Rifleman Derrick Maluleke, was laid to rest in his homestead in Nhlaniki village outside Giyani on Sunday, 16 February 2025. Maluleke is the first amongst the fallen South African National Defense Force (SANDF) soldiers to be laid to rest.
The fourteen bodies of the heroic soldiers were brought back from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) into South Africa last week . They were handed over to their families at the Swartkop Air Force Base in Centurion.
Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya described Maluleke as a ‘humble giant’ who had a ‘rare mixture of courage, persistence, tolerance and selfishness.’
He commended his humanitarian missions and his dedication to defending the defenceless.
He has given us hope as Africans that peace on this continent is possible in our lifetime. We in the South African National Defence Force continue to say we need more Malulekes. We need more fighters who will not cower when they are faced with adversity.
Maphwanya further stated the importance of fighting in solidarity and keeping peace within our continent.
You cannot have a safe and free society with reciprocated economic advancement, developments unless our neighbouring countries are safe and stable.
The community of Nhlaniki village, family and friends and colleagues came to honour and pay their final tribute to the fallen hero.
The funeral started with a service for family members, relatives and loved ones followed by a military funeral.
