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

From the Editor's desk

Lettersto the Editor

News from abroad

Tribute: three SAAF crewmembers

A victory that is the jewel in the African crown

Celebrating our resilience and maturing democracy

New Minister and DeputyMinister of Defence andMilitary Veterans

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18 Learners get a taste for the military

Promising new talent for our Air Force

Bringing the SANDF closer to the public

Passion for air power through SA Air Force

Senior officers provided relief to the needy

The University of the North West goes east

Occupational hygiene in the SANDF

Building and maintaining friendships via golf

SA Senior Jukskei Championships

Defence TV wins award at Polish Military Film Festival

Restoring hope within the health care fraternity

Goodwill Parcel Projectgiving to the community

SA Air Force air power capability demonstration

Canada pays tribute to two SANDF soldiers

The Military Academy appointed a new Commandant

Honorary Colonel: 2 Field Engineer Regiment

DOD and Innovation Hub sign agreement

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: sasoldier@mil.zawebsite: www.sasoldier.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt 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.

REPRODUCTION, PRINTING &DISTRIBUTION:Coordinating Concepts cc630 Jamestown Street Elardus Park, Pretoria, 0181Tel: 012 345 6408Fax: 086 515 2185/6/7email:coordinatingconcepts@gmail.com

Translation Directorate LanguageConsultant: Services

Photo Processing:5 ASU Photo Section

Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen K.D. Mangope Col S.P. ZeemanCapt (SAN) M.J. Josias

Capt (SAN) Cpln L.W.MsenganaMs N. Pienaar Maj J.V. du ToitCdr P. Tshabalala

Ms J. RenderLt S.E. Segone Mr L.R.M. Netshirembe(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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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa, visit our website at: www.sasoldier.mil.za

FRONT COVER: Front: President Jacob Zuma and Ms Sizakele Zuma (alsoknown as MaKhumalo), one of the First Ladies of the RSA. Back, fltr: V AdmJohannes Mudimu, Chief of the SA Navy, and Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief ofthe SA Air Force, during the arrival of the President at the Union Buildings.Read all about the inauguration of Mr Jacob Zuma as President of the RSA onpages 12 to 14. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)

NATIONAL PRIDE. SA Air Force helicopters executing a saluteflight with the National Flags at the inauguration of Mr Jacob Zumaas President of the RSA on 9 May 2009. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)

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From the Editor's desk

ife's beginnings and endings … This month's edition ispacked with just that.

We witnessed Mr Jacob Zuma take his solemnOath of Office as the new President of the RSA andCommander-in-Chief of the SANDF on 9 May 2009.Read all about this historical occasion onpages 12 to 14.

On 19 May 2009 the handing over and welcoming of thenew Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, and the Deputy Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, took place at DefenceHeadquarters in Pretoria. Read more about the two new principals on pages 16 and 17.

The Military Academy recently appointed its 18thCommandant - Brig Gen Lindile Yam. He was previously thenon-resident Defence, Army and Naval Adviser of South Africato the UK and Sweden. Read about this prestigious parade onpage 28.

During the recent strike by doctors, the SA Military HealthService (SAMHS) yet again was called upon to restore hope tothe South African health system. This was after the doctors ofthe provincial hospitals had embarked on industrial action forhigher wages.

As soon as an agreement between the doctors and theDepartment of Health was reached the military personnel werewithdrawn, but there were still members who were monitoringthe situation for some days thereafter. We once again salute ourForce members! Read all about the support rendered onpages 20 and 21.

Unfortunately, I have to end on a sombre note as three SAAir Force crewmembers, Capt Bongani Wayne Mdluli,Lt Lehlogonolo Simon Baloyi, and F Sgt Izak Morne Zuidmeer,lost their lives in a tragic helicopter accident on 12 May 2009.May God give comfort to their families, loved ones, friendsand colleagues in this difficult time. (Also read the tribute onpage 11)

May we all celebrate Youth Day on 16 June. Please takecare of our youth, they are our future, our future leaders!

Nelda PiennarEditor

LEzisuka kuMhleli

Isiqalo nesiphetho sempilo … Iphepha bhuku lakulenyangalisiphathele lokhu okulandelayo.

Njengabahlali bakulelizwe, sonke sibengofakazi nge-sikhathi umongameli wezwe omusha uMnz Jacob Zuma,egcotshwa ngokosiko lomthetho sisekelo wezwe waseNingizimu Afrika ngomhlaka 09 kuNdasa 2009. Funda ngalengqophamlandu emakhasini kusukela ku12 kuya ku14.

Ukuthatha izintambo kukaNgqongqoshe wezokuvikelanabaMnkantshubovu kwezempi omusha uNgqongqoshe LindiweSisulu kanye nesekela lakhe uMnz. Thabang Makwetla. Konkelokhu kwenzeke emagcekeni ekomkhulu lezokuvikela, ePitoli.Zigeqwa amagula kusukela ekhasini 16 kuya 17.

Iziko lemfundo ephakeme kwezo kuvikela (Military Academy)liqoke umkhuzi omusha weshumi nesishiyagalombili u Njengele(Brig Gen) Lindile Yam. Osuka esihlalweni sokuba ngumelulekiongazinzile kwezokuvikela komahlalehlomile (Army) kanye nom-butho waseManzini (Navy) phesheya e UK kanye nase Sweden.Okuningi ngalomcimbi okhethekile ungakuthola ekhasini 28.

Ngesikhathi kunesiteleka sodokotela, uphiko lwezempilo lom-butho wezokuvikela (SAMHS) luphinde lwatakula ezempilozakulelizwe. Lokhu kubangelwe ukuteleka kodokotela bezib-hedlela zezifundazwe kulandela ukungafezwa kwezimfuno zabongamaholo.

Kuthe nje emva kokufinyelela esivumelwaneni phakathikoMnyango wezeMpilo kanye nabasebenzi, uphiko lweZempilolombutho wezempi wakuleli lwahoxa, kepha bakhonaabasaqaphe isimo. Sibethulela isigqoko abasebenzi balombutho.Thola okuningi ngalokukusiza, kusukela kwikhasi 20 kuya 21.

Sivala ngezibuhlungu kulandela ukusishiya emhlabeni kwa-malunga amathathu oMkhosi wezoMoya, amalunga CaptBongani Wayne Mdluli, Lt Lehlogonolo Simon Baloyi kanye no FSgt Izak Morne Zuidmeer. Sengathi inkosi ingaba nemindeniyabo, abangani kanye nezihlobo kulesisikhathi sobunzima.Siyabakhumbula kwikhasi 11.

Sengathi sonke singalujabulela kahle usuku lwentsha 16kuNhlangulana. Sicela ukuthi sibanakekele abantu abashangoba bangabaholi kanye nekusasa lakulelizwe.

Nelda PienaarMhleli

*Translation (isiZulu) by Mnuz Manelisi Ndaba

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letters to the editor

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MOTHER YOU ARE!Who could ever describe the being that is Mother?When even words fall to define the Woman that you are,And humanity struggles to reward you for your incredibilityEven Man fails to understand the strength you hold withinAs life seems to take pride in trying to bring you down, You remain standing, even if its by a toe; you find your feet andstand your ground

Although your tears fall at times - we understandCause even superheroes bleed sometimesAnd feel like hanging their caps and throwing in the towel,But like a real hero, Woman you never do,When the going gets tough; you get even tougher!

Mother you are!The "M" in Magnificent; in all that you show and doThe "O" in Overall; beauty, brains, all that is you

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 sasoldier@mil.za.We 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.

The "T" Teacher; you lead by example, for all that you areThe "H" Honorable; you remain true whether near or farThe "E" Everlasting; like the warmth of your unconditional loveThe "R" Remarkable; Mother! A wonderful soul, As gentle as a dove

Mother you are!So let the Man embrace the beauty which you possessFor you are the foundation of a houseAnd the heart of a homeLet every creature sing your praiseFor we all are, because you are!Mother you are beautiful, special and kindYour joy to the heart; you empower the mindMother you are FABULOUS; with Godly loveA precious gift from above! Pte B.P. Hadebe, Area Military Health Unit North West

In loving memory of the defence intelligence heroes.kufa wena ulutshaba, awuqheleki.

Death is a bad thing, it's painful but, We accept it but do not forget To lose a special person in your life is painful It is very difficult to accept it, but we accept it When the light of the moon is gone, then the sun is dark

We were working together as a family, caring for each otherAs brothers and sisters, but today you are no longer with usLet us remember those we used to share the work with themThe day we received their deaths, it was unbelievableThe day we laid them to rest, it was the worse pain

TRIBUTENo matter they are no longer with us physically, butSpiritually they are with us, we love and care about them,Let us remember them.They will always be in our heartsWhat is worse: We see their offices everydayWe see their pictures everydayWherever they are we miss themFrom highest to lowest ranks we miss and remember youWe remember your good personalities, respect and humanityThe defence intelligence salutes youMay your souls rest in peace. uyehova nguye onikayo ikwanguye nothabathayophumlani ngoxolo sobonanani kwelizayo. S Sgt Nokuzola GloriaMeslane, Defence Intelligence, Pretoria

Why am I considered disabled when I have a sense of visionthat surpasses the human mind and understanding, visionthat pierces through a human soul? Why am I considered dis-abled if I can see what is not visible? Why bother with theobvious? Because I can read between the lines and I can feelthe different colours and discern the energy that you exude.Being blind does not mean I do not have foresight, because Idream big and have a vision about my life. CO M.P. Letswalo, SA Army Engineer Formation

BLINDNESSWhen it comes to finding happiness, it is important to beproactive by identifying the goals that matter most to you andtaking concrete, focused steps to achieve them.

Confident soldiers …… highlight their strengths and play down their weaknesses;… are not afraid of change … and if it all goes wrong, theydon't blame themselves, but find the real cause;… surround themselves with positive people who support

MOTIVATION

them;… can take compliments and don'tbeat themselves up about negativecriticism;… look up, stand up and talk up, andwhen they fail, they aren't afraid to askfor help.

Congrats to President Jacob Zumafor the appointment of the newMinister of Defence, Dr Lindiwe Sisulu… time of victory for all soldiers. Capt S.R. Stuurman, Thaba Tshwane

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On 25 February 2009 S Sgt M. Sobuyewas sitting on his bed alone in 1Military Hospital (Orthopaedic Ward)far away from his unit. He was notexpecting any visitors. Suddenly threemembers from the SA Army InfantryFormation, namely Lt Col M.F.September, Capt S.G. Mphahlwa andWO2 D.J. Davids, accompanied by MajS.M. Saulse and Capt M.I. Kutumela,both health workers in the ward,walked in. S Sgt Sobuye was anxiousand surprised to see familiar faces. Hehad questions, but suddenly he wasspeechless. Lt Col September broke thegood news to S Sgt Sobuye and official-ly informed him of his promotion to therank of Warrant Officer Class 2.

The manner in which this promo-tion took place was very special to themember and we hope that it will helphim recover and get well quickly.

S Sgt Sobuye was part of the teamthat was on its way to 4 SA Infantry

Battalion in Middelburg when their vehi-cle burst a tyre approximately 4 km fromWitbank. As a result it rolled and collid-ed with an oncoming vehicle. The acci-

PROMOTED WHILE IN HOSPITAL BED

AN INITIATIVE TO STIMULATE WORK ON TERMINOLOGY

dent claimed the life of the driver, whilefive team members were injured andadmitted to 1 Military Hospital.Capt D.B. Ramile, email

In the past terminology work used toplay a prominent role in the DirectorateLanguage Services (D Lang), and anumber of language practitioners wereinvolved in terminology on a full-timebasis. A testimony of the dedication oflanguage practitioners in this field isthe bilingual Military Dictionary(MD): SA Defence Force that was pub-lished ca. 1990. To some extent, thispublication also brought D Lang'swork in this field to an end.

Since the publication of the above-mentioned dictionary terminologywork in D Lang has continued on areduced scale. None of this work hasbeen published or made accessible to

people who may need such terms.Individual language practitioners havecontinued to compile their own lists, butthey have not been coordinated.Currently, no formal terminology workis done in D Lang, although all languagepractitioners who are involved in editingand translation are to some extent awareof the importance of terminology.

In the DOD there are a number of people who have indicatedthat they are interested in spendingsome of their time formalising their ter-minology outputs. Especially peoplewho are involved in doctrine develop-ment and the compilation of documentsknow how important it is to use the cor-

rect terminology and to standardise theuse of terms. Currently, none of these"personal lists" have official status, andoften people are reluctant to sharethem. The reason for this is mainly thatthere is very often a lively debate andeven differences of opinion betweenServices and Divisions regarding cer-tain terms.

Anyone who is interested in termi-nology and wants to be involved in adiscussion that may lead to a struc-tured approach to terminology in theDOD can contact Dr Johann Marais on(012) 392 2412 or Ms Linda Maree on(012) 392 3188. Dr J.L. Marais, D Lang (HR Dev)

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My recent accommodation at theWynberg Officers Mess, while my wifewas being treated at 2 Military Hospitalat Wynberg, refers.

My room had a number of maga-zines, which included copies of the offi-cial monthly magazine of the SADepartment of Defence, ie the SASoldier. I was extremely impressed withyour magazine and found it to beexceptionally informative. As an ex SA

Air Force and Navy member, I foundyour articles wrt certain members thatwere my juniors and units I had servedin most interesting. Articles wrt generalSANDF matters were also very educa-tional. I would sincerely appreciate it ifyou could arrange that I am included onyour distribution list. I have in the mean-time discussed your magazine with otherretired members also residing in theHermanus area, and it was agreed that

COMPLIMENTING SA SOLDIERwe would in turn pass the magazine onafter reading it.

Bravo Zulu for an outstanding mag-azine! Cdr (Dr) Arthur J. Henn (Ret),Hermanus

* We are proud that our retired membersremain interested in SA Soldier. We willgladly send you a copy each month to dis-tribute among the other retired members inthe Hermanus area. Happy reading! - Ed.

