SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR - dod.mil.za · SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR The official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence From the Editor's desk Letters: to the Editor News from abroad

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

From the Editor's desk

Letters:to the Editor

News fromabroad

Celebrating a decade of goodwill

MOD visit to hospitals

Our Angels of Mercy in SANDF uniform

SA Air Force Senior Medal Parade

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19 Celebrating anchors of family and society

SANDF boosting scarce skills

SA Army Fittest Soldier Competition

The Alma Mater for Policy Writers

Advanced Management Development Programme

The A - Z of Terrain Intelligence Regiment

Dynamic women from Western Cape Signal Unit

Freedom of Entry into Cape Town

Spouses Forum honouringwomen on deployment

SA Air Force stood the combat-ready test

Defence Inspectors of SADC convene

US African Command Commander visits DHQ

Logistic Division Migration Parade

The third Combined Joint African Exercise

Civil-military relations

Honouring Defence Intelligence members

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Deputy Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Mr Kgabo Mashamaite S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaCpl Ally Rakoma Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela

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

REPRODUCTION, PRINTING &DISTRIBUTION:Coordinating Concepts cc630 Jamestown Street Elardus Park, Pretoria, 0181Tel: 012 345 6408Fax: 086 515 2185/6/7email:[email protected]

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Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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S A S O L D I E R O C T O B E R 2 0 1 0

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. Visser Capt (SAN) M.J. JosiasCpln M.P.K. Masemola

Col S.A. MotswadiraCol S.P. ZeemanMs N. Pienaar Cdr C.E. KhumaloMaj J.V. du Toit

Lt S.E. Segone Mr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)

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www.dod.mil.za

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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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O C T O B E R 2 0 1 0 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: Sgt Ngube holding a baby in the hospital. Read all aboutour Angels of Mercy in SANDF uniform during the Public Service labour actionfrom pages 14 to 17. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)

ABOVE: GV6 launchers in action during the Artillery Open Day inPotchefstroom on 28 August 2010. (Photo: WO2 A.A.G. Vermaak)

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From the Editor's desk

he SA Soldier team would like to thank ourAngels of Mercy in SANDF uniform for render-ing such professional and noble medical servicesand security support during the recent PublicService labour action.

During the strike the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, visited the ChrisHani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto and the GeorgeMukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa to find out first-hand thesituation at these hospitals.

Minister Sisulu was not pleased with conditions at thesetwo hospitals. She said: "This situation brought about by thestrikers is completely unacceptable. We have a constitution-al mandate to protect Government facilities and we will exe-cute this mandate". There and then she assured non-strikingdoctors who were afraid of being victimised by strikers thatthe military would do everything in its power to protectthem. This protection included the patients as well as thenurses who put their moral obligation to serve first beforetheir right to strike.

Our Angels of Mercy in SANDF uniform once againdemonstrated to our nation and the world that they werethere to defend and protect South Africa and its citizens.Read all about the good service rendered on pages 14 to 17.

Also read on page 42 about the important role of our womenin uniform in the prevention and resolution of conflicts andin peace building. The SANDF Spouses Forum recentlyhonoured the women on deployment for their efforts towardsthe maintenance and promotion of peace and security on ourcontinent.

May you enjoy reading this edition as much as we enjoyedcompiling it for you, our dear readers.

Nelda PienaarEditor

Tqembu le SA Soldier lithanda ukubonga Izingelosi Zomusa (Angels ofMercy) zophiko lwezeMpi lwase Ningizimu Afrika (SANDF)ngokusebenza kwazo okuqotho kanye nokuzimisela kwezempilo kanyenezokuphepha ngesikhathi sikakhukhulela ngoqo wesiteleka sabasebenzibakahulumeni.

Ngesikhathi sisaqhubeka lesisiteleka uNgqongqoshe we Zokuvikela kanyeNomakadebona kwezempi, u Nksz Lindiwe Sisulu, wavakashela izib-

hedlela i Chris Hani Baragwanath esise Soweto kanye ne George Mukhari esiseGarankuwa ukuyozitholela mathupha ngobekwenzeka kulezizibhedlela ngale-sisikhathi sesiteleka.

UNgqongqoshe Sisulu akajabulanga neze ngakubona kulezizibhedlela washonokuthi " lesisimo esenziwe abateleki asemukeleki impela. Sinesibophezelo som-thethosisekelo wezwe sokuvikela impahla kanye nezakhiwo zikahulumeni kantifuthi sizimisele ukusifeza lesisibophezelo". Khona lapho ubeseqinisa idoloodokotela abekade bengazibandakanyanga nesiteleka abebesaba ukusolwa nokuh-lukunyezwa ozakwabo abebeyingxenye yesiteleka, ngokuthi umbutho wezempiuzokwenza konke okusemandleni ukubavikila. Lokukuvikela kuhlanganisaiziguli kanye nabahlengikazi ababeke phambili umsebenzi abawufungelakunelungelo labo lokuteleka.

Izingelosi zoMusa zombutho wezempi waseNingizimu Afrika ziphindile futhizatshengisa isizwe kanye nomhlaba ukuthi zikhona ukuvikela izwe laseNingizimu Afrika kanye nabakhile kulo. Funda konke ngalomsebenzi omuhlekusukela kwi khasi 14 kuya ku 17.

Ungaphinda ufunde nakukhasi 42 ngokubaluleka kwegalelo labantu besifazanebombutho wezokuvikela ekuvikeleni kanye nasekuxazululeni izingxabano kanyenokwakha uxolo.

Umbutho wabalingane (Spouses Forum) luhloniphe abesimame abasebenzangaphandle kwezwe emizamweni yabo yokugcina kanye nokugqugquzela uxolonokuphepha kulilizwekazi lethu.

Engathi ningakuthakasela ukufunda leliphepha bhuku njengoba nathi sikujab-ulela ukulinididiyela lona, bafundi bethu abathandekayo.

Nelda PienaaruMhleli

* Translation (isiZulu) by Manelisi Ndaba.

Ezibuya etafuleni lo Mhleli

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Artillery displays its fire powerBy Capt Marelda Coetzer, SO2 CorpCom SA Army Artillery FormationPhotos: WO2 A.A.G. Vermaak

et another successful ArtilleryOpen Day was hosted at 4Artillery Regiment inPotchefstroom on 28 August2010. The SA Army ArtilleryCorps is renowned for draw-ing crowds annually when it

displays its indirect firepower capabili-ty to members of the public to strength-en its marketing effort. Additionalinterest was created this year when theDeputy Minister of Defence and Mil-itary Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla,honoured visitors with his presence.

On their arrival, members of thepublic of all ages flocked to the staticexhibition where the 155 mm GV5towed howitzer and 155 mm GV6 self-propelled gun howitzer, multiplerocket launcher (Bateleur) togetherwith various other systems could beviewed up close. Awe was the onlyexpression worth using as communica-tors provided details on each systemand assisted those who wanted a closerlook inside. Supporting the ArtilleryOpen Day were members from theSchool of Tactical Intelligence who

Yattracted and entertained most of theyounger visitors and painted faces withcamouflage cream, with dad in thebackground, camera in hand and readyfor the snapshot. Pipers and drummersfrom Cape Field Artillery also enter-tained visitors and soon drew a crowdwith their outstanding performance.

The time arrived for the firepowerdemonstrations to commence. People,whether on foot or by bus, flocked tothe "Leërdagstelling" from where thefire power demonstrations could beobserved. Armed with hats, sunscreenand chairs, spectators filled the observa-tion area within minutes. Activitiescommenced with the National and SAACorps flags being presented to theGeneral Officer Commanding SA ArmyArtillery Formation, Brig Gen AbéNotshweleka. Mr Clive Willsworth,author of the book "First In Last Out",presented Brig Gen Notshweleka with acopy of his book, which is currentlybeing launched in South Africa.

Brig Gen Notshweleka said the reju-venation of the Regular and Reservecomponents through the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) hadplaced emphasis on the role of womenwithin the Artillery Corps. Women, hestated, were just as capable as men of

operating and commanding systems,which demolished the divide previously preventing women fromentering the Artillery Corps.

The firepower demonstrationbegan with a small calibre demonstra-tion by the School of Tactical In-telli-gence. Each weapon with its ammuni-tion, ranging from R4's to 40 mm mul-tiple grenade launchers, was displayedto the public, and its capability wasdemonstrated on nearby targets. Sub-sequently the Light Artillery Regimentdemonstrated helicopter assault operations.

Two GV5 launchers that hadalready been towed into position, firedat direct and indirect targets. Two GV6launchers, to the amazement of thespectators, subsequently drove into thedemonstration area and commencedfiring at direct and indirect targets.Rockets from the Bateleur, the mainattraction, were fired next, to theenthusiastic applause of the crowd. Forthe grand finale a series on the fire plancommenced with all weapons and sys-tems firing on direct and indirect tar-gets. This was a memorable occasionas this was the only opportunity forthem to experience the firepower andcapability of the Artillery.

A G5's capability on display.

letters to the editor


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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.

UNSUNG HERO RECOGNISED AT LASTI have come to the realisation that all theacademics, engineers, politicians andteachers are themselves products of aprimary school teacher who no doubthad trouble getting them used to theschool environment and teaching themhow to read and write, yet we all tend toforget where our foundations were laid.

