South Africa: Republic of South African Contingent, which comprises 10 South African Infantry Battalion, Tactical Intelligence Unit, Air Medical Evacuation Team, Republic of South Africa Quick Reaction Force and Composite Helicopter Unit deployed in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, had the privilege of receiving the South African Chief of Joint Operations Division, Lieutenant General S.L. Sangweni and his team.
The delegation arrived at the Force Intervention Brigade and the Republic of South Africa Battalion Headquarters at Beni, Mavivi, on Wednesday, 10 May 2023. The SA National Defence Force visiting team consisted of the Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General W.S. Mbambo, South African Air Force Director of Helicopter Systems, Brigadier General I.N. Moreetsi and Personal Assistant to South African Chief of Joint Operations Division, Colonel M.J Kwakwa.
The visiting delegation to the Beni Area of Operations also included senior SA National Defence Force Officers deployed in MONUSCO who accompanied the SA National Defence Force visiting team from the Republic of South Africa, MONUSCO Force Headquarters Chief of Staff, Brigadier General Nkhabo Athenian, MONUSCO Force Headquarters U3, Lieutenant Colonel F. Kandile and Force Intervention Brigade G2, Lieutenant Colonel L.Z George.
The purpose of the Operational Staff visit was to assess the conditions that the Contingent is deployed under, also to evaluate the status of the prime mission equipment and hear the daily operational challenges, and as well as have engagements with the deployed members for feasible solutions.
The visit began at the Force Intervention Brigade Headquarters, whereby the Chief of Joint Operations received a comprehensive presentation about the general security situation of the Force Intervention 12qa area of responsibility.
Thereafter, went to the 10 South African Infantry Battalion Headquarters, where he engaged with the 10 South African Infantry Battalion Officer Commanding, Lieutenant Colonel T.M. Radzilani and her order group.
The Chief of Joint Operations listened to the successes of the Battalion and the challenges presented to his delegation and assured the Battalion that long and short-term solutions will be provided, and also urged the Battalion to remain strong in the midst of adversities.
In his address at the Republic of South African Quick Reaction Force I, Chief Joint Operations, Lieutenant General Sangweni, having vast operational experience, was able to provide valuable guidelines to the troops and congratulated the Republic of South Africa Quick Reaction Force for the job well done as they completed their tour of duty, and also put more emphasis on soldiers conduct in the mission area and the maintenance of the prime mission equipment.
“We congratulate the Republic of South Africa Quick Reaction Force for the job well and the standard they set for others, and also, as some of us are still carrying on with the deployment, bear in mind that the Joint Operations Division subscribes to zero tolerance to ill-discipline, as well as zero tolerance to Sexual Exploitation and Abuse in deployments.
Furthermore, we have to make a concerted effort to take care of and safeguard our prime mission equipment.” said the General.
After the address at the Republic of South Africa Quick Reaction Force, the delegation flew to Bravo Company Temporary Operating Base under the command of Major G. Faltein. The delegation was taken through Base orientation. The Chief of Joint Operations commended Bravo Company members for dominating short, medium and long robust patrols and for recent participation in Operation Nirmula Apetina.
On behalf of the Republic of South Africa Contingent, 10 South African Infantry Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel T.M Radzilani, thanked the South African Chief Joint Operations and his team for their visit. “We wish to thank you, General for the visit; we know out of your tight schedule, you made time for us, and therefore we will do everything in our power to restore peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of the Congo”, said the Colonel
The two days operational staff of the Chief of Joint Operations and his team to Beni Area of Operations was indeed a morale booster to the troops on the ground.