Lt Col M.F. September congratulating S Sgt M. Sobuye on his promotion toWarrant Officer Class 2 (in his hospital bed at 1 Military Hospital). Witnessingthe event are the two health workers of the Orthopaedic Ward, Maj S.M. Saulse and Capt S.M. Kutumela.

letters to the editor

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WARRANT OFFICER DEVELOPMENTCOURSEOn 26 March 2009 the SA ArmyCollege in Thaba Tshwane host-ed a certificate ceremony for agroup of 46 learners who suc-cessfully completed theWarrant Officer DevelopmentCourse over the period 19January to 27 March 2009. WO2E. Badenhorst received the tro-phy for the best academic andsupporting member.

She excelled in her militarycareer with various achieve-ments, such as the Diploma inPurchasing and Supply Man-agement. She is a CertifiedGroup Fitness Specialist and isa qualified Advanced FitnessInstructor in the SANDF.

WO2 Badenhorst is current-ly working at the NationalCeremonial Guard in Thaba

NATUREThey say on the first day our Fathercreated the heavens and the stars andHe went about creating until Hemoulded us.

Thus our Mother Nature was bornto nurture mankind for eternity and shepresented this earth as evidence of herfertility.

Then our Father dedicated everysunrise and sunset to his Son as He wasgiven dominion. This is our planet. Yes!This earth enriched with its mineralsthat give life to roots bearing fruits.

O! Lo and behold the canyons sogrand and the deserts that are heavensent, the rivers that flow in the summerand breathe life into the rain's merri-ment. This nature is the best one canexperience in this lifetime. It is the IV toour body and soul; yes it is our lifeline.

Our nature created technologywhich now is the enemy. So when it failsus as it surely will where shall wesearch for the remedy. I say in our moth-er's womb as our tears run down herbosom. For how can we raise our handsto the spring and still alienate theautumn.

So please open your eyes and visu-alise the natural beauty that is nature.

RESPECT YOURSELFMillions of people wishTo become soldiersYou as a soldier areLucky to be one of the selectedSoldiers in the countryThey taught you military skills and respectRespect yourself so that others may respect youIn the 70s when you see a soldier you were afraidBut nowadays everyone, even the children, When they see one they are not afraid of a soldierBecause we are like civilians.Drinking beer in the tavern and shebeens In uniform results in disrespect from civiliansA soldier must have a secretTo every soldier a secret is a key to successThey know that a soldier does not have a weaponBecause we share our secret with themPlease my fellow soldiers let us keep The army secret as well trained soldiersAnd be proud of yourselves. Pte M.W. Maraka, Mod Signal Regt

It is all around us, within us, is us, yeswe are nature. I see nature in the heav-ens, yes nature in the skies, I see nature

every time I look into your eyes.Lt Linda, School of Tactical Intelligence, Potchefstroom

LETTER OF APPRECIATIONI wish to express my appreciation to the members of the SANDF,especially the SA Army. On 20 February this year I had a flat tirejust outside Midrand on my way to Pretoria at about 14:40. Amember in uniform must have seen me in my predicament andassisted me, an ordinary citizen trying to replace a flat tire.

I did not get to know his unit or place of work, but managed toget his name. While he was assisting me we exchanged informa-tion about work, so he did let the cat out of the bag. At first I wasafraid of this soldier appearing out of the blue to assist me andintroducing himself, because so many people misuse the uniform.Therefore at first I did not trust him. After gaining my trust andconvincing me of who he was, he immediately got to work.

With military precision and knowledge everything was over inless than ten minutes and I was ready to hit the road, my right rearflat tire having been fixed. I do not know the commander, butthrough this letter would like to say thank you for your assistanceand kindness. Although I did not get the name of your unit, thankyou for giving your surname. Thank you. Anonymous

WO2 E. Badenhorst.

Tshwane as the RQMS. Her achieve-ments show that anything is possible

with hard work and dedication. Lt Col Len Badenhorst, email

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GRADUATES FROM THE MILITARY ACADEMYThe Military Academy had the honourin March this year to produce moregraduates through the University ofStellenbosch via the Faculty of MilitaryScience.

The unit had one Masters Degree,four BMil degrees and fifteen HigherCertificates in Military Studies. We wantto congratulate these students on theirindividual achievements. It always

brings pleasure to the unit when we seethat our years of hard work and our stu-dents' dedication to their work pay offin such a positive manner. Capt EngelaMeintjes, Military Academy, email

30TH REUNION CELEBRATIONMembers who did basic train-ing in 1979 at SACC ServiceBattalion.I have liaised with some eligible mem-bers to organise the 30th reunion cele-bration. The interested group hasdeemed it appropriate to host thereunion from 25 to 26 September 2009at 9 SA Infantry Battalion.

An application has been submittedto host the event and authority ispending. Funds (sponsors) will also begenerated in order to make this occa-sion successful. It is encouraging toknow that sponsors are interested insuch a potent idea and have indicatedtheir readiness to make a contribution.If you know of any sponsors that can

be approached, kindly inform thedrafter hereof.

It is suggested that eligible mem-bers make a minimum contribution ofR300 per person (pp). Senior memberswho joined before 1979 and up to 1980are also welcome to join and pay anamount of R200 pp. The spouses ofboth these groups indicated are espe-cially invited to unite for the amount ofR250 pp.

Kindly forward your ideas, if any,to make this reunion a memorable occasion. The monies are to be paid intothe account of 9 SAI Bn on/or before 31 August 2009. Details are as follows:

Bank: ABSAType of Account: Cheque

The personnel of 1 Military Hospital inPretoria recently showed their passionfor the CANSA Shavathon, which washeld in the hair salon of the hospital on6 March 2009. "Shave or spray in soli-darity with a cancer survivor" was thetheme of this year's Shavathon, whichraised funds for the CANSAPrevention Programme and patientcare services. The funds raised will beused to further cancer research andprovide home-based care for cancerpatients.

Personnel understood that byshaving or colour spraying their headsfor the event they would show sup-port and celebrate life for SouthAfrican cancer survivors - "we remem-ber our loved ones who have lost theirlives to cancer". The participationdonation of R50 went to the CancerAssociation of SA.

The CANSA Shavathon raisesawareness of the disease, whichaffects one in four South Africans.Cancer is an uncontrollable growth of

SHAVATHON AT 1 MILITARY HOSPITALcells, resulting in masses or tumors, andit knows no boundaries between race,gender or age, making it impossible toexclude any individual from the possi-bility of being diagnosed with cancer.

Hair loss is something that peoplereally associate with chemotherapy andcancer, so having your hair shaved orsprayed is a way of showing solidaritywith cancer sufferers, and it is a reallygreat way of helping CANSA to raisemoney. Capt Karin Stoltz, 1 Military Hospital

Account Holder: 9 SAI Regt FundAccount No: 712680601Branch Code: 630110Branch Name: BelvilleThe deposit slip is to be faxed

to Ms J.D. Bester on (021) 787 6155 or820 6155 (tie line).

* For more information, the followingpersons can be contacted:

WO2 C.J. Heynes on (022) 707 4516or fax: (022) 707 4609Lt Col D.W. van Wyk on (012) 671 0044/fax:(012) 671 0149Maj (Ret) C.J. Botha on 076 285 8681. WO2 C.J. Heynes, co-ordinator ofthe reunion

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news from abroad

During March 2009, while AlphaCompany of 6 SA Infantry Battalionwas deployed in the western part ofNorth Kivu province in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) they held afun day for people to show off theirskills.

The day was a huge success as thefun day with soldiers shouting, dancingand laughing. The programme wasopened with a prayer by Pte M.S. Babili;then the fun began. Soldiers entertainedthe rest of the crowd with traditionaldancing, choir singing, hip-hop anddrama.

Then the male and female individu-als showed off their glamorous outfitsin the beauty contests. Also attendingwere the locals from the nearby villagesof Njacajanga and Nteko, most ofwhom were children between the ages

FUN DAY IN MISSION AREA (DRC)

of 5 and 13 years. This was symbolical ofSouth African soldiers having a bigimpact on the people of the DRC. Thesetwo different peoples were united asone and the motive was to have fun and

RESPONSE TO LETTER "WHAT IS RESPECT"I am a Reserve Force soldier currentlydeployed in the Democratic Republicof Congo (DRC). (I commenced mynational service in July 1974.) I feel theneed to respond to the letter - "What isrespect?" - published in the December2008 edition of SA Soldier.

The "new Lance Corporal" hasmissed the boat somewhere and failedthese youngsters. There is and cannever be any comparison between therespect and discipline in civilian lifeand that of the military environment.She should find out the meaning of"corrective training" as defined inChief of the SA Army instructions.

share good relationships. This wonder-ful sequence of events ended with avote of thanks by WO2 X. Bunu, whosaid: "Happy people enjoy life". Pte P.E.Motsari, email

In the military environment one doesnot necessarily respect the person, butrather the rank that he or she is wearing.Having first-hand experience withMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) members I have dealt with I cansay some make us proud, but the majori-ty just do not grasp that once promotionto the lower command post begins it isnot only about the extra money. They arepromoted to junior Non-commissionedOfficers (NCOs), but continue to stay onthe level of a Private. Her CSM is proba-bly a person with many years of experi-ence and without knowing the peopleconcerned. I predict that the Lance

Corporal did something ridiculous inthe eyes of the CSM, so the act wasridiculous, not the Lance Corporal her-self. The junior NCO is the backbone ofthe command and control system asdefined in the military environmentand until the Defence Force producesdisciplined, strong-willed NCOs thediscipline in the SANDF will notimprove. I would suggest, as a newLance Corporal, more training andcommunication periods. I can addmuch more to this, but prefer to endnow. There is an old saying: "To havepeace, one must prepare for war". WO2 George Patrick de Lange, Goma

Peer educators from 6 SA Infantry Battalion, fltr: Pte N.A. Kgaphola, Pte N.A. Mogotsi, Pte J.R. Johannes, Pte L.M. Ramathoka and Pte N. Moss.

RESPECT BELONGS TO SOUTH AFRICAPeace belongs to me (South Africa)I was raised without peace, But peace was in meI was born crying for peace not knowing I own peaceI was born when people were Dying for peaceI was raised by peace seekers

Peace is now in me, I eat, I talk, I laugh peaceWherever I go I produce peaceBecause I was born and raised with peaceWherever I go I plant and produce

The fresh fruits of peace

Here I am, in the SudanRisking my own life for peaceFighting for peace in DarfurI am South Africa the mother of peaceWhere peace is free, there is no need To pay a cent for peaceWhere peace is water, you wash, You drink and ...

I am respected by the nationsBecause I have love, laughter, care, supportThe ingredients of peace

Those are the ingredients for peaceThose are the main ingredients for peaceThose are the ingredients to keep peace alive

The respect belongs to South Africa The country of peaceThe country that does not need anyoneTo manufacture peace for itThe country that use its own resources To produce peace4 SAI Bn is one of the main ingredientsYou will find in peacemaking. Rfn M.M. Mapea, 4 SAI Bn (currentlyin the Sudan: Malha Base)

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By Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: WO1 Christo Crous

he SANDF is saddened by theloss of the three SA Air Forcecrewmembers (17 Squadron)resulting from an Agusta A109light utility helicopter fatalaccident on 12 May 2009. CaptBongani Wayne Mdluli, Lt

Lehlogonolo Simon Baloyi, and F SgtIzak Morne Zuidmeer died instantlyafter a fatal accident when their heli-copter crashed into the WoodstockDam near Bergville in the Drakens-berg, KwaZulu-Natal.

The aircraft was in formation withtwo other A109 en route to DragonPeak Park in the Bergville area to takepart in the scheduled week-longmountain training exercise. The sameaircraft took part on 9 May 2009 in thefly-past marking President JacobZuma's inauguration.

Family and friends of the deceasedhave spoken highly of the members,describing their teamwork and dedica-tion to their work and how skilled theywere. The SA Air Force spends a lot oftime and money training individualslike these who have passion for theaviation environment. It is indeed agreat loss to the Department and thecountry.

Capt Mdluli, an Oryx pilot, is sur-vived by his sister LR Mdluli. LtBaloyi, an A109 Agusta pilot, is sur-vived by his mother, Ms Joyce Baloyi,two sisters, Masego and Anna, and abrother Lebogang. F Sgt Zuidmeer, aflight engineer, is survived by hismother Stella, his father Sakkie and hissister Zonia. May their families findcomfort in their time of bereavement.

T

May their souls fly to heaven

The late Capt Bongani Wayne Mdluli.

The Minister of Defence, MsLindiwe Sisulu, on behalf of theDepartment of Defence and theChief of the South African Nation-al Defence Force, Gen GodfreyNgwenya, extended their sincerestcondolences to the families andfriends of the deceased helicoptercrew.

The three late soldiers received asemi-military funeral.

FATAL HELICOPTER ACCIDENTI would like to pass my sincere con-dolences to the families, friends andcolleagues of 17 Squadron's threecrewmembers whose lives came to atragic end on 12 May 2009.

It truly is a loss to the wholenation, a nation whose hopes anddreams were represented selflesslyand tirelessly by them each time theyproudly put on their uniforms.

The SA Air Force motto "PerAspera Ad Astra" encourages us not tolet the adversity deter us, but ratherto let it be the force that propels usup to the stars. Seitshiro Molemi,email

THE STORY THAT TOUCHEDMY HEART …I heard about it on television andread about it in the newspapers. Itreally touched my heart. Three pilotswere killed when an Agusta A109helicopter crashed into the Wood-stock Dam on 12 May 2009. My con-dolences to the family, friends andall of you brothers and sisters. Maytheir souls rest in peace. L CplMamoserwa Molefe, CorporateCommunication: SAMHS HQ

The late Lt Lehlogonolo Simon Baloyi.

The late F Sgt Izak Morne Zuidmeer.

12

S A S O L D I E R J U N E 2 0 0 9

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaoleand Sgt Elias Mahuma

or generations to come, theabiding image of a patientcitizenry in long votingqueues on 27 April 1994will remain deeply etchedin the collective memory ofthe nation. As the world

held its breath, South Africans togeth-er made their mark to bring into beingone of the truly remarkable events ofthis turbulent century. Once more, weaffirmed a truism of human history,that the people are their own libera-tors," said Dr Nelson Mandela, formerPresident of the RSA.

On 22 April 2009 young and oldSouth Africans in large numbers votedto deepen their democracy in allspheres of public life and defend theirhard-earned democracy by reflectingon the enduring hope and joy of livingin a democratic state.