It is for this and many other reasonsthat I decided to write this letter to myformer primary school teacher while sheis still alive in recognition of her and allother teachers' hard work in giving thenation the great products that we haveall turned out to be.

My Primary School TeacherShe drove every morning She drove far from home indeed "She drove to work", I thought to myself No! Wait she drove to her calling She drove so that she could teach class 7 of1998 "Punctuality is imperative children" she'demphasised.

Between ha Buasono and ha Shadrack vil-lages Was a peaceful place called St Cecilia Roman Catholic Mission I was brought up there. St Cecilia Primary School my foundation StCecilia Primary School my rock St Cecilia Primary School my consciousness. At an assembly point, rose the song "Awi masole itukiseng

Ka di thebe marumo" Seeing her silver Toyota van Already in the parking bay I'd start running For I knew I was late I ran for it was For my own good I ran for my life I ran to a school of honour and excellence I ran to St Cecilia Primary School.

"Sello is the only one Who obtained first class at St Cecilia" People muttered in December 1998 Others asked, "How can that be?" Indeed it was the truth That year, far across mohokare I could see the smile of joy Contentment and work well done On my teacher's face.

"Well she drove to work," I thought to myself I see now she drove To make a hero out of me I see now she woke up everyday To give me life I see now she made a real man Out of a young Sello I see now she made A true catholic out of me I'm who I am, where I am Because of her I see now she was My mom away from home A mother who advertently

Steered me in the right direction Mrs Margaret Lerotholi would persistentlyask me "Boy where's your homework?" Education was our daily Theme and bread.

She taught me to walk tall And high even in challenging times She taught me to go out to the world For the world won't come to me She taught me that not All closed doors are locked She taught me to talk My mind assertively She taught me that life Is not a walk in the park Mrs Lerotholi taught me English To its greatest depth "Read a book, not only when in doubt Just read a book", she'd say calmly.

Now I am a man, a South African soldier I am a true African I am a South African Air Force member And proud thereof I am a shining star I am a catholic.

Before I die or she does, I want to say:"Mrs Margaret Lerotholi you and all theother primary school teachers across thewhole world are sent by God to all wholive and work around you. Cpl SelloPaul Ntseuoa, Bloemfontein

* Poem shortened - Ed.

MY CAREER, MY LIFEEveryone has a dream to be fulfilled one day Everyone knows what he or she wants

Everyone desires to have what he/she oughtto have.

Everyone loves getting the life of his/herdreams. I made a decision I understood the desire of having a career I read about my career, even though at first It did not ring a bell in my mind

Now that I call it my career and my life, You come and want to destroy it. It took me time to get to know it and Neither you nor anyone will ever take itaway from me No one will take my career, my life. L Cpl Busisiwe Mtshwene, 68 AirSchool


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HALALA WOMEN'S MONTH HALALAOn 6 August 2010, the women of 7 SAIBn in celebration of Women's Daydecided to give something back to thecommunity by visiting NtabisengSpecial School and Majeje DroppingCentre. The unit adopted the school in2007 as a project. We raised fundsthroughout the year for them and onCasual Day we invited them after weidentified a need. We tried our best tosatisfy that need with the funds thatwere raised.

Ntabiseng Special School for thephysically and intellectually challengedcaters for about 40 learners, whose agegroup ranges from 5 to 25 years. Thelearners are taught to write, read, usesign language and to calculate. Theyeven started a choir. The school is reg-istered with the Department ofEducation. There are about 10 extraor-dinary women working with these chil-dren. Apart from teaching they also runa feeding scheme at the school.

After spending a few hours with thechildren we went to Majeje DroppingCentre. The centre offers afternoonclasses besides providing lunch andsupper to orphans, children headed byother children and vulnerable (abusedand neglected) children. The centrecaters for about 500 children from thesurrounding areas, whose ages varyfrom 5 to 20 years.

We offered groceries, clothes, blan-kets and shoes. We also had the oppor-

tunity to interact with the childrenbecause we believe that these childrendo not only need to be fed, clothed andeducated; above all they need to beloved. It was a real eye-opener for all thewomen, as we realised that there wassuch great need in our communities, andalthough we could not give groceries,clothes or love to every child, we wereable to put a smile on the faces of thechildren that we visited, which wasenough for both us and the children andwe believe that we sowed a seed that inits season will come to fruition and hope-fully that will motivate them to strive torise above their current situation andbecome all that the Lord Almighty hadcreated them to be. The children inNtabiseng Special School sang a song forus, although we could not really makeout what they were singing, as somewere deaf and others unable to speak.The words were so beautiful and encour-aging, and there was a particular phrasethat touched all of us: "we are beautifuland unique and God loves us". Theysang that song with so much love andadoration to God and although theymight not speak, hear or understandtheir surroundings, they were aware oftheir Creator. It dawned on me howungrateful, selfish and rebellious we attimes are, as there are people that are lessprivileged, but they embrace life andenjoy every moment of it. I realised thatif I could change my world around me in

a positive way, then the person next tome will also change positively and atthe end we will form a chain of positivechange. I hope that these few wordswill encourage you to reach out andtouch someone in need. Capt SuraiaCambinda, 7 SAI Bn, Phalaborwa

WE ARE THE MOTHERS OFOUR NATION

One of the women wrote a poem forthe children that we visited:Most women face enormous challengesAs single mothersGone are the days when women and chil-drenCried everyday and night.They had no place to hide, no shelter,No food to eat and no clothes to wear.In the past men had it easier than women.In 1956 women of all races marchedTo the Union BuildingsIn protest against apartheid laws.On that day women became equal partnersIn the struggle for freedom.They stood up because they knew that We are the rocks of our society andWe are the mothers of our nation.

When we help orphans And abandoned childrenWe are not looking for earthly fameWe do good that we be rich in good works.We are always ready to giveAnd willing to share the little we have.Just because we are the rocks of our societyAnd we are the mothers of our nation.

We are proud and strong women.We are disciplined and skilled soldiersAnd we know that hard work And perseverance will get us to the top.We acknowledge children As people with value.They need to feel our love and care.It was for them we came here.We give them a shoulder to cry on When the outside storms are too much tobear.We fulfil our roles as mothers, wives,Guardians, employers and employees.Just because we are the rocks Of our society andWe are the mothers of our nation. Rfn Vicky Tlabela from 7 SAI Bn

Women of 7 SAI Bn give something back to the community by visitingNtabiseng Special School and Majeje Dropping Centre.

letters to the editor


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I dedicate this letter to those who arestudying and those who are intending tofurther their education. The disadvan-tages of not completing studies are verygreat. It includes delay in career develop-ment, a negative impact on finances andfeeling demoralised about learning andacademic development.

Some soldiers end up in distress,despair and disbelief, coupled with self-condemnation. I urge soldiers to see thebright side of life in the SANDF at large.

NEVER QUIT, YOU ARE ALMOST THERE!There is a great reward for hard work,which is characterised by self-disciplineand determination to succeed. Soldiers arenot born for the past, but wired for thefuture. Only laziness is capable of takingthem back.

Most soldiers I encouraged wereNCOs, as I believe that they were not cre-ated to be NCOs forever. The SA Armyprovides the opportunity for soldiers togrow in many areas of expertise and self-discipline. The SA Army presents its

On 4 August 2010 almost 50 LogisticDivision members received awards

LOGISTIC DIVISION MEDAL PARADE

INSPIRING LEADERSIn our own SANDF, whether part time,on contract or in the Regular Force, wehave examples of humble service orien-tated leaders. They do not last long,whereas the others always do. People inthe first category include CaptainCarsten from Regiment WestelikeProvinsie, Major Smith from Limpopoand Major Peza from Infantry School.They help the lower ranks, and theirexample shows how characteristics suchas trustworthiness, a passion to servetheir troops and a gift of inspiration andhope can result in a good soldier.

There is no doubt about the ideal ofgreat or born leaders. My question is:What is their purpose? A writer oncesaid: "The purpose of any leader is toenable ordinary people to do extraordi-nary things". I have to say leaders withleadership skills still make mistakes,but recognise their errors, learn fromthem and work to correct their faults bygiving their troops oxygen for the soul.Lastly, leaders do not hold grudges,but always keep up the momentum.Rfn N. Qheya, Regiment WestelikeProvinsie

"Our National Flag has beenobserved internationally flying high

members with the opportunity toimprove their competencies by means ofstudy at State expense. It recognises thatit requires skilled and trained personnel,especially in areas where the necessaryskills are lacking.

It is the responsibility of each indi-vidual to take the lead and be in chargeof lifelong learning. Soldiers must chooseeducation to better their future. Maj A.B.Ndamase, SA Army Intelligence Formation

through your pride, dignity, honourand your services rendered internally

and externally indifficult situa-tions. We there-fore believe thatyou will indeedcontinue to makeus proud."

The soldiers inthis spectacularparade were ledby the SA Mili-tary Health Serv-ice Band. By thetime the recipientswere commandedto march on, thespirit of pride andpatriotism wasobvious. Lt ColE.S. Matomane, Pretoria

Maj Gen J.T. Nkonyane, Chief of Logistics, handingover the 20 Years Service Medal to Lt Col E.S.Matomane, SO1 Corporate Communication LogisticDivision. (Photo: Cpl M.S. Rasekoai)

ranging from medals to Good Servicecertificates for Public Service ActPersonnel (PSAP) issued by thePresident and the Chief of the SANDF.

