but wasn't yet able to confirm the info.

Text excerpt about SADC troop deployment in DRC, stating that while authorized for 5,000 troops from Malawi, South Africa and Tanzania, only about 1,300 had been deployed as of late January 2025, significantly under the target.

052

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 27/01/2025

South African Presidency reports call between Presidents Ramaphosa and Kagame on Eastern DRC crisis. Both leaders agree on need for ceasefire after deaths of SAMIDRC peacekeepers, according to official statement.

071

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

Official statement by SADC on the recent M23 attacks on Sake and Goma in the DRC.

050

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

Confirmation from the South African National Defence Force that nine South African soldiers have been killed in intense fighting against M23 over the past few days, and claiming that the group’s advance toward Goma has been halted.

0126

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

The South African Minister of Defence’s aircraft routed north toward Beni from Goma. Some hours later it’s now returning to South Africa, via Lubumbashi, still carrying the LMG3 callsign indicating she’s on board.

A screenshot of a FlightRadar24 screen showing the South African air force Falcon 50, ZS-NAN, flying back to South Africa with the LMG3 callsign

010

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

Or heading back to Kinshasa, perhaps.

Another screenshot showing ZS-CAS turning north west from Goma

100

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

The South African Minister of Defence’s aircraft is now leaving Goma, presumably returning to South Africa. This is the right move, having her in an active combat zone just adds more of a security headache and diverts resources.

Screenshot of a FlightRadar display showing a Falcon 50 of the South African Air Force departing Goma while showing the LMG3 callsign

120

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 25/01/2025

It appears that the South African Minister of Defence has flown to Goma, which I believe is an ill-advised and mistaken decision. It distracts troops from their much more important task of defending the area against the ongoing M23/RDF attack. x.com/darren_olivi...

A map showing the flight path of a South African Air Force Falcon 50 VIP jet from Kinshasa to Goma, with the callsign of ‘LMG3’ indicating that the Minister of Defence is on board.

2132

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 10/12/2024

Probably engagement baiting. The original caption is correct, it’s a Palestinian Authority vehicle.

A Palestinian Authority security services vehicle, with POLICE written on the side. In front of it stand two armed Palestinian Authority security services personnel.

120

Darren Olivier @darren.africandefence.net · 02/12/2024

What went wrong? In short, decades of successive funding cuts, which hit the combat line especially hard, and which made the original plan to shrink the flight line & rotate aircraft into and out of rotational preventive maintenance storage no longer feasible. www.defenceweb.co.za/sa-defence/s...

120