“I am proud and honoured to stand before you as the commander-in-chief of the SANDF. We are proud as a country and as a people for helping keep peace in our continent while we mourn our casualties,” South African National Defence Force (SANDF) chief Solly Shoke said.

Speaking at the De Brug Barracks in Bloemfontein, Shoke warned that peace doesn’t come cheap.

Of the army members who died in the line of duty in the UN Peacekeeping Mission, three died in 2003, 12 in 2004, four in 2005, and six in 2006. One SANDF member died in 2007.

Six lost their lives in 2008. One member died in 2011, and three in 2012, but 2013 was the worst year for the SANDF as 15 members lost their lives in the line of duty. One member died in 2014, and two in 2015. Two members lost their lives in 2016 and one member of the SANDF died in the UN peacekeeping mission 2017.

Shoke said these were men and women contributing to peace.

“We will always remember them. Our job is like no other you will find in any government department. We are here to say Thuma Mina (Send Me) even if it’s tough,” he said.

“We are not here for glory, we are here to serve our people and our country. We should carry the flag of the country in pride,” he added.

Shoke called out the perpetrators of violence in the country.

To the families of the fallen heroes, Shoke said even though they have lost their loved ones “you must be proud because they fell in the line of duty, having served the nation with pride and dignity”.

The deceased’s next of kin could not hold back their tears when the general unveiled the names of the deceased servants of the country. It was a solemn moment.

He hailed the country for the bravery in deploying army personnel to serve in other countries.

“Go back home with your head held high.”

Chaplain General Monwabisi Jamangile said a soldier is a special breed of person, one who protects and defends human life by giving up the right to be with their families and friends.

“A soldier gives up the right to life and liberty in pursuance of happiness for his or her people. He makes his or her tent home sweet home.

“When we look at you that have survived we see courage in you, we see faith in you. Chief Shoke said the departed were basking in the sun which shall never set. They pluck fruit from a tree which will never whither. They rest in the shadow of the Lord. God speaks the last word.”

Addressing the general, then attendees at the event, General Jamangile said, “We are ready for our marching orders.

“To the families, rest assured we will remember them today and into the future. Beyond the absence there is presence. Beyond the brokenness there is holiness. Beyond the hurting is forgiveness. Beyond the silence, God speaks,” added Jamangile as he carefully wrapped the deceased’s families with the bandage of hope.

A wreath laying ceremony followed.

Sello Christopher Pilusa was one of the members who died in the DRC in 2004. Pilusa left behind his wife and four children.

“I will most remember him for singing whenever he came home. He would call us out from a long way away. I miss him a lot. We all miss him,” said his widow Christina Pilusa.

In a statement from the United Nations General Secretary Antonio Gutteres, he said the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, established on 29 May 1948, was a proven investment in global peace and security. DM