F

A victory that is the jewelin the African crown

In full swing, members of the National Ceremonial Guard

Band marching in perfect tune.

Neither extreme weatherconditions nor the longwinding queues put themoff from doing their civicduty to appoint goodstewards of their freedomand democracy.

On a rainy Saturdaymorning, 9 May 2009, mul-titudes of people con-verged in the gay sur-rounds of the UnionBuildings in Pretoria tocelebrate and to witness amoment in history whenthe President-elect and theCommander-in-Chief ofthe SANDF, Mr JacobZuma, took his solemnOath of Office as thefourth President of theRSA. The exciting frenzyof the 1994 epoch repeateditself

“

"So help me God": Chief Justice Pius Langa administefront, right) as the country's Head.

Truly the glory of our nation andthe ultimate wholeness of ourhumanity beyond the walls of thefortress.

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Zuma reminded us thatthis was a moment ofrenewed hope, socialredemption and partic-ipation in guardingdemocracy and risingabove the dust ofdespair and reaffirm-ing the glory of anation being born. Hefleshed out his admin-istration policy in a

vision grounded in the concept of citi-zens' priorities, policy, socio-economicprogrammes, South Africa's well-beingand renewed faith in democracy andthe continent.

Vowing to renew that most solemnundertaking to rebuild a society inwhich all people were freed from theshackles of discrimination, exploitation,want and disease, he continued: "Thedreams and hopes of all the people ofour country must be fulfilled. There isno place for complacency, cynicism andexcuses. Everything we do must con-tribute in a direct and meaningful wayto the improvement of the lives of ourpeople".

To improve the livelihood of SouthAfricans, the President called on thepublic servants to be service deliveryactivists in order to root out weaknessesin the government system, whichdelayed the pace of implementing pro-grammes. He unequivocally stated:"For as long as people die from pre-ventable disease, workers struggle tofeed their families, communities are stillwithout clean water, decent shelter orproper sanitation, rural dwellers areunable to make a decent living from theland on which they live, women sub-jected to discrimination, exploitationand abuse, children not having themeans or the opportunity to receive adecent education, the alleviation anderadication of poverty and unemploy-

A frenzy of jubilationbegins as our NationalCeremonial Guardenters the UnionBuildings.

the Oath of Office to President Jacob Zuma (standing,

and Pretoria came to a stand-still, andthe tranquillity of the capital city wasshattered by the powerful roar of theSA Air Force and SA Police Service fly-ing machines in the sky above.

Addressing the nation, President

>> on page 14

Soldiers getting ready to fire the 21-gun salute to signal thebeginning of the auspicious occasion.Soldiers getting ready to fire the 21-gun salute to signal thebeginning of the auspicious occasion.

Article and photos by S SgtLebogang Tlhaole

outh Africa has experiencedenormous changes over thepast fifteen years. Theachievement of democracy in1994 led to transformed insti-tutions, new policies and theemergence of a new society.

In line with the democratic constitu-tion new policies were put in place toimprove people's quality of life. Thishas constituted a systematic effort tocreate a society based on equity, non-racialism and non-sexism.

South Africa celebrates theachievement of freedom and democra-cy annually on 27 April. In celebrationof our resilience and maturing democ-

S

Celebrating our resilience and maturing democracy

racy this year's Freedom Day was cel-ebrated at the ABSA Stadium inDurban. 27 April has been marked asa public holiday so that SouthAfricans can celebrate and pay tributeto their heroes and heroines whocontributed to the fight for freedomand the building of a non-racial andnon-sexist democracy.

The theme for this year's celebra-tion was: "Together celebrating avibrant democracy and building a bet-ter life for all". The theme invokes aspirit of hope and resilience. It is alsoa call on all South Africans to be proudof our vibrant democracy and it com-municates a message to our peoplethat together we must build ournation and take advantage of the ben-efits and opportunities created by

S A S O L D I E R J U N E 2 0 0 9

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ment do not take place the govern-ment shall not rest. To achieve all ourgoals we must hold ourselves to thehighest standards of service, probityand integrity. Together we must builda society that prizes excellence andrewards efforts that shun laziness andincompetence".

In giving direction and moving thenation forward, he made unity,renewal of hope and the practice ofdemocracy in all spheres of public lifea central theme of his speech.

The SANDF formed part of theactivities of the day as it demonstratedallegiance to its Commander-in-Chief,and brought an absolute delight to theonlookers that will remain deeplyetched in the collective memories ofSouth Africans. Leading from thefront, the Chief of the SANDF, GenGodfrey Ngwenya, led the Chief ofJoint Operations and the four Chiefs ofServices and ushered the President upto the top level of the amphitheatreand onto the stage.

Oh, what an impressive colourfulmilitary ceremony it was that receiveda standing ovation, as the SANDF, ourguardians of freedom, offered some-thing quite intoxicating and the ecstat-ic crowd cheered as our military policemotor-cyclists escorted the President,and members of the NationalCeremonial Guard Band in full swingled the parade with their rhythmicstirring sounds and the NationalCeremonial Guard marched andformed a guard of honour.Thundering echoes of the 21-gunsalute preceded the President'sspeech, while in the sky the SA AirForce demonstrated its air superiorityin its fly-past and carried nationalflags and flew in salute over the UnionBuildings. The aircraft displayed theirmanoeuvrability as they changed theirflying tactics and techniques.

By making a truly remarkablemomentous event like this a success,SA Soldier gives a big pat on the backto all members of the SANDF whohave played a pivotal role, workedodd hours behind the scenes and

>> from page 13

formed part of the activities that led tothis historical day. There are many

theories to explain … you are just amazing.

True guardians of our freedom: Leadership of the SANDF leading from thefront.

Members of the National Ceremonial Guard lined up to form the guard of honour for thePresident and his entourage.

A salute flight by the SA Air Force.

democracy so that we fully realise ourvision to create a better life for all.

The then President of South Africa,Mr Kgalema Motlanthe (now the newDeputy President of South Africa) saidin his address that he was honoured toaddress and celebrate this importantday on our national calendar in theprovince of KwaZulu-Natal. On thisday we should all celebrate our matur-ing constitutional democracy and thecontinuing hope and resilience of our

space in which our children can thriveand lead creative and fulfilling lives".

Military ceremonyThe SANDF, as instructed by the

Commander-in-Chief, participated inthe Freedom Day celebrations.

The colourful military ceremonycommenced when a group consistingof the President of South Africa, theMinister of Arts and Culture, thePremier of the KwaZulu-Natal and the

Mayor of Durban took their places onthe podium. It was followed by aNational Salute consisting of the fol-lowing:

A Guard of Honour by theNational Ceremonial Guard.A 21 Gun Salute by the NatalField Artillery.The National Anthem by the SAArmy Military Band DurbanA Salute Flight by three SA AirForce Oryx helicopters.

people.He mentioned that

as South Africans weneeded to embrace thereality that only the col-lective efforts of all sec-tions of society wouldenable us to deal withour unique challenges ina way that yielded posi-tive results and that free-dom meant freedomfrom ignorance, disease,want, landlessness,homelessness, jobless-ness, poverty and fear.

"On Freedom Daythe Government reaf-firms its commitment toconsolidating democra-cy and creating a SouthAfrica united in diversi-ty. Let us continue totransform this SouthAfrican reality into a

J U N E 2 0 0 9 S A S O L D I E R

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S A S O L D I E R J U N E 2 0 0 9

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Introducing the newMinister and DeputyMinister of Defence and Military Veterans

By Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

ince time immemorial thehanding over of the batonand the welcoming of newheads of units or sections bythe incumbent leader havebeen a military custom. On19 May 2009 the handing

over and welcoming of the newMinister and the Deputy Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans meet-ing was held at the Armscor board-room at Defence Headquarters inPretoria.

In opening the meeting GenGodfrey Ngwenya, the Chief of theSANDF, welcomed the new Ministerof the Department of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweNonceba Sisulu, and the Deputy

SMinister, Mr Thabang Makwetla. Heintroduced them to the members ofthe Preliminary Defence Staff Council(PDSC). He guaranteed bothMinisters that he and the PDSC aswell as the SANDF members in gener-al would give them all the necessarysupport they would need to executetheir various tasks. Gen Ngwenyaintroduced the uniformed members ofSANDF in attendance, while theActing Secretary for Defence, MrTsepe Motumi, introduced the civilianleaders of the Department who werepresent at this handing over and wel-coming session.

Gen Ngwenya thanked the outgo-ing Minister of Defence, Mr CharlesNqakula, for the pivotal and prudentrole he played and for his achieve-ments made during his short periodas Minister of Defence. Minister

Fltr: Acting Secretary for Defence, Mr Tsepe Motumi, the outgoing Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula, the newMinister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, the new Deputy Minister, Mr Thabang Makwetla, and theChief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, welcoming the new Ministers to the Department.

Sisulu succeeded Mr Nqakula who leftoffice on 8 May 2009. Deputy MinisterMakwetla succeeded Mr FezileBhengu.

On introducing the new Minister,Mr Nqakula said that Ms Sisulu wasnot only a comrade, but also a friendwho had served very well in differentspheres of Government. He expressedhis confidence in Ms Sisulu and MrMakwetla's ability to discharge theirresponsibilities as mandated by thePresident of South Africa.

The two Ministers are not new tothe military environment andGovernment. In exile, Minister Sisuluwas a soldier in Umkhonto we Sizwe(MK) where she worked for the under-ground structures of the AfricanNational Congress (ANC). From 1977to 1979 she received military training,specialising in intelligence. The posi-

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Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, the new Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans.

tions she has held include ChiefAdministrator for the ANC at theConvention for a Democratic SouthAfrica (CODESA) in 1991, Admin-istrator of Intelligence, ANC De-part-ment of Intelligence and Security in1992 and Chairperson of the Par-lia-mentary Joint Standing Committee onIntelligence between 1995 and 1996. In1996 she was appointed DeputyMinister of Home Affairs. This lasteduntil 2001, after which she wasappointed Minister of IntelligenceServices, which position she held until2004. It was after the second national

democratic elections that she becameMinister of Housing, a portfolio sheheld until her appointment as Ministerof Defence and Military Veterans. MsSisulu assumed office on 11 May 2009.

Mr Makwetla went into exile in1976, where he joined the MK. Afterthe dawn of democracy he wasappointed to various positions, such asa member of the Joint Standing

tabled for discussion during his peri-od of office.

Minister Sisulu introduced herDeputy, Mr Makwetla, who said hewas looking forward to working withMs Sisulu in the Defence Ministry. MsSisulu assured the PDSC membersthat she would be readily available tolisten, and further assured them of hercommitment to her post, goals, the

Mr Thabang Makwetla, the new Deputy Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans.

Committee on Defence from 1994 to2001. He was also a member of theJoint Standing Committee onIntelligence from 1998 to 2001. From2001 to 2004 he was MEC for Safetyand Security in MpumalangaProvince. In 2004 he became thePremier of the Mpumalanga Province,a position he held until he becameDeputy Minister of the Department ofDefence and Military Veterans.

Mr Nqakula briefed the newMinisters about the challenges theyshould attend to and told them aboutsome of the issues that were to be

vision of the SANDF and theDepartment of Defence and MilitaryVeterans. She expressed her condo-lences to Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, theChief of the SA Air Force, and the fam-ilies of the soldiers who lost their livesin an accident at Woodstock Dam inKwaZulu-Natal when an Augusta A-109 utility helicopter crash-landed on12 May 2009.

In conclusion, she informed thefour Chiefs of Services that she and theDeputy Minister would in a few weeksbe visiting various units to acquaintthemselves with the SANDF.

competition

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Defence TV wins award at Polish Military FilmFestivalArticle and photos by Tebogo Dube,Video Editor Defence TV

young boy is put in a situationwhere he has to make a choice:either kill to avenge the deathsthat have been taking place formany decades - even before hisexistence - or let the girl live, as asymbol of showing that the fight-

ing should stop with his generation. Sweattrickles down his face while he is shaking,struggling emotionally not to pull the trig-ger. He decides not to pull the trigger.

This was a scene from A Sniper'sValley, a German film that depicts therole of the German Army in Kosovo

Aafter the declaration of independence.The story takes place against the back-ground of the conflict between theAlbanians and Serbs; its roots, however,goes back to the time of World War II.The film was one of the entries for thefirst Polish International Military FilmFestival - the Military Camera 2009 - heldin Warsaw, Poland, from 3 to 8 May2009.

Although it was the first time thatan international military film festivalwas held in Poland, the Military Camera2009 managed to attract 50 films anddocumentaries from across the globe,all dealing with military issues. Defen-ce Corporate Communication (DCC)

subsection, Defence TV, entered twomilitary films, namely A Season forGoodwill and Eye of the Forces, bothof which made it into the final selec-tion of 20 entries chosen from the fif-teen countries that had entered thecompetition.

The world of television productionand film-making is dynamic and everevolving. New technologies and dif-ferent ways of storytelling are continu-ously being introduced into the indus-try. One has constantly to stay in touchwith fellow film-makers and televisionprofessionals in order to keep abreastof current trends, developments andinnovative ways of doing things. It

Brig Gen Kwena Mangope, Director Corporate Communication (left), receives the award fromMr Krysztof Polmes, Director of the Polish Film Festival.

was for this reasonthat the SANDFsent a delegation toattend the militaryfilm festival. Therewe were able toexchange ideas andforge relationshipswith the SANDF'scounterparts whoare professionalsspecialising in mili-tary film production.

As Baha'u'llah,an Iranian theolo-gian and philoso-pher once said: "Sopowerful is thelight of unity that itcan illuminate thewhole earth". Al-though the MilitaryCamera 2009 was acompetition, it didnot feel like one.The participantswere competing

J U N E 2 0 0 9 S A S O L D I E R

19in good spirit with the bigger aim oflearning from one another and sharingtheir experiences in documentariesand film-making. They all cametogether after each screening to findout more about the story and produc-tion process of the film they had justviewed.

The festival opened on 3 May 2009,which coincided with a very impor-tant Polish public holiday, namelyConstitutional Day. The participants

in the festival were invited to take partin the celebration and were taken to aparade attended by the President andthe Prime Minister of Poland. Thisinvitation included a visit to the"Grave of the Unknown Soldier"where delegates witnessed a ceremo-nial changing of the guard in front ofthe memorial.

