SA SOLDIERS A S O L D I E R z NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 4 From the Editor's desk he SA Soldier Team would like to welcome the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, and

SA SOLDIERSA SOLDIERThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence

From the Editor's desk

Lettersto the Editor

Tribute to a fallen heroin

In memory of an an honourable man

News from abroad

DOD trains inspectors of of Angolan Armed Forces

The first fruits of Mission Thebe

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18 Best practice for ammunition disposal

SANDF members undergoconversion training at SAPS

Unveiling of King Dinuzulu's Statue

Diversified SANDFunites on Heritage Day

Celebrating a day at the races

Anchoring friendship through sport

Trilateral Gamesin Nelspruit

Keeping up with transformation

Bringing festive cheer to our deployed soldiers

Armour symposium 2008 - an ironclad success

Gripen commissioning ushers peace and stability

The Battle of the Ysterplaat

Enriching young minds because our youth matters

Going beyond the extra mile

Enhancing musketry skills

Commemorating heritage history

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

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TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: [email protected]: www.sasoldier.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Sgt Elias MahumaL Cpl Ally Rakoma

Text Editor: Mr Eugene Muller

CONTRIBUTIONS: Although all possible care is takenwith articles, the editorial staff cannot take any responsibility forlost articles and photographs.

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Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen K.D. Mangope Col S.P. Zeeman

Cpln S. VavaMs N. Pienaar Lt Col M.E. DlaliMaj J.V. du Toit

Cdr P. TshabalalaMs J. RenderLt S.E. Segone Mr L.R.M. Netshrimbe(Secretary)

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www.dod.mil.za

www.dod.mil.za

2005 - Winner of the Government Communicator of the Year Award (GCIS).2005 - Winner of the National Ubungcweti Award (GCIS).

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SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not neces-sarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance andpublication of advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not con-stitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services thereindescribed. The DOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims madein advertisements.

COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced withoutthe written consent of the Editor.

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N O V E M B E R 2 0 0 8 S A S O L D I E R

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa, visit our website at: www.sasoldier.mil.za

FRONT COVER: The Gripen fighter aircraft were commissioned at the recent-ly held Africa Aerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo in Cape Town. (Air display,performed by Lt Col C. Coetzee, Gripen test pilot from the Test Flight andDevelopment Centre, AFB Overberg.) Read all about this historic occasion onpages 20 - 23. (Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

Above: One of the highlights at the Africa Aerospace of Defence (AAD) Expowas a mini-war called "The Battle of the Ysterplaat", demonstrating the capabilities of all four Services in the SANDF working together.(Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)


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From the Editor's desk

he SA Soldier Team would like to welcome the newlyappointed Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, andthe Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Fezile Bhengu, intothe Department of Defence. We hope you will be lookingforward to reading SA Soldier every month.

It is a pleasure to announce the commissioning and officialhandover of the Gripen fighter aircraft at the recently held AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) Expo 2008 in Cape Town. Read allabout this international expo on pages 20 to 23.

Every year on 11 November at the 11th hour, military veterans'organisations throughout the world pay homage to the fallen heroesof both world wars. The readers of SA Soldier are encouraged to paytribute to them on Remembrance Day, 11 November.

Another worthy campaign is the 16 Days of Activism for NoViolence Against Women and Children. Let us support the cam-paign by wearing the white ribbon during the 16-day period. Let usunite and fight women and child abuse. Don't look the other way. Ifyou are being abused or if you know of anyone who needs help -speak out - get help!

South Africa's 16 Days of Activism for No Violence AgainstWomen and Children campaign is held annually from 25 November(International Day of No Violence Against Women) to 10December (International Human Rights Day).

We end this edition on a sombre note. We have lost one of our col-leagues, Lt Col Fundile Siyongwana. He was responsible for theDOD Info Bulletins. Prior to that he was a journalist for SASoldier. We will remember him for his inspirational writing. Mayhis soul rest in peace. Please read the beautiful tribute (poem) writ-ten by Col Belinda Martin on page 9.

We also have to say goodbye to our Chief Photographer, F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana. He has unfortunately been transferred back to theSA Air Force. But fortunately this is not the last of him as he willstill be assisting SA Soldier in future from time to time. Thank youvery much for all your hard work and brilliant photography!

Nelda PienaarEditor

TMr Charles Nqakula, Minister of Defence.

Mr Fezile Bhengu, Deputy Minister of Defence.

messagenew ministry

A P R I L 2 0 0 7 S A S O L D I E R

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letters to the editor


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THE WAY TO RECOGNISE EACH OTHER AND ADAPT TO CHANGEI would like to highlight one of theissues that in our daily lives we oftenhear people talk about, namely culturaldiversity. In SA we have celebratedHeritage Day throughout the country,but you will be left with the question ofhow often people accept each other.How often do people adapt tochanges? What about UBUNTU?

I believe that as Africans we differin our beliefs, ideologies and religion.Therefore let us not be ethnocentric.Let cultural diversity not be a barrier tosuccessful communication. I believe asa human being we have a tendency toassume that our own cultural valuesand belief systems are better than thoseof others. However, if we are open to

Winning letter

R200-00 prize for the best letterSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to be pub-lished, and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or space limita-tions. Letters should preferably be typewritten and double-spaced. All letters mustinclude the writer's full name, address and home telephone number. The volume ofletters we receive makes individual acknowledgement impossible. Please sendyour letters to: The Editor, SA SOLDIER Letters, Private Bag X158, Pretoria, 0001.Letters may also be faxed to (012) 355-6399 or sent via email to [email protected] would like to hear your comments or ideas, particularly about matters affectingmembers of the Department of Defence. Regrettably, anonymous letters cannot beanswered officially or published - Editor.

others, we can learn about other culturesand communicate much better.

Misunderstanding between peopleof different cultural backgrounds canhave a major effect on relationships atworkplaces. However, if we could useour cultural differences positively tolearn about each other and to grow per-sonally through our interactions withothers it would be great.

Remember, change is an integralpart of our modern lives, so the betteryou are able to adapt to change the bet-ter you will cope with life and its vari-ous demands, as we are social ratherthan solitary beings. Brothers and sis-ters, we as Africans may sometimes beable to work in a state of denial for a

It is not enough for us the members of theDefence ForceTo talk about disciplineFor how long have we been talking aboutdiscipline?For how long have we been taking people onoffice orders?Yes for a long time, but

Are you also disciplined?Practise what you preachYes, it is not enough

It is not enough for us the members ofDefence Force To talk about, but not to abuseOur authority for any personal gain or use

But how much property of the SANDF dowe have for our own personal useSo when are you going to return them?Yes, it is not enough

It is not enough for us the members ofDefence Force To talk about reporting all Illegal activities But how many outstanding military or civil-ian casesDo we have?Yes, it is not enough …Yes, it is not enough! Pte Maropeng PerzeviniahThobakgale, 13 PRO COY

while, but at some stage you will feelthe impact of change and you need torespond to it personally. If you resist,circumstances will often become worseand you will start blaming others orcomplaining about change.

I wrote this letter while I was de-ployed in the Sudan. At that time Inever thought that South Africa wouldexperience xenophobia related prob-lems. We deployed with other Africanstates, and as a soldier I have neverexperience xenophobia in any otherAfrican county, which left me with aquestion, my brothers and sisters:when will we accept and live with eachother as Africans? Cpl S.E. Dlangama,2 SAI Bn

This poem is dedicated to ourbrothers and sisters, fathers andmothers in uniform deployed inthe Sudan.

As we walk proud in our rainbow nation Chanting the songs of peacemaking in our Uniform we are like the greater giants ofAfrica contributing and taking part inUnit for we walk in the footsteps of ourFreedom fighters like Marcus Garvey,Malcom X, Nelson Mandela, MashelaAnd the words of wisdom by Bob MarleyAfrica unite walk proud men and Women with your head faced up and a Smile of courage, discipline and pride thatI am part of the solution but not the Problem. Dr Zwelithini Mbatha,Mafatsane

IT IS NOT ENOUGH PROUD MENAND WOMENIN UNIFORM


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As a member of the public, I would liketo take this opportunity to thank ColC.J.C. Butler, Officer Commanding ofAFB Ysterplaat, and his staff for theirrole in making AAD 2008 possible.

The exceptionally good conductof members of the SA Air Force in pub-lic made a very good impressionand this calls for a special mention. Sodid the smooth operations, excellentdisplays and overall professionalismdisplayed.

After events such as these there isoften unfair criticism. I only heardcompliments about AAD 2008. Theusually vocal critics were either absentor too embarrassed to make unwar-

AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE 2008

BE THE EYES AND EARS OF THE MILITARY POLICE

ranted statements.There was constructive criticism

though, which I would like to pass on toyou - visitors armed with video camerasproposed that all background musicand commentary cease while theHarvards were on display.

As I chose rather to view than pho-tograph, it did not affect me, but I dounderstand the sentiment. It seems thatthere are more folks out there stillmadly in love with Pratt & Whitneyradial engines than we could ever imag-ine. Some people wanted to record theseengine sounds but could not do so onaccount of the music that was playing atthe time.

It was very interesting to attend the stage perfor-mance on crime awareness by celebrities (civilianactors contracted to the Department of Defence)here at Army Support Base KwaZulu-Natal in July2008. The Industrial Theatre was an excellent initia-tive by the organisers in the Department, as crimewithin our midst is like a plague. This awarenesscampaign came at the right time for the LadysmithMilitary Police as it was just a week after a crimeprevention success was reported and this sent a

It just shows that the love affairbetween South Africa and its belovedHarvards is still going strong despitethe sixty-odd years of marriage. Quitean achievement!

AFB Ysterplaat and the SA AirForce have given the general public agood injection of patriotism, you havemade us proud of our Air Force, of ourDefence Force and our country. Youhave silenced critics and proved themwrong.

A big thank you to everyone whohas sacrificed so much to make AAD2008 such an enormous success and amemorable event. I salute you. Pieter Louw, Cape Town

clear message to the members of this military base that even SANDFmanagement was saying enough is enough.

It is also unfortunate that we had to be educated by outsiders abouthow to look after our resources, eg not to misuse, not to steal, to reportany criminal activity, to study the Code of Conduct and military disci-pline. Theft, such as of vehicle parts, rations and fuel has been theorder of the day because members entrusted with controlling andreporting are just not interested in meeting their obligations. It was noteven surprising to hear a person saying that he had taken an alreadycooked ration from the premises. It is an open secret that membersknow those who are committing crimes. However, they talk in the cor-ridors about it, instead of looking after the best interests of ourDepartment and bringing the perpetrators to book.

Be the eyes and ears of the Military Police. Do not assume all staffmembers are as honest as you are. Lastly, a policeman is only as goodas the community he serves, so join hands. You will be treated withconfidentiality and remain anonymous. Report crime to the crimetoll-free number: 0800 222 091. Capt N. Ngcobo, A/Area Provost Marshal Ladysmith Military Police


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letters to the editor

THANKING THE GIANT IN OUR LIFEKindly allow me to convey my heart-felt thanks to one of the giants inour Army family. Our family hasexperienced every move that the SAArmy had us undergo as a blessedexperience.

My husband continuously instils inour lives the fact that wherever we are,we are there to make love visible and tobelieve that success is the natural con-sequence of constantly applying thefollowing basic fundamentals. Firstly,constantly work hard. Secondly,respect and treat others as you wouldwant them to treat you. Lastly, hum-bleness is not a sign of humiliation;rather it is a sign of maturity.

In May 2008 my husband, Col J.P.M.Kobbie, was selected to attend a year-long course in the USA. For this we feelvery blessed and humbled because werealise that it is an experience of a life-time. For this experience we need to saya big thank you to General RobertMandita - the giant in our life - for thefact that he opted to let my husband fur-ther his learning in another part of theworld with his family.

General, you know we are gratefuland greatly appreciate your wisdom,calmness and loving support always.We thank you. Lilla Kobbie, wife ofCol J.P.M. Kobbie (Proudly SANDFfamily)

SINGLE WOMAN SORROWSAs a woman I personally believe thatbeing a single woman is the greatestexperience of them all. It is the perfecttime to be a little selfish and spoil your-self, spending time doing what youenjoy, going shopping whenever andwherever, free of worries that some-body is waiting for you.

Being single allows you to discoverwho you are. You will have an oppor-tunity to experience what your likes areas well as your dislikes. The bright sideof all this is that you get to know howto deal with life's testing situations thatare likely to arise and to know what todo when the stumbling blocks comeyour way, knowing that no man willcome to the rescue no matter how diffi-cult the situation might be.

Sadly enough, you will be stigma-tised among your colleagues, evenyour best girlfriends, who in generalwill not trust you with men. Anyonethey see you with will be labelled asyour boyfriend, regardless of age, race,

rank or even if he is married. You will beregarded as someone who does not havea life, especially if you are staying in abungalow, because you said you weresingle. Everybody will start havingexpectations, such as no man must cometo your room, they must not give you alift, be friendly to you, or be your friend.If one of these things I have mentionedhappens, that will be a nice subject forgossip for a week or two, even if thatputs you or your career in danger. Theydo not care.

Women, let us get our unique, spe-cial lives embraced by others and notdestroy them by ourselves. I took note ofthe things mentioned on the basis ofday-to-day experience, and thus myconcern. Life is tough, we need to sticktogether, bad things are happening inour presence and we do not do or sayanything about them. Some men abuseus; they violate our rights, break ourhearts and destroy our lives. We see thateveryday and yet we do not support

each other. Instead of giving support toother women who are living the curse,we abandon them with laughter ormore curses. We are not phenomenalenough to hold everyone's pain.

Being single is not a bed of roses. Itfeels terrible at times, especially if youare staying miles away from homeand you only depend on friends. They,in turn, will spend more time withtheir loved ones or just be tired of yournagging.

