SA SOLDIER - Minister of Defence and Military · PDF fileLebo was only 28 years old when he passed away on 14 March 2008, ... (Scorpio) Tlhaole and Sgt Mahuma, ... SA Soldier na muhasho

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

From the Editor's desk

Letters:feedback from our readers

Opening of parliament

Super choppers fly200km/h backwards

South Africa and Malawi sign agreement

Royal College onDefence Studies reunion

Chilean Defence Attaché honours SA Army Officer

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16 The unifying magic of the blue culture

Smarter defence with less energy

Military Veteran Sexwale gives advice

A jump-start for life

Young Air Force membersqualify for wings

Successes of Project Phidisa

Awarding our sports heroes

Premature baby celebrates his first birthday

Mutual collaborationon national security

Infanteers remembering their fallen heroes

Spirit of giving inpeacekeeping operations

Peacekeeping in the Congo

Be prepared,be fit

DOD and Tshwane SouthCollege sign training pact

Special Forces trainingboosts SADC integration

EXERCISEGOOD HOPE III

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STREET ADDRESS

Defence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESS

SA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONE

Tel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: [email protected]

website: www.sasoldier.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Ms Nomonde Mahwai F Sgt David NomtshongwanaSgt Elias MahumaL Cpl Ally Rakoma

CONTRIBUTIONS:

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

Reproduction & Printing:

Formeset Printers Johannesburg(Pty) Ltd,44-66 Wriggle Road, Heriotdale, Ext 13, 2094Tel: +27 11 626 1330/2/3Fax: +27 11 626 1331

Text Editor: Mr Eugene Muller

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 BOARD

Mr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen K.D. MangopeCol L.W. Magxwalisa Col M.T. Masuku

Col P.M. MotlhabaneCol S.P. ZeemanMs N. Pienaar Maj J.V. du ToitMs I.D. Jacobson

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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A P R I L 2 0 0 8 S A S O L D I E R

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,

visit our website at: www.sasoldier.mil.za

FRONT COVER: Rifleman Lungisani Mthethwa, the SANDF's fittest soldier inthe male category 34 years and younger. Read more about the first everSANDF Fittest Soldier Championships on pages 20 and 21. (Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

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From the Editor's desk

his is a very difficult time for the whole SA Soldierteam as one of our team players and confidants -Lebohang Letaoana - has passed away. I dedicate myEditor's Note this month as a tribute to Lebo, as hewas fondly known to us. Lebo was only 28 years oldwhen he passed away on 14 March 2008, after atragic car accident. When I got the devastating news

on that dreadful Friday night - just before midnight - I wasshocked! It was terrible!

After numerous phone calls I decided to ask LufunoNetshirembe, the Assistant Editor of SA Soldier, to accompanyme to 1 Military Hospital to find a chaplain to break the newsto Lebo's next of kin, as they had not been informed of his death…

The Memorial Service for Lebo was held at DefenceHeadquarters in Pretoria on 19 March 2008. His burial was inKatlehong on 22 March 2008.

Lebo was like a son to me. I saw him develop and grow intoa confident young man and fine journalist. He was my right-hand man. His office was right next to mine. I would constant-ly call on him to assist me in verifying facts on the Internet orfrom the applicable sources.

Lebo took it upon himself to handle all the contributionssent to SA Soldier via email. He was always quick to completeand deliver his assignments. He was a very hard worker!

He was a warm, cheerful and friendly person. I never sawhim angry. He treated everyone with respect. Lebo was humble,reliable and loved by his co-workers. He was a real team player.

SA Soldier and the Department of Defence have lost a greatasset!

I will miss Lebo, dearly! May his soul rest in peace.To his family, may God continue to strengthen you in this

time of great need in your lives. You are in our thoughts andprayers.

Two of our photographers, Sgt Lebogang (Scorpio) Tlhaoleand Sgt Mahuma, were also involved in the same accident.Elias suffered a spinal cord fracture and is still in 1Military Hospital as I write. Scorpio had minor head injuriesand will be back at work soon. We wish them a speedy recov-ery.

Nomonde Mahwai, our senior journalist, was also involvedin a car accident in February. She is still recuperating at home.We also wish her a speedy recovery!

As you can see we are now even thinner on the ground, soplease send us articles and photos to publish in your favourite magazine.

SA Soldier greetings.

Nelda PienaarEditor

Tshino ndi tshifhinga tshi lemelaho kha vha shumisani vhothe vha SASoldier ngauri munwe wa mushumisani na rine a thembeaho vhukumao ri sia - Lebohang Letaoana - o lovha. Lunwalo ulwu lwamisi lwanga,uno nwedzi ndi lunwala ndo lu livhisa na u humbula Lebo, sa zwe ravha ri tshi mu vhidzisa zwone. Lebo u ri siani hawe nga dzi 14Thafamuhwe 2008 musi a tshi wana khombo ya goloi i sa takadziho ovhaa na minwaha ya 28. U to u wana mafhungo aya a shushaho tsini na

vhusiku a Lavhutanu - ndo do tshuwa vhukuma! Zwo tea, fhungo ili asi lavhudi. Nga murahu ha musi ndo nwama vhathu nga thingo, nda humbula uri ndi

humbele Lufuno Netshirembe, muthusi wa munwaleli wa SA Soldier uri a mphelet-shedze sibadela tsha maswole 1 Military. Izwi ho vha hu u itela uri ri wane vhafudzi"chaplain" vhane vha do fhirisa mulaedza kana fhungo ili kha vha mutani wa mufusa izwi vho vha vha sa a thu zwindivha.

Tshumelo ya thambelo ya u humbula Lebo yo farelwa gambani ya maswolekhulwane ine ya vha Pretoria nga 19 Thafamuhwe 2008. Mbulungo ya vhaKatlehong nga 22 Thafamuhwe 2008.

Lebo ovha a tshi nga nwana wanga. Uswikani hawe ndo muvhona a tshi aluwaa tshi vha muthannga wa mafulufulu na u vha ra-mafhungo a di thembaho. O vhae mukoma wanga. Gadoro "office" ye a vha a tshi shumela khayo i tsini na yanga.Ndo vha ndi tshi mu humblela misi yothe uri a nthuse nga u wanulusa vhutandziha mafhungo kha Internet kana hunwe he a vha a tshi nga wana hone vhutandzi.

Lebo o vha o ndi fha mushumo wa u nwala kana u nwalilula mafhungo otheane a rumelwa nga "email" kha SA Soldier. O vha tshi fhedza mushumo wawenga tshifhinga na nga u tavhanya nahone o vha e mushumi wa biko!

O vha e muthu wa u shumisana na vhathu nga vhulenda na nga vhuthu. Ubva tshe athoma ushuma kha SA Soldier a thi athu u muvhona o sinyuwa. Ndimuthu we a vha a tshi thonifha vhathu. Lebo ovha a tshi thembea na u funiwa ngavhashumisani na e. Tshumelo yawe kha tshigwada yo vha itshi vhonala na uthonifhea.

SA Soldier na muhasho wa vhupileli vho xelelwa vhukuma.Lebo, ngoho ndi ya uri ndi ndo ni humbula na u ni tuvha vhukuma! Muya

wanu kha u edele nga mulalo.Vha muta wa Lebo, Mune washu wa tadulu kha ni fhe maanda a ni ite nga

vhuthu kha tshifhinga tshino tsha swiswi. Ri do dzula ri tshi ni humbula na khandzithambelo dzashu.

Vhanwe vha shumisani na rine "photographers", Sgt Lebogang (Scorpio)Tlhaole na Sgt Mahuma, na vhone vho vha vhanga ngomu goloini musi vha tshiwana khombo nga Lavhutanu. Elias o vhaisala mutodo, u kha ndi vha sibadela zwazwino ndi tshi khou nwala. Scorpio o to vhaisala kha thoho zwi sa ndiniho, ri khoulavhelela uri undo vhuya mushumoni hu si kale. Ri vha tamela mashudu mavhuyauri vha tavhanye vha fhole.

Nomonde Mahwai, ra-mafhungo washu muhulwane na ene o do wana khom-bo ya goloi nga Luhuhi. O no bva sibadela uri a fholele hayani. Na ene ri mu tamelamashudu mavhuya uri a tavhanye a fhole!

Ndi a kholwa uri na vho iwe ni khou u zwi vhona uri khuvha ri tou vhakhakhathini vhukuma, ndi ngazwo ndi tshi kho u ni humbela uri ni ise phanda urirumela mafhungo na zwinepe kha SA Soldier.

Ndumeliso dzi bvaho kha SA Soldier.

Nelda PienaarMunwaleli

A bvaho kha munwaleli

T

Musi wa tshifhinga na maduvha a vhundi a kale:Nelda Pienaar, Munwaleli wa SA Soldier, na

munna-wa-vhane Lebohang Letaoana, ra-

mafhungo wa SA Soldier musi vha tshumelo ya

u khwathisa tshumisano ya vhashumi.

The good old days: Nelda Pienaar, the

Editor of SA Soldier, and the late Lebo

Letaoana, journalist of SA Soldier, on a

teambuilding exercise.


feedback


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BOOK DONATIONS FOR DEPLOYED TROOPSMembers of the SANDF have beenactively involved in peacekeepingoperations in Africa for a number ofyears. A tour of operational duty inthese countries can last from three totwelve months. Keeping these mem-bers motivated and the morale high isoften a difficult task.

Early in 2004 a request was sent tothe CMIS Operations Formation fromthe CMIS Contingent Commander, LtCol S.P. Sabuka, at Basoko Base, Kindu,inquiring about the possibility of estab-lishing a library at the base. The CMISOperations Formation tasked Ms LynnFordred, the Formation Communi-

Winning letter

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

cation Officer, to investigate this possi-bility and the library project waslaunched.

As funding for the library projectwas not available, Ms Fordred had torely on the generosity of DOD membersand an advertising campaign waslaunched. Support for the project wasoverwhelming. Book donations havebeen received from military bases allover the country. Generous contribu-tions have also been made by many ofthe well-known publishing houses andbookshops, such as Struik, ExclusiveBooks, CNA and Fascination Books.

The book drive has continued to

receive support and libraries managedby the CMIS Contingent are now oper-ating at most bases and are available toall SANDF members to enjoy. This yearfor the fourth consecutive year we werepleased to receive a generous donationof over a thousand books fromExclusive Books. The Spokesperson forExclusive Books, Ms Penny Hochfeld,said it was a pleasure to be able to assistin keeping the morale of our deployedmembers high, while promoting read-ing. With the assistance of 11 Field PostOffice the books were delivered to thebases all over Africa. Ms Lynn Fordred,SO3 Com, CMIS Ops Formation

Once again GSB Polokwane membersexperienced a sad moment and tears onour cheeks. 2008 was a year in whicheveryone enjoyed and celebrated theNew Year, but some families are mourn-ing the loss of their loved ones.

This message is dedicated to thefamily of the late Captain Phuti PhineasHlahla, who was shot doing his dailyduties at the base. To his family, youneed to restore faith. His great sense ofhumour won him a lot of friends. Hewas everything to everyone. We knowlife will never be the same again without

him. At home he was a loving and caringhusband and most of all a father. To hiscolleagues, he was a born leader fromthe time of his youth.

The Lord knows everything. He willmend those who have broken hearts. Weknow in our hearts that the Almighty istaking care of him and we know he willrest in peace. We learned a lot from himas an Officer and role model to the youthon the playgrounds.

As family we have lost a great man, ahero and a soldier. I quote, 2 Corinthians4:18: "So we fix our eyes not on what is

TRIBUTE - MAN OF HUMOUR WHO STOOD UP FOR HIS BELIEFS

seen, but on what is unseen. For what isseen is temporary, but what is unseenis eternal". And John 13:36: "SimonPeter asked him, 'Lord, where are yougoing?' Jesus replied, 'Where I amgoing, you cannot follow now, but youwill follow later'."

To those who have lost loved ones,we as uniformed members of theSANDF are on your side and keep onpraying to the Almighty to protect youall the way. May God bless you all. SgtNeo Sammy Monyamane, ProgrammeManagement, AMHU Limpopo

Most of the soccer players will tellyou that when they put on their team

jerseys they feel proud and responsiblefor their team.

PROUD TO BE A SOLDIERYes it is also true when I put on my

uniform with my country's flag on mytop left arm and my nametag on theright side of my chest, I feel honour-ed and very much respected andresponsible.

My message to all uniformed mem-bers in the SANDF is: let us be proud ofour uniform regardless of our rank and,most importantly, let us respect it.There is something you should know:people out there (civilians) are proud ofyou. I am also proud to be a soldier.Andries Ramolochi Baloyi, Pretoria


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CHANGE OF COMMAND PARADE AT SILVERMINEThe Joint Tactical HeadquartersWestern Cape was established on 1April 2004 and is situated in Silvermine.The Tactical Headquarters WesternCape is mandated to employ multi-roled military capabilities on request tosupport other government departmentsin pursuance of national strategic objec-tives related to the protection of SouthAfrica and its people.

The mandate entails a multipleapproach consisting of the following:rendering of safety and security sup-port, the ability to respond to crises inthe domain of disaster relief, humani-tarian assistance, and search and rescue.

Lt Col Bayanda Mkula was appoint-ed as Acting Officer Commanding ofthis unit on 4 April 2007. On 1December 2007 he was promoted to therank of Colonel and transferred toArmy Support Base Eastern Cape.

On 1 January 2008 Capt (SAN)Kenneth Redfern Deenik was appoint-ed as the new Officer Commanding of

Joint Tactical HeadquartersWestern Cape. He had pre-viously held the post ofBase Manager Naval BaseSimon's Town since January2002.

The change of commandparade was held atSilvermine on 11 January2008. The participants in theparade consisted of mem-bers of 9 SA InfantryBattalion, Air Force BaseYsterplaat, Navy membersfrom Silvermine and theArea Military Health Unitmembers. Not only did thisparade consist of SANDFmembers; the Reserve Forcewas also represented by theCape Field Artillery Band.