The brilliance of the film-makingskills and art was showcased duringthe week when the films and docu-

mentaries that made it into the finalswere screened. They all dealt with mil-itary subjects, but told many differentstories - stories of hope, of men andwomen who risk their lives in order tobring peace to others, of victory andpatriotism, of peace and reconciliation,stories of global friendships and thosewith passion for the armed forces.

A Season for Goodwill is a docudra-ma done on the Goodwill ParcelProject, a project that was initiated bythe SANDF to show its gratitude tosoldiers who sacrifice spending timewith their friends and family duringthe festive season because they aredeployed as part of various peace-keeping and border patrol missionsduring this period. It was wellreceived by the delegates at the festi-val for its high production value andbecause it showed the SANDF andCorporate South Africa caring for oursoldiers.

This entry won the Prize of theCommander of the Polish Navy duringthe festival. The Ambassador of SouthAfrica to Poland, Her Excellency, FébéPotgieter-Gqubule, was also present atthe final closing. She congratulated theSouth African delegation on winningthis international award. This was notthe first time that Defence TV had beenhonoured at such a prestigious eventand it felt good to know that our veryown TV section was regarded as aworthy peer by other military docu-mentary film-makers across the globe.We will continue to promote the DODand SANDF both internally and exter-nally through the powerful medium ofaudio-visual communication.

I should like to conclude this arti-cle by urging you to become moreinvolved in growing a film culturewithin the SANDF. Television is avery powerful and exciting communi-cation medium. You can play a partby sending your comments and sug-gestions for stories that you wouldlike Defence TV to produce (theseshould have communication value) toDefence TV, fax: (012) 312 2048 orphone Cindy Ludick at (012) 312 2721.Copies of the winning entry - A Seasonfor Goodwill - can be ordered from MrRonnet Kgaphola at (012) 312 2239.

Front, fltr: Brig Gen Kwena Mangope (Director Corporate Communication),Mr Willie van der Westhuizen (Councillor at the SA Embassy in Warsaw) andMCWO Johan Scheepers (Master Chief Warrant Officer of the SANDF). Back,fltr: Ms Sheron Scheepers (wife of MCWO Scheepers), Mr Tebogo Dube(Video Editor Defence TV), Ms Marianne Dirker (Navy TV) and Mr JanekKrólak (Tourism Clerk at the SA Embassy in Warsaw).

Fltr: Mr Tebogo Dube (Video Editor Defence TV), Ms Marianne Dirker (NavyTV), Brig Gen Kwena Mangope, (Director Corporate Communication),HE Fébé Potgieter-Gqubule (Ambassador of South Africa to Poland), MCWO Johan Scheepers (Master Chief Warrant Officer of the SANDF) andhis wife, Ms Sheron Scheepers, with the award won at the PolishInternational Military Film Festival in Warsaw, Poland.

insight

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Doctor Iliana Popova and a nurse, Captain Rina Smith, examine KutlwanoJunior Molefe, 3, at the Dr George Mukhari Hospital. (Photo: Courtesy Damaris Helwig, Pretoria News)

Article and photos by Lt SelloSegone, Acting Editor Milmed

he SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) yet again was calledupon to restore hope to theSouth African health system.This was after the doctors ofthe provincial hospitalsembarked on industrial action

over higher wages. The SAMHS wastasked to be Chief Executor in supportof the National Department of Healthto ensure that essential health servicesat the identified provincial hospitalswere not compromised by the strike.

The Gauteng Health Departmenthad issued letters of dismissal to thedoctors on 28 April 2009 for their par-ticipation in an illegal strike. The doc-tors involved were from Dr GeorgeMukhari Hospital in Garankuwa andJubilee Hospital in Hammanskraal.

As soon as an early warning waspronounced a contingency plan wasput in place by the SAMHS. The wholeof the SAMHS was put on 24-hourstandby.

T

Restoring hope within the health care fraternity

As was the case during OperationBATA, Brig Gen Piet Oelofse, GeneralOfficer Commanding Mobile MilitaryHealth Formation, was appointed

Mission Commander of OperationITHEMBA - IsiZulu for "hope", whichofficially got under way on 25 April.

To ensure the effectiveness ofOperation ITHEMBA, a SituationRoom was immediately set up at theSAMHS Headquarters and anOperations Room at the MobileMilitary Health Formation HQ.

The first group of personnel todeploy was immediately sent to DrGeorge Mukhari Hospital as it was themain focus of attention. There werethree groups on 12-hour shifts.

"The situation at the hospitals ischallenging as there are no doctors atthe hospitals and it becomes a bit of aproblem as the patients can no longerbe referred to other hospitals as theyalso have their own patients to takecare of. Col Herman du Plessis and Isuccessfully managed to have a meet-

To ensure the effectiveness of Operation ITHEMBA, a Situation Room wasimmediately set up at the SAMHS Headquarters.

J U N E 2 0 0 9 S A S O L D I E R

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ing with the CEO of the Dr GeorgeMukhari Hospital to have their spec-ialists assist in emergency cases. Thiswas met with great pleasure," saidBrig Gen Oelofse.

Unlike Operation BATA wherenurses and support personnel were onstrike, this time it was a bit different asonly doctors were involved. The otherdistinguishing factor was that therewere no incidents of intimidation orviolence; instead it was rather peaceful.

In analysing Operation ITHEMBA,Brig Gen Oelofse stressed the impor-

tance of having reliable health intelli-gence. This would help in detectingincidents way in advance and helpcurb them before it was too late.

As soon as an agreement betweenthe doctors and the Department ofHealth was reached the military per-sonnel were withdrawn, but therewere still members who were moni-toring the situation for some daysthereafter.

However, the Surgeon General ofthe SANDF, Lt Gen VejaynandRamlakan, reassured all members ofthe SANDF and their dependants thatregardless of Operation ITHEMBAthe necessary contingency planswere in place to ensure that membersof the SANDF and their immediatefamily members still received qualityhealth care at the military sickbays andhospitals.

By Cdr Adri Liebenberg, ActingSSO Environmental Services,Directorate Facilities, ChiefLogistics

n 2007 the previous Defence websiteon Facilities Management that com-

bined the functionalities of fixed as-sets and environmental managementwas identified by the Web Master,Mr Paul van de Venter at DefenceCorporate Communication (DCC), forrealignment and to be structured inaccordance with the requirements ofDCC. The then SO1 Facilities Com-munication, Lt Col Elsa Daniels, initi-ated the process of gathering updatedinformation to be used in the estab-lishment of an updated website,

constraints. Subsequently it wasagreed that an environmental sitewould be developed and whenrequired fixed assets would beaddressed. The content on the site wasverified and approved by the WebMaster as required by defence policy.

The new Military IntegratedEnvironmental Management (MIEM)website was launched on 1 March2009 and since then some 150 hits havebeen recorded on the site. As MIEM isa command responsibility that is man-aged corporately at level 2, it has beendecided to structure this site as part ofthe Chief of the SANDF site.

For access to the site visit: www.mil.za/csandf/environmental services/.

together with that of Legal Servicesand the SA Army.

Lt Col Daniels provided the envi-ronmental content of the site throughDCC to the Web Master. However, thecontent on the fixed assets functionali-ty could not be accessed owing to time

Defence environmental website relaunched

I

The Operations Room at the Mobile Military HealthFormation Headquarters.

The Operations Room at the Mobile Military Health FormationHeadquarters.

events

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Goodwill Parcel Projectgiving back to the communityArticle and photo by PfunzoMafenya, Religious Communicationand Liaison

aces beamed at PretoriaEvangelism and Nurture, wellknown as Pennies NurserySchool on 16 April 2009, afterthe Master Chief WarrantOfficer of the SANDF, MCWOJohan Scheepers, and theSANDF Chaplain General,

Brig Gen (Rev) Marius Cornelissen,handed over 150 boxes of food ham-pers which were surplus from theGoodwill Parcel Project.

The Goodwill Parcel Project is aninitiative of Warrant Officers to sup-port SANDF deployed members and

With the help of sponsors, this non-profit organisation has established aclinic called Sediba Home Clinic. Theclinic is a home-based care provider. Ithas an HIV and AIDS wellness pro-gramme and also gives counselling tothose infected and affected by the epi-demic. The clinic is in Pretoria central,at the corner of Bosman and VermeulenStreets and is open to all members ofthe public.

The Principal of Pennies NurserySchool, Ms Reineke, said that the shel-ter was getting a lot of support fromdifferent churches and companies. Sheadded that the food hampers donatedby the SANDF Goodwill Parcel Projectwould be given to the children in theshelter and to their families.

SANDF Chaplain General, Brig Gen (Rev) Marius Cornelissen (left), and Master Chief Warrant Officer of the SANDF,MCWO Johan Scheepers (right), with members of the SANDF, teachers and children from Pennies Nursery School during the food hamper handover.

their families every year over theDecember festive season. After theDecember 2008 distribution there was asurplus of 150 parcels. A decision wastaken to donate these surplus parcels toa worthwhile cause. Pennies NurserySchool was a fortunate and happyrecipient of the parcels.

Pennies Nursery School was found-ed in 1992 with the aim of making a dif-ference in the city. The main target ofthe organisation was Schubart Park, ablock of flats situated next to the nurs-ery from which many children in theshelter came. Today the nursery hasgrown and there are two other nurs-eries. One is in Sunnyside with 30 chil-dren and the other in Scheiding Streetwith 60 children.

F

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By Kgomotso Seruba, Intern at Service CorpsPhoto: Ms Magriet Malan

lways remember that we liveour lives by choice not bychance and we need to takeresponsibility for the deci-sions we make and theactions we take. In order forone to find a suitable job after

completion of one's studies the mostimportant tool to have is experience inthe workplace.

A

Internship career development workshop

Voluntary interns of the Department of Defence at the Personnel Service School in Thaba Tshwane.

voluntary internship programme inthe Department of Defence. Theseworkshops will help the voluntaryinterns in the future with their careerplanning. The modules of the world ofwork included self-exploration, exter-nal exploration focused on the impor-tance of a CV, finding employmentand preparing for a job interview.

All the interns were happy with theworkshop. Some of them said thisworkshop assisted them in deciding away forward when their internshipcontract ended.

Directorate Career Managementscheduled a two-day career develop-ment workshop for currently em-ployed interns at the Personnel ServiceSchool in Thaba Tshwane on 7 and 8April 2009.

The aim was to ensure that theinterns gained more experience intheir workplaces for the future.

The workshop opens doors for thevoluntary interns within theDepartment of Defence, public serviceand the private sector. The HumanResources Division staff introduced a

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Fire-fighting capability shown in containing a fire.

SA Air Force air powercapability demonstration

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: WO2 DavidNomtshongwana

hose who have aviation atheart, members of the media,aviation photographers, def-ence analysts and militaryspectators braved the heat ofthe bushveld to capture thestar-studded spectacular an-

nual SA Air Force air power capabili-ty demonstration held at the Roode-wal Bombing Range in LimpopoProvince on 2 April 2009.

This was most certainly an eventthat highlighted the importance ofcombat readiness and integration ofthe different components of our fourServices to maintain and achieve airpower in any war situation. Theadvanced state-of-the art attack air-craft of the SA Air Force displayedhigh-speed manoeuvring tactics, stat-ic airborne capability, spin, high per-

Tformance fire-power during a mockattack on enemy forces and coveringfire for the ground forces.

The commentator, Col John Bayne(Senior Staff Officer Combat OperatingSystems) painted a broad and detailedpicture of the different scenarios.Superior air-to-ground and air-to-airattacks, airlifts, rescue, air droppedlogistical equipment, air assault forces,excellent co-ordination of commandand control air and ground, and spec-tacular fly-pasts were the order of theday.

Proudly commenting on the demon-stration, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, theChief of the SA Air Force, said that thedemonstration was meant to highlightthe importance of air power and theintegration of different air and groundcomponents to achieve their comple-mentary roles in maintaining airpower. He also revealed the readinessof the fighter aircraft of the SA AirForce. "The demonstration of the

Rooivalk attack helicopter, along withother aircraft clearly shows the ability tobeat any challenge and will soon bedeployed on peacekeeping missions,"said Lt Gen Gagiano.

He added that the SA Air Force hadnow received most of the assetsacquired in the 1999 Strategic DefencePackage (SDP) and was well on the wayto integrating them fully within the ser-vice. "The SA Air Force obtained thirtyAgusta Westland A109 LUH light utilityhelicopters, twenty-six Saab JAS39C/DGripen advanced light fighter aircraft,twenty-four BAE Systems Mk120 Hawklead-in fighter aircraft and four AgustaWestland SuperLinx300 maritime heli-

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief ofthe SA Air Force, addressing mem-bers of the media and highlightingthe SA Air Force's endeavourstowards excellence and its goals.

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A Rooivalk attack helicopter showing a high level of sophistication andsplit-second firing tactics.

copters directly and indirectly fromthe SDP. All four Lynx and all twenty-four Hawks have been delivered,twenty-eight of the A109's have beenreceived and the first five Gripen Dtwo-seaters have been delivered. Theinitial crews and instructors are busywith their conversion course and weare setting ourselves the target of alsohaving them delivering air-groundordnance here with the next demon-stration in the second half of the year,"said Lt Gen Gagiano.

During an interview with SASoldier, Col Bayne said that in order tomake improvements in the everchanging world of technology of a

complex and demanding environmentand different situations we needed toanalyse all activities aimed at the goalof air power. "Air power is aboutsurveillance, mobility and firepowerand utilising this with maximumeffect across a broad spectrum of roles,tasks and missions in peace and war inthe shortest possible time," he said.

Defence analyst Helmoed RömerHeitman said: "The United Nations(UN) will be pleased with the latestdevelopments in the SANDF. Fromthe demonstration one can see that thefighting air machines like the Rooivalkand its weapon system would allow itto carry out tasks very well and pro-

An Oryx helicopter demonstrating airlift rescue with a "medic" evacuating acombat casualty.

An Oryx helicopter off-loading cargoonto a Samil truck.

vide a proper response to any situationor eventuality where civilians and mili-tary forces come under attack."