So for those who are single, I knowits difficult sometimes, but please donot just jump into a comfort relation-ship. You will be hurt more than youcan imagine. Live your life at large, letthem talk, they will not stop anyway.Lastly, have faith; no person was meantto live alone. You may feel as if you arethe only single person in the world andthat you will be single forever, but thisis not true. You are not an island; all youneed is patience. L Cpl M.M. Nkitseng,Infantry School

My question to all serving members ofthe SANDF is: What is a disciplinedsoldier? How do we see a disciplinedsoldier? Someone said: "Charity beginsat home". That means if you were nottaught how to behave, respect, shareand reason, soldiering will not changeyou. Is it discipline or the military wayof living to stand three hours onparade? The same goes for saluting andpaying compliments. Please do notconfuse military culture with personaldiscipline. To all MSDS members, youhave what it takes to be real soldiersand I salute you for that. Rfn T.L. Mashala (MSDS member), 10 SAI Bn, Mafikeng

A DISCIPLINEDSOLDIER

I went around asking people what dis-cipline meant to them and some sur-prisingly told me that I did not havediscipline myself and I told them that Idid have discipline and they said that Idid not have it according to the mili-tary standard. I have realised that dis-cipline in the military and civilianenvironment is absolutely not thesame. I think that we should all try tolive by the standard of military disci-

DISCIPLINE GOES HAND IN HANDplinary codes since we are uniformedmembers, whether of high rank or low.What I have noticed is that all the basesor units are complaining about theMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) members' discipline and mostof the time they are talking about thewomen. When we see someone behav-ing in an inappropriate manner in thecivilian environment they say we do notblame the person or child, but the par-

ents. I have asked why the parents andthe response was that the parents arethe backbone of every growing humanbeing.

Do not expect your child or yourstudents to be disciplined while yourlife is not disciplined. When you showrespect you will earn respect. Do nottry to force a person to be disciplined,but coax him or her to be disciplined.Airman S. Mnikathi, 18 DSU


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Whatever comes into a person's mind,whether negative or positive, at theend of the day one has to make a deci-sion. We are living in a world of chal-lenges with regard to our families,workplaces, churches and organisa-tions. I have found that in spite of thechallenges one can still live becausechallenges are not there to destroy youbut to shake you. Where are you in thislife? Bill Ocean said: "Tough timesnever last, but tough people willstand".

How do they last? They do notallow negative circumstances to con-trol them. They take their position inthe midst of bad times, they refuse tobe consumed by doubt or speak nega-

POSITIVE THINKINGtively, because in the tongue lies life anddeath. Surround your life with goodthings, people that will speak positivelyabout you, motivate you and just pickyourself up and think constructivethings.

There are people who think they areuseless, that there is nothing they cando, who think they cannot achievethings that they want to achieve in life.You are the boss of your own life.

Therefore I will encourage you to bepositive, you can do it. Hebrew 1:16speaks about faith. Have faith and knowthat God is on your side. Stand firm,don't move, fight the good fight of faithand you will be blessing others.Chaplain B. Siqaza, DOD TSU

The universe of life is really mercifuland when we are willing to learn, wewill receive our lessons lovingly andgently.

There are those times when whatcould be a deep valley turns out to bejust a little ditch. This means we aredown, but we can see our way up if wehave stumbled. Our faces have not hitthe ground.

A friend of mine always remindsme that to stumble does not mean youfall; it means you move ahead a littlefaster. Stumbling into a ditch does notrender you helpless.

There is something for you to grabor hold on to. Hopefully it is some-thing you have heard, seen or learnt

LET US FORGET ABOUT THE PASTfrom a past lesson. A ditch is life's wayof reminding you that there is a wake-upcall for you so that you will not make thesame mistake again. It is life's way ofpointing out the warning signs. You willsee things you cannot ignore.

You will know there are real dangersthat lie ahead

You must be very careful and youwill be required to make some harddecisions. Most importantly, you mustbe able to act decisively. If you do notrecognise the signs the knowledge aditch could very quickly turn into a val-ley - fight it. Your job is to figure out ifthe situation is to remain the same forthe rest of your life.

What quality do you need to develop

to have peace? Do you need patience,faith or a deeper understanding of whoyou are? If you can remember this, youwill realise that every valley experi-ence is an opportunity for you to comeone step closer to your greatness.

Peace is a universal principle: oneby which we must all learn to live.

The valleys help us to grow anddevelop the character traits we need tofind peace within ourselves and in life,whatever the situation in which wefind ourselves.

It is our attitudes and our con-sciousness that transform a temporaryvalley experience into spiritual growthand self-improvement. M.P. Masango,Mtubatuba

Chaplain B. Siqaza.

The sunset has sealedYour eyes my brotherAnd the moon your lipsJust as serene and quiet asYour life was so you left usVery few knew, just how strong youWere beneath those calm waters

Dladla, your mind dwelt in the land of kingsAnd in the land of peace, Your brilliance shone in your smiling faceNever did you moan or groan in painOnly you knew how unbearable it wasNever did it show in your face

A true soldier at warIn the reality of our life todayIn this democracy that you sacrificedYour entire youthful life

THE SUN SETS ON AN UNSUNG HERODLADLA (LT COL FUNDILE SIYONGWANA)

Never sought for gainBut for freedom from Apartheid painIn the far away fields of Angola, A commissar and writerYou were always there, to comfortTo counsel and to uplift our souls

Dladla, you will be sorely missedDladla the african sun has risen with youInto our african skyThe continent which you so loved And cherished, has swallowed youBeneath the troubled earthWhere there is pain no more

Dladla, the unsung heroThe quiet, mighty manThe lone soldierMentor, poet, writer

Intellectual, fighterOnly you knew your pain

Dladla, the sun has set on youFresh water streams of the MagaliesTrickles over your still and motionless soulBye Dladla, go and prepare The valleys of peace for usYou have done what is not easyYou have sacrificed your soulFor the freedom of your peopleAnd so you died leaving us with yourSpear still held highIt will never fall

Goodbye DladlaSleep Mkhonto, you have your ranksGeneral of the people you served, SleepSleep sleep. Col B.V. Martin, Pretoria

tribute


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By Pte Itumeleng Makhubela

he SANDF has lost and laidto rest one of its youngestpatriots following an incidentin the line of duty. RiflemanLesedi Boitumelo Monaisa(21) of 10 SA InfantryBattalion passed away fol-

lowing what was alleged to have beena scorpion sting at Mahla MilitaryBase in the Sudan when she wasdeployed in support of the UnitedNations/African Union Mission. Shewas honoured with a full militaryfuneral at the Roman Catholic Churchin Ikageng, Potchestroom, on 4October 2008.

Members of the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) aregiven the chance to deploy externallyduring their two-year contract,according to policy. A fit and rejuve-nated force is chosen. RiflemanMonaisa was among those represent-ing the SANDF. These members know

T

The remains of the late Rifleman Lesedi Boitumelo Monaisa were laid to rest during a full military funeral service atIkageng Cemetery in Potchefstroom. (Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

Tribute to a fallen heroin

and understand the hostile andvolatile environment that they arebeing assigned to. It was unfortunate itgot the best of her.

As this is a moment of grief, lossand sadness, the Department ofDefence and its stakeholders wouldlike to extend their condolences tothe family of the deceased andhope they remain strong in their timeof bereavement. It is such a tragedythat this young woman, who wassupposed to be part of the future ofthe Department, has been takenprematurely.

ObituaryThe late Lesedi Boitumelo Monaisa

was born on 13 January 1987 in theIkageng District of Tlokwe. She wasthe 6th child of Ms Dipuo and MrTrupa Monaisa.

She started her Primary Educationat Pudulugo Primary School, afterwhich she went to Keagile and later toTlokwe High School. She completed

her studies at Potch Technical Schoolin 2006.

In 2007 she started working as asoldier in the SANDF. She met heruntimely death on 19 September 2008.

She is survived by her mother,father, brother, two sisters and her oneand only daughter Kamogelo.

Rest in peace Mokwena.

The late Rifleman Lesedi

Boitumelo Monaisa.


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Photos 1 - 4 depicting the late Maj Gen Fritz Loots at variousstages of his distinguished life.

In memory ofan honorable manBy Lt Col A-L. Human, SO1 Corp Com SA Special Forces

part of history was concludedon 18 August 2008 when theSA Special Forces bade fare-well to its founder. The firstGeneral Officer Command-ing of the SA Special Forces,Maj Gen Frederich Wilhelm

Loots, passed away on 12 August 2008at the age of 91. He was revered, as anhonourable man who had unswervingdetermination, was a pillar of strength,an example in word and deed, some-one who stood firm by his principles,yet was a humble person.

A1966 to 1970 and retired as InspectorGeneral of the SADF on 30 June 1973.

Maj Gen Loots returned to Servicein August 1974 with a view to estab-lishing some form of a Special ForcesOrganisation. This eventually materi-alised as a separate operational forma-tion under the direct control of theChief of the South African DefenceForce. Maj Gen Loots finally retiredfrom Service on 25 April 1982.

Maj Gen Fritz Loots, as he wasknown to those close to him, livedaccording to two main beliefs. He oftentold the story that when he was ayoung boy his mother taught himthere was no such thing as "I can't" and

Army College from 1953 to 1954. Heattended the Staff course from 1954 to1955, became a Control Staff at theStaff College from 1956 to 1957, servedas Staff Officer at the Army Head-quarters from 1957 to 1959, was theOfficer Commanding of the ArmyGymnasium from 1959 to 1963, andthe Officer Commanding South WestAfrica Command from 1963 to 1964.He was appointed as Senior StaffOfficer Security and Administration atMilitary Intelligence in 1965, was theDirector Military Intelligence from

Maj Gen Loots was born inBritstown on 26 April 1917 and waseducated at the Theron High School.He joined the Special ServicesBattalion in November 1936 and attest-ed in the South African PermanentForce (Infantry Corps) in March 1939.In 1947 he was appointed to the rank ofWarrant Officer Class II and in 1951 hereceived his commission as an officer.Posts held by Maj Gen Loots were theStaff Officer of the QuartermasterGeneral Section from 1951 to 1953,then Officer Instructors at the SA

as a young man his father taught himto hold on to his principles and notveer from them. These life lessons werevisible throughout Maj Gen Loots' lifelike a golden thread and all who hadthe privilege to meet him unknowinglyreceived a piece of this wisdom.

His parting words during his lastdays were a request to the Chaplain toconvey the message to all on theimportance of loving others, for love iseternal.

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news from abroad

This is an experience of a lifetime. Onbehalf of all Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) mem-bers of 10 SA Infantry Battalion (10SAI Bn) who are part of UNAMID(Ops Cordite) in the Sudan, I wouldlike to thank the Officer Commandingof 10 SAI Bn, Lt Col Tshugulu, for hav-ing trusted us and given us support,courage and guidance throughout thewhole deployment period. You are atrue leader; nobody believed in us, asit was our first deployment, and saidthat we did not have the necessaryexperience, but you took the risk.

The first month was difficult. We

THANK YOU

MY FIRST MISSION ABROAD

had to acclimatise to the weather con-ditions, learn to speak Arabic and getacquainted with the values and normsof the Sudanese people and get usedto their food. You made it easy for usby giving us your full support. Now Ifeel at home. The Sudanese people arefriendly and approachable. Our mis-sion is to give protection to theUNAMID police and to the vulnerablecommunity, viz the internally dis-placed people, something we excel at.We have done 10 SAI Bn and SouthAfrica proud. Thank you (shukrun).Rfn T.L. Mashala, 10 SAI Bn, C-CoyKutum (Sudan)

Pte M.P. Thobakgale (left). A photo taken during my first mission outside theborders of South Africa when I was deployed in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo (DRC), working in the Bunia Military Police (MP) station sectorwith the Bangladash Air Force members, where we were conducting search-es as MPs during the rotation. Pte M.P. Thobakgale, 13 Pro Coy, Pretoria

ARE MSDS MEMBERS THEFUTURE OF THE ARMY?People often say Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) mem-bers are the future of the Departmentof Defence, but at the SA Army it isnot the case. People get hired andfired every three months. Do peoplenot think it is easier to invest in peoplewho already have the knowledge ofthe work rather than to hire new peo-ple and spend more money on train-ing? John Chipa, Soshanguve

FIRST DEPLOYMENT IN DARFURI am currently deployed in the Sudanas the Engineer Squadron Second inCommand/Troop Commander. Atfirst it was difficult for me to acceptthat I would find myself in the Sudanbecause they told me that I would bethe first woman to deploy there as anEngineer. I wondered why they didnot deploy there. I heard many storiesof the place and then said I would notgo there. Later I said you would neverknow what was on the other side of thebridge until you crossed it.

On 11 May 2008 I crossed thebridge. I am based at Zamzam campand am staying with Rwandese. I hadto stay next to them, as I was a womanamong 40 men. Being among men washard at first, but I learned that theywere also supportive. My Commanderis Capt Mabetwa who is always sup-portive of me, so when I have a chal-lenge I talk to him and he helps me. LtQncongwane from 1 Military Hospitalwas also there for me. It was greatworking with him. If there is anyuncertainty, I go to him then he helpsme; he was a brother to me. All theSappers I deployed with did their taskextremely well and it was wonderfulworking with them too.

All the attachés we had were alsosupportive. I salute the Rwandese asthey were like brothers and sisters tome and made me feel at ease. I havelearned few words of their language.When I looked around the Sudan Ifound things somewhat different, but

then in time I got used to it. Everythingis Tamam "fine", although it is difficultto communicate, but there are a few whounderstand English. There is much to bedone in the Sudan, but I hope that thingswill change as time goes on. I have hopethat our God will hear our prayers andhelp Darfur.

To all men and women of SouthAfrica, I salute you for taking part inkeeping the peace in Darfur. Keep up thegood work!

I have been in Darfur now for fivemonths and am looking forward to

going home in November. I believenothing is difficult until you try it. Youwill never know it unless you try it. Toall the women out there, let us standup for ourselves to show that we canalso make a difference around theworld. I am proud to be where I amtoday. I remember the time I was in ameeting with the Deputy SectorCommander for security of the camp,where I was given the chance to givemy opinion. This was my first mission.Lt M.M. Mamabolo, EngineerSquadron 2IC


13

WOMEN IN PEACEKEEPING

Fltr: Privates Makua, Mekoa and Mabilo from 7 SA Infantry Battalion duringtheir UNAMID deployment in the Sudan, North Darfur, at Mellit CompanyLocation.