Eighteen learners of the Joint SeniorCommand and Staff Programme andfive members of the Directing Staffhad the opportunity to visitZimbabwe in September last year toobtain first-hand knowledge of the sit-uation in the country.

The visit formed part of a continu-ous effort to educate learners on theimpact of the regional security situa-tion and the conduct of military oper-ations (with the focus on joint multi-national forces) on the operationallevel of war. The intention was also toexpand the existing strong relationsbetween the two defence forces, espe-cially at war college level.

The aim of the working visit was togain an in-depth understanding of thestructure and functioning of theZimbabwean Armed Forces and togain information on the training meth-ods of the Command and Staff Collegeof the Zimbabwean Defence Force(ZDF). Exposure to the ZDF's applica-tion of combined and multinationaloperations was also an objective. Priorto the visit, the group received ageopolitical overview of the country toenable the learners to understandZimbabwe's current and future role inthe SADC region from the

Zimbabwean Embassy (MilitaryOffice) in Pretoria, DefenceIntelligence and the Department ofForeign Affairs (SA).

Col J.M. Nonco, the SANDF Defen-ce Adviser in Zimbabwe, met thegroup under the leadership of theSenior Directing Staff Joint Warfare,Col D. Hanekom, at Harare Interna-tional Airport and accompanied themthroughout the visit.

The Zimbabwean accompanyingofficer, Col W. Dube, presented anoverview of the ZDF to the visitors.The ZDF came into being after integra-tion of the armed forces of the Zim-babwean National Liberation Army(ZANLA), the Zimbabwean People'sRevolutionary Army (ZIPRA) and theformer Rhodesian Security Forces. Themilitary integration was completedand the structure of the ZDF wasestablished by 1982.

The visit has demonstrated theprofessional quality of the ZDF mem-bers and the serious efforts beingmade to find solutions to their currentdilemma. A new partnership with thePeople's Republic of China (PRC) wasapparent from the presence of soldiersand other Chinese citizens in almostall locations visited in Zimbabwe. In

SANWC OPERATIONAL WORKING VISIT TO ZIMBABWE

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Lt Col Jammies de Kock, Joint TacticalHQ Western Cape

Fltr: Capt (SAN) Kenneth Deenik, the newly

appointed Officer Commanding Joint Tactical

HQ Western Cape, Brig Gen Winnie Bobelo,

Chief of Staff Joint Ops HQ, and Col Bayanda

Mkula, newly appointed Officer Commanding

ASB Port Elizabeth. (Photo: Sgt G. Bower)

terms of international relations,Zimbabwe is a member of the UnitedNations, the African Union and theSADC. The country has been one ofthe largest troop contributing coun-tries in peace support operations inAfrica.

Several members of the Zimbab-wean Cabinet, namely the Minister ofDefence, Mr S. Sekeramayi, the Min-ister of Justice, Mr P. Chinamasa, theMinister of Land and Resettlement,Ms M F. Buka, and the Minister ofTourism, Mr F. Nhema, addressed thevisiting group. Loyalty towards thegovernment and enthusiasm to over-come the current socio-economic situ-ation in Zimbabwe were centralthemes throughout their briefings.

The group also visited the HwangeColliery, the richest coal mine inSouthern Africa in terms of reservesand coal quality. The mine is predom-inantly privately owned, with a gov-ernment stake of 23%. The mine sup-plies coal to the Hwange ThermalPow-er Station, which produces 2 mil-lion kilowatts of electricity.

The Zimbabwean approach to lifeis to "make a plan". If somethingbreaks, fix it. If you cannot fix it, live


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feedback

Too many people think they knowCOLET - the College of EducationalTechnology. I agree that most, if not allof you do recognise the building andknow some of the people workingthere.

In a nutshell, this is who we are. Weare a training unit tasked with themammoth task of delivering the educa-tional, training and development (ETD)functions in the DOD and, believe me,we are doing just that and nothing else.May I kindly refer to what I want you(the reader) and me to talk about, as Iwill be doing the talking most of thetime.

Now that you know about COLET,I would like to tell you about the pro-grammes we have already had thisyear, 2008. Firstly, I would want tomake you aware of how understaffedwe are, yet we are expected to play ourrole and meet our responsibilities. I amso proud to share these experienceswith you.

We have an implementation sectionat COLET named the IC, which is mybone of contention. Our main responsi-bilities at IC are training, assessing,moderation and evaluation of delegat-ed programmes. These days our func-tions have extended to designing,administration and co-ordinating, notonly in COLET, but in the rest of theDOD. This year we started our pro-grammes earlier, in January, and wehad the JETD P and TOT running con-

currently. At the same time we had tomanage delegated programmes, such asSAAFCOL, SAMHS and SOTI.

I would like to say well done to allthe members at COLET because, with-out your team spirit, we would not haveachieved what I have just described. Iwant to applaud our facilitators and co-ordinators at COLET and the delegatedprogrammes for your patience, toler-ance, undying commitment and the col-laboration of all COLET members.

This may come as a surprise: did youknow that women at IC are the mostbrilliant, sophisticated, diligent, meticu-lous and versatile in their approach?Well, now you know. They are personal-ly and professionally the best. I do notwant to talk about their male counter-parts - they had their chance!

In conclusion, Dr Voges has broughtabout some major changes at IC by uni-

fying the two teams into one so that wecan achieve overall competence hereand in the rest of the DOD and torealise our optimum goal. This transfor-mation makes us crazy and angrysometimes, but when one reflects onewill agree that it is to the benefit of all ofus and to the survival of COLET. DrVoges is the manager of IC. What I likeabout her is that she undertakes theimportant task of management or dele-gation and involves us in decision-mak-ing, irrespective of our occupational orsalary levels. The well- being of her sec-tion (Human Resource) is at the top ofher agenda - always!

It would be a mistake if I concludewithout mentioning our new OfficerCommanding, Col Van der Walt, sosoft, yet a woman with a very strongpersonality. Ms Molebogeng More,SANDF COLET

ABOUT US

with it, or change your life. AlthoughZimbab-weans experience severe diffi-culties, they still smile and greet youwith "How are you?"

The group concluded their

Zimbab-wean experience with a sunsetcruise on the life-giving Zambezi Riverand enjoyed the splendour of theVictoria Falls.

The visitors enjoyed the experienceand would like to wish all Zimbab-

weans the best for the future. If the visitemphasised one aspect, it was the factthat the two countries undeniably sharea common future. Lt Col J. Zaal, via email

>> from page 7

Training in progress at COLET.

I have been involved for 30 years in col-lecting militaria and my collections aremeant for reference and informationand are done out of a love of militaryhistory and a desire to preserve it forfuture generations. A while ago I start-ed researching Warrant Officer badgesand was very disappointed to find thatvery little information is available onthe Internet, in books or at militarymuseums.

I am sure that you agree with methat the Warrant Officers/ SergeantMajors are the backbone of any forceand it is important that this informationshould be available for reference and tomotivate the general public and servingmembers. My plan is to build up a fullcollection of all the WarrantOfficers'/Sergeant Majors' badges asused in Southern Africa since WorldWar II and then to publish this on the

MILITARIA INFORMATION NEEDEDInternet and in booklet form for refer-ence, as these items are no longer beingworn and do not appear in any books. Iwould like to preserve this informationfor future collectors before the knowl-edge is lost forever.

What I would appreciate obtainingfrom you are: any badges or insigniathat you might have in surplus (thosestuck away in the back of a drawer orshoebox). This would be all Services of


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A TRIBUTE TO WOMEN AND MEN IN THE SANDFIn the light of International Women'sDay on 8 March it is a real honour toshare some experiences of beinginvolved with the Beijing Conferenceon Women that was held by the UnitedNations (UN) in September 1995 and itsimplementation.

This was one of the largest confer-ences ever held by the UN and 180countries took part. The NGO Forum ofWomen took place at the same time asthe official UN conference. The mainaim of the conference was to addressthe fundamental obstacles to theadvancement of women.

I would like to sum up the keylessons that we learned in putting gen-der issues on the policy agenda.Policies are guidelines. They are com-mitments that can be implemented at avariety of levels. We can have commit-ment at the national level in terms ofour government, at international leveland also in state departments.

But policy-making and policy for-mulation are just one part of the pro-cess. What we have to do is to think interms of policy implementation. Thereis no point having policy formulationwithout implementation and account-ability.

One has to be careful in makingassumptions and in reframing oldissues.

We have to take into account howthe whole larger process actually takesplace and how micro-issues are in factcaught up with the larger types of pro-cesses. We need to concentrate on link-ing the macro with the micro, linkingthe international system with thenational, with departmental strategicand operational planning and imple-mentation.

When we are talking about the pol-

icy agenda, we have to be aware that weare not alone. International Women'sDay (8 March) is an occasion marked bywomen around the world. Attending tothe critical issue of Women and Peace,Women Managing Conflict and Womenuniting for Peace, one knows thatwomen have a role to play in peace oper-ations. They are part of the effort to pre-serve the social order in countries and agender perspective has to be incorporat-ed in all aspects of peace, from preven-tion and early warning to rebuildingsocieties and future conflict prevention.

The emphasis is on women's equalparticipation with men at all levels ofpeace operations, including as specialrepresentatives and special envoys, andbeing incorporated in all stages of con-flict management. This means that whenoperations are being planned, whenadvance teams are being sent to conflictzones, when selecting observers, moni-tors, peacekeepers, civilian police andmedical personnel, women should beincluded and the views of men as well as

women and the different impacts ofstrategies on women and men must betaken into account.

The special session of the GeneralAssembly on "Women 2000: GenderEquality, Development and Peace inthe 21st Century" recognised in itsOutcome Document the need toincrease women's contribution to con-flict management and decision-making.The Millennium Summit and Assemblyreached historic consensus that noeffort should be spared to free the peo-ples of the world from the scourge ofwar and to protect the vulnerable, inparticularly women and children.

The important stance taken by theseassemblies of member states supportedby civil society opened the door forwomen to participate equally and totake leading positions in these opera-tions. Resolutions, however, do notalways lead to de facto action. In thiscase equal partnership between menand women in peace operations, whichhave traditionally been male dominat-ed, will not happen overnight, but willhopefully be a well-directed process tillparity is reached. The challenge is toraise awareness of the advantages ofhaving a gender perspective in peaceoperations.

In conclusion, my special tribute toall women and men in the SANDF fortheir dedication. Let us not see this as aonce a year event, but rather let usdraw attention to specific areas wherethe world has ignored half the world'sresources, brain-power and specialcontributions in solving conflict. Theprinciples of human rights and equalitymust underpin true development andpeace. Let us ensure that this day is justone step towards further concreteaction. Rey Groenewald, email

Ms Rey Groenewald, who has been in

the frontline for the upliftment of

women in the DOD and nationally.

the SANDF, the police and prisons; anydocumentation on the insignia that isavailable (wearing of dates andchanges).

I want to collect this information inrespect of Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe),South Africa, South West Africa (nowNamibia), and the TBVC States(Transkei, Bophuthatswana, Venda andCiskei). Please note that I am a seriouscollector and not a dealer, so any trad-

ing of duplicate insignia that I do willonly be to enhance and expand the col-lection and not for monetary gain. Thisis all about information that will be lostto future collectors and researchers if itis not recorded now.

If you send anything to me, pleasesend as much information as possiblewith it, including the date that it wasworn. I will cover any cost of postage tome, and donors will be notified of the

web page address once the collection isfully captured. Neville Kemp, Ex CPOSA Navy

* Readers who can assist Neville can contact him at: (021) 887 1843 or082 390 6659 or email: [email protected] or write to him at: Seadogs Militaria Collection, 32 The Avenue, Stellenbosch 7600 - Ed.

events


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Opening of parliament

By Lufuno Netshirembe

Photos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

s usual and as expected thePresident of South Africaaddressed the nation in par-liament in Cape Town on 8February 2008. It was animportant day on which thenation got to hear of the suc-

cesses, challenges and future plans ofthe Government.

On this beautiful hot summer'sday the parade by SANDF memberswas a true reflection of what the lattercould really offer on a special day likethis. The beauty of the synchronis-ed parade moves stirred nostalgic

memories of the first parade of thedemocratically elected government14 years ago.

The soldiers once again showcasedthe beauty, discipline and art ofmarching through selected and tem-porarily closed streets of Cape Town.The bystanders could be forgiven foremulating the marching soldiers anddancing to the sounds of the saxo-phone, drums and a variety of musicalinstruments played by the bands ofthe SANDF.

The execution of all the step-by-step moves was planned andrehearsed in such a way that nothingwas left to chance. According to theOfficer Commanding Army Support

ANational Youth Service programme ofthe SANDF and the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) intakewould be increased from the current 4000 to 10 000. This means that theSANDF will beef up its efforts to curbunemployment, which should notonly be translated as a way of fightingpoverty, but as a drive to call up theyouth to show their allegiance to theircountry. Being a soldier means onemust have an unsurpassed level ofdiscipline and a very strong will todefend one's country at all costs.

Timing means order and ordermeans success. With military preci-

SANDF members marching with the National Flag.

Base Western Cape,Col Peter Kobbie,Level 4 executor andmain co-ordinator forthe event, prepara-tions for the State ofthe Nation addressparade had beenmade since November2007. "Preparation forthis day took a lot ofdedication, disciplineand joint effort fromthe Regular Force andReserve Force mem-bers," said Col Kobbie.

He pointed outthat it was ofparamount impor-tance that the plan-ners (SANDF andParliament) shouldliaise approximatelyseven days before theactual execution of theparade.

The Presidentspoke, among otherissues, of war againstpoverty, and pointedout that this year the

In the foreground:


11

sion, the President wason the podium preciselyat 10:54 where he tookthe national salute, thefly-past salute and the 21-gun salute. When thePresident left the podiumWO1 "Jumbo" S.MSmythe immediatelyindicated to the NationalCeremonial Guard andthe bands of the SANDFthat they could depart.