In his speech the Chief of Logistics,Maj Gen J.T. Nkonyane, said: "Medalparades of this kind are a proven plat-form to motivate members as medalsare a reward that one will keep wear-ing with pride for the rest of one's life.Maj Gen Nkonyane said: "It is there-fore imperative that the members whowill be receiving the medals mustwear them with pride, as these medalswill in a way have a positive impacton their character as individuals.

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UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTUMhleli ngivumele ukuba ngijeqezeemuva lapho izwe laseLesotho labe lib-hekene nesambane ngonyaka ka 1998.Umtwana wakwaphindangene InkosiuMangosuthu Buthelezi wabe engu-Mengameli wesikhashana wase Ningizi-mu Afrika, lapho owaphendula isililosezwe laseLesotho ngokuthumela ama-qhawe namaqhawekazi aseNingizimuAfrika, pho yingani ungangivumelingithi umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu.

Mhleli angigeqi magula kepha umasithatha amehlo enqgondo sibhekaemuva lapho kwabe kuyibhedumehlanakwelikaMongameli ukubhila ngisho e

DRC phela kwabe azifikanga ezombuthowezoKuvikela lapho ngibala khonanelakuleli namuhla ungathi amampunge.Mina ngiyavuma ukuthi umuntu ngu-muntu ngabantu.

AbaseBurundi namuhla bahleli bane-thezekile ezweni labo emuva kokuginqi-ka kwezinkulungwane zabantu kuhlekwamaphela efuthwa kodwa elakulelialikaze lidikibale izinsizwa nentokazizakuleli zadela imindeni, izihlobo kanyenabathendiweyo babo banikela khonabelu kwelaseBhujubhura. Namuhlazinkanise kwelase Suda. Angeke ngi-waqede wonke amazwe, yebo umuntu

ngumuntu ngabantu.Namuhla Mhleli sizosingatha indebe

yebhola lomhlaba i-Fifa World Cupphela. Lapho izivakashi zizothelekakwelakuleli ngethemba elikhulu lokuthiizimpilo zazo zizobe ziphelile. Ngabeubulungiswa abukho uma ngingashoukuthi yizo belu lezizintokazi nezin-sizwa ezizobe ziphume ngobuningizizovikela izivakashi okukanye iziham-beli zethu kuleli laseNingizimu Afrika.Abasemzini bathi "Feel it, it is here".Angiphinde ngithi umuntu ngumuntungabantu. Cpl S.S. Mazibuko, 121 SAI Bn


DEFENCE WOMEN'S DAYThe Department of Defence held itsWomen's Day celebrations at theArmscor sports grounds in Pretoria on 11August 2010. It was a lively affair wherewomen discussed issues affecting them,both at home and work.

Also present was the jazz maestro,Ntate Jonas Gwangwa. The veteran

musician highlighted the plight of womenin South Africa: "Women must be treatedwith the respect they deserve, as they playan important role in our lives." He com-mended the Department for hosting suchan important event. The celebrations werepart of an avalanche of events organisedby the Department of Defence to com-

memorate Women's Day. It was on 9 August 1956 that women

of all races marched to the UnionBuildings in Pretoria with children ontheir backs to protest against the passlaws. The significance of that day wasthe fact that all races were involved.Thabo Shirinda

Allow me to take you back to the pastwhen Lesotho was in political turmoil inthe year 1998. At that time when ChiefMangosuthu Buthelezi, the Prince fromPhindangene, was the Acting Presidentof South Africa, he answered Lesotho'scall for help by sending South Africansoldiers (warriors) to Lesotho to helpthem with their problems, which illus-trates the saying that no man is anisland.

It is not that I do not want to leaveany stone unturned (to tell you every-thing) but let us consider what hap-

pened when President Kabila of the DRChad problems with his people in his coun-try. Whom did he call on for help, butSouth Africa. Soldiers of the South AfricanNational Defence Force were sent there tohelp, which you would not believe if youheard about it now, and that makes meagree with those who say no man is anisland.

People from Burundi are now happyin their country after the war. Who helpedthem in their time of need? It was noneother than South African soldiers who hadleft their homes and families and gone to

help in Bhujumbura. Even today, youwill find South African soldiers in theSudan. I am unable to name them all, butyes, no man is an island.

Visitors who came to South Africa intheir thousands to watch the 2010 SoccerWorld Cup felt safe and protected inhere. I would be doing an injustice if Idid not mention the fact that our soldiersprotected our visitors to South Africa.Cpl S.S. Mazibuko, 121 SAI Bn

* Translated from isiZulu by Ms N.P.Ndwandwe

NO MAN IS AN ISLAND (UMUNTU NGUMUNTU NGABANTU)

WHAT MAKES SOLDIERING UNIQUEThey are not found in factories, but aremanufactured in military institutions.Soldiers are unique, simply because theyare soldiers.

Discipline is the only thing that dis-tinguishes soldiers' uniqueness. Wherethere is discipline, there is continuity.Where there is continuity, there is consis-tency. Consistency is the day-to-day lifeof a soldier.

People who become soldiers had dis-cipline before, but the difference is theunique way of maintaining it. A soldier'sattitude is groomed by being responsible.Therefore responsible soldiers trust intheir capability because they are the soleowners of soldiering.

Priorities make soldiers differentbecause they know what to do when, howand where. Soldiers team up, but not like

a soccer team. They have a plan, not agame plan. They always win because itcomes naturally to them.

Soldiers' participation in the 2010Soccer World Cup was felt - well done!The planning was outstanding: no won-der no one was cautioned with a "yellowor red card". This tells you why soldier-ing is unique. Lt Lucas Malatji, AirOperations Training Centre, Lohatlha


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news from abroad

I want to thank all the soldiers who aredeployed in and outside the borders ofSouth Africa. We as SANDF membersare raising the flag of South Africa onbehalf of all South Africans. I am say-ing this because it is indeed a veryhard decision when you have to leaveyour country and loved ones for such along time, as it takes a minimum of sixmonths before you can see your familyand friends again. So I really want toexpress my gratitude to 1 SAI Bnmembers and the contingent at largethat are currently deployed in Darfur,

KEEP IT UP SOLDIERSSudan, for the peacekeeping missionunder UNAMID. They are really doinga good job and I like the way they over-come the challenges that they comeacross while on the mission. It is aheadache to see people living in suchconditions and I want to thank our sol-diers for their appreciation and formaking friends with the residents. Ialso want to thank all private soldierson the ground, in particular for the ded-ication they have been showing sincethe beginning of the mission and wantto say: "If it was not for you guys, we

would not have achieved our goals".Not forgetting Bravo CompanyCommander, Capt Ndlangamandlafrom Infantry School. I appreciate hisefforts and he made it very simple foreveryone so that the mission could be asuccess.

I finally want to thank the OfficerCommanding of 1 SAI Bn, Lt ColMofokeng, and all the Officers formaking it possible and succeeding inthe mission. Keep up the good work 1SAI Bn. Pte M.N. Macheli (1 SAI Bn),currently in the Sudan

Five o'clock in the morning. Outside itis still dark. Lt W.N. Nkosi awakes, stillsleepy, but ready for another day. Shehad a bowl of cereal with milk and acold shower. Lt Nkosi from Johanes-burg is one of 700 South African peace-keepers that have been posted to northDarfur in Sudan since last May. Most ofus are based in Kutum, but there arealso more than 200 stationed in Mellitand Malha (both also in north Darfur).

Lt Nkosi said: "Working for peace inthe Sudan is hard, but at the end of theday we realise that this experience isalso good for our lives." Sandstorms(called "haboob" in the local language),torrential rains, a lack of water, foodpoisoning … nothing is easy on thismission. For seven months they train,work long shifts and patrol to keep thelocal people safe.

Working in the peacekeeping mis-sion in the Sudan means some sacrificesfor the soldiers. Far from their relatives,they may place only one five-minutecall per month from the mission's offi-cial landline, although most of themwill spend money using their personalcellphones everyday. The Internet isslow and also restricted because the sol-diers are only allowed to log in for 30minutes a day.

There is tap water for only twohours a day in the compound and foodis not abundant. They wash their ownclothes and clean the tents where theysleep (12 soldiers per tent). In the basethere is little entertainment, so theyhave to think of activities to kill time

KEEPERS OF A SACRIFICED LIFEduring the long hours when they havenothing to do (e.g. reading, watchingmovies, playing video games, chatting,organising football and volleyball tour-naments). A peacekeeping mission is nota holiday, but the soldiers try to findways to avoid the stress.

Lt Nkosi said: "We are here to repre-sent our country." South Africa current-ly has 4 500 soldiers deployed through-out the continent. In addition to the 700soldiers in Darfur, the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) and theCentral African Republic (CAR) areamong those benefiting from South

teerism does not mean that they workwithout pressure. Lt Heath said: "Wehave always to keep our eyes open,because the situation in this area isunpredictable."

During the rainy season Kutum is aconfusing place in which to stay.Soldier Salomon Teke knows it perfect-ly. He is 26 years old and was born inRustenburg. He is a seasoned peace-keeper who served in the DRC in 2006and in Burundi in 2008. This back-ground made him stronger and now hefeels ready for any adventure. He spentall of August guarding the water point

A South African peacekeeper assisting in pulling avehicle out of the quagmire.