The UNAMID hybrid operation is anew mission in the history of peace-keeping. The situation in Darfur hasseen women and children suffer themost. The management took a deci-sion to increase the number of womenin their ranks to enable a smooth rela-tionship to develop between the affect-ed women and the mission. Thepolicewomen have been involved intheir community policing. The mili-tary has also started introduce womenin their patrols. It was also realisedthat women were more comfortablewith women than men as based ontheir culture and traditions. As right-fully mentioned by these women, it isa good opportunity for women torelate to women on issues affectingthem. This also gives our male coun-terparts time to interact with theUmdas and sheikhs, while we consultwith women and children. In mostinstances local women will stare at usand ask questions such as how we find

it possible to function as youngwomen in a male dominated environ-

ment. We explain that it is quitesimple. Takalani Shumani, email

GREEN SOLDIERS SUPPORT OPERATION CURRICULUM

Base beautification within the mission area.

By Lt Cdr Werner Kwak,Environmental Planner Op CURRICULUM, and Ms Adré Aggenbach, ECOpsProgramme Manager

Op CURRICULUM is used as a bench-mark to ensure that the DOD devotesitself to making the African continentand SA aware of their commitment topreserving the natural environmentand ultimately the sustainable envi-

ronmental management of militaryoperations. In the initial phase of inte-gration, ECOps proved its supportby achieving the set objectives of themilitary mission.

he responsibilityand accountability

to ensure that "theplanning and execu-tion of military activi-ties take into accountenvironmental impli-cations and do notjeopardise the long-term potential of landand other naturalresources" as reflectedin the White Paper onDefence, 1996, is beingaddressed through theimplementation of theGuidebook on Envi-ronmental Consider-ations during MilitaryOperations (ECOps).

The successful inte-gration of ECOps in

T>> on page 14

news from abroad


14

WO1 V.J. Mufamadi, EnvironmentalOfficer, monitors the constructionof a new environmental project.

Posts for Military IntegratedEnvironmental Management (MIEM)were negotiated during this cycle,namely an Environmental Plannerand an Environmental Officer. Lt CdrWerner Kwak was the EnvironmentalPlanner for the entire duration of OpCURRICULUM. He was responsiblefor participating in the JointOperational HQ Verification Team toverify handing and taking over proce-dures during each rotation phase andto establish environmental systems.During phase 3 of the mission he hadto remain in the mission area with thenewly rotated Environmental Officerto assist with the implementation ofthe established systems. In additionhe acted as the rear link for advisorysupport and staff inspections from SAand had to confirm the establishmentof environmental related service con-tracts. The termination of the opera-tion in phase 4 required the deploy-ment of the Environmental Planner tothe mission area to advise the ForceCommander on the rehabilitation andclosure of the base as part of the ExitStrategy.

ECOps required initial financialexpenditure as part of the implemen-tation process that in the end not onlyproved cost-effective, but minimisedthe environmental impact and theassociated risks involved. It was vitalthat the Environmental Officer, guid-ed by the Environmental Planner,complete an Environmental BaselineStudy (EBS) to determine impacts andaspects of the EnvironmentalManagement System.

The effects obtained by the EBSresulted in the drafting and imple-mentation of a detailed Environ-mental Management Programme,which included, inter alia, an Integrat-ed Waste Management Plan (IWMP),an Environmental Contingency Planand an Environmental Awareness

Plan. The IWMP was implemented andmonitored to ensure effective com-mand and control of all waste generat-ed within the mission area.

Uncontrolled movement or dispos-al of any type of waste in the missionarea was prohibited and the IWMPaddressed the various waste streams.Rehabilitation was activated at an earlystage to ensure adequate time for reha-bilitation requirements to be put inplace.

Continuous environmental moni-toring is needed for an update of envi-ronmental intelligence, the EBS,plans/risk assessments and contractualcompliance. Integration is achieved byenvironmental awareness presenta-tions, constant monitoring and mea-surement of impacts, communicatingenvironmental slogans, distributingpamphlets and implementing anapproved Environmental Support Plan.

On completion of the first sixmonths of deployment of the AfricanUnion Special Task Force (AUSTF) inBurundi for Operation CURRICULUM,

a rotation of forces takes place.Deployed forces are held account-able for functions relating to environ-mental management. It is thereforeimperative that the handing and tak-ing over process includes specificdetails, such as contained in theEnvironmental Closure Study and theImplementation and Verification TaskTeam Report.

The Environmental Officer andPlanner executed an EnvironmentalClosure Study prior to the rotation offorces and assessed the extent and sig-nificance of each contingent's impactin the mission area. The result of thisstudy determined whether the contin-gent could hand over to the incomingforce or if a rehabilitation/clean-up ofthe area should take place prior todeparture. An independent, butdetailed Implementation andVerification Task Team Report had tobe compiled on the implementation ofECOps by the Environmental Plannerafter every six months prior to forcesrotating and this included environ-mental impacts, incidents and theprogress/status of all rehabilitationplans. Ultimately the outcome of thereport was meant to help determine ifan Environmental ComplianceCertificate could be approved by theEnvironmental Officer and the AUSTFCommander.

This integration in Op CURRICU-LUM has resulted in an opportunityfor environmentally qualified soldiersto be employed as environmental offi-cers in peace support operations. Itnot only allowed a wealth of opera-tional experience and knowledge to beshared among combatants operatingwithin the respective areas of opera-tion, but also ensured that invaluableoperational expertise and experiencein sustainably managing the naturalenvironment were gained by theyounger leader group for continuousimplementation and enforcement.

>> from page 13


15

DOD trains inspectors of the Angolan ArmedForcesBy L Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

rchbishop Desmond Tutuonce said: "Despite all theghastliness that is around,human beings are made of good-ness and Godliness - the onesthat ought to be held in highregard are not the ones who

have military prowess or economic pros-perity, but the ones who have committed totry to make the world a better place."

With a view to exploring ways andmeans of reviving Angola, the meetingbetween the former Minister ofDefence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, and hiscounterpart from the Angolan ArmedForces, Gen Kunai Paihama, on 1November 2007, has made positivestrides and has fulfilled a number ofobjectives to achieve human securityand defence and promote democraticpractices and good governance.

On 25 September 2008 SA Soldiervisited a group of eight delegates from

Aquality manual based on ISO 90001,report analysis, anti-corruption andanti-fraud techniques. We also teachthem how to audit combat readinessby means of the effectiveness moduleat the Institution of MaritimeTechnology in Cape Town," said ColAndre.

Having witnessed the mission inpractice, we caught up with theInspector General, Angolan ArmedForces, Gen Sapilinha Sambalanga. Heexpressed his gratitude to the SA DODand SANDF for being a force for goodand for helping brother countries likeAngola become experts in meeting thedefence and security challenges."South Africa is well developed andevery structure in place so that civilcontrol is effective. We decided to sendour inspectors to be trained by the IGDOD so that we could implement thesame system and control in our armedforces by means of inspection, audit-ing, monitoring and evaluating ourDOD," said Gen Sambalanga.

We also interviewed one of the del-egates on course, Brig Gen Julio Chipa,2IC: IG Angolan Army. He had this tosay: "Angola is on its way to recovery,reconstruction and development.Countries like South Africa havedemonstrated their commitment to theconsolidation and well-being of its cit-izens and good governance. The mostsuccessful nations are driven by goodvalues with an enhanced capacity fordevelopment, such as creating efficientadministration and institutional co-operation between government, secu-rity sectors and business sectors. As IGdelegates on course we are going totake what we have learnt at the IGDOD and integrate the components tosuit our system in order to create effi-cient practices and good administra-tion," said Brig Gen Chipa.

the Angolan Armed Forces' InspectorGeneral who are attending thePerformance Audit Inspectors Coursepresented by the RSA InspectorGeneral Department of Defence (IGDOD) at the SA Army College inThaba Tshwane. The IG DOD, as partof the DOD structure to provide skills-based capability, has advanced broad-ly in paying attention to creating anefficient DOD administration andgood governance.

On our arrival we witnessed firsthand the IG DOD mission in practiceand the ideal of brotherhood betweenSouth Africa and Angola. We con-versed with the course leader, ColAntonio Andre, the Chief of Staff:Directorate Performance Audit. Hegave us a briefing on the PerformanceAudit Inspectors Course and said thatit was designed especially for theAngolan Armed Forces Inspectors andis presented in Portuguese.

"The course comprises theory andpractice. We teach them performanceaudit, introduction to internal audit, a

The second in command of the Inspector General Angolan Army, Brig GenJulio Chipa (left), and the course leader, Col Antonio Andre, the Chief ofStaff: Directorate Performance Audit, during the interview with SA Soldier.

events


16

Article and photos by F Sgt David Nomtshongwana

he South African Govern-ment's effort to assist fellowAfrican countries was againvisible when the first trainedRapid Reaction Battalion wasofficially handed over to theDemocratic Republic of the

Congo (DRC). Mission Thebe was initiated by the

signing of a joint declaration on 22August 2007 by the Ministers ofDefence of South Africa and the DRC.Among other things, this agreement is

aimed at supporting and assisting thegovernment of the DRC to reform itsarmed forces and training staff inlogistics, finance, intelligence, humanresources and in the medical field.

The training of the first battaliontook place in one of the towns that wasnot affected by war in the DRC, vizLubumbashi, at the Mura Base. InFebruary 2008 the DRC Minister ofDefence handed over more than 900members, five of them women, into thesupervision of Col Piet Sereko,Commander of Mission Thebe, to startwith their training.

Despite the challenges in terms of

T

The first fruits of Mission Thebe

Fltr: the Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the newly appointed RSA Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula,the Commander of Mission Thebe, Col Piet Sereko, and the Republic of the Congo Minister of Defence and WarVeterans, Mr Chikez Diemu, on the podium during the handing-over parade of the first battalion.

resources and the language barrier,history was made on 3 October 2008when the first of three battalions wasofficially handed over by the newlyappointed RSA Minister of Defence,Mr Charles Nqakula, to the DRCMinister of Defence and WarVeterans, Mr Chikez Diemu.

The trained battalion will beexpected to provide security and sta-bility, especially after the withdrawalof MONUC in 2009. The troops fromthe DRC were trained in differentfields, such as light intelligence andlight 120 mm artillery and introducedto the development of the Rapid


17

Reaction Force concept.Speaking to the soldiers on parade and guests,

Minister Nqakula emphasised that South Africawould honour its obligations and that the changesin South Africa would not affect the agreementmade previously. He emphasised that peace and sta-bility were the only way to have a better continent.The South African Government did not believe inresolving different issues militarily. He said thatthrough negotiations we could achieve the desiredoutcome. With a smile on his face he looked at his DRCcounterpart, and said: "Dear colleague, we see you asan instrument for peace. The elimination of povertyand underdevelopment needed a conducive environ-ment to operate in, of which the South AfricanGovernment will help make our region and continenta better place for its people". Minister Nqakula con-cluded by handing over the shield to DefenceMinister Diemu and said that it was the symbol thatthe Battalion belonged to the people of the DRC andits government.

In his response, the Minister of Defence of theDRC said that one's best friend was the one whocame when one was in trouble. "We did not forgetwhat the South African Government did during thedemocratic elections in 2006; convey my gratitudeto your people." He added that South Africa hadshown that when you give a man a fish the nextday he will be hungry again, but show him how tofish and he would be able to sustain himself infuture. "This was shown by South Africa's sendingmembers of the SANDF to train our soldiers. Thisday means a lot to us," said Defence MinisterDiemu. He agreed with Minister Nqakula that nodevelopment without peace was possible. Hethanked Col Sereko for his commitment and histeam. I know it was tough, but the results were sweetas honey. We know that the battalion will be fruitful,"concluded Minister Diemu.

During the handing-over parade, the certificatesand awards were given to the members who hadexcelled in different categories. One of the female sol-diers received an award for the soldier who displayedthe most perseverance during the training. After theparade there was a demonstration, inter alia, of a 120mm mortar being fired and a simulation attack wasstaged for the attendees.

SA Soldier spoke to the members who wereinvolved in the training of the DRC troops. They wereexcited about the achievement and the opportunitygiven to them of making a difference to other fellowsoldiers. At first they thought it would be difficult toachieve the aim the mission, but through co-opera-tion they made it! WO2 David Hlalele, one of themembers who assisted with the training, said that hewas happy that the morale of the soldiers on paradewas high. We need to look at the issue of languagein South Africa so that we are able to assist othercountries better," concluded WO2 Hlalele.

Front, fltr: the Chief of the SA Army,

Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the

Republic of the

Congo Minister

of Defence and

War Veterans,

Mr Chikez Diemu,

the Commander

of Mission Thebe,

Col Piet Sereko,

and the RSA

Minister of Defence,

Mr Charles Nqakula,

inspecting the

soldiers during the

handing-over parade.

Soldiers from the Republic of the Congo firing mortars during the demonstration at Mura Base.

Soldiers from the Republic of the Congo firing mortars during

the demonstration under supervision of South

African soldiers at Mura Base.

Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, the RSA DOD: Head ofCommunication, posing with the soldiers of the Republicof the Congo after the attack simulation.

Goodwill Parcels Project


18

By L Cpl Ally Rakoma and Pte Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

nd as we let our own lightshine, we unconsciouslygive other people permis-sion to do the same, to thegood of all living beings.The happiest of people donot necessarily have the

best of everything, but they make themost of everything that they have andthink of others in need," said DrNelson Mandela.

The SANDF Spouses Forum andMassmart Holdings Limited hosted abreakfast briefing in Pretoria on 22August 2008. The aim of the occasionwas to reaffirm and appreciate the

A

Bringing festive cheer to our deployed soldiers

SANDF's vital role in helping to bringpeace to the continent. Gen GodfreyNgwenya, Chief of the SANDF, wel-comed the guests and mentioned thatthe SANDF was the shield of thenation and belonged to the people ofSouth Africa.

