Bloemfontein - The city of Mangaung will hold a parade on Thursday to welcome back the South African soldiers who were deployed in the Central African Republic (CAR).
“These are our heroes, they will be welcomed as such,” said Mangaung metro spokesperson Qondile Khedama.
The soldiers were part of the group which battled rebels near Bangui on March 23.
Thirteen paratroopers died in the clash and a 14th, Sergeant Othniel Mahasa, who was wounded, died on his return to South Africa.
Khedama said the surviving members were now back at their unit, in Bloemfontein, after taking time off to be with their families.
He said they would participate in the parade through the streets of Bloemfontein with 44 Parachute Regiment, to the Mangaung Outdoor Sports Centre in Rocklands where there would be a flag ceremony and a welcoming speech by Mangaung mayor Thabo Manyoni.
Khedama said the soldiers would display their skills and tactics in a demonstration for the public. - Sapa