The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers deployed in the DRC have complained about the incentives being paid to them by the South African government, arguing that their counterparts in the region received far better incentives when deployed to a foreign country.
Speaking to IOL
following the confrontation between Rwanda and South Africa after 13 of the
SANDF peacekeeping troops deployed in Goma were killed there, some of the
soldiers, on condition of anonymity, highlighted their concerns and said that
they were demoralised.
“While on a
mission outside the country, all soldiers are paid in dollars since every
country accepts the American dollar. However, we are paid the same amount even
when not deployed.
“The only
difference in this case is that they at least come back home with roughly
R350,000, taxed, compared to other foreign forces deployed to states like Mali,
Uruguay, Ukraine, and others. When they return from the mission, they can even
take early retirement because they would have gotten enough money to sustain
themselves, unlike us … they get close to R1.5 million.
A female member
of the SANDF alleged that other troops in other countries were getting a
tax-free salary and complained that those deployed were left with ‘peanuts’
after being taxed.
“Whatever
happens in Goma does not benefit us, but the politicians and their businesses.
She added that
the troops who got injured three years ago on a peacekeeping mission in
Mozambique were still waiting to be compensated after sustaining serious
life-threatening injuries.
Without
confirming or denying the details, the SANDF said, "The payments and
compensation to our soldiers are done by the SANDF through the department’s
PERSOL system directly to their accounts,” adding that the troops stationed in
Goma would continue with their mission.
Meanwhile,
Congolese President Félix Tshisekedi has vowed to restore government authority
in the east. Rwanda-backed forces have seized control of the city of Goma and
are reportedly advancing south to take more territory.
Tshisekedi
promised a "vigorous and coordinated response" against what he
referred to as "terrorists" and this was under way.
He also aimed
at the international community for "inaction" after the escalating
security crisis. IOL