The then Minister of Defence, MrMosiuoa Lekota, expressed his grati-tude and appreciation to the SANDFSpouses Forum and the sponsors. Hesaid that humanity could live togetheron the basis of the idea that we all havesomething in common, ie "to influenceeach other positively in order for theideals of peace and prosperity to fostergoodwill to all living beings," said MrLekota.

SA Soldier conversed with MrGraham Rebello, Massmart ChannelExecutive: Massmart Holdings

Limited, who mentioned thatMassmart had adopted the leadingrole in facilitating the building of rela-tionships between sponsors, valuedsuppliers and the SANDF.

"As sponsors we really appreciateour soldiers' unselfish service andself-giving and support of fellowbrothers and sisters on our continentand in advancing peace. We appreci-ate the SANDF's workforce that con-tinues to carry the baton and flag ofpeace within our borders and beyondon our continent. We hope in somesmall way that the gesture of receiv-ing the goodwill parcels over the fes-tive period will go some way toputting a smile on their faces of ourmembers and their loved ones athome to show that we care for them,"said Mr Rebello.

Fltr: The Chaplain General, Brig Gen Marius Cornelissen, gives a donation on behalf of the Chaplain Services to thethen Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George, and the Chief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya.

“


19

day, but until then they would stilllend a hand.

The then Deputy Minister ofDefence, Mr Mluleki George, com-mended the sponsors for their com-mitment and contribution, saying itwould not go unnoticed. He said theGoodwill Parcel Project was a sign ofgiving back to the community andmust get the recognition it deserved."Since 1994 our democracy has beenstriving for peace on the African conti-nent. The SANDF has become instru-mental in ensuring this," he said. Healso said the United Nations and theAfrican Union had congratulatedthe SANDF on their well disciplinedsoldiers.

As an attempt to keep the soldiers'spirits high, Mr George said they hadalready managed to transport some ofthe parcels. Some of the sponsors whogave their pledges included Sanlam,Old Mutual, the Absa Group, SAArmy Foundation, SAFI, Liberty Life,Clinix Health Group, Metropolitan,SAAF, Absa Consultants, Novare,Maxi Credit Solutions, SAMHS,Avbob, Chaplain Services, BibleSociety of SA and Joint Operations.

Packing of family hamperpacks

On Friday, 10 October 2008, SASoldier was again invited to witnessthe packaging ritual involved in fami-ly hampers (commodities and gifts)for the Goodwill Parcel Project 2008 at10 Air Depot in Thaba Tshwane. In aninterview with SA Soldier, Ms Busisi-we Ngwenya, wife of the Chief of theSANDF and Chairperson of theSANDF Spouses Forum, said thatSANDF soldiers shared a generalresponsibility for all humanity inbuilding a better world.

"It is hoped the Goodwill ParcelProject, the Spouses Forum, MassmartHoldings Limited and other contribu-tors will be an inspiration to sons,daughters, mothers and fathers in uni-form that aid the desperate souls onour continent or elsewhere in theirunselfish, self-giving for the cause,which creates happiness and givespurpose to life and human existence,"said Ms Ngwenya.

Gala eveningAt the Gala evening held at the St

George's Hotel in Pretoria, theGoodwill Parcel Project yet again pro-vided proof of the selflessness of peo-ple supporting peace and prosperity.On 12 September 2008 high-profilemembers of the SANDF and the pri-vate sector were invited to pledge theirsupport to the deployed soldiers asway of uplifting their morale.

The Master Chief Warrant Officerof the SANDF, MCWO JohanScheepers (Chairperson of theGoodwill Parcels Project), said that

through various sponsorships the pro-ject stood at R4 000 000 this year. As hewas the programme director at thegala evening he called upon the repre-sentatives of the various organisationsto give their pledges.

Mr Paul Myeza, ManagingDirector of Sanlam, said he was grate-ful for the efforts of the sponsorsbecause he believed it was the rightthing to do. He said that they had highesteem for and also prided themselveson the troops deployed to solveAfrica's problems. His hope was to seethe end of peacekeeping missions one

Mr Paul Myeza, Managing Director of Sanlam, receives a certificate from theChief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya.

Mr Graham Rebello, Massmart Channel Executive: Massmart HoldingsLimited, and Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya, the Chairperson of the SANDF SpousesForum, witnessing the packing of family hampers for the Goodwill ParcelProject 2008.

events


20

By Lt Col Kris Putter, SO1 AOT: SA Army Armour Formation HQ

uring September this yearCape Town played host tosome big guns! The fifthSouth African ArmourSymposium was successfullypresented in Cape Town on16 September, while Air

Force Base Ysterplaat hosted a varietyof local and international military andmilitary related exhibitors who partici-pated in the African Aerospace andDefence (AAD) Expo from 17 to 21September 2008.

The Armour Symposium, gener-ously sponsored by members of theDefence Industry in South Africa, wasvery well attended and supported.

The symposium was opened by theChief of the SA Army, Lt Gen SollyShoke, who emphasised that anarmour capability formed an indis-pensable part of any army and that anorganisation like the SADC Brigadeneeded light and mobile forces, includ-ing armour, with a rapid deployablecapability for early entry and sustainedoperations in a conflict area. He con-cluded by expressing his wish that the

outcome and result of this symposiumwould add value to the process alreadyin motion to further develop land doc-trine for the employment of armourand mechanised forces during peace,conflict and war, thereby creating a rel-evant and ready Army for 2020 andbeyond.

The symposium focused on themulti-role deployment of the Armourin the African Battle Space and provid-ed much food for thought for futureplanning and development in the SAArmour. Guest speakers covered sub-jects ranging from the politico-militaryand peacekeeping challenges throughto product related developments. Toadd value to the intellectual exercisesduring the symposium, delegates there-after also visited the AAD Show wherethey could appreciate, among otherthings, the contribution made by the SAArmour Formation in terms of the stat-ic display and demonstrations. Thelive mobility demonstrations were pre-sented in the most severe weather con-ditions, such as only the good old"Cape Doctor" could provide, and trulydisplayed the excellent terrain capabili-ties of our vehicles. The new RatelZT3A2 anti-tank missile system and the

DOlifant Mk2 main battle tank were alsoon display while an electrically drivenversion of the Rooikat armoured carwas one of the mobility demonstrationparticipants.

Under the spotlight at the sympo-sium, speakers stressed the indispens-able role of armour in both its conven-tional warfare role and in OperationsOther Than War during peace supportoperations. It is foreseen that theseoperations will be required by theSADC Brigade as part of the AfricanStandby Force. Emphasis was placed onjoint, inter-agency and multinationaldoctrine encompassing defence, diplo-macy and development. The impor-tance of simulation and experimenta-tion in training and the requirement ofcommonality in terms of vehicles usedin SADC countries to enhance militaryinteroperability and logistic supportwas stressed, which in turn also affectsindustry support.

The specific need for a light armourreconnaissance capability was high-lighted again. A concept doctrine in thisregard has already been presented tothe Joint Landward Defence CapabilityBoard. What the mix of light, mediumand heavy armour should be, addition-al to the intricacies of size and supportelements required, were also extrapo-lated. Food for thought and planning!

Summarising at the end of thesymposium the General Officer Com-manding of the SA Army Armour For-mation, Brig Gen Chris Gildenhuys,confirmed that the SA Armour wasready and keen to take the next stepstowards greater integration with themechanised infantry and to take part indedicated integrated force preparationexercises. The ultimate aim of the SAArmy Armour Formation is to be readyfor early deployment of armour forceelements to any RSA peace mission, inany theatre of conflict, in order to servethe best interests of South Africa andsecure peace on the African continent.

The General Officer Commanding Armour Formation, Brig Gen ChrisGildenhuys (left), hands over a memento to the former Commander of theBotswana Defence Force, Lt Gen (Ret) Louis Fisher.

Armour symposium 2008


21

Ready to soar in the blue skies, the newly acquired Gripen fighter aircraft.

Gripen commissioningushers peace and stability

By Lt Col Frans PalePhotos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he four Gripen fighter aircrafthovered down like gentle rainfrom heaven to the AFBYsterplaat air tarmac to thecheers of curious onlookers,including local and foreignguests, and a contingent of

members of the press on 17 September2008 at the recent Africa Aerospace andDefence (AAD) Expo 2008 in CapeTown.

The occasion also marked the com-missioning and official handover of theGripen fighter aircraft to the Chief ofthe SA Air Force, Lt Gen CarlosGagiano, by the then Minister ofDefence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota.

Speaking to over 400 local and for-eign business dignitaries at the Gripencommissioning Mr Lekota said theGripen would be used in peacekeepingmissions in South Africa and on theAfrican continent.

He said the Gripens, which replacethe 21-year-old Cheetahs, will be the

T

At a warm reception from the Mother City, Gripen fighter aircraft fly past during the commissioning and handing over parade at AFB Ysterplaat.

icons of South Africa's air capabilityfor several decades to come.

He cautioned that the possessionof these advanced aircraft alone doesnot impart anything more than a latent

capability. "The recruitment, trainingand retention of skilled personnelsuch as pilots, technicians, fightercontrollers and a host of others arecritical if that latent capability is to berealised."

Mr Lekota reiterated the impor-tance of acquiring the Gripens as theywould be used to encourage peace onthe African continent. "The impera-tive to defend South Africa and herpeople and our commitment to col-lective defence, peace, security andthe furtherance of Africa's develop-ment make fighter capability a keycomponent of South Africa's defencecapability."

He added that the Gripens wouldbe powerful symbols of these nation-al commitments and providers ofvital operational capabilities if theyshould ever be required on theAfrican continent or beyond.


22

The Battle of theYsterplaat

By Bibi MorgetsPhotos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he Africa Aerospace ofDefence (AAD) Expo had somuch activity to offer, buttoday could have been thehighlight and the first to hap-pen in the history of the AAD.The mini-war called "The

Battle of the Ysterplaat", demonstratedthe capabilities of all four Services inthe SANDF working together.

This battle showcased the capabili-ties and the importance of the differentServices and demonstrated the magnif-icent training these soldiers undergo sothat we have fit and skilled soldierswho operate both on the ground andon air.

Saturday, 20 September 2008, wasthe first day for the AAD to be open tothe public. In spite of being cloudy andwindy the day turned out to be a hugesuccess. The Ysterplaat community andneighbouring locations gathered in

TPathfinders dropped by parachute before the main force to search for information on the ground to signal to incoming soldiers.

A mortar platoon exits the back of a Hercules C130 aircraft on Geckos totake their position.

large numbers in support of the airshow as they came to broaden their avi-ation knowledge.

Children were captivated by thecolourful merry-go-rounds and the foodstalls displayed on the sides of the path-way, as aircraft in the skies showcasedtheir skills. This was a well-planned dayby the members of the AAD. Peoplecongregated in the area demarcated forthe public as the mini-war commenced.It started with the Dakota aircraft drop-ping six parachutists. The role of thesepathfinders is to search for informationon the ground to signal to incoming sol-diers that soon land with a HerculesC130 aircraft. The Hercules C130 air-craft lands, soldiers and Geckos exitfrom the back of the plane and take theirpositions in the field to hide in order toattack the enemy from the best posi-tions. Bearing in mind that war is amessy business back-up plans of a high

standard are always put in place, whichis why the participation of the SAMedical Health Service (SAMHS) ispivotal to any operation. A CASA 212aircraft flies over the camouflaged sol-diers dropping more equipment for theextra weapons needed. As the showprogressed we were fascinated by how"medics" operate in war. One wouldthink that SAMHS members belongedonly in hospitals and sickbays, but theyplay major roles in circumstanceswhere soldiers are in need of emergen-cy medical attention in a war situation.The Oryx helicopters brought in the sol-diers who descended swiftly by ropeand who held a stretcher to their waiststo give assistance to the injured soldieron the ground.

As the sounds of shootings echoedthrough the place, gunpowder smokecovered the landscape - children andadults were given an adrenalin rush. Ayoung onlooker, NtobizodwaMthimkhulu, said: "This is exactly whatwe see in Hollywood movies. I alwaysthought it was fiction, but today theSANDF showed me that it is real andwar is not a very nice place to be. I'mprivileged that we grow up in a countrywhere there's peace and stability."

After all the drama that took place Inow understand the meaning of the SAArmy motto: "We train as we fight".This has been the best demonstration ofa war scenario. To our South Africansoldiers, perhaps we don't alwaysappreciate your great efforts to keepthis country in one piece, we are proudof you and thank you!

The Battle of theYsterplaat

23


By Bibi MorgetsPhoto: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

country that does not investin its youth is heading forfailure. A statement oftenmade is: "Children are thecountry's future leaders". Itis a great honour to servean organisation that not

only protects the country, but alsofocuses on the development of futureleadership.

The AAD Youth DevelopmentProgramme participated in the AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) Expoat AFB Ysterplaat in Cape Town from17 to 21 September 2008. The theme

A

SIMULATION PROGRAMME. Young Falcons learn how to fly …

served as a recruitment tool for theMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) since 2008.

SA Soldier caught up with ColKeller at the AAD to talk to him abouthis expectations for this year's pro-ceedings. Col Keller explained thatduring the five days of the AAD thestall would be visited by 1 200 childrenidentified by the Dinaledi SpecialProject. These are learners who excelin Mathematics, Technology andScience, and is meant to increase inter-est in and build a career in aviation.

The learners are introduced to var-ious parts of the aviation industry.First they are taken through a processof building an aircraft using card-

board, after which the virtual aviationof the computers takes place. This iswhere those who want to becomepilots fly the airplane on computers.Selected personnel in various careerpaths offer talks about the vast careerchoices in the Department. It isrounded off by goodie packs offeredto the learners.