Africa's contribution. Lt Justin Heath,

now Deputy Com-mander in Kutum,spent six months inthe DRC. Lt Heath,from Boksburg, isawaiting the birth oftheir baby, but unfor-tunately he will notsee his child inOctober 2010. LtHeath said: "This is thelife of a soldier." Hiswife is also in the mili-tary. All members ofthe RSA contingentare actually volun-teers. In other words,they are in Darfurbecause they want tobe. Nobody forcedthem.

But their volun-


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An army without a post office isalmost unthinkable. The Greek histo-rian, Herodotus, said about 2500years ago: "Neither snow, nor rain,nor heat, nor gloom of night staysthese courageous couriers from theswift completion of their appointedrounds". This was later literallyadopted by the OP MISTRAL XIVdeployment from December 2009 toMay 2010.

We members of the SA ArmyEngineer Squadron were deployedin the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) as part of OPS MISTRAL XIV.Deployment can be a very stressfuland strenuous period, as membersare away from our families.Telephone calls to our loved oneswere not always satisfying.Receiving a parcel from home withall sorts of gifts and snacks is thegreatest and closest feeling of beingat home with a family. The post

office plays a big role and shouldnot be underestimated in thedeployment area as a means ofkeeping the morale and spirits ofthe soldiers high. Our post at theEngineering Squadron has operat-ed smoothly and without any hic-cups under the management of SSgt Prince. With his morale, pas-sion and flexibility in accommodat-ing and assisting every individualwith patience, working long hours,sometimes until late at night sort-ing the post, he has earned ourpraise and thanks.

S Sgt Prince has upheld themorale and spirit of our deployedsoldiers by rendering postal ser-vices with dedication, professional-ism and commitment. He hasadded meaning to the word patriotin all respects. Cpl Xhanti Tyali, 35Engineer Support Regiment(deployed in the DRC)

I do not want to cry anymore for something thatis not nothingThe price of my tears comes high nowThey come from a deeper well than beforeA well filled with knowledge I did not have beforeFilled with vision, I have never seen beforeFilled with emotions I have never felt beforeSecrets I have never known beforeFilled with children I have yet to birthJoys I have yet to live and giveMagic I have yet to performDreams yet to dreamSongs to sing that I have not sungDance to danceAnd words to rhymeThe well is deepNo my tears do not come cheap anymore … LtB.M. Sebitloane, Op CORDITE XI, Sudan

MY TEARS DO NOT COME CHEAPANYMORE

FPO 312 MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

My eyes look out, look out look outIf you look out for a personLook out for a smile not a frownLook out for a cheerful face not tearful faceDo look out for a happy person not a sad per-sonLook out for a loving person not a hatingpersonIf it ever happens when you look outYou are not content with what you seeDo look for a change in that person

My eyes look out, look out look outIf you look out for wordsLook out for sweet words not sour wordsLook out for warm words not cold wordsDo look out for soft words not scornfulwordsLook out for loving words not hurting wordsLook out for positive words not negativewordsDo look out for encouraging words not dis-couraging words If it ever happens when you look outYou are not satisfied with what you seeDo look out for a change in those words

My eyes look out, look out look outIf you look out for a friendshipLook out for a building friendship

MY EYES LOOK OUTNot a demolishing friendshipLook out for a constructive friendship Not a destructive friendshipDo look out for a happy friendshipNot a pain inflicting friendshipLook out for a supportive friendship Not a deserting friendshipDo look out for a spirit uplifting friendshipNot a spirit crushing friendshipIf it ever happens when you look outYou are not quenched with what you seeDo look out for change in that friendship

My eyes look out, look out look outLook out for those who are powerless todefend themDo look out for those who are down to liftthem upLook out for those in need to generouslygive to themLook out for those in darkness to be thelight of their livesLook out for those who are in despair to betheir hopeLook out for those who are weary, tired andhopeless To be the strength into their livesMy eyes look out, look out look out. Rfn N.J. Biva, Alpha Company (DRC)

in Kutum with nine of his colleaguesfrom the same battalion. In this posi-tion, one kilometre from the camp-site, life is hard as it is. Beside a river,the small compound is often floodedand they grow accustomed to beingsurrounded by mud. "This is noth-ing," said Salomon Teke, "last weekwe spent four days without waterand food because our car got stuck inAna Begi, in the middle of nowhere!"

Like the RSA contingent, almost16 000 soldiers from 40 other coun-tries account for the mission's mili-tary presence with a combined totalof 23 000 police and military person-nel. The United Nations-AfricanMission in Darfur (UNAMID) is thelargest peacekeeping mission inUnited Nations history. The missionhas established more than 35 basecamps throughout Darfur, a regionthe size of France.

Each peacekeeper has his/herown story. Each one has his/her ownconcerns and dreams, nightmaresand difficulties in the field. But allhave the same aim: peace in Darfur.Albert Gonzalez Farran, UnitedNations: African Mission in Darfur

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Warrant Officer of the Joint OperationsDivision established the project. At that

Celebrating a decade of goodwill

stage there was no funding for theProject, and the Warrant Officer of the

Article and photos by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

t the annual gala evening of theGoodwill Parcel Project held inPretoria on 10 September 2010the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, and the Chief of theSANDF, Gen Godfrey

Ngwenya, formally accepted the mone-tary pledges made by sponsors andthanked them for identifying a need toboost the morale of soldiers.

This year the Goodwill Parcel Projectcelebrates its tenth year of existence.Over the years the project has becomeone of the significant events on the calen-dar of the DOD. Credit must be given toall the Warrant Officers in the SANDF. Itall started back in 2001 when theWarrant Officer of the SANDF and the

A

Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, Chief of the SANDF, receives a token of appreciation for his support shown to the GoodwillParcel Project over the years from Mr Johan Delport, Trustee of the Goodwill Parcels, while MCWO Johan Scheepers,Warrant Officer of the SANDF and Chairperson of the Goodwill Parcel Project (left), and Mr Gerrit Beumer,Chairperson of the Sponsors, look on.

Fltr: The Chief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, and the Chairperson of the SANDFSpouses Forum, Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya, at the Goodwill Parcel Project Galaevening where the Minister and the Chief of the SANDF formally accept themonetary pledges from the sponsors.


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By Maj Merle Meyer,Communication Officer SA Army Infantry FormationPhoto: Col Ray van Zanten

four-man team consisting of CaptDuggie le Roux from 3 Parachute

Battalion, Lt Edward Murray of CapeTown Highlanders and Able Seaman

race, a 12 km orientation run, map-reading, hand grenade throwing anddistance judging.

Each team consisted of three mem-bers. The other three South Africanstook part as a team, while L Cpl Myekowas selected to participate in one of theinternational teams consisting of amember from Holland and one fromthe United States. This team came first.(Altogether 44 teams took part in thiscompetition.) The competition gave themembers invaluable experience in var-ious military skills and they had theopportunity to attend the annualConfederation of International Officersof the Reserve (CIOR) meeting wherevarious presentations was made onReserves all over the world.

L Cpl Myeko was one of a four-manteam of Reserves selected to representthe SANDF in the annual CIOR meet-ing held in Norway in August 2010.This 28-year-old member fromKraaifontein, who runs to keep fit,appreciated the experience and enjoyedthe competition. L Cpl Myeko matricu-lated from the Michaudal SeniorSecondary School where he playedrugby and soccer, and participated inathletics. He joined the Cape TownHighlanders in 2005. L Cpl Green Myeko from the Cape Town Highlanders with his gold medal.

Dumisani Mhlanga from Naval BaseSimon's Town and L Cpl Green Myekofrom the Cape Town Highlanders tookpart in the Military Skills Competitionat Stavanger, in southern Norway,during August 2010.

The competition consisted of pistoland rifle shooting, a cross-countryobstacle run, a 50 m water obstacle

Norwegian honour for Cape Town Highlander

A

SANDF then requested that all WarrantOfficers in the SANDF donate R1towards the project. The project hassince grown and evolved to providegoodwill parcels to all internally andexternally deployed members, includinghamper packs for these members' fami-lies back home. Sponsors from the pri-vate sector, the SANDF Spouses Forum,and this year the Warrant OfficersSpouses Forum, joined in. Currently theSANDF Spouses Forum is the custodianof the hamper packs and oversees theobtaining of sponsors and determinesthe contents of the hampers.

Through this project, the SANDF wasable to spread its wings in cultivating,maintaining and enhancing partnershipswith community-based structures. Theseinclude businesses, churches, schools,orphanages and old age homes, whichhave benefited from these partnerships.

These projects not only touch the

hearts of the deployed soldiers over thefestive season, but also their family mem-bers back home. Those unfortunateenough to be in hospitals or hospices alsoshare in the project, including those whoare on duty on Christmas Day. In order toshow that the sacrifices of members whopassed away during deployments are notforgotten, the Goodwill Parcel Projectthrough the Warrant Officers SpousesForum will be extended from this year toinclude deceased members' families.

The success of the project is clearlydemonstrated by the gratitude shown bythe different recipients of the parcels. Theaim of the project is therefore not to reim-burse soldiers for their efforts, but toshow appreciation and support todeployed members and their familiesover the festive season by means of good-will parcels and hamper packs.