It is indeed true that for aircraft tomeet the challenge weapon systems areneeded that will beat the challenge. TheRooivalk attack helicopter is armed withan assortment of weapons raging from20 mm cannon, anti-tank missiles, air-to-air missiles and unguided rockets.For its various missions the SA AirForce has to be equipped with an abilityto conduct reconnaissance, and haveheliborne escorts, close air and groundsupport, the ability to destroy heavyarmour and artillery.

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The Pipes and Drums of the Cape Town Highlanders with the South African Highland Dancers at the JinhaeInternational Military Band and Guard of Honour Festival.

Cape Town HighlandersPipes and Drums playedin South Korea

By Drummer Mandy FreemanPhotos: Lt Christian Evans andDrummer Mandy Freeman

he 2009 trip to South Korea forthe Jinhae InternationalMilitary Band and Guard ofHonour Festival proved howversatile the Drums and Pipesof the Cape Town Highlanderscan be.

On 30 March 2009 the Drums andPipes of the Cape Town Highlandersflew to the maritime city of Jinhae,South Korea, to perform in the JinhaeInternational Military Band and Guardof Honour Festival. It was an interna-

Ttional festival quite different from theTattoos of the past and formed part ofthe 47th Gun Hang Je (the CherryBlossom) Festival.

According to Jonggil Lee, Chairmanof the Promotion Committee, in his wel-coming address, the festival would"overcomes the unfortunate past historyof struggle among world powers and isa symbol of peace in north-east Asia".

The Cape Town Highlanders werejust one of two pipe bands to perform,viz the South African HighlandDancers, whose dance routine wasincorporated into the set, and the RoyalAir Force Leuchars Pipes and Drumsfrom Scotland. The festival saw interna-

tional performances by the MilitaryBand of the P.L.A. of China, the 8thArmy Band from the United States ofAmerica and the Royal New ZealandNavy Band and Maori Cultural Group.

The first few days were spentrehearsing for the both the main perfor-mance that ran for three nights, as wellas a fringe performance at the Moun-tain Jehwang Park, the Jungwon Rotaryconcert and a street parade through thecherry blossomed streets of Jinhae.There were three nights of performan-ces amidst fireworks, smoke and anenthusiastic audience. Although tem-peratures were sub-zero and exhaus-tion was setting in, each performance

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J U N E 2 0 0 9 S A S O L D I E R

Col Rick Hatton, the CanadianDefence Adviser, hands over theClasp to Sgt Ivan Horn.

was exhilarating and exciting - a personal victory, a collective triumph.

Words fail to do justice to theunique experience that expresses thecolour and culture of the 2009 JinhaeInternational Military Band and Guardof Honour Festival. All things consid-ered it was a successful trip; friendswere made, languages taught andlearnt, cultures combined and memo-ries made. On the evening of 5 April, asthe last notes faded away, a spray ofconfetti flew overhead and fireworkscoloured the darkened sky.

The Drums and Pipes of the CapeTown Highlanders came together as agroup of dedicated and professionalmusicians, continually working as ateam to ensure that nothing or no onewas left behind or forgotten. "The fan-tastic music of the military band andthe great ceremonies of the guard ofhonour will make unforgettable memo-ries to you all," said Lee Jae Bok,Honorary Chairman and Mayor ofJinhae. Indeed it did.

By Maj Merle Meyer, CommunicationOfficer SA Army Infantry FormationPhoto: Lt Villa Mienie

he Canadian Forces Chief of DefenceStaff Commendation was awarded

to two members of 8 SA InfantryBattalion (8 SAI Bn) at Upington on 27March 2009.

The two members were Sgt I. Hornand Sgt J. Jordaan, who were deployedin the Sudan with 8 SAI Bn in 2006. SgtJordaan has resigned from the SANDFand could unfortunately not attend theevent.

The Canadian Chief of Defence StaffCommendation is a gold plated, satinfinished insignia, consisting of a barwith three maple leaves, measuring 2cm long by 5 cm wide.

The commendation was awarded tothe two members because on 5 and 6October 2006, while serving with theUnited Nations Mission in the Sudan,they recovered a Canadian armouredvehicle that had been badly damaged incombat. Under extreme weather condi-tions and the constant threat of attack,the recovery extended through 60 miles(144 km) of desert to the nearest AfricanUnion Forces camp. Their technicalexpertise and unwavering dedicationallowed the Canadian detachment inDarfur to carry out appropriate demili-

tarisation of the equipment. The Can-adian High Commissioner, Ms RuthArchibald, and the Canadian DefenceAdviser, Col Rick Hatton, in awardingthe Commendation to Sgt Horn andMs Archibald said that these membershad showed judgement and courageeven though they were in danger. Shesaid that they had known what wasright in their hearts and what the rightthing was to do, but despite the risksthey did the right thing.

Canada pays tribute to two SANDF soldiers

T

Three pipers of the Cape Town Highlanders practising whileon tour.

Pipers of the Cape TownHighlanders smartly marching offthe stage.

focus on people

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The newly appointed Commandant of theMilitary Academy, Brig Gen Lindile Yam.

The Military Academyappointed its 18th

Commandant

Article and photo by Capt EngelaMeintjes, Military Academy

rig Gen Lindile Yam, hasbeen appointed eighteenthCommandant of the MilitaryAcademy, taking over fromR Adm (JG) Derek Christianwho commanded the unit.

Brig Gen Yam was bornin East London on 8 August 1960. Hestudied there but completed hisMatric privately. He joined the under-ground structures of the ANC duringhis high school career and ultimatelyfound himself detained and after-wards went into exile. He joinedUmkhonto we Sizwe, the militarywing of the ANC, in 1981 and did histraining in Angola where he experi-enced combat action as a PlatoonCommander on the eastern front.

He was a Platoon Commander onthe eastern front in 1982 before beingwounded and spending time recuper-ating in Yugoslavia in 1984. He didhis urban and rural warfare companycommander's course in East Germanyin 1987. He came back to become aCompany Commander, Battalion andBase Commander, as well as a Comp-any Commander on the northernfront before going back to the mainMK Training Centre "Richard BarneyMolokoana" in Caculama as aninstructor and Company Command-er. In Caculama three companies weremerged into one battalion under hiscommand. At this time he was alsoserving as an instructor in tactics(battle handling). He opened a new

base in Tanzania before he was sent toinfiltrate South Africa where he ulti-mately became an MK RegionalCommander for the Border Region. Hedid his Junior Command and StaffCourse in Ghana in 1993 and 1994.

He led the integration of his MKregion into the SANDF, which startedin April 1994 and became the firstmember from the Non-statutory Forcesto take over a standing unit, afterwhich he was Officer Commanding of13 SA Infantry Battalion fromNovember 1994 to November 1997. Hewas then appointed as SO1 Opera-tions at Group 8. He completed theSouth African Senior Command andStaff Course in 1998 and the ExecutiveNational Security Programme (ENSP)in 2000. He also did a course inDefence Management at theWitwatersrand University.

He was appointed as OfficerCommanding of Group 6

Planning Committee. He was also co-opted as South Africa's Mega GamesSecurity Committee member beforebeing sent to the Royal College ofDefence Studies in Britain in 1995 for aGlobal Security Strategy Course.

He remained there to become theNon-resident Defence, Army andNaval Adviser of South Africa to theUK and Sweden between 10 February2006 and 10 February 2009. He also hasa Damelin Diploma in Personnel andTraining Management, a US certificatein Policy Writing and some other qual-ifications, as well as a degree in inter-national relations (University ofLondon - Kings College).

He is a former professional boxerand keeps himself fit by exercising inthe gym and jogging - a hobby alsoshared by his wife.

The unit is privileged to have aperson of this stature in command atthis time.

BHeadquarters in Port Elizabethafter which he was appointedas the SANDF's DirectorPhysical Training Sports andRecreation in November 2001,in which capacity he laterbecame South Africa's repre-sentative to the "Conferencefor International MilitarySport" (CISM represented in130 countries). Then he becamethe Chief Eastern and SouthernAfrican Liaison Officer(ESALO) and an additionalmember of the CISM Board ofDirectors as part of theInternational Strategy and

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Col Polelo Lazarus Zim reading the pledge as Honorary Colonel.

Inauguration of HonoraryColonel by 2 FieldEngineer Regiment

Article and photo by Capt EricaWestraadt, Communication Officer2 Field Engineer Regiment

Field Engineer Regiment heldthe Inauguration Parade ofMr Polelo Lazarus Zim as theHonorary Colonel of theRegiment on 17 April 2009.Pastor Ray McCauley ofRhema Christian Church was

among those attending this parade.Even guests from as far away asNigeria were invited to this presti-gious event.

The appointment of an HonoraryColonel is a tradition in the SANDF.The term "Honorary Colonel" refers toa titular appointment and not a rank.However, the prescribed compli-ments must be paid to him duringofficial activities.

Any prominent citizen of the RSAinterested in the needs and well-beingof the SANDF may be appointed as anHonorary Colonel. It is not necessaryfor such a person to have militaryexperience. His or her physical bear-ing and appearance must be such thatin uniform he or she will project agood image of the SANDF.

The main responsibility of anHonorary Colonel is to assist in main-taining regimental traditions and tofoster esprit de corps, including unitpride and high morale.

Mr Zim was born in Bethlehem on22 August 1960. He matriculated inBethlehem in 1979 and continued tofurther his studies.

He is the Chairman of AfripalmResources, Mvelaphanda Resources,

Northam Platinum, Kumba Iron Oreand Trans Hex Group (diamonds). Hewas the CEO of Anglo American SouthAfrica Limited and a former Chairmanof Anglo Operations Limited. He wasalso the Chairman of Pinnacle PointHoldings.

He serves on the boards of Sanlam,Pinnacle Point Holdings, InvestmentClimate Facility for Africa, Joint AidManagement, and on the AdvisoryBoard of Capital International. He isthe Immediate Past President of theChamber of Mines of South Africa anda former Director of Anglo GoldAshanti, Anglo Platinum, MondiSouth Africa and Telkom. He is alsoChairman of the Board of Trustees ofthe Wits Foundation.

Mr Zim holds a B Com degreefrom Fort Hare, a B Com Honoursfrom Wits, an M Com from RAU and

a D Com (honoris causa) from FortHare. He was the Managing Directorof MTN International where he led allMTN operations outside South Africa,including the establishment of MTNNigeria. From 1994 to 2001 he heldseveral positions in the pay televisiongroup, MIH, where he was ultimatelya CEO of MIH SA responsible for M-Net, SuperSport, MultiChoice SA(DSTV) and Oracle Air Time Sales.

Mr Zim is currently based in SouthAfrica from where he pursues anddevelops business opportunities pri-marily in resources, property develop-ment and ICT. He also provides strate-gic advice to companies doing busi-ness in Africa. He was voted the"African Business Leader of the Year"in 2005 and the 2008 "Mover andShaker of the Year" by Business DayFinancial Mail.

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DOD and Innovation Hub of understanding

Article and photo by Lt SelloSegone, Acting Editor Milmed

he SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) took its theme -World-class Clinical Service - toeven greater heights when itsigned a memorandum ofagreement with the Innova-tion Hub on 6 March 2009.

This involved the transferral of landto the Department of Defence (DOD)on which a new state of the art spe-cialist aeromedical facility was to beestablished.

The signing of the memorandumof understanding was undertaken bythe Acting CEO of the InnovationHub, Mr Tsietsi Maleho, the ActingSecretary for Defence, Mr TsepeMotumi, and the Chief DirectorMilitary Health Force Support, Maj Gen Lifeni Make.

The need to build such a facilitywas identified over the past number ofyears as aircraft technology hasadvanced to new levels that exceednormal human capabilities. Specialequipment and training, which up tonow have only been available at great

Texpense in foreign countries suchas Sweden and Germany, arerequired for optimising survivaland tactical effectiveness.

The Institute for AviationMedicine (IAM) has had a humancentrifuge since its construction atits present site in Centurion in1970, but the typical design lifes-pan for a human centrifuge is 30years. Planning for a new aeromed-ical capability was initiated in theearly 1990s and is now fastapproaching the implementationphase.

The Acting Secretary for Defence, Mr Tsepe Motumi (left), and the Acting CEO of the Innovation Hub, Mr Tsietsi Maleho, shake hands after signing the memorandum of understanding.

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sign memorandum

Institute for Aviation MedicineThe IAM is a specialist institute of

the SAMHS and falls under theTertiary Military Health Formation.The IAM provides a specialist serviceto the SA National Defence Force(SANDF) and in particular the SA AirForce (SAAF) and other approvedclients such as the South African CivilAviation Authority.

Specialist equipment required toperform the services offered by IAMat the Innovation Hub will includefacilities for pilot training, psycholog-ical screening, aviation medicinetraining for doctors and nursing staff,applied research in support of theSAAF, as well as postgraduate cours-es in aerospace medicine.Collaboration with educational insti-tutions and research and develop-ment institutions such as the CSIRwill add direct impetus to the growthof a biosciences cluster.

Through its international alliancesand the creation of a new"Physiological Training Centre" witha modern human centrifuge, a disori-entation chamber, new hypobaricchambers and a hyperbaric oxygentherapy unit, as well as the inclusionof the Military Psychological Unit, theIAM provides the capacity for inter-national and southern hemispheretraining and collaborative research.

The facility will provide newtypes of training for Special Forces,ambulance services, fire-fighting ser-vices, rescue services and members ofthe civil aviation community wishingto use the facility.

The Innovation Hub provides therequired infrastructure in close prox-imity to important role players, and is

also the ideal environment withinwhich collaborative research anddevelopment can flourish.

Specialist ServicesSpecialised musterings such as

SAAF aircrew (fighter pilots, heli-copter pilots, transport pilots and thecabin crews of various musterings),airborne Special Forces, divers andsubmariners form the indispensablebackbone of the SANDF militarycapability.

These specialists operate inextreme physiologically hostile envi-ronments and utilise sophisticatedequipment where the limiting factoris no longer the machine, but thehuman operator. In order not only tooptimise survivability, but also toachieve the highest tactical effective-ness of the man/machine interface,psychological training is essential.Additionally, specialised aeromedicaland psychological testing of appli-cants is an extremely important aspectof selecting the best of the best candi-dates for training in these specialisedmusterings.

