South Africa: On December 20 2022, the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General and Head of MONUSCO, Bintou Keita, welcomed the adoption of two resolutions by the Security Council.
The first renewed the mission’s mandate for a period of one year, thus responding to the government’s call to re-evaluate the transition plan and its benchmarks. It calls for demobilisation that MONUSCO should focus on, protection of civilians, support for disarmament, demobilisation, re-integration of members of armed groups and stabilisation. Thirdly, support for security sector reform in the civil war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo.
It is in this light of these developments that, on Saturday, January 7 2023, the 21 South African Infantry Battalion’s outgoing Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Khanyisani Lindokuhle Zulu, handed over the sword of command to the 10 South African Infantry Battalion’s incoming Commander, Lieutenant Colonel Tondani Meryline Radzilani during an in-door Change of Command Parade Ceremony which was held at Mavivi, North Kivu Province in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
21 South African Infantry Battalion and Tactical Intelligence members started their tour of duty in October 2021, conducting patrols, targeted offensive operations, establishing temporary bases far from Battalion Headquarters, and civil-military coordination activities, including medical care services, water supply, and community work.
On the other hand, 10 South African Infantry Battalion main forces arrived in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on December 20 2022. The defining moment during the parade was when both Commanders read the scroll and handed the sword to the incoming Republic of South Africa Battalion Commander, Lieutenant Colonel T.M Radzilani.
In his speech, 21 South African Infantry Battalion Lieutenant Colonel K. L. Zulu emphasised to the incoming Battalion the mammoth task that is before them, the challenges that they may encounter in their tour of duty, ways to mitigate them and lastly, he thanked the current Republic of South Africa Battalion Commander Regimental Sergeant Major, Master Warrant Officer Linda Samuel Mabele for a well-organised parade.
“Despite the challenges you may encounter, the United Nations mandate should reign supreme, and I wish you well as you will be taking on this mammoth task of restoring peace and stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” he said.
10 South African Infantry Battalion has already hit the ground running with its operations, amongst others, and has escorted pupils to Boikene Primary School in Mavivi as they resumed their studies after the school holidays. Lieutenant Moeketsi Eric AU from Charlie Company commanded this escort.
The re-emergence of the March 23 Movement (M23) in the North Kivu Region means that the Battalion will never afford to rest on its laurels.