Representatives of the various spon-sors will once again be invited to be part

of this year's Goodwill Visit to alldeployed members and hand over thesetokens of appreciation. The GoodwillVisit also provides sponsors with theopportunity to convey the good wishesand appreciation of their companies tothe deployed soldiers. All activities ofthe Goodwill Parcel Project carry thegood wishes and appreciation of theentire SANDF and the South Africancommunity as a whole, and have animportant impact on the morale ofdeployed members and their familiesover the festive season.

The Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans and the Chief of the SANDFthanked the sponsors for the commit-ment they continue to show. This ges-ture is a clear indication to the families ofthe thousands of deployed soldiers thatthe private sector is willing to partnerthe Government in improving the livesof our people.

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MOD visit to hospitals

By Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

hapter 11 section 200 (2) ofthe South AfricanConstitution focuses on thesecurity services of the coun-try: "The primary objective ofthe SANDF is to defend andprotect the Republic, its terri-

torial integrity and its people in accor-dance with the Constitution and theprinciples of international law regulat-ing the use of force". The Constitutionas the supreme law of the our countrystipulates in section 201 (2) that amongother political responsibilities theSANDF can be employed to assist anyState department and so help the

CGovernment discharge its responsibili-ties.

During the Public Service labouraction the SANDF deployed more than3 500 soldiers to different hospitals toassist the Department of Health in ren-dering medical service and providingsecurity support with the South AfricanPolice Services (SAPS).

This assistance was rendered as pre-scribed in section 18 of Chapter 3 of theDefence Act, Act 42 of 2002, section 18(1). It explicitly stipulates that: "In addi-tion to the employment of the DefenceForce by the president as contemplatedin section 201 (2) of the Constitution, thePresident or the Minister may authorisethe employment of the Defence Force forservice inside the Republic or in interna-

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, comforts one of thepatients who was worried about the strike at George Mukhari (Ga-Rankuwa) Hospital.

tional waters, in order to (a) preservelife, health or property in emergency orhumanitarian relief operations, (b)ensure provision of essential services,(c) support any department of state,including support for the purpose ofsocio-economic upliftment and, (d)effect national border control".

In Gauteng the SANDF memberswere deployed in Natalspruit, ChrisHani Baragwanath, Helen Joseph,Kalafong and George Mukhari (Ga-Rankuwa) hospitals. In KwaZulu-Natalsoldiers were deployed in KingEdward, Mahatma Ghandi Memorialand Chief Albert Luthuli hospitals. Inthe North West: Brits and Bophelonghospitals. In Limpopo: Van VredenHospital. In Mpumalanga: Witbank,

Tonga, kwa Mhlanga,Mapulaneng, Rob Ferreira andErmelo hospitals. In theEastern Cape: Dora Nginzaand Livingstone hospitals.

On 23 August 2010 theMinister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, the Minister of Health,Mr Aaron Motsoaledi, theChief of the SA Army, Lt GenSolly Shoke, and the SurgeonGeneral, Lt Gen VejayRamlakan, visited the ChrisHani Baragwanath Hospital inSoweto and the GeorgeMukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa to find out first-handthe situation at these hospitals.This visit was meant to helpthe Ministers of Defence andMilitary Veterans and Healthdecide on the next step.

The Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans was con-cerned with the welfare of the

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The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, and the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, talkto a patient.

patients at these and other hospi-tals. "This situation brought aboutby the strikers is completely unac-ceptable. We have a constitutionalmandate to protect Governmentfacilities and we will execute thismandate," said Minister Sisulu. Sheassured the non-striking doctorswho were afraid of being vic-timised by the strikers that the mil-itary would do everything in itspower to protect them. This protec-

tion included patients,as well as nurses whoput their moral obliga-tion to serve first beforetheir right to strike.

More than 130 mem-bers had been deployedat the George MukhariHospital and over 70 atthe Chris HaniBaragwanath Hospital.Minister Sisulu was

Fltr: The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, theChief of Joint Operations, Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, and the Chief of the SAArmy, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, with some of the SANDF members deployed atGeorge Mukhari (Ga-Rankuwa) Hospital.

the non-striking nurses. When doctorsresiding in the medical university hos-tels close to the hospital premises toldMinister Sisulu that they had receivedthreats, she immediately issued aninstruction that the military personnelneeded to make sure that they wereprotected from any harm.

She told the media that theDepartment of Defence, theDepartment of Health and the SAPSwere doing all they could to reducethe stress on the non-striking medicalworkers. These three departments hadestablished a toll-free helpline wheredistressed medical workers could callin case they were threatened, and helpcould then be dispatched.

The Minister of Health was quitepleased with the presence of soldiersat Baragwanath and George Mukharihospitals. He praised the soldiers fordoing an excellent job and thankedMinister Sisulu for her willingness tocall upon more soldiers to help and forthe toll-free helpline.

adamant that she would increase themilitary personnel at any hospitalshould the need arise. She said thepatients needed to be confident thatthey could go to the hospital and beattended by either the SA MilitaryHealth Service (SAMHS) members or

Master Chief Warrant Officer of the SANDF, MCWOJohan Scheepers, congratulates one of the SAMHSmembers deployed at George Mukhari (Ga-Rankuwa)Hospital for her unwavering commitment to providingan essential service.

insight

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CO Kenneth Simelane attending to a patient in the neonatal ward.

Our Angels of Mercyin SANDF uniform

By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

nce again our "Angels ofMercy" showed South Africaand the world their selflesscompassion and people-cen-tred culture during the labouraction by Public Serviceemployees. Our defence man-

date is to defend and protect SouthAfrica and support the broader govern-ment initiatives of contributing to a bet-ter life for all, which is Government'snational strategic vision. The militarystrategic objective is to provide supportto the people of South Africa throughoperations other than war, e.g. in timesof humanitarian need disasters andemergency situations where the respon-

Osible State departments do nothave adequate capacity to rendersuch support.

On 2 September 2010 theInterim National Defence ForceService Commission (INDFSC)lead by the Acting Chairperson,Bishop Malusi Mpumlwana, vis-ited Kalafong Hospital inAtteridgeville, west of Pretoria.The aim of the visit was to wit-ness and get first-hand compre-hensive information on condi-tions under which deployedSANDF members perform thisnationally important duty.

The Chief Director MilitaryHealth Force Support, Maj GenLifeni Make, on behalf of theSurgeon General, Lt Gen

Vejaynand Ramlakan,updated the Commissionand said that the SAMilitary Health Service(SAMHS) was committedto Government servicedelivery in South Africa.Maj Gen Make said:"When a large number ofhealth care professionals

Members of theSAMHS doing theirbest to ensure thatessential services continue to function at Kalafong Hospital.

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in the public healthcare sector abandoned hospitals, theSANDF men and women in uniform asthe last line of defence, carried out theConstitutional mandate to providehealth care to our people."

The Chief Executive Officer ofKalafong Hospital, Dr Lance Phalatsi,expressing his gratitude, said: "We are

glad that theSANDF saved lives, managed

our national crisis and delivered healthcare to patients. The hospital's daily ser-vices were severely disrupted by thelabour action. Making matters worse ournon-striking health care workers andvolunteers were being intimidated."

The Commissioners praised the"Angels of Mercy in SANDF uniform"for displaying a people-centred cultureand patriotism. Bishop Mpumlwana was

heartbroken by patients who were onchronic medication. These includedpatients who were on ARV's, TB,epilepsy and hypertension treatmentwho did not have access to medication.He said that failure to ensure an unin-terrupted treatment could adverselyaffect many lives. Bishop Mpumlwanasaid: "The SANDF is the nation's back-stop; the ultimate reserve hope for citi-zens caught up in these dire circumstances."

A worried senior citizen who was apatient at the time of the visit told SASoldier that the strike was disturbingand, characterised by intimidation, vio-lence and destruction of property. Shesaid: "Our lives are under threat. Thepresence of soldiers makes me feel likea proud senior citizen of South Africa.With the intervention of the SANDF, Iam better off."

Lt Col (Dr) Robert Netangaheni, adoctor and lecturer at the University ofPretoria's Medical School, explained toSA Soldier that the medical teams wereassisted by volunteers, some from theUniversity of Pretoria's Medical Schooland others recruited and trained by theSAMHS. Their support services cov-ered emergency services, the maternityward, medical records, the medicinequality control laboratory, pharmacy,reception staff, pest control, porters,waste removal and laundry.

A young Military Skills Development System member of the SAMHS attendingto a patient.

Members of the SAMHS at Kalafong

Hospital busy collecting piles of dirty linen

in the corridors.

WO2 Sophie Twala busy sorting laundry and hospital linen inthe basement for washing.

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SA Air ForceSenior Medal Parade

By Lufuno NetshirembePhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

t has always been a tradition of theSANDF to acknowledge and rewarddeserving members, either servingor retired, for their loyalty and a jobwell done. True to this SANDF tradi-tion a parade was held at SwartkopAir Force Base on 24 August 2010 to

honour senior members of the SA AirForce who had served for forty and thir-ty years respectively in the military.

