Carlo Petersen6 February 2025 | 11:40

Mchunu pays tribute fallen SANDF soldiers, greenlights SONA preparedness

Mchunu says his NATJOINTS team is ready to ensure the safety and security of SONA on Thursday.

Mchunu pays tribute fallen SANDF soldiers, greenlights SONA preparedness

Police Minister Senzo Mchunu addresses NATJOINTS at the operational readiness for the SONA parade on 6 February 2025, Cape Town. Picture: X.com/SAPoliceService

CAPE TOWN - Police Minister Senzo Mchunu made special mention of the 14 South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who lost their lives in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) during his address to the National Joint Operational and Intelligence Structure (NATJOINTS) ahead of their deployment for the State of the Nation Address (SONA).   

Mchunu was accompanied by Deputy Ministers of Police Cassel Mathale, Polly Boshielo and the National Commissioner of the South African Police Service (SAPS), General Fannie Masemola. 

Mchunu says his NATJOINTS team is ready to ensure the safety and security of SONA on Thursday.

READ: NATJOINTS assures of a safe and secure SONA

Hundreds of law enforcement officers, including the SAPS, SANDF, national and provincial traffic management and the City of Cape Town Metro Police Department took part in a parade at the Castle of Good Hope as the minister spoke.  

Mchunu also honoured the 14 SANDF soldiers who died fighting rebels in DRC recently with a moment of silence. 

"It is upon us as citizens of this country and this government to continue hounouring them for the services they rendered." 

The minister urged the officers in the parade to perform their duties professionally to ensure SONA goes ahead as planned.