After the parade itwas time for the controlstaff to meet for thedebriefing session. At thedebriefing Col Kobbie, asthe chairperson, wel-comed the members andthanked the parade par-ticipants for a job wellexecuted. WO1 Smythewho had planned and co-ordinated the State of theNation address parade

for the past sixteen years speciallythanked the Cape Town Highlandersfor providing an extra platoon soreadily after just one telephone call. "Ifeel very proud when everythinggoes according to plan. It shows thatcollective effort brings the bestresults, and it specifically shows thatthe One Force concept is alive here inCape Town," said WO1 Smythe.

Asked if there were any chal-lenges to this operation WO1Mothusi Kgaladi, Sergeant Major ofthe SA Army, said he was quitepleased with the fact that everythingwent so well without any major hic-cups and that every participantbehaved as expected. He thankedevery uniformed member who hadcontributed to the success of theparade.

After that concluding remark themeeting was adjourned and lunchwas served. For these members it wasa well-deserved lunch and they couldquench their thirst having accom-plished their mission on that hotsummer's day in Cape Town.

Well done sons and daughters inuniform, we hope next year you willmake us proud again.

Members of the National Ceremonial Guard drill during the opening of parliament.

President Thabo Mbeki and the First Lady, Ms Zanele Mbeki, during the

singing of the National Anthem.

symbolic handover ceremony

12


Super choppers fly200km/h backwards

By Lt Cdr P.G. van den Berg

fter an absence of more than20 years the SA Air Forceand the SA Navy have des-ignated maritime helicoptersagain. The WASP heli-copters that served the SAAir Force and the SA Navy

on the old President Class frigatesduring the 1970s and 1980s werereplaced by four Super Lynx 300maritime helicopters.

These helicopters, built byAugusta Westland, will be integratedwith the weapons and sensor ships ofthe new Valour Class frigates and willgreatly enhance the abilities of thefrigates. They are built for maritime

missions and will be deployed onboard the SA Navy's new Meko A200Valour Class frigates.

Some of the advanced features ofthese helicopters include the ability tofly at a speed of 420km/h forwardsand nearly 200km/h backwards! Thesensors and radar systems of the heli-copter will also provide an over-the-horizon capability to her sensors andradars.

The helicopters have also beendesigned to operate in very difficultweather conditions, partly thanks to aunique anchoring mechanism thatshoots an anchoring cable into a spe-cial grid on the flight deck of thefrigates. This allows for additional sta-bility for the helicopter in the critical

Aperiod just after landing and beforetake-off, when the lashings of the shipare not on.

During the symbolic handoverceremony in Simon's Town on 14February 2008 the Minister ofDefence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, saidthat the new helicopters were not justan asset to the SANDF, but also aforce multiplier that would eventual-ly be used to contribute to peace inthe country and on the African conti-nent as a whole.

The next few months will be spentundergoing many technical and safe-ty trials to integrate the helicopterand its crew so that it is a part of theweapons and sensor systems of thefrigates.

The Super Lynx 300 maritime helicopter. (Photo: WO2 Christo Crous)


13

The Super Lynx maritime helicopter on board the SAS DRAKENSBERG. (Photo: CPO N. Herne)

The Malawian Minister of Defence, Mr Aaron Sangala (left), and the SA

Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, signing the Memorandum of

Understanding, while Commander Masechaba Ntleko looks on.

South Africa and Malawi sign agreementBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma

Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SA Minister of Defence, MrMosiuoa Lekota, and his counterpartfrom Malawi, Mr Aaron Sangala,

signed an agreement on defence co-operation between the Republic ofSouth Africa and the Republic ofMalawi. This ceremony was conductedat Defence Headquarters in Pretoria on25 February 2008. In welcoming the vis-iting delegation from Malawi Mr Lekotasaid: "Today is an important day as itmarks the signing of the long overdueagreement between the Governments ofthe Republic of South Africa and of theRepublic of Malawi concerning defenceco-operation. This day is also one of theimportant milestones necessary for theformalisation of defence relationsbetween our two countries. The soon tobe launched RSA/Malawi JointPermanent Commission for co-opera-tion will create a platform for our con-tinued engagements in political, eco-nomic, social and military issuesthrough bilateral agreements". Alsoenvisaged was that the signing of thisMemorandum of Understanding(MOU) would lead to other areas ofdefence co-operation and the formalisa-tion of relations between the twodefence establishments. "By signingthese agreements we will be affirming

T

and demonstrating the importance weattach to the relations between ourcountries and our commitment to theformation and development of ourdefence relationship," affirmedMinister Lekota. Responding to thesesentiments the Malawian DefenceMinister said that the MOU signifiedanother milestone between the twogovernments, and in particular the twoMinistries of Defence. "The MOU willseek to achieve industrial co-operationin the field of defence related research,development and the procurement of

defence equipment, cooperation in theexchange of knowledge and training inthe field of United Nations and AfricanUnion peacekeeping operations and theexchange of military personnel at all lev-els to enhance sporting and culturallinks between the two armed forces,"said Minister Sangala. This MOU willcover defence matters, such as theexchange of trainees, instructors,observers, military exercises, militaryinformation, defence industrial coopera-tion, military health services and otherrelated defence matters.

events


14

Royal College on DefenceStudies reunion

By Lufuno Netshirembe


n 1995 the SANDF Chief of JointOperations, Lt Gen TembaMatanzima, attended a DefenceStudies Course at the UnitedKingdom Royal College. It wasdecided then that the students ofthis course should meet annually

in the various mother countries of thestudents as determined by the organ-ising committee.

The organising committee identi-fied South Africa as the country for the2008 students' reunion. From 8 to 10February Lt Gen Matanzima hostedhis fellow Defence Studies students inCape Town. The group consisted ofapproximately 20 members, most ofthem whom attended with theirspouses. The majority of the guestswere senior, serving or retired officialsof different defence forces.

The objectives of the visit were tofoster and sustain good relations andmutual understanding between SouthAfrica, the Department of Defence(DOD) and the respective countries ofthe guests, and to show the guests mil-itary installations and other places ofinterest in Cape Town and to let themexperience the diverse cultures andtraditions of the rainbow nation.

A "meet and greet" session washeld on Friday evening, 8 February, atDe Grendel. Sir David Graaf and LadyGraaf were the hosts. On behalf of theguests, Capt (Royal Navy) CarolineCoates introduced the guests as the SAArmy Band (Cape Town) played dif-ferent Marimba instruments in thebackground to welcome the guests intrue African style. Col Alan Nelson(Ret) gave directions and set the moodthat the whole visit was to take. It ismilitary culture that people exchangegifts, and to this end Capt Coates

I

Lt Gen Temba Matanzima and his wife Noxolo (middle), with the local and international guests. The majority of the

guests were senior, serving and retired officers of different defence forces.

offered Sir David Graaf a token ofappreciation at the end of the evening.

On 9 February members of theRoyal College on Defence Studies '95Intake visited Naval Base Simon'sTown. Lt Gen Matanzima and the del-egates, comprising generals, flag offi-cers and other high-ranking officersfrom various countries were given aglimpse of the SA Navy and shownhow combat ready the South Africanwarriors of the waters were. R AdmHanno Teuteberg, Chief DirectorMaritime Strategy, welcomed every-one aboard the SAS SPIOENKOP. CdrFrancois le Roux, the executive officeron board, gave a brief orientation ofSAS SPIOENKOP.

The question in many people'sminds was how environmentallyfriendly the SAS SPIOENKOP was?Cdr Le Roux said the SAS SPI-OENKOP could recycle almost all theperishables. Next, the visitors were


15

taken to the submarine, SAS CHAR-LOTTE MAXEKE. The OfficerCommanding, Cdr Roland Shortt,took the group for a tour aboard thesubmarine.

The delegations left with excellentimpressions of the capabilities of thesesophisticated vessels.

Next they visited the IkweziCommunity Centre in Gugulethu. At"Gugs" a cultural youth club called"Youth on Top" from Khayalitshaentertained the visitors. The visitcould not have been complete withoutsomeone telling a brief history of thetownship, and Ms Nomalanga Mosalatook it upon herself to explain howGugulethu came into existence.

In the evening it was time for a for-mal dinner at the Castle for Lt GenMatanzima and his Defence Studiesex-students. On arrival the guestswere ushered into the Joe Bick Roomwhere Col Nelson (Ret) welcomedthem. As a man of few words Lt GenMatanzima's speech was brief. Hewished his guests luck in all theirendeavours and thanked them forcoming to South Africa. "To those whoare going to tour South Africa, enjoyour lovely country and our warmweather," he said. He apologised thatbecause of his role as Chief of JointOperations it was not possible for himto be with them all the time for theduration of their visit.

Lt Col Herbert Mashego (right) receives an award from Col Luis Silva, the

Chilean Military Attaché in SA.

The last stage of the visit for thesenior, serving and retired officials ofthe different defence forces was onthe Sunday with a visit to Signal Hillwhere they could get a splendid viewof Cape Town. Then it was time forthe Cape Peninsula and the winelands.

After the official visit the guestswere at liberty to tour South Africa asthey wished. The official farewell ses-sion was celebrated with a braai in theevening at Fort Ikapa.

The visit offered an unprecedent-ed opportunity to promote the imageof the DOD and showcased the newgeneration of SA Navy vessels andthe combat readiness of the SANDF.

Chilean Defence Attaché honoursSA Army OfficerBy Lt Col Frans Pale

Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he Chilean Defence Attaché, ColLuis Silvia, awarded Lt Col HerbertMashego of the South African

National Defence Force (SANDF) witha plaque at the Special Forces Schoolin Murrayhill, north-west of Pretoria,on 25 January 2008.

The award was in recognition of LtCol Mashego's efforts, dedication andsacrifices in becoming the best SAArmy student on the SeniorCommand and Staff Course at the SANational War College last year.

Presenting the award to Lt ColMashego, Col Silva praised the goodrelations between the armies of SouthAfrica and Chile. "During the past fewyears many SA Army officers haveattended specialised courses in Chileand various SA Army delegations par-ticipated in infantry, armour andartillery manoeuvres in differentChilean cities," said Col Silva.

Col Silva added that every year the

T

Chilean Army recognises the bestArmy student among their allies and itwas for this reason that he was givingplaque to Lt Col Mashego.

Lt Col Mashego is currently sec-ond in charge of commando trainingat the SANDF's Special Forces Schoolin Murrayhill.

events


16

Mutual collaboration on national securityBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma


2 January 2008 markedthe official commence-ment of the 17th Execu-tive National SecurityProgramme (ENSP) con-ducted at the SA Nation-al Defence College

(SANDC) in Thaba Tshwane.Col (Rev) Monwabisi

Jarnangile, Acting ChaplainGeneral, opened the programmewith Scripture reading andprayer. He encouraged memberspresent not to be distracted fromtheir purpose. He gave an inspi-rational opening speech in whichhe quoted the wise words ofGeorge Washington, who wrote:"No individual has any right tocome into the world and go outof it without leaving behind him

relate these judgments and opinions tocurrent strategy and policy. They mustbring to this decision-making processclarity of thought and an all-embracingknowledge of national, regional andinternational affairs," said Lt GenMgwebi.

"It is therefore our aim to increasenon-SANDF participation to 50% of theprogramme members. Unfortunatelythis has not yet been achieved, but it isstill very heartening to have so manycivilian members on the programme,"affirmed Lt Gen Mgwebi.

He added that South Africa, in com-mon with many other countries, hadinstituted policies and legislation toimprove the skills level of its populationand to ensure portability and recogni-tion of qualifications and the SANDFwas committed to ensuring that thecourse that it presented was compliantwith the requirements of Government -consequently the SANDC and the ENSPmeet the requirements of the South

2

African Qualifications Authority(SAQA) Act in every respect. Hereminded the programme members thatENSP was a programme with a real bitein it and that they would be required toparticipate actively and fully in theauditorium, during seminars, sympo-siums and study tours both inside andoutside South Africa.

"The DOD members of ENSP 17/08must please bear in mind that you haveall been selected to attend this pro-gramme as potential future leaders ofour organisation. This is an immenseprivilege and should be respected assuch, and you all have a responsibilityto get as much out of the programme aspossible. I expect you to attend all lec-tures and activities and urge all of youto make maximum use of the opportu-nity to interact with your colleagues andlecturers. The learning process can begreatly enhanced when members areprepared to share their experiences withothers," concluded Lt Gen Mgwebi.

Front, fltr: Brig Gen S. Afzal (Pakistan), Maj Gen N.G. Ngema (SAAF),

Lt Gen D.M. Mgwebi (CHR), Lt Gen T.T. Matanzima (CJOPS),

Brig Gen C.D. Schoeman (Cmdt, SANDC) and Brig Gen G.T. Dlamini (Swaziland).

Back, fltr: Mr M.J. Mahlangu (Armscor), Mr L.J. Chipana (Department of Land

Affairs), Ms M.R. Tjabadi (SITA), Col S.C. Amunyela (Namibia), Lt Col A. Selmi

(People's Republic of Algeria), Director Z.V. Nyanda (SAPS), Col C. Diarra

(Republic of Mali), Ms B.M. Tau (Department of Social Development) and

Col L. Lekpeli (Republique de Côte d' Ivoire).

or her distinct and legitimate reasonsfor having passed through it".

Lt Gen Derrick Mgwebi, the Chiefof Human Resources, who officiallyopened the programme, said thatnational security was the concern ofeveryone and not only the military. Hementioned that it was also vital thatother State departments take note of theimportance of the ENSP as their partic-ipation would be required in extendingand advancing knowledge of national,regional and international affairs.