During our talk Col Keller men-tioned that he was honoured to be oneof the delegates to fly in an Oryx heli-copter to the Alta du Toit School, aschool that focuses on mentally chal-lenged learners and is the largest suchschool in the Western Cape Province.This was done to present a R30 000

Enriching young mindsbecause our youth matters

for the event was"Enriching young minds,because our youth mat-ters". This special unit ismonitored by Col BobbyKeller who is also theChairperson of the AADYouth DevelopmentProgramme. This initia-tive started as a hobbyfor Col Keller and wasprompted by his passionfor children. In 2006,after many years, theneed to host such a unithad became essentialwithin the Department ofDefence.

Today this unit focus-es its energy on groom-ing the learners of thiscountry and also makesdreams happen for thosechildren lost in despair.The Youth DevelopmentProgramme has also

>> on page 37

training


24

Colonel Pat Masisi with some of the course members on board the Vasco da Gama.

First SANDF woman to complete the FrenchJoint Staff and Command CourseBy Col Pat Masisi

hen Col Jerry Masisi wasappointed as a DeputyDefence Attaché inFrance, Col Pat Masisithought about how shecould benefit from herhusband's deployment

by not stagnating in her career andalso gaining insight from the foreigndefence force so that she could ploughback the skills and knowledgeacquired during the deployment inParis.

She decided not to accompanyher husband as a spouse only, butalso to be a prospective military stu-dent at the Ecole Militaire (FrenchWar College), and commencedlearning the French language firstand then continued with the FrenchJoint Staff and Command Course.Despite the many obstacles and chal-lenges encountered, she finally madeit when she obtained the first andsecond degree in the French lan-guage in both the oral and writinglevels, which is the standardrequired by NATO for further

deployment anywhere internationally,including the Diploma in the FrenchStaff Course.

Col Pat Masisi has for many yearshad the edge in achieving quite phe-nomenal results in life. As a womanshe always set herself high standardsand high goals, and she is not afraid toface challenges, no matter how hard.However, these standards needed tobe maintained and sustained by con-tinuous studies, so when she joinedthe SANDF in 1998 she intendeddiversifying her career and facing newchallenges in the SANDF.

W


25

Preliminary language orientation course

The course normally takes off inFebruary with a five-month Frenchproficiency language course. This isan intensive language proficiencyphase designed to enable Anglophoneand non-French speaking officers tounderstand the main military staffcommand course in French.

Six months of intensive Frenchclasses brought her language skills upto postgraduate level. She started thecourse on 8 February and it lasteduntil 24 June 2005. In this time she wasmainly doing the language part of thecourse. She was the first female officerfrom the SANDF in a group of 52 offi-cers from different foreign countries.It was a daring challenge, which need-ed so much determination. She wasmindful that she was representing hercountry and that she had to succeed,which amounted to additional pres-sure on her. Unfortunately at the endof June 2005 she was informed thather proficiency level in French wasbelow the standard and she was with-drawn from the course.

She was called back in 2006 andrepeated the language course andpassed in the first degree in the oraland written examinations in 2006. Shecontinued up to the second degreelevel and was able to obtain a seconddegree in the NATO STANAG 3001level 2 certificates in both written andoral French. During the languagephase she was the only female studentofficer among a group of 52 male offi-cers. This time around she succeededin reaching the international phase,which took place in July 2006. She wasstill the only woman during thisphase in which, 66 students camefrom the Francophone countries tojoin them. Altogether there wereabout 113 foreign students from 78countries.

She was the first woman from theSANDF and the first woman fromSouth Africa to complete the FrenchJoint Staff and Command Course atthe Ecole Militaire in Paris, France.

International SessionThe International Session com-

menced in July 2006. It was an inter-phase, which allowed interactionbetween the Anglophone andFrancophone foreign officers whoawaited the commencement of the mil-itary phase in September when theFrench officers joined up. The aim wasto harmonise language and culturaldifferences. Familiarisation visitswithin France were organised to his-toric sites to further deepen the overallaim.

The highlights of this phase werethe visit to Verdun, the World War Ibattlefield and other historical placesin France. The French students joinedin September 2006, only two womenreporting from the French DefenceForce. (Now at least there were threefemale officers among 364 men oncourse.) That was the beginning of thereal Joint Senior and Command StaffProgramme at the Ecole Militaire.

From January to March 2007 ColPat Masisi joined the marine groupbecause there were only seven stu-dents from the medical core. Theycould not form a group and were swal-lowed by the other Services. She choseworking with the Navy and benefitedmuch by working in this group as themarines were broad-minded and con-fident, which added to the value of thecourse. Next they visited Lisbon inPortugal and other places of marineinterest in France.

"My stay in Paris was not one ofluxury because I was expected to playthe role of the accompanying spouse. Ihad to sacrifice my husband, my chil-dren and myself because I was always

away; otherwise I used to attend pri-vate French lessons. I have a few basicprinciples that guide me in life: to bepurposeful, visionary and positive. Itwas indeed a mammoth task to thinkfirst in English, translate into Frenchand speak in French. I was able towrite the staff paper and defend it suc-cessfully in French in front of the adju-dicator, Mr Xavier de Villepin (thefather of the former Prime Minister,Mr Dominique de Villepin). I obtaineda pass mark of 4/5," said Col PatMasisi.

"From the South African Embassyin Paris, I would like to thank theAmbassador, Ms Maria Sibanda-Thusi, for her unfailing support dur-ing my presentations on the culturaland international day at the college.The following transferred officials alsomade it possible for me to succeed inall the tasks that were imposed on meby the college by offering their sup-port logistically, psychologically evenphysically, namely, Mr JosephMoshesh, Mr Marius Conradie, MsEvelyn Frank and Ms Seipei Deane.They were at all times ready to assistirrespective of who I was. They weretruly South Africans.

"I would like to encourage my fel-low officers to nominate themselvesfor this course. I know that the Frenchlanguage is complicated, but this wasthe best opportunity I ever had. Thecourse consisted of 15 modules, 2 sup-plementary modules, and I had towrite an article which was compulso-ry for the French students and option-al for the foreign students. I tried myluck and submitted an article aboutwomen," said Col Pat Masisi.

Colonel Pat Masisi attending a formal function during her course in France.

focus on people


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Get to knowour health columnistBy Lt Col Frans PalePhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

r Letlhohonolo MagdeleneMajake is a regular columnistof SA Soldier on health issues,particularly those related topreventive medicine. In thefollowing interview and inhonour of the role played by

women in South Africa SA Soldier tellsyou who Dr Majake is, and what makesher tick.

Born in 1982 at Kalafong Hospitalin Pretoria, Letlhohonolo is undoubt-edly one of the young women profes-sionals with a passion to help impro-ve the status of women and achievegender equality in South Africa.

SA Soldier: You are a regular contributorto SA Soldier on health matters. What doesthis mean to you as a medical professional?Dr Majake: I highly appreciate theopportunity granted to me to commu-nicate with the readership of this mag-azine on preventive medicine. As youknow, preventive medicine is far moreeffective than treating a patient with acondition that could have easily beenprevented. However, some conditionsare unavoidable, irrespective of themedical knowledge one has at hand.

SA Soldier: You speak highly of your lategrandmother in your biography. What arethe valuable lessons you learned from herthat are significant in your life today?Dr Majake: My late grandmother,Kekulu Magdalene Pilane, was notonly a dedicated nursing sister for 40active years, but was also a nurse athome and in her community. I havelearnt from her that to succeed in lifeyou need to practise what you preach.She taught me not to be afraid toexpress myself. She was a woman whoepitomised power, yet at the same timeshe was a symbol of beauty, eleganceand womanhood. Though she became

a widow in her mid-thirties she man-aged to achieve tremendous success forwomen. (Dr Majake's grandmotherpassed away on 21 July 2008.)

SA Soldier: You come from a relativelywell-educated family. What are the pres-sures and influences you experienced fromsuch a background?Dr Majake: Growing up among par-ents and relatives who are achieversserved as a motivation and helped mepersevere in my early academic years. Ialways knew that I had to do some-thing valuable with my life, yet I wasnever told what to become. Hence, thepressure I felt was always self-imposed. I also felt fortunate generallybecause I had so many mentors in myfamily who continued to serve as mysupport system.

SA Soldier: You are about to embark onmarried life; do you foresee any changewith respect to your career because of yourbeing a wife?Dr Majake: My fiancé was raised in afamily with women who challengedthe stereotypes of society, yet they con-tinued to be functional and successful

Dwives. So, in my view, any change thatis foreseen will surely be a positive one.It is unfortunate that certain sectors insociety still continue to make womenfeel guilty about wanting to be the bestin the working world. With the correctsupport system, women can excel atwork and in their traditional roles aswomen.

SA Soldier: Having worked for the SouthAfrican National Defence Force for a briefperiod, what are the military principles youhave adopted in achieving success?Dr Majake: Apart from the additionalclinical experience I gained at 1 MilitaryHospital, I had the opportunity to learnmore about the culture of the SANDF,for example respect and discipline.These are the qualities that everybodyneeds. It does not matter whether youare in the army, the corporate world ormerely operating a small businessenterprise. Hard work and humility areguarantees to ensure success.

SA Soldier: What message do you have forwomen in general?Dr Majake: Women undergo tertiaryeducation and obtain the same qualifi-cations if not higher ones than theirmale counterparts. Yet women stillhave limited leadership roles in society.We also have seen instances wherewomen get into their rightful positions,but are then hindered, unappreciated orunderutilised. My message to women isthat we need to continue to strive toobtain what is rightfully ours (genderequality) and to achieve that we shouldgive each other the required support.Women should believe in themselvesand understand their rights. Anyone oranything that attempts to compromiseor demean women should always bechallenged. Women must continue tostrive for the upliftment of their status,while at the same time celebrating theirfemininity, bearing children andbecoming mothers.

Dr Letlhohonolo MagdeleneMajake.


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Going beyondthe extra mile

By Bibi Morgets and Amn Lethube PhashaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

he motto for this year is: "gothe extra mile" and thus it ofvital importance that westrengthen our ties with ourneighbouring countries. Theaccreditation of twelve coun-tries was held at the South

African Defence Intelligence Collegein Pretoria on 3 September 2008.

The countries accredited wereAlgeria, Chile, China, France, Kuwait,Mozambique, Pakistan, Spain, Russia,Vietnam, Egypt and Turkey. The mili-tary attachés from these countries willbe in South Africa for a period of oneyear to help maintain a good workingrelationship between us.

Chief Defence Intelligence, Lt GenMaomela Motau, addressed theattachés. He began his speech by pay-ing tribute to the late Secretary ofDefence, Mr January Masilela, andacknowledged the crucial role the lat-ter played in creating ties with his for-eign counterparts. Lt Gen Motau said:"Through his commitment he has sethigh standards in diplomatic engage-ment." He added that Mr Masilela hadseen the Department beginning toplay a crucial role in multinationalinstitutions, peace missions andhumanitarian aid.

In welcoming the attachés hereminded them that they were keyinstruments in defence diplomacy andin building South African defencerelations abroad. Before he proceededto address the attachés individually,he said: "To all of you, please enjoy

Tyour stay in our country. Alwaysremember that to us as the SANDF youare valuable colleagues and partners inpursuit of peace and stability".

Brig Gen Mamudo Ibraimo Alegyfrom the Republic of Mozambique toldus in an interview that he was ecstaticto be given the responsibility of build-ing ties between the two countries. Hisplan was to build and enhance a broth-erly relationship by consolidatingfriendship.

In conclusion, Lt Gen Motau urgedthe attachés to begin negotiations foran extended term that would see themstaying well beyond 2010. He remind-ed them that our country had beenentrusted with the responsibility ofhosting the FIFA 2010 World CupSoccer Tournament and that he wascertain none of them would want tomiss such a historic event.

Senior members of the SANDF with the incoming military attachés who are on tour duty in South Africa.

events

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

wise sportsman once said: "Iflife doesn't offer you a gameworth playing, then invent a newgame." The SA Army hostedits annual Warrant Officersand Non-Commissioned Offi-cers Skills Competition at the

SA Army Gymnasium in Heidelbergfrom 8 to 12 September 2008. The pres-tigious event is a skill-at-arms displayin various contests, which separatethose who can from those who try.

The event attracted great interestfrom the SA Air Force and the armedforces from our neighbouring countriesthat came to compete and to get the feelof the intensity of the event. During aninterview with SA Soldier, WO2 Hassen


28

A

Enhancing musketry skills

Jafarie, Regimental Instructor of AirForce Gymnasium, said that for theSA Air Force its first participation inthe event was a learning curve and aneye-opening experience. "We are veryenthusiastic about this prestigiousevent; come 2009 we will be waiting infull force," said WO2 Jafarie.

We also caught up with WO1Julius Kamphenga of the MalawiDefence Force. He said that the forma-tion of the SADC Brigade has givenrise to events such as these thatadvance and enhance our Force's aspi-rations for greater unity. He alsoexpressed gratitude to the SANDF forhosting this event. "Events like thesebring us together. As the SADC forceswe need to know each other, as ourcultures and customs differ. As envis-aged by the African Union and SADC,we need to determine our state of

The SA Army Infantry Formation Pace Stick Team.

readiness and this will also help inencouraging closer military co-opera-tion and increase transparency andunity among our forces," said WO1Kamphenga. Sgt Victor Tautona fromthe Botswana Defence Force said: "Theskills evaluation is a test of skill, per-sistence and endurance. It opens doorsfor learning, and in any competitionthere must be a winner. If one does notwin now, there is always a next time,so to lose must not dampen the spiritof unity and friendship."