As expected with a parade of this cal-ibre, the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,was present to bestow the medals on therecipients. The Deputy Minister, MrThabang Makwetla, accompaniedMinister Sisulu on this momentous occa-sion. The following medals were award-ed:

The IPHROTHIYA YEGOLIDE wasawarded to V Adm J.F. Retief (Ret) whohad distinguished himself by exception-al leadership, and exceptional meritori-ous service and the utmost devotion toduty.

The IPHROTHIYA YESILIVA wasawarded to Maj Gen S.B. Mmono, BrigGen (Rev) M. Cornelissen and Brig Gen J.du Preez for distinguishing themselvesby outstanding leadership, and out-standing meritorious service and partic-ular devotion to duty.

The MEDALJE VIR TROUE DIENSAND BAR TO THE MEDALJE VIRTROUE DIENS (40 YEARS) was award-ed to Lt Gen C. Gagiano, V Adm J.F.Retief (Ret), Maj Gen M.S. Brazzoli, RAdm (Ret) H.V.E. Bester (Ret), Brig GenA.R. Cumming, Brig Gen J.R. Wallis, ColJ.A. Earle, Cdr T.N. Peters and WO1 K.L.Miller who had distinguished them-

I

selves by long and efficient service offorty years.

The MEDALJE VIR TROUE DIENSAND BAR TO THE MEDALJE VIRTROUE DIENS (30 YEARS) wasawarded to Maj Gen M.M.M. Mangethe,Maj Gen N.L.J. Ngema, Brig Gen T.Jacobs, Col R.B. Beecroft, Col J.C.M.Hartley, WO1 M. Bester, WO1 M.J.Ryan, WO1 F.M. Venter and Snr Pnr A.Mashilane who had distinguished them-selves by long and efficient service ofthirty years. In his keynote address theChief of the SA Air Force, Lt GenGagiano, thanked Minister Sisulu,Deputy Minister Makwetla, and otheresteemed guests for taking time off fromtheir busy schedules to attend this cere-

mony. He praised the men and womenin SANDF uniform for choosing a careerthat is exciting and fulfilling in whichthey serve and defend the sovereigntyof their country, South Africa. "Thisevent and these medals should serve asan encouragement to all of us in theDOD to work even harder, knowingthat hard work will never go unno-ticed," said Lt Gen Gagiano.

In conclusion he expressed his grati-tude to all the members of the SANDFwho had given assistance to theGovernment during the 2010 SoccerWorld Cup and during the volatile peri-od when Government employees wereengaged in labour action to demandsalary increases.

The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, awardedthe Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, with the Medalje virTroue Diens and Bar to the Medalje vir Troue Diens (40 Years).


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SA Air Force stood the combat-ready testBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Thabo Shirinda

he recently held FIFA 2010World Cup in South Africa hasafforded the SANDF a greatopportunity to showcase itscombat-readiness. This was theview of the Chief of the SA AirForce, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano,

during the SA Air Force (SAAF) mediaconference held at the SA Air ForceMuseum in Thaba Tshwane on 10August 2010 focussing on the progressof the SAAF and its achievements.

The Government, in preparation ofthe hosting of the 2010 Soccer WorldCup, had to combine the expertise of allsecurity agencies to provide compre-hensive security for the event. TheSAAF was one of the Services of theSANDF that was tasked to safeguardthe SA airspace. The tournament gavethe SANDF the opportunity to devise acombined operation outside the normalhumanitarian tasks that have occupiedthe country's military planners over thepast few years.

A confident Lt Gen Gagiano said: "Atotal of 64 games were played during

Tthe Soccer World Cup and many sup-porters travelled by air from differentcountries to watch the games. All thoseaircraft needed to be cleared and autho-rised. To ensure the safety of our guests,the SAAF aircraft flew 2 257 hours toensure airspace security and groundsecurity. The opportunity further provid-ed the SAAF with the opportunity to testits combat-readiness capabilities in areal-time situation. The Gripens andHawks were deployed throughout andthat did wonders for motivation of theyoung men and women. The displaybrought excitement and boosted themorale of SAAF members and SouthAfrican citizens as a whole. I must alsosay that the SAAF worked very well."

Some of the operations conducted inpreparation for the Soccer World Cupincluded exercises SHIELD IV and V inMpumalanga and the Western Cape.During the period 14 to 28 June 2009 theSANDF also supported the FIFAConfederations Cup by participatingwith SAAF aircraft.

Outlining the approach to the com-prehensive security plan for the SoccerWorld Cup, dubbed OperationKGWELE, the Officer Commanding of

the Air Force Command Post, Brig GenLes Lombard, said that the main focusand objectives were, among others, toensure secure airspace during the 64games, supply air mobility in support ofground forces, supply airborne intelli-gence surveillance reconnaissance, aswell as to ensure the safe arrival of headsof state.

Brig Gen Lombard added: "Toachieve the objectives, we had to deployat least 2 209 SAAF personnel from ourtwelve SAAF bases and units. The oper-ation has been planned in detail over along period of time and everyvenue/stadium was utilised in terms ofair space security over a period span-ning from October 2007 to April 2010and during the training exercises. Theconcept was also marketed to the civilaviation community to ensure their fullsupport and co-operation. A total of 2257 hours were flown by participatingSAAF aircraft during OperationKGWELE, with 347 combat air patrolsresulting in 51 interceptions. The coun-try's airports experienced a doubledinflux of about 64 739 civilian flights andabout 12 921 civilian aircrew who need-ed screening and authority."

Fltr: The Head of Communication, Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the ChiefDirector Policy and Plans, Maj Gen Lucky Ngema, and the Director Corporate Communication, Brig Gen MarthieVisser, listen to the presentation by Officer Commanding Air Force Command Post, Brig Gen Les Lombard, during the media conference.

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Article and photos by Seaman T.Sehole, Junior Photojournalist:Internal Communication SectionNavy News

he Southern African Develop-ment Community DefenceInspectorate Working Group(SADC DIWG) Conferencewas held at the Castle ofGood Hope in Cape Town inAugust 2010. The SADC

DIWG has been formed to conductinspections on the SADC StandbyForce and report its state of readinessto the Defence Subcommittee, which ismade up of the Chiefs of theDefence/Armed Forces of SADC. Itwill also conduct regular inspectionsat the Regional Peacekeeping Training

T

Briefing by Capt (SAN) Bravo Mhlana, Officer Commanding SAS MENDI.

Centre and report on whether theobjectives of the set curriculum arebeing met. The SADC Standby Force isa multi-purpose force that willrespond to security threats at therequest of the member states.

It is envisaged that the force couldbe deployed in a civil war, where itwill intervene and separate the bel-ligerents, maintain peace and providehumanitarian support to displacedpeople under the authority of Chapter6 and 7 of the United Nations (UN)Charter. It is therefore vital that thisjoint force be inspected and that itremains combat-ready and deployableat all times in order to ensure the secu-rity and continued cohesion of theregion as a whole. The capabilities ofthe force have already been demon-

Defence Inspectorsof SADC convene

The Chief of the SA Navy, V AdmJohannes Mudimu, addressing theSouthern African DevelopmentCommunity Defence InspectorateWorking Group delegates duringthe opening.

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strated during operations such asExercise GOLFINHO. The SADCDIWG had already assessed theSANDF Standby Force's performanceduring this exercise and had identifiedeven better ways to improve efficiencyand effectiveness.

At the official welcoming functionon the evening of 16 August the SAArmy Marimba Band provided lightbackground music during the recep-tion and dinner. The main aim was towelcome everyone present and thankall the sponsors for enabling the SADCDIWG Conference to take place.AMG-Denel Aviation sponsored thefarewell function, PGSI (Pty) Ltd spon-sored the seminar folders, Manitou(Pty) Ltd, Dezzo Equipment Pty (Ltd),Execulog, Hoxies (Pty) Ltd and OceanPearl (Pty) Ltd gave monetary dona-tions, Jansen Pharmaceuticals spon-sored the seminar notepads and penswhile Ivema (Pty) Ltd sponsored theseminar briefcases.

The last day of the Conferencestarted bright and early on board theSAS MENDI with a welcome and safe-ty briefing by the OfficerCommanding, Capt (SAN) B. Mhlana.This was followed by a welcomingreception in the hangar, after whichthe Officer Commanding handed overto Cdr G. Walker, the ExecutiveOfficer.

Cdr Walker briefed the delegateson the history and capabilities of theValour Class frigates and the composi-tion of the ship's company. The groupwas impressed to hear that the shipshad made the world's first use of laser-welding technology for warships andother combat capabilities. The dele-gates were then split into groups whilevarious technical and combat officersled them on tours of the ship. Thesetook place simultaneously and lastedabout two hours on the SAS MENDI,which sailed around the bay and back.

The briefing on the frigates was aneye-opener and led the group to eval-uate the importance of the SA Navy.The opportunity to sail was an unfor-gettable experience for the IGs, most ofwhom are Army Generals. The SANavy was shown to be a professionalforce at the forefront of maritimeoffensive and defensive action in the

region. On behalf of everyone present,the IG of Malawi, Brig Gen G.D.Msonthi, thanked and commended theSAS MENDI and the SA Navy mem-bers: "This visit to the SAS MENDI hasserved to strengthen regional rela-tions, cohesiveness, goodwill and co-operation among South Africa and theother member states".