To cater for these requirements theSouth African Aeromedical andSpecialist Training Facility (SA-ASTF)is being established, and it willinclude a human centrifuge, hypobar-ic chambers, a hyperbaric chamber, adisorientation demonstrator withnight vision integration, a helicopterdisorientation trainer with G-capabili-ties and night vision integration, ananti-G-straining manoeuvre trainer,an ejection trainer, an underwaterescape training system and gymequipment specifically designed foraeromedical physiological training.

Benefits to South Africa The facility will not only benefit the

SANDF by providing better selected andtrained personnel to carry out militaryand peacekeeping missions, but will alsoprovide essential benefits to South Africaand the region.

The benefits:SA-ASTF services will be availableto other government departments,notably the Civil Aviation Authority,as well as those of other countries inthe region.Services will be available to othermilitary forces with whom SouthAfrica is collaborating, regionallyand worldwide.National research institutions, suchas the CSIR and the University ofPretoria will be able to use theSA-ASTF for equipment testingand research. SA-ASTF services will be availableto civilian parties such as SouthAfrican Airways and others onrequest. Selling SA-ASTF services toapproved clients will promote flightsafety in South African and SouthernAfrican airspace.The local industry will benefit in the

following ways due to National Indus-try participation and Defence Industryparticipation programmes:

Contractor engaging local industryfor support.Contractor utilising locals inmanufacturing.Technology sharing with localindustry.The SA-ASTF is to be fully opera-

tional within the next four years withcertain capabilities, such as the hyperbar-ic chamber being operational later on.

rejuvenation

By Amn Tebogo Kekana, Ad AstraPhotos: Sgt Corne Swart

ll children have a right to aname, enough to eat and adecent place to live, so statesthe bill of rights. They serve asa living testimony thatthrough them, we are guaran-teed a better future. Every

child is special no matter how differentthey may appear to our eyes and weneed to see them through the eyes ofthe heart and not judge them, especial-ly when they are physically challenged.

It is against this background thatAir Force Base Makhado (515Squadron) hosted a week-long campfor physically challenged children atLianga Game Lodge just outside theBase.

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A

Learners got a tastefor the military

The day started as early as 06:00 inthe morning with drill movements,hygiene and games that included lightphysical training. The aim of this year'scamp was to increase awareness andreduce stigmatisation. The reasonbehind this annual event is to make thechildren feel good about themselvesand to know that they have a family atthe SA Air Force that genuinely caresfor them.

The squadron pulled out all thestops to make sure that the week'sexperiences stayed in the children'shearts forever. The instructors treatedthem like real soldiers and kept thembusy with activities that left no roomfor boredom.

"This camp has a history datingback 22 years, and over the years wehave done more than we actually cancomprehend. We grew with its success-es and learned from its challenges.These 82 children come from differentschools, two of which are local, onefrom Polokwane, one from Bela-Bela

and another two from Pretoria," con-firmed Lt Col Sello Nukeri, OfficerCommanding 515 Squadron.

The event was to a large extentsponsored by the private sector. MrTony Bekker, spokesperson of Spur inLouis Trichardt, said that althoughtheir franchise donated vouchers andlunch food-packs for this event, theyhad the firm intention to keep assist-ing this initiative. "Spur promises tokeep the relationship with the SA AirForce going and next year we willsponsor with more things like clothesand monetary contributions wherenecessary."

Mr Dirk Meissenheimer, Vice-Chairman of Round Table LouisTrichardt, was also one of the sponsorsand kindly donated a generousamount of money to make this campthe success that it was. "We mainlydeal with community projects aroundthe country, so we get requests fromdifferent organisations and we lend ahand where we can. It can be anything

Learners practising the general salute.The learners enjoyed a few flips inan Oryx helicopter.

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By Amn Tebogo Kekana, Ad AstraPhotos: Cpl Wiko van derWesthuizen

o your best" is the mottothat Sikhululekile HighSchool in Temba (Ham-manskraal) proudly livesby. These young enthusi-asts and hard-workinglearners reflect the true

embodiment of these words as they

D

Promising new talentfor our Air Force

achieved a 100% pass rate last year. The area that the school is situated

in is normally known for its high levelof teenage pregnancy, drug abuse, ahigh rate of truancy and has manydrop-outs. This goes to show that it isreally about how much effort one putsin and not where the children comefrom. In the words of the well knownArchbishop, Desmond Tutu: "Onemust practise the true spirit of altruismat all times".

The SA Air Force (SAAF) invited theSikhululekile learners High School onan excursion at 68 Air School and theSAAF Museum on 24 March 2009. Theaim of the visit was to publicise theorganisation and the other Servicesamong learners. The school did not hes-itate to accept the invitation. Uponarrival they were warmly welcomed at68 Air School by Col Patrick Sehlare, theOfficer Commanding, who gave them

Enthusiasm coupled with passion will reach the skies.

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from paying school fees for learnerswho are needy to supplying foodrations to families. I had my 'wow'moment when one of the children vol-unteered to pray, and in that prayer sheactually asked God to bless the hostsabundantly and she did not even men-tion herself or her fellow peers; that justtouched me," said Mr Meissenheimer.

Ad Astra spoke to three of the learn-ers and this is what Charles Dingaanfrom Eersterus had to say: "I am 18

years old and this is my second yearhere. I have to say that I am thrilled bythe chopper flips and I liked themaneuvers. I would like to become apilot next year if I get invited to comeback. His friend Eswin Wisket, alsofrom Eersterus, enjoyed the tag gamethat they played while they wereerecting the tent. "It taught me that Icould be anything I wanted to be,especially if I have people who arewilling to help me". "What would the

camp be without the famous instructorthat just stood out when he gave com-mands", Bernett Rankhumise said atthe end of the interview. He stated thathe had never seen such a high standardof co-operation and he was amazed bythe fact that these learners could actu-ally reason things out like the rest ofus.

Having a sound mind is one thing,but when that mind is not used to itsfull capacity then why have it at all.

>> on page 34

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advice on the importance of equippingthemselves with life skills and beingpatriotic to one's country.

"Education and independence canfacilitate the good life for you; takecharge of your lives by using theopportunities that are presented toyou. Do not be selfish, learn as much asyou can and share the little knowledgethat you have with your peers so thatwe can all become better citizens," saidCol Sehlare. The fundamentals of disci-pline were also shared with the learn-ers when they asked about the drillmovements that they witnessed at 68Air School. Sgt Lesley Kgosana ofHuman Resources (SA Army) present-ed a variety of careers available in thevarious Services and urged those inter-ested in applying to do so as soon aspossible to avoid disappointment. Thelearners were awarded a chance tointeract with student fitters and turnersand technicians that were busy in theirworkshops.

At the SAAF Museum the curiouslearners were eager to get inside theaircraft. They asked many questions inthe little time that they had. Lt MartinMatsetse and Sgt Phuti Ngoakoexplained the workings of the SA AirForce to the learners.

Ad Astra spoke to a few learners.Martha Ramauba (Grade 12) said shewould like to join the organisation asher mother was unemployed and her

father incapacitated owing to a stroke."I had already ruled out the possibilityof ever going to a university as the sit-uation at home was so bad. I think itwas just pure fate that I came here andthen found out instantly what I coulddo with my life."

"There is so much to think aboutnow as my mother is a single parentand we are a big family at home. If Ido get accepted at the SA Air Force, Iwill do my best to get ahead," smiledDikeledi Seabela from Mathibestad.Finally, after a lot of persuasion, thelearners were given a chance to boardan aircraft in the museum and seewhat it looked like inside. After thatexperience, the number of prospectivefighter pilots increased dramatically.

At the end of a long day the teach-er thanked the SANDF for being theEmployer of Choice and actively provid-ing young people with an alternativeafter completing matric. "The SA AirForce has done its part. What is left isfor you to take that leap to a better life.We all know where we come from andit is up to us to do what we can - pickyourselves up and see the light," saidthe grateful Mapula Diale.

Nothing easily attainable is worthkeeping in life - that is the notion thatthe SA Air Force left in the minds ofSikhululekile learners. Everybody hasa responsibility to contribute in thislife because when one stops learningone dies.

The learners' curiosity took over when they were inside the aircraft at the SAAir Force Museum …

By Bibi MorgetsPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

rasing negative or wrong per-ceptions that our communi-ties have of soldiers in ourcountry is of paramountimportance. It is not surpris-ing to find children askingwhat soldiers do if there is no

war. Therefore it is the duty of DefenceCommunication Officers and everymember of the SANDF to change theperception of people that only associ-ate soldiers with war or guns. Toachieve this goal Defence CorporateCommunication (Visit and EventsSection) officers were tasked to drawup a detailed programme to educatelearners from the Limpopo Provincewho visited the SANDF over the peri-od 25 to 27 March 2009.

Upon arrival, Mr Siphiwe Dlamini,Head of Communication in the DOD,welcomed our guests from the LelesoSecondary School and theMpirwabirwa Secondary School. In hiswelcoming speech he encouraged thelearners to join the SANDF, and see theworld. He mentioned the responsibili-ties of soldiers, which included givinghumanitarian assistance to countriessuch as the Democratic Republic of

E

A school teacher from Mpirwabirwa Secoreceiving a memento from the Officer CoCol Nelson Mangezi.

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Lt Ally Senoamadi from 17 Squadron providing learners with backgroundinformation about the SA Air Force.

Educating our youthusing defence orientationprogrammes

ary School, Ms Regina Rachoene,manding of Personnel Service School,

Congo (DRC), Burundi, the Sudan, theComoros and others in support ofpeacekeeping efforts. After the brief-ing from Defence Headquarters it wastime to tour other military venues.

The learners were taken to theJoint Operations HQ, where Maj GenBarney Hlatshwayo, the GeneralOfficer Commanding Joint OperationsHeadquarters, welcomed them. MajGen Hlatshwayo briefed the learnersabout the SANDF and gave them acomprehensive explanation of the rolethe SANDF played in deployments.

During the presentation learnerswere given the chance to ask ques-tions, and an inquisitive EvanMogantlane asked: "Who takes theresponsibility if South African soldiersget killed on deployments?" Maj GenHlatshwayo replied: "South Africa

and the United Nations (UN) wouldconvene a board of inquiry to inves-tigate the precise cause of death. Whenall the relevant investigations havebeen done, the UN pays $50.000 tothe bereaved family for the burialservice."

The next destination was the SAArmy Engineering Formation wherethe Geographical Information SystemOperator, Capt Fred Myaka, welcomedthe learners and briefed them oncareers in the engineering field. "Thereare many possibilities and chances forimproving your lives in this field, butthen you must be dedicated, hardworking and motivated," said CaptMyaka. Learners were taken aroundthe premises of the Engineers and wereshown how maps were developed andprinted.

The next learning opportunity wasat the SA Air Force Museum where anumber of presentations by membersof the Siyandiza Programme tookplace, and one on the recruitment

drive. The learners were told about thecriteria of selection and were motivatedto improve their performance inMathematics and Science if they want-ed to be nominated for the next selec-tion of Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS).

The highlight of the school's visitwas when the Officer Commanding ofthe Personnel Service School, ColNelson Mangezi, organised a drill ses-sion for the benefit of the learners. Thatled to the handing over of the memen-to by Col Mangezi to Ms ReginaRachoene, a school teacher fromMpirwabirwa Secondary School, as atoken of good will for being disciplinedvisitors to the unit.

The learners were left grateful andenthusiastic about joining the SANDFin the near future.

It was another job well done by theSANDF, which achieved its goal ofeducating and therefore perhapsrecruiting more young soldiers in thenear future.

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Bringing the SANDF closer to the public

By Bibi MorgetsPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

n aim of the SANDF is to edu-cate, recruit and give employ-ment to underprivileged chil-dren. To achieve this van-guard role it is critical for theSANDF to be seen as friendsof the public at large, particu-

larly the youth.In the rejuvenation process of the

SANDF it is important that campaignsare put in place to recruit the youngergeneration to join the organisation.These projects are held in differentways as was seen last year in theImbizo campaign, which gave thou-sands of children an opportunity tointeract with the organisation and toserve in uniform.

This year the campaign has beenenlarged to include a recruitment driveto bring the SANDF closer to its targetaudience - the youth - by providing

ALt Kagiso Motsisi from 3 Military Hospital showcases part of her job to interested candidates.

application forms to areas far fromresources and in the process making itsimpler for the children to have achance to join the SANDF.

The township of Mangaung near

Bloemfontein was fortunate to have theSANDF, the SA Police Service (SAPS),community libraries and theCorrectional Services join hands in therecruitment drive on 3 April 2009.Parents accompanied the children tohelp them choose suitable careers in thevarious Services that were demonstrat-ing their capabilities.

Over 500 learners from neighbouringtownships and villages came with aview to improving their chances to findcareers in the SANDF, the SAPS and theCorrectional Services. There was somuch excitement among the youth asgovernment departments showcased thework of pilots, submariners, engineersand Special Forces.

"I am happy to be part of this greatmoment in the history of the township,as we're visited by our greatest heroes -the SANDF. As I see it many childrenhere wish to be successful and skilledsoldiers of this country," said a hopefulMicheal Motaung from Mangaung.SA Navy personnel recruit submariners among the youth.

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insight

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Passion for air powerBy Amn Tebogo Kekana, Ad AstraPhoto: WO1 Christo Crous

elatively few individuals areprivileged to wear the silver,bronze or gold wings of theSA Air Force. These are menand women who have quali-fied as pilots with the SA AirForce, a group of individuals

with unique skills and training.However, not everyone is cut out tobecome an SA Air Force pilot, and thetraining that goes into producing a sin-gle pilot is a costly exercise that runsinto millions of rands. For this reason,all around the world, pilot selection isa highly specialised process.

Every year the SA Air Force, in con-junction with the MilitaryPsychological Institute (MPI) and theInstitute for Aviation Medicine (IAM)of the SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) endeavours to identify thoseindividuals who have what it takes topass the rigorous two-year pilot train-ing programme.