Individual Competition

AFRICA TROPHY WINNERSFittest Member Africa:Cpl M.S. Mzimba (SA Air Force)Best Shottist Africa:WO2 M.T. Maphalle (Training Formation)


29

Best L Cpl Africa:L Cpl A. Matata (Zimbabwe)Best Cpl Africa:Cpl P. Emang (Botswana)Best Sgt Africa:Sgt L.C. Netshivhambe (Training Formation)Best S Sgt Africa:S Sgt Q.M. Warnick (Training Formation)Best WO Africa:WO1 S. Louw (Infantry Formation)

Pace Stick Competition

AFRICA TROPHY WINNERSBest Pace Stick Team Africa: EngineerFormation (A Team)Best Pace Stick Sticker:Sgt O. Ramolefhe (Botswana)Best Pace Stick Driver:WO1 L.T. Viljoen (Engineer Formation)

AFRICA TROPHY 2008:Infantry Formation (A Team)

SA Army WOs and NCOsSkills Evaluation

INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONFittest member: Sgt L.C. Netshivhambe(Training Formation)Best shot: Cpl D.J.P. de Bus (Armour Formation)Best L Cpl in the SA Army:L Cpl L.S. Madlakemela (Inf Fmn) Best Cpl in the SA Army:Cpl D.J.P. de Bus (Armour Formation)

Best Sergeant in the SA Army:Sgt P.M. Mvandabe (Inf Fmn)Best S Sgt in the SA Army:S Sgt R.C. Els (Armour Formation)Best WO in the SA Army:WO1 S. Louw (Infantry Formation)Best Pace Stick Team:Engineer Formation (A Team)Best Pace Stick Sticker:Cpl M.A. Mvala (Engineer Formation)Best Pace Stick Driver:WO2 T. Radebe (SA Army Support Fmn)

SA Army Foundation invests in disciplined soldiersArticle and photo by Lt Col (Res F)Elize Lizamore, PRO SA ArmyFoundation

t has become part of the tradition ofthe SA Army Foundation to sponsor

the annual SA Army Warrant Officersand Non-commissioned Officers com-petition held at the SA ArmyGymnasium in Heidelberg.

The Marketing Manager of the SAArmy Foundation, Mr AngelRamphele, was proud to present thisyear's five winners with a cheque ofR2 000 each. The competition wastough, but it was here where "thetough gets going" and our soldiersproved to be true soldiers once again.The winners in the five categories for2008 were: WO1 S. Louw (BestWarrant Officer), S Sgt R.C. Els (BestStaff Sergeant), Sgt P.M. Mvandade(Best Sergeant), Cpl D.J.P. de Bus (Best

I

Corporal) and L Cpl S. Madlakemela(Best Lance Corporal).

The Chief of the SA Army, Lt GenSolly Shoke, paid tribute to ourSergeant Majors and praised them forshaping, forming, drilling and coach-ing our troops to become soldiers ofwhom every South African can beproud.

Soldiers displaying their skill-at-arms during their shooting evaluation.

Drill is the name of the game: Pacestick drill added perfection to thecompetition.

events


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By Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana

he annual National HeritageDay was held at one of theworld's acclaimed heritagesites at Maropeng on 24September 2008. This wasmade possible in conjunctionwith the Department of

Defence, Department of Arts andCulture, Provincial Government andthe West Rand District Municipality.Maropeng Heritage Site was chosen tocelebrate Heritage Day as it bears evi-dence of the first humans, which is whyit is called the Cradle of Humankind.

The day began officially after aparade by members of the NationalCeremonial Guard who welcomeddignitaries on stage. The Guard ofHonour was followed by the National

Culture, who said the MaropengHeritage Site has been a place of dis-coveries since 1947 and has revealedtraces of human origins that suggestthat all humankind has come from onefamily. He said the aim of the day wasto celebrate in the spirit of the ancestorsas a way of protecting and preservingheritage. He also said that cultureswere not fixed in time, but changed asthey were dynamic and because theyimpacted on one another, especiallywith new technologies.

"Our traditional dance perfor-mances have changed over time andhave given birth to modern and con-temporary dances that are popularamong youth. Not only have ourdances witnessed changes, but theyalso evince a cultural interface that hasproduced hybrid dances that portraythe multicultural nature of our society.

Ceremonial Guard Band playing theNational Anthem, whereafter a 21round gun salute was fired. The SA AirForce members from AFB Langebaan-weg gave an exciting air show displaywith the Silver Falcons flying in differ-ent formations. Two Augusta heli-copters flew over the stage, trailingthe National and SANDF flags insalute. Civilian members were orderedto observe military proceedings andparticipate when necessary.

According to the then Premier ofGauteng, Mr Mbhazima Shilowa, her-itage and culture must help people tomove away from being mentallyoppressed and poverty stricken. Hesaid people of diverse cultures shouldacknowledge one another's differencesand be able to embrace their culturaluniqueness. The keynote speaker wasDr Pallo Jordan, Minister of Arts and

T

Commemorating heritage history

The National Ceremonial Guard parading as the dignitaries arrive at MaropengHeritage Site for Heritage Day celebrations.

These new dance forms demonstrateto us that change and transforma-tion are constant and enriching," DrJordan said. He said South Africawas an extremely diverse societywhich had come from a past of con-flict on account of differences.Therefore aspects of heritage mustbe presented to everyone by dissem-inating, conserving and educatingpeople to change their mentality andattitudes towards other cultures.Through arts and dance SouthAfrica must be able to create a newidentity.

"The South African governmentcontinuously strives to promote rec-onciliation, tolerance and democra-cy. Promoting these values needs tobe kept in mind as we commit ourheritage and educational structuresto recording, conserving, teachingand presenting the rich stories of ourdiverse people," said the minister.


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environment


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Best practice forammunition disposal

Article and photo by Cdr Adri Liebenberg, Acting SSOEnvironmental Services

he disposal of redundant orunserviceable ammunitionpresents a major challengewithin any military organi-sation. Such ammunition isnormally disposed of by itscollective destruction at a

demolition range by using PE4 explo-sives containing classified poisonoussubstances.

This practice has a negative impacton the environment on account of thephysical destruction of the surround-ing areas, noise pollution, veld fires,and the contamination of the soil and

T

The team from DOD Ammunition Sub-depot Naboomspruit.

tion is dismantled into its various sub-components. The potentially danger-ous components, such as charges, det-onators and explosive parts aredestroyed, while other componentsconsisting of copper, metal and plasticare dismantled and sold as recyclablescrap in accordance with DOD policyand regulations.

During 2007 some 230 000 pieces ofredundant ammunition, ranging fromsmall arms to rockets, mortars, aircraftrounds, bombs, illumination mortarsand smoke generators were disman-tled. The saving on explosives for thenormal demolition of these deviceswas in excess of R500 000 over theperiod. In addition to bringing about afinancial saving, this practice has also

contributed to safer working condi-tions, and has dramatically minimisedthe negative impact on the environ-ment by reducing the Department'scarbon footprint through the reduc-tion of smoke and other explosiveemissions to the atmosphere.

The team has received the first andsecond place in the DOD's productiv-ity competition and has been awardedthe Conservamus Floating Trophy fortheir important contribution towardsMilitary Integrated EnvironmentalManagement (MIEM) for 2007.

* For more information on this pro-ject, contact the Regional EnvironmentalManager, Maj Hennie Davel at tel no:(015) 299 3087.

underground water byhazardous substances andheavy metals.

Instead of continuingto destroy ammunition inthis way the team from theAmmunition Sub-depotNaboomspruit, under theleadership of the ChiefTechnical Officer, Lt ColGert Prinsloo, has imple-mented a project that theybelieve will set the trendfor future ammunition dis-posal methods in theDepartment of Defence(DOD). It entails thedestruction of redundantammunition in the mostenvironmentally friendlymanner possible. At thisunit situated in the NorthWest Province, ammuni-


33

SANDF members undergoing conversiontraining at SAPSBy L Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

n 20 September 2008, SASoldier was afforded theopportunity to visit the SAPolice Service (SAPS)Training College in Pretoriato meet some of the SANDFmembers who are undergo-

ing conversion training at the college.Members of the SANDF are seen to beexcellent candidates as they have theexperience, military discipline, ex-pertise, security skills and knowledgeto fill the SAPS static environmentvacant posts.

OIn 2003 a Memorandum of

Understanding (MOU) between theSANDF and the SAPS was signed. Inthe MOU the two organisations agreedon the interdepartmental transfer ofredeployable SANDF personnel to theSAPS Protection and Security Division.Before these members can be trans-ferred to the SAPS they undergo con-version training for a period of threemonths at SAPS training institutions toorientate them to the police service andgeneral principles of the SAPS.

SA Soldier caught up with CplVusumzi Gemfana from GeneralSupport Base Bloemfontein. "I joinedthe Defence Force in 1993. I am veryhappy with the new opportunity for a

career move. I must say I am look-ing forward to being a member ofthe SAPS and my military experien-ce will be a bonus in my new career,as we will be utilised in the staticenvironments," said Cpl Gemfana.

Asked about the conversion train-ing Bdr Lebo Maribe from 4 ArtilleryRegiment said: "The SAPS is basicallya civilian orientated structure, but Ihave to say the standard of militarytraining we had is superior to that ofthe SAPS. Since our arrival here on20 July 2008 we have responded verywell and the training is interestingas we are taught about general polic-ing principles, the law and criminaljustice," said Bdr Maribe.

Lt Col Gawie Nienaber, SO1 Preparation, Advice and Support: Directorate HR Separation, clarifying concerns raisedby the trainees during their orientation period.

history


34

Unveiling ofKing Dinuzulu's Statue Article and photo by WO1 MannyGounden, PRO Naval StationDurban

he Premier of KwaZulu-Natal,Mr Sibusiso Ndebele,unveiled the statue of KingDinuzulu in a heavy down-pour and freezing cold atBotha's Garden in Durban on20 September 2008. It was one

of the highlights of the 2008 KwaZulu-Natal Heritage Programme.

Parts of KwaZulu-Natal weretransformed into a "winter wonder-land" after snowfalls blanketed severalareas of the province. Temperaturesplummeted into the low teens asDurban experienced its coldestSeptember in recorded history.However, the extremely cold andrainy weather did not dampen theunveiling ceremony or the attendance.

The Chief of the SANDF appointedthe Chief of the SA Army as the ChiefExecutor to provide ceremonial, logis-tic and technical support for this his-toric event. Representing the Chief ofthe SA Army was Brig Gen RobertMandisa, the General Officer Com-manding SA Army SupportFormation.

The assembled guests also wit-nessed the Mayor of eThekwini Metro(Durban), Councillor Obed Mlaba,rename Berea Road as King DinuzuluRoad in honour of the king.

Premier Ndebele in his addresssaid: "The statue of King Dinuzulu is aunique statue that symbolises nation-building and national reconciliation.The unveiling of the statue of KingDinuzulu therefore affords us all anopportunity to take a deep look at ourcollective past and what it can do toshape our present and the future. Weare telling the story of the Zulu peopleand the people of KwaZulu-Natal."

Tstraddled the traditional Zulu andmodern African essence of being anAfrican. The ceremony was the culmi-nation of years of research, consulta-tion and the implementation of thelegacy of a man that Harriett Colensoonce described as "walking this earthas if he owns it". Such was KingDinuzulu - fearless, majestic andalways reaching out.

SCRAMBLE FOR AFRICAThere were global issues at play.

Dinuzulu ascended the throne in 1884and, unbeknown to him, he steppedinto these. The superpowers of the timemet in Brussels to stage the biggestcolonial scramble for land.

By 1885, a microcosm of theBrussels Conference took place inZululand, with the Boers, the Germansand the British all claiming land inZululand. The scramble for Zululandwas made worse by the Zulu civil warof 1884-1888 between uSuthu andMandlakazi, when brother had turnedagainst brother. Berlin and London hadthemselves taken a keen interest in thescramble for Zululand by 1886. SoDinuzulu got attacked from all quar-ters. He had to spend his time defend-ing whatever remained of the legacy ofKing Shaka. He was humiliated manytimes by the British authorities, espe-cially Governor Arthur Havelock. On 9November 1887 Havelock had a confer-ence with the king. As the king wastelling him that he was the rightful suc-cessor to the throne of Shaka's king-dom, Havelock simply replied: "Such athing is now impossible. Dinzulu mustknow and all Zulus must know that therule of the House of Shaka is a thing ofthe past".

The reconciliatory tone of KingCetshwayo was met by resistance andmissed opportunities by the British andthe colonial authorities in Natal, who

SANDF'S ROLEThe National Ceremonial Guard led

by the SA Army Band of Durbanformed up and marched along BereaRoad. They drew tumultuous applausesfrom the crowd in heavy raincoats andsheltering under umbrellas. Historywas in the making and not even thisbleak weather was going to keep thecrowd away.

The National Ceremonial Guardand the SA Army Band conductedthemselves on parade in a manner befit-ting a well-disciplined and professionalmilitary force.

Logan Maistry, the Premier'sspokesperson, said: "The presence ofthe SANDF here today is really appreci-ated. The spectacular display by theNational Ceremonial Guard and the SAArmy Band added to the success of theunveiling ceremony. It was also anopportunity for the people of KwaZulu-Natal to witness the support that isbeing received from the SANDF today."

Chaplain Mabandla Nkayi fromArmy Support Base KwaZulu-Natal,who did the opening prayer, spoke withdeep conviction of the significance ofthis event and the recognition of the his-tory the Zulu people.

KING DINUZULUThe story of King Dinuzulu is a

story of courage, determination andsocio-political transformation. He was aking who experienced it all, but whokept on fighting for the dignity of hispeople, their land and the royal house.

King Dinuzulu was born in 1868. Hebecame the King of the Zulus in May1884 following the death of his father,King Cetshwayo, in February of thesame year. During his time KingDinuzulu was known as "the mod-ernising king". The historian, Prof JeffGuy, wrote in his book "A View fromAcross the River" that King Dinuzulu


35

During the singing of the National Anthem, fltr: The Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, Mr S'bu Ndebele, King GoodwillZwelithini and Col Godfrey Nethidongololo, Officer Commanding GSB Ladysmith, with King Dinuzulu's statue in thebackground.

saw no road to reconciliation. They didnot recognise Dinuzulu, and neitherdid the successive colonial, union andapartheid governments recognise anyZulu king until the democratic gov-ernment did so, broadly from 1994.The KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Gov-ernment specifically did so in 2005with the passing of the TraditionalLeadership and Governance Act.

