Kanene : The untold stories of psychological wounds of combat after South Africa’s demobilisation among Black SANDF soldiers

Abstract

The Black SANDF soldiers’ experiences are unique, shaped by the armed struggle, long and repeated deployments, constant threats, and repeated exposure to the horrors of battle. Traumatised Black SANDF members’ journeys reveal the profound impacts of combat trauma, often echoing the symptoms of CPTSD, characterised by an ongoing sense of danger and a fractured sense of self. The interpretation of these soldiers’ lived realities interconnects, creating an intricate pattern of grief and resilience stitched into the camouflage fabric of their military and psychological reality. In the crucible of their pain, they find solace in shared silence, their sacred cries resounding through history’s corridors. We witness their raw truths as we navigate the shadows of their combat experiences. The legacy of fallen and surviving soldiers, etched in blood and sacrifice, honours the unyielding spirit of the human soul dedicated to the nation’s greater good. These lived stories, privilege us with an honoured glimpse into the psyche of serving force members haunted by our past and continuous military engagements. These soldiers’ stories forge a collective narrative of resilience, highlighting their enduring spirit in the face of trauma and adversity within an integrated SANDF. Kanene, armed with these soldiers’ self-insights, emerges as the guiding light, navigating through the dark psychological recesses of lived trauma to bring hope and healing to those who have served and continue to serve their country.