Aspirant pilots are recruited by theSA Air Force from across South Africa.A paper screening is conducted toensure that candidates have the mini-mum required school subjects(Mathematics and Science on highergrade A minimum of D in higher gradeand C in standard grade). Candidateswho meet the requirements of this ini-tial pre-selection are transported toPretoria, where a comprehensiveweek-long selection process ensues.Here they are accommodated atDitholo, an SA Air Force training facil-ity near Hammanskraal, north ofPretoria, which for many of theseyoung men and women is their firsttaste of life in the military.

"On the first day, before the actualselection process begins, candidatesattend an orientation session. They arebriefed on what the SA Air Force is allabout, why they are here and the low-down on the programme that lies

Rahead of them in terms of pilot/naviga-tor selections," related Lt Col AlastairSaulse (SO1 Recruitment at DirectorateHuman Resource Services).

Representatives from various SA AirForce system groups, such as Dir-ectorate Helicopter Systems, Director-ateCombat Systems, Directorate AirTransport and Maritime SystemsDirectorate Command and ControlSystems, Directorate Human ResourceDevelopment and Directorate Techni-calStaff Services provide an overview of theoperations of the SA Air Force and theirfunctions. They tell the candidates whateach of them represents in the organisa-tion. The orientation programme isaimed at familiarising the candidateswith life as a military aviator, and to pro-vide an indication of the culture in theorganisation so as to enable candidatesto make an informed decision onwhether they would like to pursue acareer in the SA Air Force.

The nature of a pilot's work requireshis being in the confined space of a cock-pit. It is for this reason that the secondday of selection is dedicated to the tak-ing of the anthropometric measurementsof the potential pilots. These measure-ments range from the mass and sittingheight to horizontal grip reach and thefunctional leg length. This stage of theassessment is crucial in determining if anindividual will be able to reach the nec-essary flight controls, while operating anaircraft and to eject safely in the event ofan emergency. Unfortunately many can-didates fail this aspect of the selectionprocess, even if they meet the academicrequirements for the job. This can beattributed to the ergonomics settings orphysical design of the aircraft used fortraining, the Pilatus PC 12 (swiss make).

On the third day candidates undergothe psychometric assessment. These testsare conducted by the MPI from theSAMHS in order to evaluate the cogni-tive ability and learning potential of can-didates. Verbal and non-verbal commu-nication, reasoning, arithmetic, spatial

visualisation and language ability aresome of the competencies evaluated. Alltests are registered with the HealthProfessions Council of South Africa(HPCSA) and the psychologists at MPIensure that the testing is conducted inan ethical and fair manner. The selec-tion criteria is determined based on thejob needs of a pilot/navigator and allcandidates who meet these, the saidstandards proceed to the next phase ofthe selection.

The candidate's psychomotor func-tioning is evaluated on the fourth day ofselections by means of the comput-erised Vienna Test System (VTS). TheVTS is vital not only for assessing anindividual's co-ordination and reactiontime, but also for evaluating a candi-date's performance under stressful con-ditions. This facilitates predictionsregarding whether an individual will beable to make correct decisions whenfaced with a crisis. Any attempt atmanipulating the system is easilydetected and immediately disqualify acandidate from the selection. In addi-tion to the psychomotor assessment,candidates are also assessed for leader-ship potential and complete an instru-mental that screens for particular psy-chological risk factors. Flying a fighterplane leaves little origin for error andoften depends on split-second deci-sions.

The IAM, co-located with 7 MedicalBattalion based in Centurion, is the onlyinstitute in the country responsible forconducting aviation medicals. Thosedoing this are professionals chargedwith responsibility of determining thecandidate's medical fitness to fly in theSA Air Force. In addition, candidatesconsult with a clinical psychologist todetermine their mental fitness.

Successful candidates are then invit-ed to the SA Air Force HQ for an indi-vidual interview with a panel of repre-sentatives from the SA Air Force andthe Human Resources (HR) AcquisitionDirectorate. The panel evaluates candi-

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dates based on their knowledge of avi-ation in general, and of the SA Air

Nothing surpasses the feeling that flyingbrings.

tion process thus far will return home toawait the final decision of the consolida-

tion board, which convenes once theentire selection process is concluded.The stakeholders responsible for thevarious aspects of selection make theirrecommendations to the selectionboard, which makes the final recom-mendations for the Chief of the SA AirForce's decision. Appointment lettersand call-up instructions are posted tothe successful candidates (by DHRAcquisition), along with the date onwhich they are to report for BasicMilitary Training. Their journey tobecome fully-fledged SA Air Forcepilots begins and includes an Officer'sFormative Course, Survival Training, aMilitary Certificate Course and the fly-ing phase of their training.

By Amn Tebogo Kekana, Ad Astra

ocus on training" - were the wordsuttered by Brig Gen Lungi

Sitshongaye, Director Human ResourceServices, when he visited the MilitaryPsychological Institute (MPI) in Pretoriaearlier this month. The aim of the visitwas to experience first-hand the ViennaTest System (VTS) developed in Vienna,Austria. This instrument is used to eval-uate psychomotor abilities and plays acrucial role in the selection of pilots andnavigators for the SA Air Force.

The system consists of a controlpanel with several coloured buttons andtwo joysticks. Two-foot pedals and a setof earphones are also connected to thecontrol panel. This is in turn connected toa laptop computer, which is used torecord the candidate's responses. Thescreen of the laptop also provides thestimuli to which candidates mustrespond. The test itself does not requireany computer knowledge, thus ensuringthat it is equitable to all candidates andwill not discriminate unfairly againstcandidates from less advantaged back-grounds. Persons who regularly playvideo or computer games do not haveany advantage when being tested on theVTS.

Various psychomotor functions canbe assessed by means of VTS, includingreaction time, co-ordination, concentra-tion and performance under stressful

line with today's highly advanced com-puterised SA Air Force aircraft. Brig GenSitshongaye voiced his concern regard-ing the many pilot and navigator appli-cants who do not meet the selection cri-teria as a result of a small pool (thosewho meet the minimum requirements)of prospective candidates that the SAAir Force can choose from. On the otherhand there are those candidates thatpass through the selection process, butthen fail the stringent pilot trainingcourses at the flying schools of the SAAir Force.

Lt Col Jannie Hartzenburg from theMPI expressed his appreciation for therenewed co-operation between all thoseinvolved in pilot selection to improvethe selection process.

"The SA Air Force is a reflection ofthe whole society, as not only candidatesfrom urban areas are targeted forrecruitment, but deep rural areas arealso visited to make people there awareof aviation careers in the SA Air Force.There is a vast potential in this countryand if we can recruit the good gradersand also those who do not have goodresults, but still possess other attributesthat the organisation needs then we canoffer them a bridging course to improvetheir grades. A pool of pilots is the ulti-mate goal, which would enable us toboost the co-operation that we havewith companies like SAA," concludedBrig Gen Sitshongaye.

conditions. Although MPI currently usesthe VTS for assessment, it is looking intothe potential of the training system as atraining tool. One of the advantages ofthe system is its portability. It can be neat-ly packed into a case and taken to anybase where it is needed. All that isrequired is a quiet venue, a medium-sized desk, the VTS system and a laptop.

Discussing the testing procedure,Capt Mitcheal Chazen from MPI report-ed that it was expected that during theseevaluations candidates' nerves would bestrained. However, the psychologists atMPI take great care to reassure and setthe candidates at ease by telling themexactly what to expect.

Before the initial evaluation, theinstructions are clearly explained andcandidates are given a chance to do prac-tice runs just to ease their minds. Allresponses are recorded and evaluated bythe VTS to ensure the reliability and accu-racy of results. The MPI team shared withAd Astra the surprising observation thatthose candidates who appear to be over-confident after completing the test areoften the ones who do not pass, whereasthose who are less sure of themselvesprove to be successful. Some candidatesare never put under pressure by the VTSand these individuals tend to be the bestperformers.

"The advantage of having theportable VTS is that it will not hold usback as it is really user-friendly and is in

Focus on pilot training

F

Force in particular. Adapt-ability and suitability to bean officer in the SA Air Forceare also assessed, as it is thecandidate's motivation thatdetermines success as an AirForce pilot. After an intenseweek of selections, success-ful candidates have theweekend to themselves torelax and recover beforetheir medical examinationsthe following Monday.

Candidates who havesuccessfully completed thevarious phases of the selec-

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social responsibility

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Senior officers providedrelief to the needy

Article and photos by S SgtLebogang Tlhaole

embers of the ExecutiveNational Security Pro-gramme (ENSP) 19/09 re-cently visited the KalafongHospital, in particular theMohau Centre - "House ofHope" - in Atteridgeville

and the Alexandra Clinic in Alex-andra, and met with the enthu-siastic members of this non-profitorganisation.

After hard deliberations and hav-ing put their head together, the mem-bers of the ENSP 19/09 decided on acourse of providing relief to theneedy. On 29 April 2009 at the SANational Defence College in Pretoriathey donated R2 000 and a washingmachine as their way of giving back to

Mthe community and improving thelives of the less privileged. The chequesand washing machine were acceptedby the Acting CEO of KalafongHospital, Dr Lance Phalatsi, theManager of Mohau Centre, Ms EstherJaca, and the CEO of Alexandra Clinic,Dr Muvili Simba.

This non-governmental organisa-tion provides daily nutritious meals,clothing, day care facilities, emotionalsupport, counselling and shelter main-ly to the many vulnerable children andparents who are infected and affectedwith HIV and AIDS. These children arefrom orphanages and homes headedby grandmothers.

The CEO of Kalafong Hospital indi-cated that the centre had gone throughdifficult times in regard to finance as itdepended on donations, but on behalfof the centre he thanked the members

of the ENSP 19/09 for their initiative,kind gestures and support.

"The Regal" for the ENSP 19/09,Col Mongezi Kwela, mentioned thatafter visiting these institutions he hadnoticed there was a serious need, aspart of their social responsibility, tocontribute something. In the nearfuture they intend opening a trustfund for the Mohau Centre and theywill visit and spend time with the chil-dren of the Mohau Centre on a month-ly basis - they have committed them-selves to this project.

"On special days such as children'sdays, these children do not have par-ents or loved ones who can make themfeel special by letting them experienceparental love; instead they rely on peo-ple like ourselves to make them feelpart of the South African community,"concluded Col Kwela.

Col Mongezi Kwela, "The Regal" for the ENSP 19/09 (middle), handed over a cheque to Dr Lance Phalatsi, the ActingCEO of Kalafong Hospital, and Ms Esther Jaca, Manager of Mohau Centre.

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clippings

By Maj J. Mogoto, A/SO2 CommunicationPhoto: Ms Hanna Coetzer

ogether we stand, divided we fall."These were the words of the

Commandant of the SA Army CombatTraining Centre (Lohatlha MilitaryArea), Brig Gen Nontobeko Mpaxa. Shewas addressing the dignitaries, promi-nent members of communities and busi-ness associates who attended the firstCommandant's dinner on 12 February 2009.

The purpose of the Commandant'sdinner was to bridge the gap betweenthe Lohatlha military base and sur-rounding towns and create esprit decorps. Among the guests who attendedwere Mayor Victor Makoke of JohnTaolo Gaetsewe Municipality (Kuru-man), Mayor Hazel Mothibi ofTsantsabane Municipality (Postmas-burg) and Mayor James Rakoi ofGamagara Municipality (Kathu). Otherprominent figures in attendance wereMs Linda Malan, the former principal ofABET Lohatlha and her husband, MrDavid Malan, the Principal of BlinkklipSenior Secondary School in Postmas-burg, Mr Eric Theys, the Principal ofKathu high, Mr Denis Beukes and his

gry for change, but there had been nochannel of communication until thearrival of the first lady General who wasappointed to command the third largestmilitary training base in the world, andthe largest in Africa. Most of the guestswere impressed with the changes madeat the SA Army Combat Training Centreand encouraged further changes.

In her closing remarks Brig GenMpaxa said: "Lohatlha must not be seenas an island, but rather as part of theocean. People should feel free to visitand make recommendations forchanges".

wife, Emmie, and Mr Jimmy van derLinde, owner of the Van der LindeMotors in Postmasburg.

The staff members of the Joe SlovoOfficers' Mess prepared different dishes.Joe Slovo was the new name democrati-cally voted by the unit members headedby Brig Gen Mpaxa. As expected, mem-bers of the unit were exhilarated at hav-ing played an integral part in the nam-ing of their own place. This gave birth tonames, such as Joe Slovo Officers' Mess,Francis Baard and Lilian Ngoyi bunga-lows, and many more. It was really asurprise to see that the people were hun-

An unforgettable evening at Lohatlha

COMMANDANT'S DINNER. Fltr: Mr James Rakoi, Mayor of GamagaraMunicipality, Ms Hazel Mothibi, Mayor of Tsantsabane Municipality, Brig Gen Nontobeko Mpaxa, Commandant SA Army Combat Training Centre,and Mr Victor Makoke, Mayor of John Taolo Gaetsewe.

T“

Article and photo by WO2 EliasItumeleng Mosupi

very year one can look forward tothe Military Police Potjiekos Com-

petition where one is quite likely tobump into a familiar face. This year'sgathering was held to socialise withsuppliers, clients, other Public Servicedepartments and friends of theMilitary Police School on 17 April2009. Teams such as the UnitransPassenger, Special Forces, Leo-LizeAlterations, Directorate Army Stra-tegic Direction, the SA Police ServiceTraining Institution, the Chief Dir-ectorate Army Force Structure, theDepartment of Health, Sanlam, Graf-steensangers, the Chief DirectorateHuman Resources Development, G &K Stationery, Masakhane, Dynachem,Pernod Richard, Buro Centrum, DEP

cessful event as one had the chance tojoin the soirée, which was held afterthe announcement of the winners."Happiness is not a destination. It is amethod of life."

technologies, were among the enlistedcompetitors.

The co-ordinator, Lt Col J. van Zyl,showed that he had done his home-work very well in organising this suc-

Potjiekos competition

The South African Police Service Training Institution Team from PretoriaWest - "The Cave Men and Woman" - proved themselves to be the bestcooks by winning the first prize; with them is Col G.J. Anker, OfficerCommanding of the Military Police School (left).