The group then proceeded to theInstitute of Maritime Technology(IMT). The IMT is a research institutewithin the Department of Defence,managed as part of the DefenceScientific Technology Institute group,a subsidiary of Armscor. A briefing onits role in the armed forces was thendelivered by Dr H. van Wyk, OutputUnit Manager. He focused on ocean,atmospheric and sea-floor characteri-sation, above water signature and sen-sor characterisation, sub-surface sig-nature, naval staff support, submarinewarfare and surface warfare. Mr J.Minnaar, a scientist at IMP specialis-ing in modelling, then spoke on theCombat-readiness Model, an initiativeof the SA Navy in the late 1990s, whichcaught the attention of the IG DOD in2001.

The IG DOD then launched a pro-ject to develop a measurement systemof combat-readiness for all Services.Petty Officer Theodore West from theFleet Quality Assurance Directoratethen discussed the practical challengesencountered when implementing theCombat-readiness Model and how itwas implemented in the Fleet.

On behalf of the group, Gen S.Sambalanga, the outgoingChairperson, thanked IMT for thebriefing and the high standard inwhich it was delivered. The delegatesthen had a "leg stretch". A short walkto Seaforth Beach was followed by anexcursion to Boulder's Beach, wherethey were able to view the penguins intheir natural habitat before headingback to IMT for the official closing.

At the closing reception on theFriday evening, Gen Sambalangaannounced the dates of the third con-ference, which is to take place inHarare from 29 August to 3 September2010. Issues left pending from thisConference will be finalised and thehanding over of the Chairperson will

take place. Gen Sambalanga said thatall the IGs had understood and agreedon the implementation and use of theIG Manual and that it had been a fruit-ful and productive stay in SouthAfrica.

The guest of honour at the closingreception was the Chief of the SANavy, V Adm J. Mudimu, who repre-sented the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans and the Chief of theSANDF. He said that both of themwere following the events of the con-ference very closely, as it was animportant structure aimed at strength-ening the SADC.

The Chief of the SA Navyimpressed upon them the importanceof Inspector Generals and the weightyresponsibility they have to inculcateaccountability and responsibilityaimed at improved integration andinteroperability. He referred to theInspectors as the lighthouses of theSADC; " … there is no higher calling,"he commented, "and only through col-lective effort can we attain our goals;conferences such as these ensure ourunity". He stressed the importance oftransforming productive discussionsinto constructive concrete actions.

V Adm Mudimu concluded bysaying: "Africa needs all of us, wemust not fail our beautiful continent."

After three long days of delibera-tion, discussions and planning overthe period 16 to 18 August the grouptook the opportunity on the 19th toview the breathtaking city of CapeTown. A trip to Robben Island wasscheduled, made possible by the SAAir Force. AFB Ysterplaat providednot only a helicopter, but professionalstaff as well, which ensured a safe tripto and from the island.

On the island the InspectorGenerals (IGs) had an opportunity toengage with the history of SouthAfrica. At the end of the tour thegroup was taken on a visit to varioustownships, including Langa, Nyangaand Khayelitsha, with the final pitstop at the acclaimed butchery andeatery - Mzoli's Place. The IGs usedthe opportunity to get to know eachother on a social level, experiencelocal culture and food, and interactwith the locals.

events


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By Thabo ShirindaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

ordial greetings were ex-changed when the Comman-der of the US African Com-mand (AFRICOM), Gen Wil-liam Ward, paid a courtesyvisit on the Chief of theSANDF, Gen Godfrey

Ngwenya, at Defence Headquarters inPretoria on 7 September 2010.

The meeting between the twoGenerals took place to the backdrop ofthe controversial issue of the AfricanCommand. The Command had caused alot concern across the continent, includ-ing South Africa. The country was stillunder the leadership of President ThaboMbeki at the time the African Commandwas established. Gen Ward said: "Wehad a rocky start particularly withregard to the issue of the AfricanCommand, but we are going to build onour friendship."

The General was lamenting on the

C

US African CommandCommander visits DHQ

divisions on the African continent; theAfrican Command had raised morequestions than answers regarding itsfundamental aims.

Gen Ward alluded to the fact that theUS Government and its military werecommitted to the peace and security ofthe African continent.

The Chief of the SANDF echoed hiswords and said it was essential for theAfrican continent to have peace and dealwith its security concerns.

A range of issues were discussed,including the deployment of forces tothe Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), the Darfur region in the Sudanand Somalia.

The African Command, commonlyknown as AFRICOM, is a unified com-batant command of the United StatesDepartment of Defense that is responsi-ble for the country's military operationsin all the African countries except Egypt.

AFRICOM was established on 1October 2007 as a temporary commandunder US European Command. It is the

brainchild of the former Secretary ofDefense, Mr Donald Rumsfeld, whounder President George W. Bush com-missioned a planning team to establishthe Command. Authority was given byPresident Bush to create AFRICOM inFebruary 2007. (Gen William E. Wardwas appointed AFRICOM's first com-mander.)

One of the most fundamental issueshas been the location of the Command.AFRICOM is currently housed inStuttgart, Germany. Gen Ward con-firmed that the headquarters willremain in Germany for the foreseeablefuture. Some of the concerns of theAfrican continent have been the fact thatmost of them do not really trust thiscommand.

Gen Ward said: "Our intention is notto colonise Africa again as some quar-ters have been suggesting, our intentionis to bring peace and expertise to thecontinent."

Gen Ward also paid a courtesy visiton the Deputy Minister of Defence and

The Chief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya (right), engaging with theCommander of the US African Command, Gen William Ward.

Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla. The Deputy Ministeralso highlighted the importanceof SA/US relations, particularlywith regard to military issues.

Deputy Minister Makwetlasaid: "It is our aim to worktogether with your country tocreate a safer continent ofAfrica." He also touched on thecreation of the Department ofMilitary Veterans in SouthAfrica.

Gen Ward's visit to SouthAfrica ironed out some of thefundamental issues and differ-ences with South Africa, but therelationship remains that of acordial friendship between thesetwo giants of global politics.


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By Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he DOD Logistic SupportDivision has shed some weightto the SA Army by allowingfour of its logistic units tomigrate to the SA Army. Theseunits are the DOD MainOrdnance Depot, the DOD

Technical Service Unit, the DOD MainOrdnance Sub-depot Wallmannsthaland the DOD Main Ordnance Sub-

T

Logistic Division Migration Parade

depot Durban. The migration parade took place at

the DOD Logistic Support Formationsports ground in Pretoria on 8September 2010, where the Chief ofLogistics, Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane,and the Chief SA Army ForceStructure, Maj Gen Louis Dlulane,exchanged commands.

Previously the units had migratedfrom the SA Army Logistic Commandon 1 April 1999 as part of the then JointSupport Division in the DOD at that

time to form the backbone of the cur-rent DOD Logistic Support Formation.The objective of that transformationprocess was to reduce the size of theSANDF and structure it along businesslines, with specialised centres of excel-lence and according to a centralisedsupport concept.

The core business of the DODLogistic Support Formation is toensure that the common logistic sup-port requirements of the units beingsupported are met to allow the

The Chief SA Army Force Structure, Maj Gen Louis Dlulane (left), and the Chief ofLogistics, Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane, at attention for the National Anthem at theLogistic Division Migration Parade.

Services to focus on their coreactivities of force preparationand force employment.

Maj Gen Dlulane indicatedthat in the changed deploy-ment environment the SAArmy had to revisit its struc-ture to manage the challengesand meet the demands of the21st century as spelled out inthe SA Army Future Strategy.

Maj Gen Dlulane said: "Inline with the SA Army FutureStrategy restructuring processthe Chief of the SANDF andthe Chief of the SA Army rec-ommended, and the Ministerof Defence and MilitaryVeterans approved, that identi-fied Logistic Support Unitsshould migrate back to the SAArmy.

"This will allow the SAArmy to be in control of itssupport elements in conformi-ty with established doctrinalprinciples applicable to otherarmies all over the world.This will also improve com-mand and control, and accountability."

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The third Combined Joint African Exercise

By Col Danie van der Westhuizenand Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

outh Africa's support forinternational and regionaldevelopment is a stated poli-cy goal of Government. As anation of international soli-darity its commitment to theSouthern African Develop-

ment Community (SADC) States inalliance with developing countries

S

Participating Directing Staffs and members from friendly (SADC) Defence Staff Colleges, fltr: Maj Lesego Kgomotso(Botswana), Supt Betty Timba (Zambia), Lt Col Chris Ferguson (Directing Staff: Botswana), Lt Col Geoffrey Zyeele(Directing Staff: Zambia), Maj David Galeboe (Botswana), Maj Sylvester Himwinga (Zambia), Maj MoremediKereteletswe (Botswana) and Lt Col Wilfred Mbewe (Zambia).

contributes to creating a stable regionthat preserves regional peace, pro-motes good governance, economicprogress, trade relations and development.

On 6 September 2010 the SASoldier team was invited to witnessthe 3rd Combined Joint AfricanExercise (CJAX), Exercise UHURU,conducted at the SA National WarCollege in Pretoria from 6 to 10September 2010. The three participat-ing defence staff colleges were from

South Africa, Botswana and Zambia.They utilised the same learning materi-als and scenario. The exercise wasfocused on the solution of a fictitiouspeace support mission scenario andinvolved the concurrent running of thesame peace support operation planningpackage.

