South Africa: The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans – Angie Motshekga, visited the Macadamia Deployment Area in Mpumalanga, where two soldiers were tragically swept away attempting a low bridge crossing in their vehicle, while they were on duty over the festive period.
During the visit on December 29, 2025 Minister Motshekga was flanked by the military top brass, to establish the circumstances that led to two soldiers being overwhelmed by the torrents. The Minister visited the site and showed her solidarity to the soldiers and kept hold on the fort by being on duty during the holiday period when many South Africans are spending quality time with their families.
The visit formed part of the Department’s efforts to show support to deployed soldiers at the Macadamia deployment area, and other locations around the country’s Ports of Entry, considering the auspices of Operation CORONA, which is the country’s border safeguarding operation.
The Macadamia incident happened on Christmas Day, when a SANDF patrol vehicle attempting to cross a low-lying bridge during heavy rainfall was swept away, into the Komati/Lower (Nkomazi) River, near Komati Poort.
As per the sources, one soldier’s body was subsequently recovered, while the other remains missing. A joint search and rescue operation involving the South African Police Service (SAPS) Diving and Rescue Team along with SANDF aerial support provided by an Oryx helicopter and other stakeholders ensues and efforts to locate the missing soldier continue.
Minister Motshekga met with the family of one of the victims and conveyed her deepest and heartfelt condolences. She also extended words of support to the family of the unaccounted-for soldier. She reflected that on December 23, 2025, during a visit to the area to extend festive season wishes to members, she had the opportunity to meet and engage with the two members unaware at the time that it would be a final farewell.
The Minister further expressed her profound sorrow at the loss and pledged her full support to the families. She added that the military will bestow full honours to the member in recognition of his service.