THE COLENSO SISTERSDinuzulu was diplomatic despite

all the insults and kept his optionsopen. He availed himself of diplomaticmissions to the Boers of the NewRepublic led by Lucas Meyer inVryheid, despite the fact that the Boershad grabbed land at eMakhosini, thecradle of Zulu history. Dinuzulu was apatient and respectful politician. Hecontinued to show respect for theEnglish and had the unwavering sup-port of the women of Bishopstowe, vizthe Colenso sisters Harriett, Agnes andFrances.

The Colonso family forms a perma-nent feature of the story of the Zulupeople and the people of KwaZulu-Natal. They are proof that it is danger-ous to define society and politicsaccording to racial stereotypes. InDinuzulu's struggle it was not blackagainst whites. It was more the politicsof alignment based on principles.

FIRST ARRESTIn 1888, after Zululand had been

annexed after the Zulu civil war,Dinuzulu was arrested. Now a convert-ed Christian, Dinuzulu was tried andsentenced for treason. A period inimprisonment on St Helena followed.The St Helena years of course wereyears of mass transformation on the partof the king in particular and Zulu soci-ety in general. The king exchanged tra-ditional garb for suits, learned to read,write and play the piano and becameorientated to more collaboration withthe amakholwa communities, promi-nent among whom were the likes of DrJohn Langalibalele Dube, Magema Fuzeka Magwaza, the Colenso sisters and DrPixely ka Isaka Seme.

SECOND ARRESTA poll tax was imposed in 1905 and

Bhambatha and many others rebelledagainst it. In 1906 Dinuzulu was againimplicated. He was arrested inDecember 1907 and tried in 1908 in anunfair trial. He was sentenced to aheavy fine and four years' imprison-ment.

KING DINUZULU'S DEATHIn 1910 the Union of South Africa

was born and General Botha became itsfirst Prime Minister. One of his first actswas to release the king from prison. He

sent him into exile to Middelburg inthe then Transvaal (now Mpumalanga)where he died on 18 April 1913 at theage of 45. On his deathbed he said:"Bury me with my fathers at Nobam-ba", which wish was honoured. Whileit can be argued that General Botha'sact of releasing King Dinuzulu fromprison in 1910 was based on a priorfriendship, it did in fact set the tone forfuture race relations in South Africa.

THE STATUEThe statue is meant to give recogni-

tion to traditional leadership by thedemocratic government in generaland, in particular, recognition of a kingwho saw and experienced it all, butkept on fighting for the dignity of hispeople, their land and the royal house -the House of Shaka. The two statuesface one another in Botha's Garden -two giants in our history.

CONCLUSIONThe road to reconciliation is long

and winding. It constitutes getting toknow the past, and understandingwhat happened, how it happened, whydid it happen, when it happened andwho did it.

* Acknowledgement: This article wasresearched with assistance from thePremier's Office, KwaZulu-Natal.

history


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Diversified SANDF unites on Heritage DayBy Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

t was a day when every ethnicgroup came together to showcasetheir culture's uniqueness throughart and dance. Heritage Day at theDOD Logistic Division on 19September was a meaningful cul-tural interaction in the SANDF.

Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane, Chief ofLogistic Division, said the essence ofthe day was to celebrate the diversecultural spectrum that God had givento the people.

"We are assembled here today in arich and impressive tapestry of colour,custom and tradition to mark nationalHeritage Day under the theme'Celebrating Dance, Our Heritage',"said Col Vuyisile Thafeni of the DODLogistic Division in his keynoteaddress. He said that the word her-itage had a number of meanings, butmore importantly, heritage referred totraditions, customs and practicesinherited from our ancestors. "Flowing

Iselves." He strongly condemned the ten-dency of seeking affirmation from peo-ple outside the country about thingsconcerning South Africans and encour-aged people to appreciate and embracetheir heritage and cultural diversity.

"Let me be bold and say, outsidersand/or strangers, whoever they may be,cannot be entrusted with the task ofdefining who we are or of telling ourstory to the world. We are the only peo-ple who can tell our story to the worldwith the necessary eloquence and effec-tiveness," Col Thafeni said.

The other challenge was to addressHuman Resource policies with regard tocultural diversity and practices. This isbecause some of the policies do notaccommodate cultural beliefs, which,however, may affect a person's well-being. Col Thafeni cited an example ofmembers not being able to get leave as aresult of utilising the services of a tradi-tional healer or having a calling tobecome a traditional healer.

"As we speak, we have a WO1 whohas gone for training as a traditionaldoctor. She could not be booked off sickbecause current policy does not view'calling' or 'Ukuthwasa' as an illness forwhich a person can be booked off. Shehas not been receiving her pay for thepast two months now, with the atten-dant suffering. I think the sooner werealise and perhaps accept that theSANDF and indeed South Africa is partof central or western Europe, the betterit would be for all of us. We do not needto preach diversity, we need to genuine-ly embrace diversity."

The day was followed by rhythmicdances of an artistic nature from the par-ticipants of different ethnic groups,including competition and displays.People expressed their true devotion tothe love they possessed for their beliefsand values that serve as a day-to-dayguide in their everyday lives.

from this definition, dance is animportant part of our intangible her-itage from our ancestors."

He emphasised the issues of SouthAfrican's low self-esteem and not tak-ing pride in our rich cultural diversity.South Africans are a self-criticalnation. "We are always hard on our-

Traditional Zulu dancers performing.

Colonel Vuyisile Thafeni giving hiskeynote address at the DODLogistic Division Heritage Day.


37

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cheque to improve the education andlearning environment of these learners.

What stood out the most about thisyear's event was the visit from the shel-ter kids of the Western Cape CityCouncil who were also presented withthe opportunity to feel special andgiven hope that they could also con-tribute towards a better future forthemselves. Children for the Reach fora Dream came to make their dreams aliving reality by flying airplanes oncomputers and touching the hands ofpilots.

This marks an incredible journeyfor the AAD Youth DevelopmentProgramme and shows that there isstill room to empower the SouthAfrican youth in the years to come. Inclosing, Col Keller said: "This unit isserved by volunteers; these are peopleclose to my heart as we share the samevision and are rewarded by the smileswe see on the faces of the children aftermaking that small difference in theirlives".

AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE EXPO 2008: To communicate the mar-itime capabilities of the South African National Defence Force, one frigate and asubmarine berthed at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for guests to view. Guestswere taken on tour on board the vessels while crewmembers explained andanswered questions to the visitors.

NAVY AT AADChildren were excited to climb onto the Namacurra at the AAD.

>> from page 23

events


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Celebrating a day at the races


he much awaited event of theyear finally arrived, namelythe "Day at the Races", hostedby the SA Army Foundationat the Turffontein racecoursein Johannesburg on 11October 2008.

Ttreated like royalty for the day. Guestswere given a chance to try their luckby betting on their favourite horses.On the side was a buffet with excellentfood. We were able to interact withone another as this was an ideal plat-form for networking. This was indeeda day worth all the waiting.

Thank you SA Army Foundationfor a day well celebrated!

Front, fltr: Maj Gen Les Rudman, Chief Army Corporate Service, Maj Gen Louis Dlulani, Chairperson of the SA ArmyFoundation, Lt Gen Solly Shoke Chief of the SA Army, Maj Gen Keith Mokoape, General Manager of the SA ArmyFoundation, and Ms Maud Williams, Manager of the Rainbow Holiday Club, with members of the SA Army Foundationand their business associates during the Day at the Races at Turffontein racecourse.

The purpose of this social gather-ing was to acknowledge and thankthose who had established the manypartnerships involved in the SA ArmyFoundation over the years. It furtherserved to encourage the sponsors tocontinue working together with the SAArmy Foundation.

SA Soldier was among the invitedguests on the list and everyone was


39

A career of commitment at sea

By Lt Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

O1 Gerald Heydenrychrecently retired from ser-vice in the SA Navy after48 years. His careerbegun in 1960 when hewas drafted into theArmy Gymnasium. Sub-

sequently he was transferred to theSA Navy in 1961. He was part of thefirst group to complete its basic train-ing on board the SAS BLOEM-FONTEIN. He later qualified as adiver and torpedo and anti-submarinerating.

He also served on board SASWALVIS BAY, SAS VRYSTAAT, SASVAN DER STEL and SAS PRESI-DENT PRETORIUS. He was a mem-

Win 1990 as the Warrant Officer inCommand of ODT. The following yearhe served in a civilian capacity (PSAP)as a tug master until his retirement in2008. During this period he was also amember of the Naval Reserve.

WO1 Heydenrych remembers thecamaraderie which the Navy embod-ied and has fond memories of his fel-low crew members. "While at SASFLAMINGO I observed a three-year-old boy run and slip off the Lange-baan jetty. I stripped down and divedinto the water to rescue him. There-after I applied CPR, which fortun-ately revived him," recalled WO1Heydenrych.

"After an explosion in the engineroom of the George V - 400 nauticalmiles off Walvis Bay - the SA Navywas requested to provide medicalassistance to treat a badly injured crewmember. I used my knowledge andskills to transfer medical supplies anda doctor, Lt Cdr Jordan, from a crashboat via a life raft to the George V inheavy seas."

Some of WO1 Heydenrych's mostmemorable moments were the towingand rescue tasks assigned to him, espe-cially towing the powerful tug, JohnRoss, from Cape Point to Simon'sTown with the Umlazi after a rope hadbecome entwined in her propeller andhelping to combat the oil spill thatthreatened Table Bay and surroundingareas when the MV Treasure sank.

During his career he was awardedthe Chief of the Navy's Commendationon two occasions, the Pro MeritoMedal, Military Merit Medal, ProPatria, and Good Service Medals(Bronze, Silver and Gold).

WO1 Heydenrych looks forward tohis retirement and plans to enjoy histime cray fishing in Kommetjie andangling in Simon's Bay.

WO1 Gerald Heydenrych at home in Glencairn overlooking Simon's Bay andthe sea he has served.

ber of the first ship's company of theSAS PRESIDENT STEYN, whichaccompanied the frigate from theUnited Kingdom in 1963. In 1965 heattended an UC1 course at the HMSVernon, and on his return to SouthAfrica was employed at the WarfareSchool. In 1968 he requested an inter-service transfer to the SA Air Force atLangebaan where he served on boardthe air-sea rescue launches (crashboats) and later rejoined the SA Navyafter this function was incorporated atSAS FLAMINGO.

His diving career included com-pleting the following courses: DivingInstructor, Diving Supervisors IEDD,USDD, EOD, and Demolition. He alsospent time as Warrant Officer inCommand of the Diving School. Hecompleted his full-time military career

sport


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Anchoring friendshipthrough sport

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

he Directorate Physical Train-ing, Sport and Recreation suc-cessfully hosted the bilateralmilitary games between theSANDF and the ZimbabweDefence Force at AFBHoedspruit in Limpopo in

September 2008.The SANDF team was represented

by the Limpopo region with playersfrom ASB Polokwane, AFB Makhado,15 SA Infantry Battalion, AFBHoedspruit, 5 Special Forces Regimentand 7 SA Infantry Battalion. The stag-ing of such events has proved to be atool to foster the motto of CISM:Friendship through sport.

The SANDF teams participated invarious sporting codes, namely golf,pool, tennis, soccer, volleyball and

tug-of-war. The SANDF defeated theirZimbabwean counterparts in variousentertaining encounters.

The Chief delegate from SouthAfrica, Brig Gen Aubrey Sedibe, theDirector Physical Training, Sport andRecreation, in his address during theprize-giving ceremony could not havesaid it better when he spoke about asubject close to his heart (sport). Hesaid that soldiers meeting in thesports arena contribute to the greatervalue to save the world. "The aim ofhosting this bilateral military games is,among others, to create friendshipthrough sport. It is not about winning,but participation and sport can beregarded as a theatre of dreams," saidBrig Gen Sedibe.

After all the formalities, musicaltered the moods of the audience asthe SA Army Band from ASBPolokwane kept them on their toeswith stirring sounds.

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The SANDF volleyball team (red/blue) connecting well duringa volleyball game against the Zimbabwean team (red).

ResultsGolf: 1st place - SANDF

2nd place - Zimbabwe

Pool: 1st place - SANDF2nd place - Zimbabwe

Tennis: 1st place - SANDF2nd place - Zimbabwe

Volleyball: 1st place - Zimbabwe2nd place - SANDF

Soccer: 1st place - Zimbabwe2nd place - SANDF

Tug-of-war: 1st place - SANDF2nd place - Zimbabwe

OVERALL WINNER: SANDF

Tug-of-war: The SANDF team continues to pile on the pressure.

A thrilling soccer match betweenthe SANDF (yellow/green) andZimbabwe (blue).


41

Article and photos by Lize Pienaar,Com Officer ASB Mpumalanga

he Army Support Base Mpu-malanga hosted the first Tri-lateral Military Games in Nel-spruit in October 2008. Thecountries participating wereSouth Africa, Mozambiqueand Swaziland, and 280

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Trilateral Gamesin Nelspruit

ResultsSoccer

Men LadiesFirst place: Swaziland SwazilandSecond place: SANDF SANDFThird place: Mozambique

VolleyballMen Ladies

First place: SANDF SANDFSecond place: Swaziland SwazilandThird place: Mozambique

Road runningMen Ladies

First place: SANDF SANDFSecond place: Swaziland SwazilandThird place: Mozambique

Endurance walkingMen Ladies

First place: Mozambique SANDFSecond place: SANDF SwazilandThird place: Swaziland

Pistol ShootingFirst place: SANDFSecond place: SwazilandThird place: Mozambique

PoolFirst place: SANDFSecond place: Swaziland

sportsmen and women took part. The aim of these friendly

matches was to compete with thedefence forces of our neighbouringstates and to give the members theopportunity to be exposed tosports at international level. TheTrilateral Games were unique asMozambique participated for the

first time. In previous years there wereBilateral Games between South Africa andSwaziland only.

The sporting codes involved were soc-cer, volleyball, pool, road running,endurance walking and pistol shooting.Athletes from different units all overSouth Africa came to Nelspruit to repre-sent the SANDF.

The overall winner of the games wasthe SANDF, with Swaziland in the second place and Mozambique third.

The soccer teams of the SANDF (yellow) and Mozambique (red) wishingeach other well before the match.

Maj Jabulani Mlambo (Swaziland) and Lt Col David Kriel (SANDF) ready tochallenge each other in a game of pool.

transformation


42

By Itumeleng MkhubelaPhotos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he Commandant of the SAArmy Combat TrainingCentre, Brig Gen NontobekoMpaxa, implemented an ini-tiative at the unit by demol-ishing the old stone wallswhich were in the shape of a

castle and replaced it with a nine-point star-shaped wall. The historicunveiling of the refurbished stonecairn coincided with the stone pilingceremony of SA 43 Brigade inLohatlha on 29 September 2008. Thenewly erected structures include awall displaying the coat of arms andthe history of the stone piling.

After 14 years of democracy pre-ceded by four commanders at the SACombat Training Centre in Lohatlha,

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Keeping up with transformation

Brig Gen Mpaxa felt that the time forchange had come. Some of thechanges envisaged are the names ofmess and accommodation facilities inthe unit. The "Castle Wall", in particu-lar, was demolished as it representedthe old regime and only fiveprovinces. The nine-point star, how-ever, encompasses some of the ele-ments in the new coat of arms.

"The SA Army and the DOD as awhole should be proud to have peoplewho are for change because we are liv-ing in a changing world," Brig GenMpaxa said. "Tactics and past ideolo-gies cannot be used to lead in thefuture."

On behalf of the Chief of the SAArmy the event was graced by theattendance of the General OfficerCommanding of the SA ArmySupport Formation HQ, Maj Gen

Fltr: Maj Gen Robert Mandita, GOC SA Army Support Formation, Brig GenLawrence Smith, GOC 43 SA Brigade, and Brig Gen Nontobeko Mpaxa,Commandant of the SA Army Combat Training Centre, during the historicunveiling of the stone cairn and stone piling ceremony.

Members of 43 SA Brigade piling rocks to commit themselves to the successof Exercise SEBOKA, in which they pledge to look after equipment and toensure own safety and other's safety.


43


he Chief of Human Resources, LtGen Derick Mgwebi, hosted his

Golf Day at the Services' Golf Club inThaba Tshwane on 11 September 2008.

This occasion was not onlydesigned as a cool-down session in theDOD, but also as a communicationand strategising platform for themembers in a relaxed atmosphere.

During his opening and welcom-ing address, Lt Gen Mgwebi encour-aged the women golfers that were pre-sent to pull up their socks and chal-lenge their male counterparts whowere present. He said: "We need to seemore women taking charge in all maledominated fields, both in the workenvironment and on the golf course."

After all the sweating on the golfcourse the players were treated todinner where special players werepresented with awards for their performances.

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A DAY ON THE GOLF COURSE

Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, Chief of Human Resources, addressing the golf players.

Robert Mandita. He thanked peoplefor their efforts and contributions. Hesaid that after 22 years of the "CastleWall", the much appreciated nine-point star wall now replaces it.

The General Officer Commandingof 43 SA Brigade, Brig Gen LawrenceSmith, officiated at the 2008 ExerciseSEBOKA the stone piling ceremony asit served as a motivation for conven-tional force soldiers. "Among traditionand customs in the SA Army, the rockpiling ceremony is most probably oneof the most meaningful and touchingcustoms we maintain," he said.

"By piling rocks at this ceremony,we commit ourselves to the success ofthis exercise. We pledge to look afterour equipment and to ensure our ownand other's safety. We promise to keepour common goal in sight and con-tribute towards achieving it. Weundertake to retain our dedication andcommitment when things get tough,when we are tired and have gonewithout sleep for days, when webecome short tempered owing to pres-

sure and things are not always goingaccording to plan, and when we expe-rience failure," said Brig Gen Smith.

The history of the stone cairnThe first Officer Commanding of

the military base at Lohatlha, BrigFrans van der Berg, initiated the stonepiling tradition in 1978. The idea orig-inated from his study of an inaugura-tion custom of Israeli armour troops. Itwas found that the Zulus had a similarpractice.

Brigadier S.W.J. Kotze suggestedthat every member under training hadto lay a stone that later formed a hugecairn. The stone piling had to be com-bined with an oath. The entrance tothe military base was identified as asuitable location to erect the monu-ment. WO1 "Slangvel" Burger suggest-ed the building of a castle shaped wallaround the stone piles and to have flagposts erected for the various units par-ticipating in the training exercise.

The aim of the piling ceremonywas to serve as a motivation for con-

ventional force soldiers. Before pilinga stone, the individual has to make athree-fold promise to him or herself:

Commit to effective training.Accept personal responsibility for all equipment received and allocated. Commit to his or her calling as asoldier, and never to hesitate toprotect South Africa and her citizens.After the first democratic elections

in 1994, this tradition was maintained.Keeping up with transformation

and with the initiative of Brig GenMpaxa in August 2008, without dis-turbing the existing piles of rock, thecastle shaped wall was replaced with anine-point star. A commemorationwall was also built displaying the coatof arms of South Africa and the histo-ry of the stone piling.

(History from Dr Kriek van derMerwe: Part 1 Order of 78 of 81 SpecialArmour Brigade; compiled by Ms HannaCoetzer).

events


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PHOTOS 1 - 3: SA Special Forces paid a visit to Casa Caritas Home forchildren with disabilities in Kempton Park.

By Lt Col A-L. Human, SO1 CorpCom SA Special Forces

he South African SpecialForces are the "guardians" ofa very special girl at the CasaCaritas Home for childrenwith disabilities in KemptonPark. Deshimane Fonete isthe daughter of a Special

Forces Operator. She was injured atthe age of 13 when a stray bullet hit

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SA Special Forces caringfor people with disabilities

her near a shooting range at Phala-borwa during the late 1990s.

The accident left her paralysed anddisabled and she had to be enrolled in aspecial care home. Casa Caritas waschosen as an ideal home for her spe-cialised needs. A fund was subsequent-ly established to care for Deshimaneand the SA Special Forces has beeninvolved in monitoring her care andprogress ever since. She celebrated her21st birthday in 2007 and she is close to

the hearts of the Special Forces family.This year SA Special Forces decided

to honour Casa Caritas Home and thestaff for their selfless commitment andspecial care, not only of Deshimane, butof a large number of children withsevere disabilities.

Casa Caritas, a non-profit organisa-tion with a governing body consisting ofvolunteers from the community, wasestablished in 1973. At present CasaCaritas has 45 full-time residents andfive day visitors being cared and cateredfor. At least 44 staff members, includingone registered and two staff nurses, arerequired to render the above services.Among the residents are seven welfarecases for which they are fully responsi-ble financially as these children have noone to contribute to the cost of their care.

With this in mind the SA SpecialForces paid a visit to Casa Caritas dur-ing the annual Casual Day on 5September 2008 to hand over groceriesand basic items, such as nappies andpowered milk as a small contribution totheir needs as part of the Department ofDefence initiative to get involved withschools or institutions for children withdisabilities.


45

By Col Heidi Gunter, OC School of Signals Photo: Cpl Niel Otto

elen Keller once said: "Whenone door of happiness closes,another opens: but often welook so long at the closed doorthat we do not see the onewhich has been opened for us."Using this as our guide the

School of Signals took up the initiativeon Casual Day by reaching out to ourcommunity, thinking wider - outsidethe box - to make a difference at theNew Hope School in the lives of thelearners with special needs.

The School of Signals, as part ofthe SA Army Signal Formation, adopt-ed the New Hope School in Menlyn,Pretoria, in 2007 and has hosted thusfar two Casual Day events for itslearners. The New Hope School wasestablished in Pretoria in 1971 and istoday one of the largest learning cen-tres in the country to make provisionfor the education and treatment oflearners with special educationalneeds. Almost 70 teachers and thera-pists work in this educational environ-ment, which accommodates learnersof all races, classes, beliefs and cul-tures. You can visit their website at:www.newhopeschool.co.za.

PlanningThe SA Army Signals Formation

Casual Day project entailed giving thelearners an opportunity to have a fun-filled day by presenting a "SurvivorDay". This year's event was biggerthan the previous year, as it includ-ed wheelchair racing and, for thosewho could walk on their own, obstaclecrossing, leopard crawling, push-ups, target shooting with paint ballsand water slides, including mentalperseverance, imagination, creativityand understanding between fellowcompetitors.

H

Survivor Day with the Signallers

Various civilian companies madedonations (funds and promotionalitems) towards this day. Kestrel,Pinnacle Micro, ADS, GlobalCommunications and the SACS Non-commissioned Officers Club were open-hearted in respect of our "Survivor Day"as presented at the New Hope School.

On the day of the event volunteersfrom the School of Signals, learners oncourses and volunteers from the SAArmy Signals Formation took part in theevents and supported the participatingteams. Winning team members receivedprizes and each learner received a waterbottle sponsored by XON and a medalas a souvenir.

As a training institution, we havemany members from other units oncourse. We motivated all learners oncourse to buy Casual Day stickers.

The project has enabled us to buildand sustain effective social relationshipswith people with disabilities. We do notalways realise and accept that peoplecan help themselves to a certain extent.An example that will always be close tothe soldiers' hearts and minds is thewords of the children in wheelchairs:"Miss (teacher), you must not forgetabout my brake, you cannot push me,first release my brake". "Miss, you must

not forget to put my brake on". When the day came to an end we

realised how much we had learnt fromone another by working effectivelytogether as a team, sharing similar val-ues, respecting and trusting one anoth-er, and having fun together. Highmorale and esprit de corps contributedto the success of the project.

InitiativesIn the course of 2008 the School of

Signals has also recruited SA ArmySignal Formation soccer team mem-bers to visit the New Hope School on amonthly basis to teach and train thelearners with disabilities about soccertechniques.

During 2007 and 2008 facilitatorsfrom the School of Signals attended theBeginner Sign Language Course thatwas presented by the Tshwane SignLanguage Centre at the Naval Mess inPretoria, and attendance at futurecourses is planned.

The facilities of the School ofSignals are in the process of beingupgraded to make them more user-friendly to learners with disabilitiesand to staff members. (These projectsare still subject to the receipt of thenecessary funds.)

Survivors …

message


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By Chaplain Ben van der Walt,Unit Chaplain Air ForceGymnasium

n the basis of this devo-tion all the readers areinvited to reflect uponthe role of universal val-ues in the process ofdecision-making.

The Chaplains of theSANDF are a group of dedicatedspiritual leaders who deliberatedon the topics of values and deci-sion-making and opted for simple,handy models as part of a spiritualturnaround strategy for our nation.

In Matthew 14:22 - 33 we readabout the disciples of Jesus whowere in great distress. They experi-enced the danger of drowning andwere proceeding "down to hell"(according to their ancient under-standing). Expecting the evil spiritsto fetch them at any time, they sawa figure on the water …, andthought it was time. Jesus calmsthem down by telling them: "It isme!" Peter "tested" the situation andasked Jesus to command him towalk on the water to Him. Peterbecomes the first man to walk onwater, until he trembles and start tosink … On his cry for help, Jesusstretches His hand out to rescuePeter. When Jesus stepped into theboat, tranquillity came upon themand they could continue their jour-ney to Gennesaret.

The Miriam-Webster dictionarydefines values as follows: "especiallyof a traditional or conservative kindwhich are held to promote the soundfunctioning of the family and tostrengthen the fabric of society".

Values determine "what welook at" and our attitude deter-mines "how we look".

Those who are involved withthe Moral Regeneration Movement

Oacknowledge that something hasgone wrong somewhere. Withoutlosing hope we need to evaluateour presence continually.Although we are constantlyrealigning ourselves with the willof God, we acknowledge the role ofthose who lived before us! Socialdecay has had to be addressed onnumerous occasions in the historyof mankind. Crime and corruptionare constant partners in life.

As Chaplains we subscribe to aholistic approach to achieve avalue-based life. As members ofthe SANDF we have shared ethicsand common values and weshould subscribe to the principlesof the Golden Rule: "Do unto oth-ers, as you wish them to do uponyou" and UBUNTU: "We are,because of others". These are ofvital importance.

We identified six universal val-ues: Love, Fairness, Respect, Re-sponsibility, Integrity and Profes-sionalism. We believe when a com-munity reflects the first five valueslife will be a better place for all!

There are many decision-mak-ing models, but we chose a practi-cal hands-on model. We pray thatwhen you look at your hand, youwill be reminded of these fivesteps.

Chaplain Ben van der Walt. 1. STOP Are you focusing on what was notdone, rather than what can be done? Peter for amoment did not think of the storm. He onlyrealised the supremacy over the storm that hecould experience in the presence of Jesus.

2. OPTIONS Peter had some options: He couldwait, or he could ask Jesus to command thestorm to subside.

3. EVALUATE Peter investigated the options(under a microscope). Then he could make adecision he could live with …

4. DECIDE There is only one way for yourdreams to come true: You must wake up! Somepeople feel threatened by this remark! Peter wasnot forced, no one expected it from him, noteven Jesus, but he was willing to step out of his"boat", while others "wait for their ship tocome in …". Noah also did not "wait for hisship to come in". In obedience he built the ark,to be saved, many years later.

5. GO When you use your hands to do anything,visualise the steps in the decision-making pro-cess.Many people make no mistakes because

they do nothing and will never be what Godhas called them to be. May God bless you inyour life on your journey of decision-making!

When people grow old they regret thethings they did not do more than the thingsthey did. Peter has only one chance to dosomething, which has never been donebefore. What he did inspires many people todo what God has called them to do. Do notopt for walking on water now … God gavePeter that desire. He might call you to be thefirst one to do something else. We do notknow …. History will tell us! Position your-self for the blessings of God and may ourFather grant you all that you ask in HisName! AMEN

Decision determinesdestiny!

47


Documents

SA SOLDIERS A S O L D I E R z NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 4 From the Editor's desk he SA Soldier Team would like to welcome the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, and