The aim of the exercise was to trainin a joint, multinational and interagen-cy environment in order to promote abetter understanding of the challengesinvolved in planning and co-ordinating


25

a complex multinational peace sup-port operation.

The SA National War College: JointSenior Command and StaffProgramme 2010 learner group wascomprised of approximately 94 stu-dents in the rank groups: Maj to Lt Col,including learners from other friendlymilitary forces, i.e. Botswana, CongoBrazzaville, Namibia, Uganda,Zambia, India, Brazil and Egypt.

In his opening remarks Maj GenManfred Mabuza, the General OfficerCommanding of Training Command,reminded participants that Africanchallenges require African solutions.He said: "The fact is CJAX, in the cur-rent African threat scenario, has hugegrowth potential for utilisation as atraining tool in our endeavours toqualify the best quality officers inorder to address our future challengeswith the necessary confidence andknowledge."

The SA National War College as anentrusted state resource continues toreflect the growing engagement andcollaboration with other regionaldefence staff colleges. The SA National

War College is a training unit of theSANDF, and is currently running itsannual Joint Senior Command andStaff Programme. This senior trainingprogramme is aimed at preparingselected officers for senior appoint-ments at the operational level bydeveloping their command, staff andanalytical skills, and broadening theirprofessional understanding of singleservice, joint and combined opera-tions, the management of defence andthe wider aspects of conflict.

This year for the first time the SANational War College is co-ordinatingthe inaugural CJAX, a pilot projectwithin the SADC, which is beingundertaken on behalf of the AfricanUnion and the African Conference ofCommandants. CJAX is a UK spon-sored initiative to encourage synergyand common working practicesbetween all African staff colleges, andis modelled on the Combined JointEuropean Exercise. It is also conduct-ed annually by participating defencestaff colleges in Europe. This particu-lar exercise forms the highlight of thecurrent module being presented at the

SA National War College, e.g. MilitaryOperations Other Than War.

CJAX 2010 is the most importantaspect of the Military OperationsOther Than War Module and will notonly develop a greater understandingof the joint, multinational and intera-gency environment in order to pro-mote a better understanding of thechallenges involved in planning andco-ordinating a complex multination-al peace support operation, but willalso serve to exchange ideas and con-cepts between SADC Command andStaff Colleges and other attendingrole- players or observers within thepeace support environment, as well asforge the critically important profes-sional and social link between atten-dees. In this regard the exercise willhave a positive effect on the opera-tional capability of the AfricanStandby Force SADC Brigade. This isthe pilot project for the SADC and thewider African Union, which meansthat this exercise is taking on a profilefar beyond any other activity in theJoint Senior Command and StaffProgramme.

Article and photo by Capt F.S. Vilane, CommunicationOfficer 121 SAI Bn

eaching out to people with disabil-ities does not require much. A little

give recognition to members withdisabilities.

The Unit Social Worker, Lt N.M.Gumede, spoke to the unit membersabout physically challenged, handi-capped, emotionally and spiritually

Major C.B.M. Molefe, the Acting Officer Commanding 121 SAI Bn, plants atree on Casual Day to commemorate Arbor Day.

gift offered to them means their livesare touched in a remarkable way.

On Friday 3 September 2010 twohundred members of 121 SA InfantryBattalion wore their Casual Day stick-ers with pride at the event held to

121 SAI Bn: Casual and Arbour Day

Rimpaired members andtheir special needs. Theunit was also informedabout the CuramusAssociation, which wasan eye-opener to themembers who most ofthe time are on extern-al deployments andseldom get an opportu-nity to learn about suchmatters.

Eight trees were alsoplanted to celebrateArbor Day. Each indige-nous tree recycles oxy-gen and helps unite thedifferent companies andsections.

insight

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Civil-military relationsBy Minah Sindane-Bloem, LifeCoach/Communication Strategist

hapter 2 of the DefenceReview of 1998 addresses theConstitutional provisions ofCivil-Military Relations. As acivilian who has worked in amilitary environment,Armscor to be specific, thischapter is of particular interest

to me. This is an important chapter,which sets out the role of defence in ademocracy. It is a chapter that spells outclearly that Defence's specific role is tosafeguard the sovereignty of SouthAfrica and not have it work against itscitizens, as was the case pre 1994.

In the 2008 Senior Leaders Seminarheld in Washington, DC, the AfricaCentre for Strategic Studies delivered aplenary presentation entitled "The Stateof Civil-Military Relations in Africa" andthe following was the definition of civil-military relations, which I subscribe to:

In a broad sense, democratic civil-military relations are about the interfacebetween the security sector and the dif-ferent segments of the society in whichthe security forces exist and operate. Therelations focus especially on the process-es, institutions and mechanisms bywhich the security sector is broughtunder constitutional civil authority. Thisincludes how the security forces inter-face with other state institutions, civilsociety, the media, and social classes, aswell as ethnic and religious groups.Given Africa's history of civil-militaryrelations, it is this broader meaning ofcivil-military relations that has applica-bility to the continent, if security, democ-racy and development (social, economicand political) are to be realised.

In a broad sense the Department ofDefence and Military Veterans(DODMV) has adhered to the provisionsof Chapter two (Civil Military Relations)of the Defence Review. For example, thePresident as Commander-in-Chief of theSANDF, Parliament which approves thedefence budget, the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans who is account-able to Parliament for the SANDF, acivilian Defence Secretariat, profession-alism of the armed forces, and the estab-lishment of stable civil-military relations

CMinah Sindane-Bloem.

subjects the SANDF to the control of theelected civilian authority.

The Defence Review has the follow-ing under Education and Training

The mission of the civic educationprogramme is to instil respect among mil-itary personnel and other members of theDOD for the core values of a democraticSouth Africa through appropriate educa-tion and training.

This has been achieved within theDepartment. Much training has gone intoeducation and training within theDepartment.

A closer look at Chapter 2 of theDefence Review makes me realise thatthe chapter falls short of educating ordi-nary citizens about the military. What doI mean by this? In the said chapter thesection on education and trainingaddresses only the education of militarypersonnel and not that of non-militarypersonnel. It addresses the education ofthose within the defence environmentand not those outside this environment.There are only three sentences under thesection on Relations with civil society, oneof which reads as follows:

The Minister and the DOD shall con-sult with interest groups and stakehold-ers in civil society in the formulation ofdefence policy, and shall provide thepublic with adequate information ondefence matters.

Perhaps one can advance the argu-ment that that type of education does not

fall within the ambit of the DefenceReview. However, I reckon that it is anecessary part in promoting civil-mili-tary relations. Perhaps it might be some-thing that the Department needs to putgreat emphasis on with the stakeholderengagement strategy.

Thus far, I am not aware of a proper-ly constituted civil society organisationthat promotes civil military relations.From where I sit, I do not see society vol-untarily forming such an organisation,for a whole number of reasons, includ-ing, for example, the issue of financialresources, human resources with interestand knowledge in defence matters. Thisthen begs the question: who should pro-mote civil-military relations? The answerlies with the DOD. The specific answer isfound in the same chapter that addressescivil-military relations:

The Secretary will perform suchduties and functions as may be neces-sary for democratic and civilian manage-ment of the defence function and toenhance parliamentary and Ministerialcontrol over the SANDF … Firstly, civil-ians formulate defence policy and themilitary executes this policy. Secondly,civilians are responsible for the politicaldimensions of defence.

Again, this is happening at a formallevel. What I am really advocating is asituation where ordinary citizens active-ly embrace the military as a necessarypart of their society. This for me will alsogo a long way towards countering argu-ments about the military wastingmoney. The general public needs toembrace the military as their publicinsurance. Anybody who owns propertycontinues to pay insurance even if theynever claim. They understand its impor-tance. We need to get the general publicto that level. A lot of the provisions inChapter 2 of the Defence Review havebeen fulfilled as I indicated earlier on. Ithink that South Africa is ready to movea step further, i.e. education of civilianson the functioning of the military andhow the military contributes to peacenot only within SA, but beyond itsborders. This education will form part ofthe confidence building measures, whichare necessary to repair and enhance therelationship between military and civilsociety.

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The following are a few practicalexamples that the Department can do topromote civil-military relations:1. Establish a legal framework to regu-

late relations between military andcivil society. This framework shoulddefine what civil-military relationsare in a democratic society. It shouldalso define the obligations of the mil-itary towards civil society and viceversa. Civil-military relations do nothave to be adversarial.

2. Establish civil education pro-grammes to boost the knowledge ofcivil society about how the militaryfunctions. The communications divi-sion has in the past embarked ontrips to military installations by mem-bers of society. There should be a setcurriculum, according to which overa period of three days, members ofsociety are given a short course onthe military. Armscor has an e-learn-ing course on the military for theiremployees. This could be a good startfor civil society. Civil society canaccess this course via a portal on theDOD website.

3. There should be a general inculcationof respect for military personnel in

civil society. This respect should stemfrom the fact that the military person-nel are the only people who take anoath to die for their country, a countrythey will never personally own. Thisshould also be followed by an under-standing that the military is not abunch of gun wielding people ready toattack at the slightest provocation. Infact, society should be taught that mili-tary intervention is the last resort whenall other interventions have failed. Theseries run on the SABC of the DOD asthe employer of choice was a good pro-gramme to help civil society under-stand the workings of the military.

4. