The Presidency is disturbed by the selective manner in which the Mail and Guardian online has reported on President Zuma’s condolence message at the memorial service of 13 soldiers who died in the Central African Republic.
The Mail and Guardian states: “It was a speech thin on condolences but heavily laced with accusation and warning” and the Mail and Guardian deliberately does not cover the tribute to the soldiers at all in its report in order to justify this comment in its article.
The fact is that the President paid tribute to the soldiers and then stated government’s position on the deployment. The media has a responsibility to report on what he said, even if they disapprove of it, so that the public can be able to make their own judgement.
This is what the President said about the soldiers:
“We have gathered here to pay tribute to our young servicemen who were part of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) contingent who lost their lives in combat last week. The attack on our base in the outskirts of the capital of the Central African Republic, Bangui, saw the loss of 13 young and brave men and resulted in the injury of 27.
The ceremony to receive their mortal remains was held on Thursday at the Waterkloof Airforce Base, whilst the injured servicemen are being cared for at 1 Military Hospital. From every corner of our country, South Africans have expressed their pain and outrage at the death of our soldiers.
The 13 heroes who bravely fought to protect their own are the following:
1. Corporal Mokgadi Darius Seakamela
2. Corporal Ntebaleng Andrew Mogorosi
3. Lance Corporal Daniel Sello Molara
4. Lance Corporal Lukas Mohapi Tsheke
5. Rifleman Lesego Maxwell Hertzog Lebatlang
6. Rifleman Zamani Jim Mxhosana
7. Rifleman Xolani Dlamini
8. Rifleman Vusumzi Joseph Ngaleka
9. Rifleman Karabo Edwin Matsheka
10. Rifleman Khomotso Paul Msenga
11. Rifleman Maleisane Samuel Thulo
12. Rifleman Motsamai William Bojane
13. Rifleman Thabiso Anthon Phirimana.
“We salute them and honour them for the supreme sacrifice they have paid for the achievement of peace in Africa. They fought side by side as true soldiers, fighting off large group of rebels who had attacked the South African military base. Though it may seem as if they were outnumbered, they were able to hold their own in a battle that lasted over 9 hours. As South Africans we should be truly proud of these soldiers.
There are those who merely talk about South Africa and our wonderful freedom, rights and privileges and the need for peace and progress in the African continent. Then, there are those who are always ready to act to protect the integrity of the Republic of South Africa and to contribute to the building of a peaceful and prosperous Africa. Our fallen soldiers were in that latter category.
“The tears of grief from the families are both inevitable and deserved, because of the calibre of men we have lost. To the families, your pain is shared by thousands of South Africans in many corners of the country and the continent. When future generations ask what kind of men and women these were, who gave so much of their lives to the service of the people of South Africa and the continent, we will be able to boldly say how special they were, to put their own lives at risk for such a noble mission of building peace in the continent.
This is a period of mourning, a period in which we must pay our respects and honour these selfless compatriots who remained true to the oath of office that they took when they joined the SANDF…
“It is said that the value of a man should be seen in what he gives and not in what he is able to receive. These words fit all these fallen heroes who gave their all. They gave much to their work. May the fond memories of all these fallen compatriots remain with us forever.
“Sithi emindenini elahlekelwe, duduzekani. Siyazi kubuhlungu, kodwa amaqhaweethu afele emsebenzini wokwakha ukuthula noxolo e-Afrika. Siyaziqhenyangamaqhawe ethu onke. May their souls rest in peace.Mabalale ngoxolo".
While warning against the sharing of military strategies in public which is standard in any country, the President nevertheless still outlined the reasons for the deployment of the troops in CAR and that the way forward will be determined by the outcome of the Summit of the Economic Community of Central African States and also by the African Union.
We have also noted that the Mail and Guardian finds the reaction of Democratic Alliance (DA) Leader quite important. “A dozen meters away, DA leader Helen Zille sat stone-faced”.
We urge the media to report in a balanced fashion on this sensitive matter and not be used by various interests nor allow its own partisan positions to deprive its readers from the viewpoint of President and government of the Republic of South Africa.
Enquiries:
Mac Maharaj
Cell: 079 879 3203
