MPs push for parliamentary inquiry into SANDF's deployment to DRC

CAPE TOWN - Parliamentarians from across the political divide have once again pushed for a parliamentary inquiry into the defence force's deployment in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, during which 14 soldiers died.

Deputy Defence Minister Bantu Holomisa said that, as was standard practice, the SANDF would be conducting its own investigations.

But some members of Parliament's joint standing committee on defence said on Friday they feel that Parliament needs to conduct its own oversight to avoid the failures in future and to determine what kind of resourcing the defence force requires.

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South Africa's deployment to the DRC has been the second-most deadly since democracy.

Among MPs who want Parliament to properly probe the mission is the African Christian Democratic Party (ACDP)'s Steve Swart.

"Parliament has in the past, with other deployments, other battles, had an oversight inquiry. Whether it’s behind closed doors or elsewhere, that’s a decision that can be taken."

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF)'s Virgill Gericke, agreed.

"This is not to find people guilty, this is to prevent a repeat of the same occurrence, and also to strengthen the South African National Defence Force."

But committee chairperson, Malusi Gigaba, said it was too soon to decide on whether a parliamentary inquiry was necessary.

He suggested that the committee rather wait until it's received all the mission reports, including from the SANDF and SADC.