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social responsibility

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The University of theNorth West goes east

Article and photo by WO1 MannyGounden, PRO Naval StationDurban

he University of the NorthWest Students RepresentativeCouncil's (SRC) Remember &Give (RAG) Committee everyyear adopts children fromschools in Potchefstroom togive them an outing at the

seaside. The university's programmeis referred to as Sand, Sea & Skelp. TheSRC has many programmes in theNorth West to raise awareness andprovide much needed funding to

ferry and arranged a diving displayby the unit's diving team. In a kindgesture the ship's company provideda meal and refreshments.

Tanya de Kock, the SRC Pre-sident, said: "We have been associat-ed with the SA Navy here in Durbanfor the past six years. Every time wecome here it is always a new experi-ence. The learners that we adoptfrom Promosa Primary School reallyhave so much to talk about whenthey return home. Together withmy fellow SRC members we wantto say Baie Dankie Almal (Thank youeveryone)."

Students of the University of the North

West, learners from Promosa Primary School and members from Naval

Station Durban.

those who are less fortunate.This year 56 university students

adopted 56 learners ranging in agefrom 6 to 7 years from PromosaPrimary School in Potchefstroom.These learners had never been outsidePotchefstroom, and had thereforenever seen the sea. Each student wasresponsible for the physical and emo-tional needs of the child he or sheadopted.

Naval Station Durban has beensupporting the Sand, Sea and Skelpprogramme for the past six years. Itexplained the function of the SANavy, provided a marine tour on the

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Occupational hygienein the SANDF

occurrence that develop in the workenvironment.

Weapon systems research studies

Weapon system research studiesare being done in the SANDF on the SAAir Force's Gripen and the SA Navy's209 submarine. The Project Gripen wasconducted in conjunction with the SAAir Force and SAAB of Sweden. Lt ColP.J. Venter was the project officer whorequested and co-ordinated the SA AirForce side. The study and research out-come was meant to provide controlspecifications for revetments, make rec-ommendations with regard to personalprotective equipment, improve combatefficiency and obtain internationalrecognition in the process.

Focal points of the study andresearch were noise levels in cockpitand the revetment environment, hear-ing protector efficiency assessments,illumination at workstations andinspection points, exhaust emissions,thermal stress in the revetment envi-ronment, volatile organic compoundsindoor air quality and ergonomics inthe revetment environment. Theresearch study on the 209 submarinewill be completed in 2009.

ers are at risk and do measurement ifnecessary. Results obtained will beused to employ or develop engineer-ing design techniques aimed at isolat-ing each health hazard or reducing itsconcentration to acceptable levels.

Occupational Hygiene Profession-als in collaboration with OccupationalMedical Practitioners and Occu-pational Health Nursing Practitionersevaluate and monitor compliance withoccupational health and environmen-tal standards and requirements, whilethe Occupational Safety Specialistmonitors compliance with safety stan-dards and requirements in terms of theOHS Act (Act 85 of 93), as part of theIntegrated OHS Management System.

Components of the occupation-al hygiene programme

The Occupational Hygiene pro-gramme in the SANDF is divided intotwo sections, namely pro-active andpathology based passive case manage-ment. The SANDF is the only knowninstitution that focuses on the retro-active side of the programme. Passivecase studies are done on individuals toobtain a clinical diagnosis of an occu-pational disease or to trace developingtrends in terms of occupational disease

By Lt J.D.A. Conradie, SO3Occupational Hygiene, Reg OHSCentre Simon's Town and Co-author and peer review: Lt Col N.W.Pieterse, SO1 Occuational HygieneAMHF

ccupational hygiene is de-fined as the science and artdevoted to the identifica-tion, evaluation and controlof those environmental fac-tors or stresses arising in orfrom the place of work,

which may cause illness, impairedhealth and well-being, or significantdiscomfort and inefficiency amongworkers. Dr Johan Schoeman said:"We cannot preserve humans - we canonly preserve life."

What does an occupationalhygienist do?

The Occupational Hygienist willstress prevention and evaluate theworking environment by means of sci-entific methods. Step one is to reviewand identify existing and proposedprocesses for possible health hazardsin the workplace.

The Occupational Hygienist willthen assess the degree to which work-

O

CATEGORY

1 Chemical

2 Physical

3 Biological

4 Ergonomical

STRESSOR

Exposure to hazardous chemical substances, such as asbestos, lead and other listed gassesvapours and dusts.

Noise, radiation, ventilation, temperatures, illumination and vibration.

Exposure to hazardous biological substances and, infectious contagious/ communicable/ transmissible,virus, bacteria, fungi, insects and moulds.

Overuse injuries, repetitive movement injuries and bad body postures.

OCCUPATIONAL DISEASE AS A RESULT OF EXPOSURE

Occupational asthma, cancers, asbestosis, narcotic effects, leukaemia, and metal fumefever.

Noise induced hearing loss, cancers, hypothermia, thermal discomfort, heatstroke,Raynauds' disease.

Legionnairs disease, Hepatitis B, lung diseases, allergies and HIV.

Thoracic outlet syndrome, white finger, tendonitis, neck tension syndrome and carpaltunnel syndrome.

OCCUPATIONAL STRESSORS

sport

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By Bibi MorgetsPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he Acting Secretary forDefence, Mr Tsepe Motumi,and his business partnersheaded for the greens at theSan Lameer Country GolfClub near Margate inKwaZulu-Natal on 17 April

2009. The weather favoured the well-planned event.

The Secretary for Defence tooktime out from his busy schedule toinvite some of the stakeholders,

T

Building and maintainingfriendships via golf

try to establish and maintain healthyrelationships with our stakeholders.These relationships are important tous and assist us in meeting our man-date to provide effective defence forSouth Africa." He emphasised that SAcitizens should take ownership ofinstitutions such as the DOD.

In his closing remarks he encour-aged more women golfers to partici-pate in these events when invited, say-ing he hoped next year would be morediverse in terms of gender as thisevent is due to be an annual event onthe DOD's calendar.

The golf team of the Acting Secretary for Defence, fltr: Col Johnny Sexwale, Mr Tsepe Motumi, Acting Secretary forDefence, Mr Mahapa Mpitso and Dr Ralph Mgijima, the first four-ball to play on the golf course.

among other friends of the DOD, toengage in the gentlemen's game withnew and old business partners in arelaxed environment.

After a strenuous round on the golfcourse the players were treated to anevening of dining and entertainmentduring which the best players wereawarded for their handicaps. MrMotumi addressed his guests saying: "Iam mindful of the fact that you all hadto put on hold your personal and busi-ness issues to be with us today; theDOD appreciates your consideration".

He added: "In the DOD, we always

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SANDF in full force at the SA Senior JukskeiChampionshipsBy Maj Lizette Lombard, SANDF Jukskei: PR/Media LiaisonPhoto: John Keogh, PhotoFirst: Kroonstad

outh African National De-fence Force Jukskei players ofvarious provinces participat-ed in the 69th SA SeniorJukskei Championships heldat Kroonstad, Free State, from27 March to 3 April 2009.

Members who represented JukskeiSA or their provinces were as follows:

The results were as follows:

69th South African SeniorJukskei Championships - final pointsMen's A1 LeagueEastern Province 165.00Northern Free State 158.5SWD 156.5

Men's A2 leagueLimpopo 150.5Limpopo 3 141.5Western Province 140.5

SWomen's A1 leagueEastern Gauteng 164.00Northern Cape 149.00Western Province 146.00

Women's A2 leagueNorthern Free State 142.00Gauteng North 138.00Eastern Gauteng 133.5

Veterans' A1 leagueSouthern Natal 144.5Eastern Gauteng 138.0Central Gauteng 133.0

Veterans' A2 leagueNorthern Cape 186.00Gauteng West 179.00SWD 178.5

UNDER 30sBoland 136.5Northern Natal 133.5Northern Free State 116.00

* Members interested in Jukskei cancontact Maj Lizette Lombard on 082 442 6286.

SANDF JUKSKEI MEMBERS PRESENT AT THE 69TH SA SENIOR JUKSKEI CHAMPIONSHIPS. Front, fltr: Sgt J.Weideman, L Cpl C. Hattingh, WO1 (Ret) B. Viljoen, WO1 D. Olckers, Cdr C. Lombard, Ms A. Knight, Maj L. Lombard.Back, fltr: WO1 W. Collins, Maj N. Claasen, WO2 M. du Pisani, Maj M. du Plessis, Col (Ret) D. Brits, WO1 T. Wentzel.

Col (Ret) D. Brits - RefereeWO1 W. Collins - RefereeMaj L. Lombard - Jukskei SA: Marketing and SponsorshipsCdr C. Lombard - Player: Gauteng NorthMaj N. Claasen - Player: Eastern ProvinceMaj M.C. du Plessis - Player: Northern CapeWO1 J. Moore - Player: Western ProvinceWO1 D. Olckers - Player: Northern Free StateWO1 (Ret) B. Viljoen - Player: South Free StateWO1 T. Wentzel - Player: Northern CapeWO2 M.M. du Pisani - Player: Eastern ProvinceSgt J. Weideman - Player: Western ProvinceL Cpl C. Hattingh - Player: Gauteng EastMs A.J.G. Knight - Player: Northern Cape

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By Col Johan Dill, SSO Spiritualand Moral Support, ChaplainGeneral Division

question that should keep allof us busy is what happensto our undedicated money?Does it really contribute toour and others lives or not?

In the parable of the seed(Matthew 13) two things

choke the growing wheat and make itunfruitful: "As for him who has sown'among thorns', that is the man wholistens to the Word, but the worry ofthe world and the delight of beingrich choke the Word; so it provesunfruitful". Here it is important to seethat "worry" and "the delight of beingrich" are identified as two outstandingenemies of growth.

Note that nowhere does God teachus that "riches" are our Enemy No 1,but "the delight of being rich". Thismeans riches that are an end in them-selves. The "delight" is in the thingitself rather than in what it could dofor you. It can also be described as"undedicated wealth". Had the"delight" rather been in what couldhave been done through the riches tohelp others, it would have had value.But undedicated riches become anend in themselves, and thus Mammonbecomes God.

All the great religions of the worldteach us that we cannot serve twomasters at the same time. The problemis that by serving two masters youbecome a divided person and one ofthe masters will be a false master thatwants to control your destiny and if

A

A value based life -dedicated use of our money

drinks the more heincreases his thirst,and he ceases not todrink until he perishes".

We live in timeswhen people arefascinated by musicidols. It is wonder-ful to follow thesetalented young peo-ple and see howthey develop andbecome successful. Icertainly am onewho is also fascinat-ed by them. How-ever, we must notforget the age-oldwarning of theScriptures that "earthly idols breakdown when the testarrives". These idolsin our lives do nothave to be musi-cians, but could beslaves of egocentric-

Colonel Johan Dill.

you follow him or her your life willdecay.

To faithful people God is supreme.He controls the food we eat, our emo-tions, and our money. These things areall servants of God's divine purpose inour lives. Without that purpose thesethings could become instruments thatdestroy our lives rather than have aholy purpose in our lives.

There is a well-known Muslim quo-tation that underlines this truth:"Whoever craves wealth is like a manwho drinks sea water; the more he

ity, power, fame and money. To be a soldier is a privilege in

many ways. You get the wonderfulopportunity to work for your countryand its people. In the process you areemployed and receive a salary at theend of each month. But consider thatmany in our country do not have theseprivileges and live in poverty andwithout dignity.

Therefore let's make sure we trea-sure these privileges and specificallydedicate our money to a higher value -to ourselves, others and to God!

message

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By Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

or over 10 years the SA ArmyTraining Formation has pro-vided training to members ofthe SA Army. The SA ArmyTraining Formation wasestablished on 1 April 1999and mandated to provide,

maintain and sustain landward com-mon training for the SA Army. 30April 2009 marked the 10th anniver-sary celebrations at the SA ArmyGymnasium in Heidelberg.

Over the years more than 15 100officers, 2 200 warrant officers, 12 000non-commissioned officers (NCOs)and 17 140 privates have been trainedin the SA Army according to theGeneral Officer Commanding (GOC)of SA Army Training Formation, BrigGen Abel Nelwamondo, who was thechief functionary at the parade. Healso revealed that since the introduc-tion of the Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS) in 2003, an estimated10 200 members had done the BasicMilitary Training Course.

Comprising four training units,namely the SA Army College, SAArmy Combat Training Centre, SA

F

A decade of trainingexcellence

Ramano. He was quite euphoric aboutthe SA Army Training Formation'sinvolvement in the integration andtraining of the Democratic Republic ofCongo (DRC) Forces, though theywere not a deployable formation.

The SA Army, in accordance withthe 2020 vision, was developing astrategy of force preparation to sup-port the SA Army's operational con-cept to enable the Army to adapt effec-tively to evolving challenges, said BrigGen Nelwamondo. The strategywould be based on three elements, vizformal training, force training andforce development. "We are lookingforward to the future and formingpart of the implementation of thefuture SA Army strategy," he said.

Hatfield Volvo, represented by MrChris Pienaar, added to the fun activi-ties during the day when they show-cased their latest motoring technologyin their new Volvo CX60. With himwas the Marketing Director of SAArmy Foundation, Mr AngelRamphele. They received certificatesfrom Brig Gen Nelwamondo for theirinvolvement and sponsorship. TheGeneral also congratulated memberswho received medals during theparade.

The SA Army Combat Training Centre Choir in jovial mood had everybody excited with their performance.

Army Gymnasium and 3 SA InfantryBattalion, the SA Army TrainingFormation directs, orchestrates andmonitors the presentation of all com-mon training in the SA Army as well asin these units. Some of the courses thatare presented in the units includeOfficer Commanding/RSM Course,Warrant Officer Development Course,NCO Operational Duties Course andmore, said Brig Gen Nelwamondo.

All members and units under the SAArmy Training Formation umbrellaformed a battalion parade, which wasthe initial part of the ceremony. "I wouldlike to thank all my people in the SAArmy Training Formation and its unitsfor a job well done over the past 10 yearsand for the unconditional support givento me as the GOC and the SA Army",said Brig Gen Nelwamondo, expressinghis gratitude to the members in hiskeynote address.

He cited some of the highlights inthe training formation, which includedhis appointment as the GOC of the SAArmy Training Formation and his for-mal assumption of his duties inNovember 2002, and the SA ArmyBattle School's name change to SA ArmyCombat Training Centre by the formerChief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Gilbert