"Senior officers and officials withinthe defence establishment are oftencalled upon to work closely with repre-sentatives of other government depart-ments, NGOs, managers in the privatesector, scientists, educators and leadersof the groups. They must not only becapable of making sound decisions intheir own fields, but must appreciatethe wider implications of the decisionsthat they make and of the actions theyrecommend. They must be able to


17

Infanteers rememberingtheir fallen heroes

By Maj Merle Meyer,

Comm Officer SA Army

Infantry Formation

Photos: Col H. Schobesberger

(Ret)

rey skies and continu-ous rain did not stop,but rather contributedto the sombre atmo-sphere when the SAArmy Infantry Forma-tion and the Infantry

Association paid homage totheir fallen heroes on Sunday20 January 2008 at Fort Klapper-kop in Pretoria.

This event is commemoratedevery year on the Sunday closestto the 22nd of January, the datewhen the establishment of theInfantry Corps was announced inthe Government Gazette in 1954.Several Infantry unit comman-ders and Military Attachés alsolaid wreaths in honour of the

Infanteers are also trainingsoldiers of the Central AfricanRepublic in their country, at 44Parachute Regiment and 1 SAInfantry Battalion and a group ofinstructors have also been sent tothe DRC to train their newdefence force.

Brig Gen Nel quoted Sun Tzu:"In peace prepare for war,In war prepare for peace.The art of war is of vital importanceto the state.It is a matter of life and death,A road either to safety or to ruin.Hence under no circumstances can itbe neglected."

GGrey skies and continuous rain did not

stop, but rather contributed to the

sombre atmosphere at the Infantry

Memorial Service at Fort Klapperkop.

Infanteers who had paid the ultimateprice in defence of their countries.

Brig Gen Krubert Nel, the Chief ofStaff of the SA Army InfantryFormation, said that the Infantry wasgrateful to have lost no Infanteers dur-ing training or deployment in 2007,despite the large number of Infanteersdeployed on our borders and external-ly in the Democratic Republic ofCongo (DRC), Burundi and the Sudan.Infanteers are always willing toanswer the call of duty and close to 7000 of them were deployed during thepublic servants strike in 2007 for pro-tection and general duties at the hos-pitals.

WO2 Sam Nako from the National

Ceremonial Guard playing the trumpet

at the Infantry Memorial Service.


18

n his "I am African" speech,President Thabo Mbeki stated thefollowing: "The pain of the violent

conflict that the people of Liberia,Somalia, the Sudan, Burundi andAlgeria bear is a pain I also bear. Thedismal shame of poverty, sufferingand human degradation of my conti-nent is a blight we share".

In keeping with this notion of theCommander in Chief of the SANDF,7 SA Infantry Battalion (7 SAI Bn)Charlie-Company (C-Coy) - current-ly deployed in Millet, in the Sudan -under the command of MajMahlomola Motsitsi, has beenactively playing its role in the renais-sance of the African continent,demonstrating that as uniformedmembers of the SANDF we are alsoable to make a difference in otherpeople's lives. Knowing our mainobjective is to help the country'speaceful transition from war topeace, the soldiers deployed here (C-Coy Millet, the Sudan), have decidedto do more for the inhabitants ofthis area.

Knowing that the months ofDecember and January can be cold,the soldiers donated their warmclothes and blankets to the internallydisplaced people of Millet (IDP). Itdid not end there. They went a stepfurther by taking money from theirown pockets to buy stationery and tohelp with the school fees of all thechildren in the IDP camp.

A day later another school sent aletter asking for assistance as theywere going to have a closing func-tion on the same day. The soldierstook this in their stride. Within anhour they managed to put togetherenough money to buy stationery forthe young children - again themoney was from their own pockets.

The members of 7 SAI Bn's C-Coy have proved by their actionsthat they are in line with the state-ment of the Commander in Chiefwhen he said: "The dismal shame ofpoverty, suffering, and humandegradation of my continent is ablight we share". The members ofthis company have proved that

soldiers of South Africa can andshould play a more active role inthe process of rebuilding a society,a town, a city and eventually acountry.

We have come to realise thatDarfur still has a long way to go.Yet we believe that each and everyone of us can and has to make a dif-ference. It is only fitting that weshould describe the feelings of themembers of this company. The bestwords we could come across wherethe following: "Whatever the set-backs of the moment, nothing canstop us now! Whatever the difficul-ties, Africa shall be at peace!However, improbable it may soundto the skeptics, Africa will prosper".

In closure, it was clear that thecollective effort of different com-manders from different countrieswith different religions, culturesand backgrounds, made all theseevents a success. Maj Motsitsi,Officer Commanding Millet Base,Capt Islam, Civilian PoliceCommander, and Lt Col PapaSamba, Commander of the MilitaryObservers together ensured that thegoal of UNAMID concerning theSudan was achieved.

In his address to the learnersand the public Maj Motsitsi indicat-ed that it was vital for teachers toencourage the learners to concen-trate on their studies so that theywould have the opportunity tobecome future leaders of theirbeautiful country, the Sudan. Hestressed the importance of goodeducation to avoid a situation inwhich learners become soldiers atan early stage without completingtheir studies.

He said it was via pen andpaper and good negotiation skills,not a rifle, that eternal peace couldbe attained. That was why thepeacekeepers donated books andpens to make this dream a reality.We can all learn a thing or two fromthese role players. Together westand and divided we fall. Cpl S.W.

Tyatya and Cpl J. Mabena, Darfur

(Photos: S Sgt T.S. Maphanga)

news from deployed areas

Spirit of giving in peacekeeping operations

I

Learners entertaining the visitors.

Members of Charlie-Company entertain

the locals before the presentation of

gifts.

The Officer Commanding Millet Base,

Maj Mahlomola Motsitsi, handing over

the stationery to one of the best per-

formers.


19

Lt Col M.T. Ngobeni,

SO1 OPCOMM 43 SA Brigade HQ

t was almost twelve monthsdown the line and in the peace-keeping trenches of theDemocratic Republic of Congo(DRC). We were fortunateenough to serve under a greatleader, Col C.J. van der Merwe.

He was the National ContingentCommander for the deployment peri-od of November 2006 to December2007. The South African forcesdeployed under his command were 4SA Infantry Battalion and 15 SAInfantry Battalion as well as membersof various units.

Col Van der Merwe is currentlythe Acting General OfficerCommanding of 43 SA Brigade atWallmannsthal. It has been a longperiod away from home, but we man-aged to achieve both our organisation-al and personal goals.

We gained a lot of knowledge and

this can only come about through high-level political negotiations and sacri-fices.

We can see peace and stability on thehorizon of the African continent. Thepeace signs are evident and can be seenin the DRC.

We thank our wives, husbands, chil-dren, families and friends for being sosupportive and patient during these 12months of deployment. Your lonelydays and nights without your lovedones contributed a lot to the establish-ment of peace in the DRC. Remember,when a wife or husband becomes a sol-dier the whole family becomes soldiersas well. It is therefore tough to be a sol-dier and soldiers are like tigers: theydon't cry. The phone calls, letters andparcels you sent to us took the lonelinessaway.

We thank the Chief of the SANDFand his delegations for visiting us in themission area. Their presence made usfeel important and secure. It gave uspride and dignity to see our top leadergroup come to us bringing best wishesand greetings. We were grateful for thewonderful Christmas presents wereceived from different South Africanbased sponsors.

Different cultures, languages andnationalities were a real eye-opener tous. It made us realise that we were notthe only ones on planet earth. We had toaccommodate all the different culturesand sometimes people were allowed toexpress their cultures. However, when itcame to work we did it according to themilitary culture. There was a lot of cul-tural interaction, especially with theother contingents and the localCongolese people. To know other peo-ple's cultures is to start learning respect.Through cultural respect we were ableto eradicate discrimination and racism.

To those that will come after us wesay: "Karibu Sana, Ben Venue Au DRC".

Members of 43 SA Brigade HQ deployed on a one-year stint,

fltr: Col C.J. van der Merwe, Lt Col M.T. Ngobeni and WO1 N.N. Shikwambana.

experience during this deployment.We as the South African peacekeepersbelieved in the establishment of peaceand stability in the region. We estab-lished this peacekeeping environmentby working side by side with the othercontingents, such as the Indians,Bangladeshis, Indonesians and theAngolans. Through this unity theMultinational Force was established.We brought back the skill of combinedoperations that we had learned.

We achieved these goals bybeing good learners, committed,proud and confident. Through thiscourageous display of our membersthe South African flag could fly highin the sky with integrity, courage andprofessionalism.

We as the South African peace-keepers believe that one day theCongolese people will be free and lib-erated from the wars that have rav-aged the country for so many years.We believe that peaceful conditionsmust be established in Africa and that

Peacekeeping inthe Congo

I

SANDF fittest soldier


20

Be prepared,be fit

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

here was sweat, tears andblood during the first everSANDF Fittest SoldierChampionships at ASBBloemfontein from 11 to 14February 2008. This presti-gious competition was initiat-

ed after the Military Council discov-ered that very little was being done topromote physical fitness in theSANDF.

When he opened the ceremony theGeneral Officer Commanding ASBBloemfontein, Brig Gen MorrisMoadira, said to the participants: "Thepolicy on physical fitness is a mereinstruction and fitness tests are mostcertainly not popular with units allover the country. The pass rate inthese tests is poor and non-compli-ance with the policy is prevalent. Tocounter this negative tendency theSANDF Fittest Soldier Competitionwas developed".

"The main purpose and objectivesof the competition were to determinethe fittest male and female soldiers inthree age groups, which unit had thefittest team of four members, to pro-vide recognition and exposure for thewinners so that others might see andstrive to follow their examples and itis also envisaged that Service andDivisional chiefs will encourage theirunit members to participate in thiscompetition," said Col WolfgangSteinbach, Championship Director,speaking to SA Soldier.

T

For three days all Services com-peted in various activities, such asthe bleep test, multi-running course,aerobic fitness (2,4 km run), muscleendurance, speed endurance, mili-tary pentathlon, obstacle course andgrenade throwing. The SA Armyteam dominated the whole champi-onships as they displayed esprit decorps throughout the tournament.

It was not a surprise that theyscooped most of the trophies, thebulk of which went to 1 ParachuteBattalion in Bloemfontein. Whenasked how he perceived the champi-onships, Col Steinbach replied: "Ithink it was a huge success.Everything that was done was for thefirst time and it's still a learning

Rfn Linah Motobele from

1 Parachute Battalion during the

multi-running course. She was

voted the fittest female soldier in

the category 34 years and

younger.

Left: Rifleman Lungisani Mthethwa,

the SANDF's fittest soldier in the

male category 34 years and

younger, on his way to winning the

multi-running course.


21

Participants started with the bleep test to test their aerobic capacity.

1 Parachute BattalionWinner: Women (34 years andyounger): Rfn M.L. Motobele from 1Parachute BattalionWinner: Men (34 years andyounger): Rfn L.N. Mthethwa from1 Parachute Battalion

The results in the team category wereas follows:

1st - SA Army A from 1 ParachuteBattalion2nd - SA Army B from 1 ParachuteBattalion3rd - SA Navy from Naval BaseSimon's Town4th - SA Air Force from AFBMakhado5th - SAMHS from SAMHS HQ

Speaking to SA Soldier after receiv-ing his award as the SANDF's fittest sol-dier in the category for men (34 yearsand younger), Rfn Lungisani Mthethwasaid: "I feel very happy. This was the sec-ond time I participated in such a tourna-ment; I also took part in the very first SAArmy Fittest Soldier Competition lastyear in November when I came second. Iam glad that my hard work has finallypaid off."

The championships were sponsoredby Surefire - a company that manufac-tures illuminations and tacticalweapons. Mr Cornell Grové, SalesExecutive Military Sales Africa, said:"We are privileged to sponsor a uniquecompetition like this because, as the slo-gan says, "be prepared be fit". We wouldlike to be associated with the fittest andbest soldiers with the best equipment."

Below: Under the trip wire the

soldiers' ability was tested during

the obstacle course.

curve for us. The women, especially thefirst four, were up to standard, as werethe first ten men, but the rest must stilltrain more", said Col Steinbach.

Any plans for next year's competi-tion? "I think with 7 Medical BattalionGroup and the Special Forces that willalso participate next year - it will be adifferent ball game. The Military Policealso wanted to send a team this year,but they could not. They promised to

WinnersThe results in the different individ-

ual categories were as follows:Winner: Men (45 years and older):WO1 G.J Howes from Naval BaseSimon's TownWinner: Women (between 35 and44 years): PO C. Roodman fromNaval Base Simon's TownWinner: Men (between 35 and44 years): Sgt H.L. Fourie from

Soldiers participating in the 2,4 km walk.

compete next year, so the tournamentwill grow and the standard will defi-nitely increase by 20 to 30 per cent. Itwill be a tougher competition - eventoday's winner will not necessarily benext year's winner," said Col Steinbach.

clippings


22

Maj Gen Louis Dlulani (left) of the DOD and Brig Gen Schalk Walters (Ret),

Chairperson of the Council for Tshwane South College, sign a skills develop-

ment training pact at Thaba Tshwane College on 11 January 2008. (The CEO

of Tshwane Training College, Mr Tokelo Chiloane, looks on.)

DOD and Tshwane South College sign training pactBy Lt Col Frans Pale

Photo: S Sgt Noleen Oberholster

he Department of Defence (DOD)and Tshwane South Collegereached a milestone achievement

when they signed a skills develop-ment training pact at Thaba TshwaneCollege on 11 January 2008.

According to the agreementTshwane South College will offertraining to members of the SouthAfrican National Defence Force(SANDF) in apprenticeship skills,such as motor mechanics, plumbingand welding.

In his opening remarks at the sign-ing ceremony a representative of theSANDE, Maj Gen Louis Dlulani, saidthe purpose of the signing agreementbetween the DOD and Tshwane SouthCollege was to produce a pool of high-ly trained craftsmen and women toprovide government departmentswith trained skills.

Addressing himself to the first 100DOD members selected for the currentenrolment at Tshwane South CollegeMaj Gen Dlulani urged them to exer-cise discipline and conduct themselvesin a way befitting a worthy soldier asthey resume their studies.

T

The Chief Executive Officer andPrincipal of Tshwane South College,Mr Tokelo Chiloane, also describedthe signing agreement as a symbioticand mutual relationship between theDOD and Tshwane South College.

Mr Chiloane invited members ofthe DOD to visit the College anytimeof the day for discussions. They wouldbe advised on how to run their pro-grammes for the benefit of the peopleof South Africa.

Translation - a policial rightBy Ms I.M. Goussard-Kunz,

Directorate Language Services

he European Union (EU) has topublish its legislation in all its 23official languages. Nine separate

translation services attached to thevarious EU institutions and bodiesmanage this enormous task by mak-ing extensive use of translation agen-cies and freelance translators.

T

In South Africa, the usage of thecountry's 11 official languages is regu-lated by Section 6 of the South AfricanConsitution and the NationalLanguage Policy Framework (NLPF).While the Constitution stipulates the"what", the NLPF outlines the "how".Accordingly, national governmentdepartments must publish documentsin at least six official languages if theycannot be made available in all 11. The

six languages must comprise at leastone each from the Nguni and Sothogroup, Tshivenda, Xitsonga, Englishand Afrikaans.

* To make use of the Department ofDefence (DOD) translation service con-tact Dr J.L. Marais at tel: (012) 392 2412and Ms I.M. Goussard-Kunz at tel:(012) 392 3182 for official and foreignlanguages respectively.

23


Special Forces trainingboosts SADC integration

By Lt Col Frans Pale


he South African SpecialForces School opened itsdoors again to members ofdefence forces from theSouthern Africa Develop-ment Community (SADC)countries at Murrayhill,

north-west of Pretoria, in January2008.

This year soldiers from Botswana,Namibia and Swaziland (SADC)together with 120 South African sol-diers will participate in the first phaseof the Commando Training at theSouth African Special Forces School.

According to the CommanderGeneral Training of Special Forces atMurrayhill, Lt Col Herbert Mashego,the main purpose of training theSpecial Forces of SADC countries is toqualify them as special operators andprepare them to be ready for deploy-

Tother SADC countries helps me tounderstand certain geographic reali-ties in some African countries, suchas Botswana, and how to deal withmosquitoes, which is necessary forsurvival. This interaction will alsohelp boost integration in accordancewith SADC objectives".

According to Lt Linda Els, anSANDF woman soldier and a fitnessinstructor at the Special ForcesSchool, involvement of women intraining is proof that gender equalityin the army can be easily achieved. "Ifeel that training women in the SAArmy is of the utmost importancebecause it makes them feel strongand positive," she said.

Sgt Bokang Melato from Lesotho.

Capt Julius Kashiwanhapo

from Namibia.

ment in peacekeeping missions inAfrica.

In an interview with SA Soldier atthe Special Forces School students tak-ing part in the training expressed hap-piness and satisfaction at the prospectof interacting with one another in themammoth task of undertaking peace-keeping missions in Africa.

Capt Julius Kashiwanhapo fromNamibia said he was proud to be inSouth Africa to learn more aboutpeacekeeping in Africa. "This trainingwill help me and my fellow citizensunderstand how Special Forces oper-ate during peacekeeping missions introuble spots in Africa," added CaptKashiwanhapo, whose duties are toprotect very important people (VIPs)in his country.

Sgt Bokang Melato from Lesothosummed it up when he said: "Myinteraction with colleagues here from

Lt Linda Els, an SANDF woman

soldier and a fitness instructor at

the South African Special Forces

School.

bi-national and joint exercise


24

EXERCISEGOOD HOPE III



ermany has found a homein South Africa. This wasevident when SA Soldierwas invited to attend amedia day on 3 March 2008to witness the bi-nationaland joint EXERCISE

GOODHOPE III that the SA Navyand the SA Air Force undertook,together with elements of the GermanNavy and Air Force, to demonstratefriendship between the two countriesand to enhance military co-operation.

"This bi-national exercise hasbecome an annual event that providesthe opportunity for our maritimeforces to improve their preparations,readiness and interoperability.Simultaneously the exercise alsoensures that we remain abreast ofmaritime tactics and proceduresutilised by international navies," saidthe Deputy Minister of Defence as he

G

The majestic FGS HAMBURG, a frigate of the German Defence Force, in

motion during EXERCISE GOOD HOPE III.

addressed members of the media onboard the SAS AMATOLA.

This year's exercise was executedin three phases, namely the prepara-tion, co-ordination and integrationphase, the weapons firing and analysisphase and the tactical warfare phasecomprising anti-air, surface and sub-surface warfare.

Director Fleet Force Preparation, RAdm (JG) Hanno Teuteberg, the ChiefExecutor of this exercise, said: "Thisexercise will be conducted in the spiritof learning and observing by both par-ties involved."

Members of the media had theopportunity to witness a "war sce-nario" in which the frigate, the SASAMATOLA, came under fire from a

Fltr: Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm Johannes (Refiloe) Mudimu, the SA Deputy

Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George, the German Ambassador, Dr Dieter

Haller, and the Chief of German Naval Staff, V Adm Wolfgang Nolting, at the

media day.


25

A combat support vessel from the German Defence Force, the FGS BERLIN, shows its endurance and mobility.

German Tornado aircraft, and the SASAMATOLA gunners retaliated withtheir 20 mm anti-aircraft guns. TheChief of German Naval Staff, V AdmWolfgang Nolting, was satisfied withthe response of the frigates and said itshowed that South Africa was ready toprotect its waters and face any possiblethreat.

Ships that took part in this month-long exercise were frigates of theGerman Defence Force: FGS HAM-BURG and FGS KÖLN, two combatsupport vessels, FGS BERLIN and FGS

WESTERWALD, six Tornado multi-role aircraft and two Lynx maritimehelicopters of the German Air Force.

The SA Navy sent its two frigates,SAS ISANDLWANA, SAS AMATO-LA, the combat support ship, the SASDRAKENSBERG, two strike craft, theSAS GALESHEWE and the SASISAAC DYOBHA, a mine hunter, theSAS UMKOMAAS, while the SA AirForce contributed six Cheetah fighteraircraft, two C47 maritime patrol air-craft and three Oryx helicopters toparticipate in the exercise.

A German Tornado flying above the FGS HAMBURG during EXERCISE

GOOD HOPE III.

SA Air Force


26

The unifying magic of the blue culture

By L Cpl Ally Rakoma

Photos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole and

Sgt Elias Mahuma

ltogether 88 years of exis-tence of the South AfricanAir Force (SAAF) was cele-brated in grand style on 1February 2008 with a paradeheld at Swartkop Airfield inThaba Tshwane.

This event displayed the pioneersof the sky of South Africa and thelegacy of the unifying magic of theblue pride (SAAF). The spectacularevent included air displays and fly-pasts by a variety of SAAF aircraft,including Rooivalk, Oryx, BAE Hawk,C130 Hercules, Agusta A109-LUH,PC7 Astra, Casa C212, C208 Caravanand BE20/30 Kingair.

Air Force Day is the biggest eventin the SAAF diary and is aimed atrewarding the performance of deserv-ing SAAF bases, squadrons, units andindividuals that have rendered excel-lent service in responding to the call ofduty and have displayed commitmentand hard work the previous year. Theevent indisputably also belongs to AirForce Reserves, ex-members of theSAAF, veterans and the citizens ofSouth Africa.

Addressing the gathering theChief of the SAAF, Lt Gen CarloGagiano, said that the anniversary cel-ebration was an occasion to reflect onthe highs and lows of the past. Hementioned that the year 2007 had notbeen without challenges and was aperiod of substantial achievements inmany respects.

He added that excellence mustbecome a way of life in the SAAF. TheSAAF does not focus rigidly on per-fection, but rather on continuingexcellence in the way of doing things.Lt Gen Gagiano quoted Charles

Reade: "Sow an act and you reap ahabit. Sow a habit and you reap a char-acter. Sow a character and you reap adestiny".

Lt Gen Gagiano praised the SAAF

A

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the SA Air Force (right), congratulating

Col Kobus Butler, Officer Commanding AFB Ysterplaat, for being awarded

the Air Force Prestige Unit of the Year.

for its many roles in humanitarianassistance: "Humanitarian operationsfeatured very prominently in the fly-ing achievements of the SAAF duringthe year 2007. The SAAF was able to

Members of the SA Air Force on parade and the aircraft fly-past.


27

Members of the SA Air Force on parade proudly displaying

the pride of the blue culture.

Honorary Colonel Tokyo Sexwale attended

the celebrations of the pride of the

blue culture.

respond to the call of duty and fullyparticipated in the peace initiatives ofGovernment. The SAAF also contin-ued to deliver a VIP service to thePresident and other clients. The SAAF,in its endeavours, continues to pro-mote its image within the nationalcommunity by taking aviation to thepeople, and also participated in anumber of air shows, community fes-tivals, fly-pasts and other events dur-ing the year 2007. The SAAF hasserved our democracy well and con-tinues to do so".

According to him the celebrationof the 88th anniversary of the SAAFwas a historical milestone, which pro-vided the SAAF members with theperfect opportunity to look back at thefounding of the SAAF. It was also atime to reflect, a time for remem-brance and a time to celebrate a newera.

Turning to the topic of challenges,the Chief of the SAAF said that the AirForce budget remained the biggestchallenge. This and the current infla-tion rate in the aviation environmentmeant that the SAAF was exposed tohigher turnover, heavy reliance onimported high technology equipment,high consumption of expensive com-

modities and an outflow ofskilled technical personnel.

"The SAAF cannotaccept an erosion of itsskilled personnel of thismagnitude and during2008 positive steps will beimplemented to counterskills erosion. We will giveexpression to previouslyuntapped talent and theSAAF will continue to har-vest for the benefit of SouthAfrica," said Lt GenGagiano. He also hinted atthe rejuvenation of trainingand the instillation of anethic and culture of learn-ing and reassured thosepresent that there was aplanned career for eachmember of the SAAF. "TheSAAF will continue to addnew chapters of achieve-ments and excellence," saidLt Gen Gagiano proudly.

The Air Force Day

AWARD WINNERS FOR 2007

SAAF Aviation Safety Award:22 Squadron (AFB Ysterplaat)

Royal Air Force Training Award:Bushveld Airspace Control Sector

(Air Command)Fire and Rescue Services of the Year:

AFB LangebaanwegAir Force Protection Squadron of theYear:

525 Squadron (AFB Overberg)Air Force Reserve Squadron of theYear:

111 Squadron (AFB Waterkloof)Air Force Support Unit of the Year:

Air Publication Service Centre(AFB Waterkloof)Air Servicing Unit of the Year:

2 ASU (AFB Langebaanweg)Air Command Directorate of the Year:

Directorate Technical SupportServicesOperational Support Unit of the Year:

Lowveld Airspace Control Sector(AFB Hoedspruit)Air Force Training Unit of the Year:

80 Air Navigation School (AFB Ysterplaat)Air Force Permanent Flying Unit ofthe Year:

15 Squadron (AFB Durban)Air Force Base of the Year:

AFB YsterplaatAir Force Sword of Peace:

15 Squadron (AFB Durban)Air Force Prestige Unit of the Year:

AFB Ysterplaat

parade is a proud symbol of the illus-trious history of the SAAF. It does notreflect only history, but serves also tobond the pride of the blue culture withunity of purpose. Established on 1February 1920, our Air Force is the sec-ond oldest independent air force in theworld.

Various top performers wereawarded for their achievements in2007 during the parade.

environment


28

By Cdr Adri Liebenberg,

A/SSO Environmental Services

s the world as we know it slip-ping into unsustainability? World-wide, nations are beginning to faceup to the challenge of sustain-able energy - in other words toalter the way energy is utilised insupport of the social, environmen-

tal and economic aims of sustainabledevelopment.

In South Africa this has nowbecome a reality. It is known that thepublic sector is wasteful regarding

I

Smarter defencewith less energy

Amending unit routine to shift elec-tricity consumption to off-peak andefficient consumption during peakperiods.Giving priority to the procurement

filled to requirement only.Not using heaters and airconditioners in moderate climaticconditions.Implementing saving measures atmarried quarters.

RENEWABLE ENERGYSOURCES INTO THE FUTURE

The option of using generators forstandby power is an expensive alterna-tive to electricity. In the medium term,the DOD will investigate the imple-

electricity consump-tion. The Departmentof Defence (DOD)therefore supportsGovernment's goal ofthe sustainable utili-sation of naturalresources and the ini-tiatives of Eskom tofulfil the energydemand of the coun-try. The increased"load shedding" willinfluence the productivity of thisdepartment and the increase in elec-trical consumer unit prices will esca-late the DOD's bud-get for this service.For this reason, Ser-vices and Divisionswere instructed to ini-tiate energy efficientmeasures to reduceelectricity demand.

PRACTICALMEASURES

Measures and ini-tiatives to ensure themilitary reduces elec-tricity demand by10% include:

of energy savingdevices and replacingconventional electricalfittings with energysaving types.Switching off unnec-essary electricalappliances on standbymode or not in use atthe electrical outlet,which will result in10% savings.Switching off unnec-essary office lights in

government and leased facilitiesafter working hours and overweekends and utilising after-hour

security personnel tomonitor and ensureadherence.Priority securitylights on only duringdark hours.Isolating geysers withblankets, turningthermostats to 55ºCand switching offgeysers not in use.Managing power inkitchens and messescost-effectively; forexample, urns not tobe used on 24-hourbasis and kettles to be

mentation of shared savings, perfor-mance and fixed fee contracting initia-tives, begin using renewable energy,such as solar panels/towers or troughsin military training areas and wind tur-bines along the coast, investigate a pilotproject for utilising hybrid motor vehi-cles for localised road transport and theutilisation of bio-fuel as an alternativeto regular fuel.

AWARENESS AND RECOGNITION

As part of the Annual Environ-mental Awards Programme, an EnergyEfficiency Award gives recognition toinitiatives in conserving energy with-in the DOD. For more on this issue,contact Mr William Mashiloane at(012) 339 5167.

Isolating geysers with a geyser blanket.


29

By Lt Col Frans Pale


A Soldier was granted aninterview with a military vet-eran, Mr Frank MakhuraSexwale, who recentlyturned ninety. This was anopportunity not to be missedas our readers could take to

heart the advice of one of the livingnonagenarians in South Africa.

As the SA Soldier team arrived atthe Sexwale home in Dube, Soweto,Mr Sexwale emerged from his roomwith a smile all over his face as he gaveus a firm handshake. Apart from hiswalking stick and the silver grey hairon his head, one could easily havemistaken Ntate Sexwale for a 60-year-old man who should be starting toplan for his old age.

At 90 years of age, Mr Sexwale stillfinds time to sit on the veranda out-side his house and look at the worldmap displayed on the wall of his yard.With his stick he pointed at countrieson the African continent with troublespots. Mr Sexwale reveals the politi-cian in him. "The dream for theAfrican Union can only become areality when African leaders stoplooking at themselves as leaders forlife," he says.

Commenting on South Africa'speacekeeping missions in Africa, MrSexwale advises that South Africamust continue this role, especially interms of our immediate neighbours,such as Zimbabwe. "A poor and apolitically unstable African region isnot in the interests of South Africa,"adds Mr Sexwale.

S

Military Veteran Sexwale(90) gives advice

Asked to give a message to theyouth on the anniversary of his 90thbirthday, Mr Sexwale says: "Life is agift from God. Do not become care-less about this gift, because it isgiven to you only once in a lifetime.Do not indulge in alcohol because itbrings harm to the life of a person,"Mr Sexwale concludes.

The Sexwale brothersTokyo Sexwale and younger brother

Johnny Sexwale are also members of ourmilitary family. The former is a militaryveteran and Honorary Colonel with theSA Air Force, while the latter is also a mil-itary veteran and Colonel in the ReserveForce. They are both sons of the militaryveteran, Mr Frank Makhura Sexwale.

A military veteran, Mr Frank Makhura Sexwale, enjoys a chat with SA Soldierand gives a message to the youth during the celebration of his 90th birthday

anniversary.


30


31

empowerment


32

Towards more effectivediscipline management

By Mr Mandla Zwane, Director

Labour and Service Relations

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

ased on the findings and rec-ommendations of the Chair-persons of Disciplinary Hear-ing of PSAP in the Depart-ment of Defence (DOD) itbecame apparent that Chair-persons and/or departmental

representatives in some instances do not act in a neutral manner andas such are therefore influenced byirrelevant considerations;do not take into account the inter-ests of both the employer and theemployee;do not assess evidence objectivelywith an open mind;do not satisfy themselves as to thecommission of the offence accord-ing to a balance of probabilities on

the evidence adduced during thedisciplinary hearing.have knowledge of the employeewithout declaring such and recusethemselves from proceedings.In view of the above, the fairness,

credibility and independence of suchhearings may be placed in doubt and itfurther places a difficult burden on theDOD to ensure consistency in theapplication of disciplinary sanctions.Therefore, the Human ResourcesDivision (Directorate Labour andService Relations) has undertaken topresent a skills development course toDOD personnel in order to meet thespecific skills development needs inthis regard and to help the establishedinternal departmental panel deal withdisciplinary/incapacity hearings witha view to more effective disciplinemanagement and improved servicedelivery.

The content of the course should

provide clear guidelines to assist inensuring substantive and proceduralfairness in conducting disciplinary/incapacity hearings. The skills devel-opment workshop that was held inFebruary 2008 was attended by 20 del-egates from the various units through-out the provinces. It is believed thatthe delegates experienced the work-shop as empowering and that theylook forward to applying the knowl-edge and skills gained from this skillsdevelopment workshop in theirrespective environments.

The Human Resources Divisionwill present another skills develop-ment workshop during the first quar-ter of the new financial year to enhancefurther the number of trained panel-lists. Further details of this work-shop will be presented to representa-tives of the Services and Divisions atthe DOD Labour and Service RelationsCo-ordinating Committee meeting.

B

Mr Mandla P. Zwane, Director Labour and Service Relations (front, middle), with delegates who attended the PSAP

Disciplinary Skills Empowerment Workshop for Departmental Representatives and Chairpersons of

Disciplinary/Incapacity Hearings.


33

Young Air Force members qualifyfor wings

By Bibi Morgets

Photo: F Sgt Debbie Guthrie

he time has come to congratu-late and give credit to thosepeople who worked hard. TheSouth African Air Force host-ed its wing parade at AFBLangebaanweg in Cape Townon 6 March 2008. The forty-

three recipients where presented withtheir wings by the Chief of the SA AirForce, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano.

The parade was well attended byboth senior and junior members of theDOD, and among these officials wasthe Deputy Minister of Defence, MrMluleki George, who handed over thewing badges to the well-deservingrecipients.

The crowd gathered, as it was timefor the Deputy Minister to step up tothe podium to congratulate andencourage the recipients. He urgedthem to take pride in their work and touse their skills to the benefit of thecountry, particularly the SA Air Force.

In his address Mr George men-tioned a few significant matters to beconsidered by the Department ofDefence (DOD), such as looking at theissue of incentives as a way of retain-ing pilots in the SA Air Force and get-ting young black women to join theForce. He said it was time the Forcefound the equilibrium of gender andrace within the organisation.

SA Soldier had an opportunity totalk to one of the recipients, Lt WendySharp, a 21-year-old woman who lefthome straight after matric to join theSA Air Force. She spoke to us withsuch zeal and enthusiasm, and said:"The three years I spent in the Forcehave finally paid off. Now it is time forme to reap what I sowed". Indeed sheis a living product of hard work,

determination and perseverance.Today she is wearing her wings(badge) with much pride and honour.

The Deputy Minister appealed tothe recipients to stay in the Force for atleast ten years. He said: "This willallow them to be experienced andhighly skilled personnel who willseamlessly pass on their know-how toothers who will come after them."

T

The Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George, presenting Sgt Esther

Phokoje from 21 Squadron, AFB Waterkloof, with the Flight Attendant

Floating Trophy.

Reserve Force


34

he Transvaal ScottishRegiment held its annualHonours Day parade at theregimental headquarters at"The View" in Parktown on 26January 2008.

Lt Col D.D. Smythe,Officer Commanding TransvaalScottish Regiment, said during hisspeech at the parade that 2007 wouldbe reflected in the history of theRegiment as the beginning of a newera. The change of command and thatof the RSM's posts on the same daycertainly made the history books.

He mentioned that the TransvaalScottish Regiment had successfullyparticipated in numerous activitieslast year. The following were somehighlights:

TMot North Floating Trophy for thebest unit in the SA Army MotorisedInfantry North grouping.Regimental Pipes and Drums - the"A" Band excelled under the guid-ance of Pipe Major Craig Whitleyduring 2007. The results wereawesome:

Regional Champions in 2007.SA Champions in 2007, twoyears in succession.Champion of Champions, Grade2 - for the fourth time in fiveyears.The music grading took place atthe Kensington Garrison priorto the band participating in theKremlin Zoria (Russian tattoo)over the period 7 to 18September 2007.

Col S.J. Whitford, Chairman of the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Council,

inspecting the troops.

The Regiment received a certificateof appreciation from the NatalspruitHospital in recognition of valuableservice rendered during the publicsector union strike last year.The Regiment was awarded the

Honours Day parade for Transvaal ScottishRegiment

Ten pipers presentedthemselves forDepartment of Defence,Musical ServicesProficiency Evaluation.All ten qualified at thehighest technical level, vizthat of Master Musician.Voluntary CadetProgramme - Three yearsago the Transvaal Scottishand Parktown Boys HighSchool reintroduced aVoluntary CadetProgramme. In 2007 thestandard of the drill wasremarkably high.

Lt Col Smythe concluded bythanking all the members of theregiment for their diligent effortsto make this regiment a winningone. "Continue to remember thatthe regiment is what you make ofit. Excellent effort is recognisedand rewarded."


35

Young officers excelBy Maj Priscilla Johnson

Photo: S Sgt P. Benn

ub Lieutenant Calvin Mangan-yi was born at Gandlanani inMalamulele, Limpopo Prov-ince. He started his schoolingin 1990 at Ripindzi Primaryand completed his matric in2001 at Hlaluko High where he

obtained an exemption with a distinc-tion in Geography. After matric hestayed at home for two years due tofinancial constraints.

When asked what inspired him tojoin the SA Navy, he replied: "On myfirst day of school my shirt was torn, somy grandmother wanted to fix it. Whenshe took the needle book I saw a pictureof a ship, but I did not know what itwas. I asked my teacher the followingday and she said to me it was a ship andexplained that people work there. Sincethat day I was so interested in workingon board a ship some day. However,things changed as I grew up and I want-ed to pursue a career in medicine.

"Owing to financial constraints fol-lowing my father's retrenchment in1991, I did not manage to go to a medi-cal school. I was determined that Iwould make it because I gave my bestwhatever I did and God helps me toachieve all my goals. Some people saythat everything I touch turns platinum.This stems from the fact that I was oncea photographer, a technician, a gui-tarist, and a bricklayer just before I wascalled to serve in the SANDF.

"In all these fields I excelled and innone of them did I receive formal train-ing. I cannot explain how all this hap-pened. They were like gifts from God.But I do not believe that everything I doturns platinum. I believe that God hasgifted different people with talents.Some are multi-talented, but we allhave potential."

Since his primary education S LtCalvin Manganyi has excelled in hisstudies. He joined the SA Navy in 2004and completed Basic Training at SASSALDANHA, after which he went forOfficer's Formative at the South AfricanNaval College in Gordon's Bay. S LtManganyi is just one of the many youngSouth Africans who had good matric

SNavy Student, and the Sword ofHonour - the Best Student Overall,which combines both military prowessand academic work.

When asked how he felt aboutreceiving all these awards, he replied: "Idid not expect it. But as they say inXitsonga 'Mintirho ya vulavula' whichmeans work talks. To those who arecoming after, know that nothing isimpossible with God, hard work, dedi-cation and belief. To the junior NavalOfficers: know that you are the cream ofthe crop and wear that uniform withpride in order to lift the naval profilehigher and show that it is really theNavy for the People. As Lt Gen TembaMantanzima said: '(to) the Sword ofHonour winner, in particular, let mesay that your achievement, a combina-tion of academic work and militaryprowess, is an example to all of us' - letthis be an example for junior officers".

S Lt Manganyi is the first Black SANavy student to receive the Sword ofHonour, the second Black person toreceive the SA Navy Floating Trophyand the first to continue with honoursin SAS on a full-time basis at theMilitary Academy, which is the Facultyof Military Science at StellenboschUniversity.

Fltr: Lt A. van der Merwe (SA Army Floating Trophy recipient),

S Lt C. Manganyi (SA Navy Floating Trophy and Sword of Honour recipient)

and Capt F. Easton (SA Military Health Service Floating Trophy recipient).

results, but no financial back-up for ter-tiary education. He was delighted to jointhe military, particularly the SA Navy.

"Firstly I thank God for taking careof me, my parents (especially my mom,Mphemphu Sophie Chauke, and mygrandmother, N'wa Xirhami) and theSouth African Government for giving achance to the youth like me to furthertheir studies and at the same time toserve their country diligently and pro-fessionally and for being able to helptheir families. The youth of today are thefuture of tomorrow and investing in theyouth is the best investment the countrycan make."

When asked what motivated him, SLt Manganyi replied: "My motivationcomes from my background, from whatI have and what I left behind. If youknow where you come from, then youknow where to go. If I do not succeed inwhat I do, what will happen to me? Ipush myself to the limit. On my arrivalat the Military Academy things weredifficult given the fact that I still had towork for my contract".

S Lt Calvin Manganyi has receivedthe following awards: The SanlamFloating Trophy - the Best Student inSecurity and Africa Studies (SAS), theSA Navy Floating Trophy - Best SA

news snippets


36



hese days deals are not necessarilyclosed in boardrooms, but on thegreens, so it was the turn of the

Department of Defence MatérielDivision, under the leadership of MrBruce Ramfolo, the Chief of DefenceMatériel, to host and strengthen rela-tions between the Department andthe defence industry during his golfday. The golf day was held at Win-gate Country Club in Pretoria on22 February 2008.

"We have developed a firm bondwith our defence industry over a peri-od of time. We have heard robust anddynamic debates and have not neces-sarily agreed at all times, but wealways have one thing in common - thenational interest. We need to cherishand jealously safeguard this cordialrelationship," said Mr Ramfolo duringthe prize-giving ceremony.

Club and putter

T

The Chief of Defence Matériel Division, Mr Bruce Ramfolo, delivering his

speech during his golf day.

By Lt Col Elize Lizamore,

PRO SA Army Foundation

t has become part of the SA ArmyFoundation's tradition to present an

award to the Best Army Learner of theMilitary Academy in Saldanha. Thebest learner for 2007 was Lt A. van derMerwe.

The Sales Adviser of the SA ArmyFoundation, Mr Henk Redelinghuys,attended the passing-out parade onbehalf of the SA Army Foundation.He presented Lt van der Merwe witha pair of binoculars.

Lt van der Merwe was recruitedby 4 Artillery Regiment inPotchefstroom. The SA ArmyFoundation is once again proud to beassociated with the Military Academyunder the auspices of the Universityof Stellenbosch.

SA Army Foundation tradition

I

Lt A. van der Merwe receives a pair of binoculars from

Mr Henk Redelinghuys from the SA Army Foundation.


38

Successes ofProject Phidisa

By Col L. Naidoo,

Academic Head Project Phidisa

roject Phidisa is a South AfricanMilitary Health Service(SAMHS) clinical research pro-ject that aims to establish theimpact of HIV infection onSouth African National DefenceForce (SANDF) members and

their dependants, and to develop appro-priate strategies for the effective manage-ment and prevention of HIV infection.

This project is a collaborative under-taking between the governments of theRepublic of South Africa and the UnitedStates of America and is executed bySAMHS of the SANDF, the United StatesDepartment of Defence and the NationalInstitute of Health of the United States.

Four areas of development and sup-port were identified, namely:

To contribute to the existing andfurther establishment and develop-ment of a research infrastructurewithin the SAMHS.To support existing and new researchcapacity building in the SAMHS.To conduct clinical research into HIVand AIDS and other infectiousdiseases.To support the transfer of researchexperience and lessons learnt fromthis HIV study to assist the SANDFin decision-making with regard tocombat readiness.

DEVELOPMENT OF INFRASTRUCTURE

Six clinical sites for the execution ofthe clinical research have been upgraded

and developed. These are:1 Military Hospital (PhidisaClinic)Matubatuba (121 SA InfantryBattalion Sickbay)2 Military Hospital (PhidisaClinic)Mthatha (141 SA InfantryBattalion Health Centre)Bloemfontein (Phidisa Clinic)BaPhalaborwa (7 SA InfantryBattalion Sickbay)Five of the sites are currently

operational, including the last site atBaPhalaborwa, which was opened on1 April 2007. In addition, satellitesites are operational in Durban andLadysmith. This spread ensures thatclinics in rural, peri-urban and urbanareas are developed, making accessto such research sites not only repre-sentative, but ensuring that ruralareas also benefit from the clinicalresearch.

A basic Data Management Co-ordinating Centre has been devel-oped, with a mainframe computer tocollect and store the research data.This facility is housed at 1 MilitaryHospital and the data from all sitesare stored at this facility and a dailyback-up is stored off site.

As at 30 June 2006, R5 999 000 hadbeen spent on renovating existingSAMHS clinics and buildings in thesix operational sites and the PhidisaHeadquarters. A further Rl 029 000has been spent on medical and officesupplies to ensure that the clinicalresearch infrastructure meets bothnational and international standards.

PMedical support is provided by

SAMHS clinics. All operational phar-macies at the Phidisa Clinical Researchsites have been registered with theNational Department of Health.

Each clinical site is equipped withmodern information and communica-tion technology (ICT). This ensuresaccess to current literature and moderntrends in the management of HIV. Forexample, Phidisa members have accessto the electronic library of the NationalInstitute of Health in the US, compris-ing thousands of health journals aswell as Microdex, which is a compre-hensive, continuously updated drugand disease information system.

CAPACITY BUILDINGPart of the partnership with the US

provides for the development ofresearch capacity within the SANDF.At the inception of the project, the USprovided appropriate expertise forprofessional skills development ofSouth African personnel to ensure thatthe execution of research met nationaland international standards. Thisincluded functional and professionaltraining in clinical acumen and supportfunctions, such as information andcommunication technology and datasupport according to research proto-cols. International academic support isalso available in strengthening theresearch capability when required.

There are currently approximately254 members staffed in Phidisa. As ofJune 2006 approximately R885 000 hadbeen spent by Phidisa Headquarters onskills development for its members


39

since the inception of Phidisa. Thisincludes short-term training opportuni-ties such as workshops and short cours-es, as well as long-term training. All per-sonnel associated with the researchundergo mandatory courses such asIntroduction to HIV Management andGood Clinical Practice.

As of 31 December 2006, 236 short-term training opportunities had beenattended by Phidisa members. Theseincluded courses in TB and HIV man-agement, Data and System AnalysisSoftware (SAS) tools, ICT and biostatis-tics. Twelve Phidisa and SAMHS mem-bers attended a workshop in Ethics andConducting Research Responsibly. Fourmedical practitioners have successfullycompleted the Galen Examinations,which is an internationally recognisedexamination in clinical HIV medicine.Thirteen members attended internation-al conferences. Three members haveattended SAS training in the US and twohave further consolidated this knowl-edge at South African institutions. Fourmembers have qualified as basic-levelpharmacist's assistants and all enrolledto do their post basic level pharmacist'sassistants course.

Currently, two members are beingsupported financially to obtain theirundergraduate degrees/diplomas andseven members are engaged in post-graduate studies and research at SouthAfrican and other universities forMaster's degrees in Public Health (2),Master's degrees in ClinicalPharmacology (2) and postgraduatediplomas in HIV Management (3).Additionally, two members havereceived other support for the comple-tion of Master's degrees in PalliativeCare and Clinical Pharmacology.Currently one person is registered for aPHD (Nursing) with a view to examin-ing and developing mentorship models

for SA students to facilitate informa-tion in a clinical situation.

CLINICAL RESEARCH PROTOCOLS

Currently there are two protocols:Phidisa I is a screening protocolthat in essence is an epidemiologi-cal study of HIV and AIDS, sexual-ly transmitted diseases and theassociated risk factors for develop-ing HIV infection.Phidisa II is a well controlledstudy, designed to compare thesafety and efficacy of differentcombinations of antiretroviraltherapy in the management of HIVinfected persons.All the treatment arms of the study

use antiretroviral drugs that are in useby the national government, whichwill ensure that members will contin-ue to be treated after the researchproject has been closed.

As of December 2006 more than5 000 participants were enrolled in theproject. Altogether 1 737 members andtheir dependants were receivingantiretroviral therapy (ART), of which42 were children under the age of 14years and 267 persons were on thePEPFAR (President's Emergency PlanFor Aids Relief) US programme.

Clinical outcomes of the researchstudies have thus far positivelyimpacted on the standard of clinicalcare. For example, the managementand monitoring of concomitant infec-tions have been greatly enhanced.Preliminary data presented at theannual Phidisa Conference held inPort Elizabeth in July 2006 showedwithout doubt that not only do ARVssave lives, but that the quality of thelives in about 60% of the participantshas been greatly improved.

The group on ARVs showed an

impressive drop in the viral load and arise in their CD4 cell count, which wasclearly evident early on after startingART. Not only was there a generalincrease in the CD4 cell count, but thenumber of patients with a viral load ofless than 400 copies has substantiallyincreased, the latter being considered ameasure of success. These changeswere maintained over the periodunder investigation.

TRANSFER OF RESEARCHEXPERIENCE AND LESSONSLEARNT FROM PHIDISASTUDIES

A Phidisa annual conference toreview the lessons learnt from the pro-ject were held from 2004 to 2006.Excluding the final results to deter-mine which combination of ARV tripletherapy is most effective, one sub-study emanating from the researchbeing conducted in this project hasshown that Kaletra®, one of the ARVsused in the management of HIV infec-tions, is unstable at the high tempera-tures found in sub-Saharan Africa.

This finding had a profound impactin the region where refrigeration is nota household item in rural and high-density urban areas. From a combatreadiness point of view, it would bedifficult to deploy soldiers internallyon this regimen. Another sub-studyhas questioned the accuracy of general-ly accepted laboratory methods todetermine viral loads below the levelsof viral detection. Both these studieshave received international exposure.

CONCLUSIONWhile there have been challenges

in conducting research within a mili-tary environment, there have been sev-eral, especially short-term, successeswith regard to the four objectives of thePhidisa partnership with the US.However, how the protagonists chooseto respond to the eventual findings ofthe study will be the determinants ofits success and failures.

Note: All financial information wassupplied by HJF for its financial year end-ing 30 June 2006. All other reports havebeen supplied by the relevant sections.However, the writer assumes responsibilityfor the interpretation of this information.

Sesotho translation


40

Ka Cdr Adri Liebenberg,

A/SSO Environmental Services

a lefatshe lee jwalekaha re letseba le kgasetsa tshenyehongna? Lefatshe ka bophara,matjhaba a lwantshana lephephetso ya tshebediso yadibeso tse ntjhafalang - horialo ke hore ho fetolwemokgwa oo dibeso di sebedis-

wang kateng ho ntshetsa pele tsa boph-elo, tikoloho le mabaka a ekonomi antshetsopele e ntjhafalang.

Sena ke sona se re tjametseng monaAfrika Borwa ha jwale. Hoa tsebahala

N

Tshireletso e bohlale ntle le tshenyo ya dibeso

hore motlakase o sebediswe nakongtsa tlhokeho e tlaase le hore mot-lakase o sebediswe ka makgethenakong tsa tlhokeho e sekgahla.Ho qala ka ho batlana le disebedis-wa tsa mofuta o bolokang dibeso

le di-air khondishenara maemong aitekanetseng a lehodimo.Ho sebedisa mehato ya poloko yamotlakase le matlung a banyalani.

MEHLODI E NTJHAFALANGYA DIBESO KAMOSO

Tshebediso ya di-jenereitaranakong eo motlakase o tla kgaoha kayona e tura ho feta motlakase. Nakonge kgutshwane, DOD e tla fuputsatshebediso ya poloko ka kopanelo,tshebetso le ditjeo tsa phepelo ka bo-radikonteraka, qala ho sebedisa dibesotse ntjhafalang jwaleka disebediswa/

hore tshebeletso tsa setjha-ba botsona di bohlaswaha re tla tshebedisong yamotlakase. Lefapha laTshireletso (DOD) kahoo,le tshehetsa sepheo saMmuso tshebedisong ebohlale e bolokang mehlo-di ya tlhaho, le ditsela tsaEskom ho kgotsofatsa ditl-hoko tsa naha tsa mot-lakase. Keketseho ya"kgaotso ya phepelo", e tlaba le tshwaetso bohwaiing ba lefaphalena la rona mme le keketsehongya theko ya tshebediso ya uniti ya mo-tlakase, ho tla nyollangtekanyetso ya ditjheleteya DOD ho tshebeletsoena. Ka lona lebaka lena,Ditshebeletso le Makala alaetswe ho qala ka mekg-wa e makgethe tshebedis-ong ya oona ho fokotsatshebediso ya motlakase.

MEHATO E SEBETSANG

Mehato le mekgwa yaho netefatsa hore sesolese fokotsa tshebediso yamotlakase ka 10%, ekenyeletsa:

Ho ntlafatsa tshebetsoya uniti ya letsatsi,

bakeng sa disebediswatsa motlakase tsetlwaelehileng.Ho tima disebediswatsa motlakase tse itjangfeela, kapa tse emengfeela masobeng a phep-elo ya motlakase, e lengse tla thusa polokong ya10% ya motlakase.Ho tima mabone ao eseng a bohlokwa katjhaile le ka diwikente

diofising tsa mmuso le tse hiril-weng, le ho sebedisa bahlanka basetjhuriti ho disana le kutlo tabeng

ena.Mabone a bohlokwa atshireletso a kganye feelanakong eo ho leng lefifika yona.Ho apesa di-geysara kadikobo, ho fokotsa ther-mostata ho fihla ho 55 ºCle ho tima di-geysara tsesa sebedisweng.Ho tshwara tshebedisoya motlakase di-kitjhin-ing le di-mesenng kamakgethe. Mohlala, di-urne di se sebetse letsatsikaofela mme le diketleledi tlatswe metsi a lekaneng feela.Ho se sebedise di-hitara

ditora tsa mahlasedi a letsatsi le tseding, kahara tulo tsa thupelo tsa sesolele di-bentemele mabopong a lewatle.DOD e tla fuputsa porojeke yamatswathaka ya tshebediso yadipalangwang tsa mofuta wa tsona bit-song la teranseporoto e hautshwane, letshebediso ya bio-fuel bakeng sa mafu-ra a tlwaelehileng.

LESEDI LE THOHOLETSOEnergy Efficiency Award e fana ka

thoholetso ho mamulwana a amehangmabapi le ho boloka dibeso kaharaDOD, e le karolo ya AnnualEnvironmental Awards Programme.Iteanye le Mong William Mashiloanemohaleng wa (012) 339 5167 ho fumanalesedi tabeng ena.

* Translation into Sesotho by SechabaKhaile, Directorate Language Services


41

Awarding oursports heroes


Photos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

hen people achieve goodresults they must beacknowledged and re-warded," said the Chiefof Human Resources, LtGen Derick Mgwebi, dur-ing the annual SANDF

Sports Merit Awards ceremony held inPretoria on 27 February 2008.

Lt Gen Mgwebi is the new SANDFSport Manager and Patron. He is thecustodian of Physical Training, Sportand Recreation (PTSR).

The SANDF presents this sportsmerit awards ceremony annually torecognise the members of the SANDFfor outstanding contributions to sport."Physical fitness is part of us, that'swhy programmes such as Phakamisa(lift up) needs to be taken seriouslyby all of us," said the chief functionary,Lt Gen Mgwebi.

In his speech Director PhysicalTraining, Sport and Recreation, BrigGen Abe Sedibe, said: "2007 was a busyyear for the athletes as they competedin the different sporting codes, namelythe fourth Military World GolfChampionships in Sun City, the fourthMilitary Games in India and theSecurity Cluster Games againstCorrectional Services and the NationalIntelligence Agency. The SANDF wasvictorious winning 80% of the trophiesin different sports codes".

Sports Merit Awards 2007WinnersSANDF Sport Achiever of the Year: Winner: Cpl B. Visser (Judo)Runner-up: S Sgt V. Fraser (Body building) SANDF Sport Administrator of theYear:Winner: Maj A.J. April (Martial arts/ Kick-boxing)

W

Runner-up: Golf (Col G. Odendaal)* The best achiever, administrator and play-

er who showed the most progress per SANDFsporting code were selected and awarded bytheir various SANDF Head Committees.

Runner-up: WO1 C.G. Coetzee(Volleyball)SANDF Sport Code of the Year:Winner: Blackball Pool (Lt Col D.L. Kriel)

“

Director Physical Training, Sport and Recreation, Brig Gen Abe Sedibe,

addressing the guests at the SANDF Sports Merit Awards ceremony.

The new SANDF Sport Manager and Patron, Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi (Chief of

Human Resources), and S Sgt Annelie Hoeksema, who was selected by the

SANDF Head Committee (Parachuting) as the Best Administrator

(Parachuting).

sport


42

Another one bitesthe dust

Article and photo by

Capt L. Lombard, SO3 Com,

Project DOMINO

ANDF members know justhow to throw it, when itcomes to the game of jukskei.After weeks of training attheir individual units, thenbeing chosen for their respec-tive provinces, chosen

SANDF members took part in theJukskei B and C Championships.

Official team managers were alsoappointed for the various teams. Thechampionships took place from 24 to29 February 2008 at Jukskei Park inKroonstad, Free State. It was a kalei-doscope of colour, as teams from vari-ous provinces of South Africa andfrom Namibia took to the playingfields every day.

The week consisted of games in theB and C sections respectively. "Doublegames" were played on Thursday, 28February 2008, and the next day thefive best players from every sectiontook part in the "five best" games. Adouble game consists of only twoplayers in each team, and is played fora maximum of 30 minutes.

Members were treated to a tour ofthe Jukskei Museum in Jukskei Parkduring the week when time was foundto relax. On display where parts of anox wagon used as "skeis" centuriesago, to a "skei" donated by the USAwhen a team from that country was inSouth Africa for a Jukskei tour a fewyears back, and other items thatgrabbed the attention of everyone whoentered the museum.

SANDF members are alreadypreparing for the SANDF JukskeiChampionships to be held in Port

Elizabeth from 12 to 16 May 2008 atArmy Support Base Port Elizabeth.For more information WO2 M. duPisani can be contacted at ASB PE.Whether you are a player or support-er, come and play, watch or enjoy, butremember to bring your sunscreen,hat and chair because it's going to behot and happening out there.

More about jukskeiA jukskei playing field consists of

two playing areas juxstaposed inopposite directions, so play can takeplace in both directions. During agame the "skeis" are thrown over dis-tances of between 11 and 16 metres ata peg planted in a sand-pit. The dis-tance thrown is determined by the ageand gender of the player. The pro-truding section of the peg is 460 mmlong by 25 - 30 mm wide. Teams usu-ally consist of four players, each withtwo "skeis". Players from the twoteams alternate, each player throwingboth their "skeis" during their turn. Agame can be anything from 1 hour to 1

S"The Sand-pit".

hour and 15 minutes long.Determination, dedication, accuracy,being fit and, last but not least, enjoy-ment are integral parts of playingjukskei.

"At the beginning of 2001 theSA Government launched the'Indigenous Games Project'. This pro-ject identified Jukskei as one of sevenindigenous games that shouldbe encouraged and developed inSouth Africa". (Article extract fromwww.petanque.co.za.htm).

Jukskei is an internationally recog-nised sport, which is also playedintensively in Namibia and the USA.In South Africa it has a long and inter-esting history. (Read all about it onwww.petanque.co.za/jukskei.htm).

Jukskei is for everyone, young andold. If you are interested in playingthis sport, contact your sport repre-sentatives or officers in your unitsor areas. In Pretoria the chairpersonof the PMSC Jukskei is Maj C.P. vanTonder. He can be contacted on084 739 6246.


43

success story


44

Premature babycelebrates first birthday

By L Cpl Ally Rakoma


e make a living bywhat we get, we makea life by what wegive," said Sir Win-ston Churchill. On31 January 2008,exactly one year after

the birth of a very special babyboy, SA Soldier was invited to wit-ness and attend his success storyand thanksgiving ceremony at1 Military Hospital - 4 IntensiveCare Unit (4 ICU).

On 31 January 2007 IsraelTlotlego Moganyaka was bornvery early - after a 26-week preg-nancy. His birth weight was only630 grams and the chances of sur-vival for this baby were 1 per cent,since most of his body parts andfunctions were for the most parthalf developed. It was also the firsttime in the history of the hospitalthat they met such a challenge, butthrough dedication the 4ICU staff,doctors and nurses performedwith great zeal and saved thebaby's life. Baby Tlotlego againstall odds survived and 31 January

W

success. Now Tlotlego is

Staff members of 4ICU at

1 Military Hospital rejoice at

their success. Back, fltr: Dr

Lourens Jacobsz, Capt (Dr)

Zaais Badenhorst and Capt

Tinette Mooiman. Front, fltr:

Maj Salaminah Seemola,

Capt Phillipa Sekhampu,

S Sgt Yvonne Mpetshu,

Hlompho Moganyaka,

Dikeledi Moganyaka (mother)

with Tlotlego (1) and Maj

Twice Moganyaka (father).

think of the respiratory problems andinfection risks that might be detrimentalto both the mother and the child'shealth."

The Ward 4 Neonatal ICU staffmembers said that their little miraclewas very gifted, beautiful, healthy andlively, and the essence of their messageon the day was that the SA MilitaryHealth Service (SAMHS) provided thehighest level of expertise in supportingthe health of the nation.

“

was his first birthday - the day of hisspecial thanksgiving ceremony at1 Military Hospital.

SA Soldier spoke to his parents, MajTwice Moganyaka and his mother,Dikeledi. They expressed feelings ofgratitude and said that Cod was faith-ful to His promises. "It was a hopelesssituation, but miracles still happenwhen we believe. We thank the staff of4 ICU - the doctors and nurses - fortheir hard work in saving our son's life.We are grateful and appreciate their

Maj Twice Moganyaka, his wife Dikeledi and

their son Tlotlego are happy to celebrate

Tlotlego's first birthday.

healthy and lively," the Moganyakacouple said.

We also conversed with Capt (Dr)Zaais Badenhorst, who said: "Tlotlegowas born very prematurely and wasvery small. The normal gestation of achild is 40 weeks. The mother and thechild were hospitalised for six monthsand at that time we did not think hewas going to make it because at 26weeks the chances of survival are veryslim. With prematurity we also had to


45

Article and photo by WO1 Manny

Gounden, PRO Naval Station

Durban

embers from Naval Station Durbanvolunteered to have their haircutor sprayed green to endorse the

cancer awareness. Uniformed mem-bers who had their hair sprayed greenwore civilian clothing.

The successful national CANSAShavathon returned to workplaces andmalls on 15 and 16 February 2008 toraise awareness and funds for the fightagainst cancer.

By shaving your head, having ahair cut or spraying your hair a multi-tude of colours for a R50 donation,South Africans helped raised funds

that will be used for youth and familysupport programmes run by theCancer Association of South Africa(CANSA) nationwide. "Shaving yourhead is an act of solidarity with peopleliving with cancer because hair loss is

Spray your hair green to

support cancer awareness.

a common side-effect of cancer treat-ment," said Ms Sue Janse vanRensburg, National ExecutiveDirector of CANSA. "Many SouthAfricans who take part in the CANSAShavaton shave or spray their hair onbehalf of a loved one who is livingwith cancer or who has lost the battlewith the disease."

"Stubble with a cause" was thetheme for the 2008 CANSA Shavaton.It was the fifth time the event washeld nationally. (Stubble is the shorthair that grows back after beingshaved.)

Cancer can be beaten. This is themessage we should take to heart, evenif one of us should suffer the misfor-tune of falling victim to it.

Stubble with a cause

M

Article and photo by WO1 Manny

Gounden, PRO Naval Station

Durban

record crowd of 16 500 swimmersof all ages and physical shapesswam the 35th Halfway Telkom

Midmar Mile this year. This interna-tional event was held from 9 to 10February 2008 at the Midmar Damnear Pietermaritzburg. The MidmarMile is the world's largest open waterswimming event. It took place for thefirst time in 1973.

Naval Station Durban was request-ed to assist with the safety aspects ofsearch and rescue (S&R) and watertraffic control. The event provided theideal opportunity for Naval StationDurban to use the Midmar Mile as atraining opportunity with stakehold-ers. Rain, mist and choppy water didnot spoil the atmosphere at the dam asthousands of swimmers braved thecold to take part. The important func-tion of the Aquatic Rescue Co-Coordinating Committee (ARCCO) at

the Midmar Mile was to ensure maxi-mum safety for the swimmers and soprevent any loss of life. In addition,ARCCO ensured that the swimmingline was clearly defined by keepingover - zealous supporters in pleasurecraft clear of the swimmers.

The Officer Commanding NavalStation Durban, Cdr Dave Jones,assumed command of the deployedforces. The Operations Officer, WO1Brett Engelbrecht, was in charge of theoperational control of the boats, diversand protection force personnel. NavalStation Durban interacted with vari-ous S&R stakeholders in KwaZulu-Natal. This also accorded with the pol-icy to allow the participants to testS&R protocols. In this way, the stake-holders gained valuable experiencefrom this event. It also was an oppor-tunity for Naval Station Durban tomeasure the unit's ability to supportS&R operations in the interior. Thedeployment also gave the crew of theharbour protection boats the chance tooperate inland and in fresh-water con-

ditions. One harbour protection boat,two rigid hull inflatable boats, ninedivers and six protection force per-sonnel were deployed for the safe-guarding of the Midmar Mile. Diversfrom the Operational Diving TeamEast and the Protection ForcePersonnel of Naval Station Durbanwere deployed at the Midmar Damfor this international event. In thistype of deployment communicationwith all the role players was vital asthe success of the exercise was depen-dent on clear, precise and effectivecommunication.

This was also an excellent mediumfor the marketing of the SA Navy asthe boats were clearly marked andvisible. The divers' interaction withthe public and the swimmers alsoreinforced the SA Navy's presence.The interaction by members of NavalStation Durban with the swimmers,supporters and stakeholders onceagain endorsed the fact that NavalStation Durban is working with thepeople of KwaZulu-Natal.

SA Navy assisted in Midmar Mile

A


46

message

Authority

By Chaplain (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya,

Log Support Formation Chaplain

(Please note that Cpln (Dr) R.M.Ngwanya wrote this article from aChristian point of view)

uthority according to theChristian point of viewbelongs to God the Creatorwho made us to know, love,and serve him. God's way ofexercising his authority overus is by means of the truth,reconciling with us, and

wisdom from his written Word.From the human standpoint, each

Biblical Book was written to inducemore consistent and wholehearted ser-vice of God and from the divine stand-point the Bible carries such a purpose.Since the Father has given the Sonexecutive authority to rule the worldon his behalf (Matt 28:18), Scripturefunctions precisely as the instrumentof Christ's lordship over his followers.

Christ's authorityAs mentioned above, we hear that

Jesus told his disciples that completeauthority has been given to him inheaven and on earth. This shows Godgiving authority to Jesus over every-thing and everyone in the universe. Ifso, Christ is the visible image of theinvisible God, showing us that every-thing has been created through himand for him. Christ is the head of thechurch, which is his body. As He hasbeen given complete authority, suchauthority includes authority over thelives of God's chosen people.

Christ spoke with authorityAs Christ has authority, he speaks

with authority. During his earthly min-istry, the scribes (religious scholars)often cited traditions and quotedauthorities to support their argumentsand interpretations. But Jesus spokewith a new authority, his own authori-ty. He did not need to quote anyonebecause he was the original Word(John 1:1).

Abecause God has appointed them. IfGod has appointed human authori-ties to uphold and enforce his laws insociety, then so be it.

Paul emphasises this point inRomans 13:1-2. He says, "Obey thegovernment, for God is the one whoput it there. All governments havebeen placed in power by God. So thosewho refuse to obey the laws of the landare refusing to obey God", and punish-ment will follow. God wants us toobey the authorities.

God-centered authorityWhat is implied by this? God does

not always work in ways we wouldexpect. One would naturally expect anaudible message from God to be giveneither to the head of state, to the lead-er of the community or a party, or thatHe would speak to the priest as in thecase of Eli, and not to the child knownas Samuel. When one looks at Eli, onefinds an older and more experiencedfather who held a proper position. Butfriend, God's chain of command isbased on faith. His view of authority isnot based on age or position. In find-ing faithful followers, God may useunexpected channels. So be preparedfor the Lord to work at any place, atany time, and through anyone Hechooses.

ConclusionFinally, Jesus says all power is

given to the people by God the Fatherfrom above, making God the ultimatesource of authority over people's livesand over governments. As God res-cued Israel from slavery in Egypt, soGod has a special way of saving peo-ple. When he brought them out ofslavery, He was using his ultimateauthority over his chosen people.

Therefore, people should be awarethat ultimate authority comes fromGod. He is supreme over all creation,including our nation. We must believethat authority is from God, or ourdeeds are hollow and meaningless.Stay blessed.

Chaplain (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya.

Allow me to paraphrase Paul'sColossians 1:16: Christ is the onethrough whom God created every-thing in heaven and earth. He madethe things we can see and those wecannot see. He ordained kings, king-doms, rulers, and authorities, thuseverything was created through himand for him.

Self-centered authorityGod ordained kings and judges,

and it was during the time of the latterthat the Israelites experienced troublebecause everyone became his ownauthority and acted according to hisown opinion of what was right andwrong, thus producing horrendousresults. No doubt one may say that ourcountry today is similar to that of theIsrael of that time.

Individuals, groups, and societieshave made themselves the finalauthorities, without reference to God.One may be disturbed by the fact thatours is seen as a Christian nation whensome submit all their plans, desires,and motives against the authority ofGod. When people selfishly seek tosatisfy their personal desires at anycost, everyone pays the price. TheBible says that where there is no visionthe people perish.

Contrariwise, 1 Peter 2:13-14 tellsus that for the Lord's sake everyoneshould accept all authority that comesfrom the head of state and the officials

47


48

Documents

SA SOLDIER - Minister of Defence and Military · PDF fileLebo was only 28 years old when he passed away on 14 March 2008, ... (Scorpio) Tlhaole and Sgt Mahuma, ... SA Soldier na muhasho