Celebrating the International Day of the United Nations Peacekeepers on Friday 29 May, families that lost loved ones in peacekeeping operations attended a parade at De Brug outside Bloemfontein.

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) joined the global community in solemn remembrance of its fallen peacekeepers during the annual United Nations International Peacekeepers Commemoration.

This global observance honours the men and women who laid down their lives in pursuit of peace while serving under the United Nations’ (UN’s) iconic Blue Helmet.

It was an opportunity to appreciate the invaluable contribution of the uniformed and civilian personnel who work for this organisation.

The UN has been involved in peacekeeping missions since 1948.

Since then, the UN peacekeeping operations have saved millions of people around the world in about 72 successful operations.

The names of 122 South Africans who lost their lives in operations in places like the Republic of the Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Central Africa and Mozambique from 1998 to January 2025, was read aloud.

Several wreathes were laid by dignitaries, including one by the minister of defense and military veterans, Angie Motshekga.

This commemoration is observed annually by all United Nations troop-contributing countries, and it is a day to remember the fallen, honour the living, and recommit to the organisation’s ideals of peace, security, and cooperation that the UN represents.

It also provides an opportunity for ordinary citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by SANDF members and reaffirm South Africa’s enduring commitment to peacekeeping operations.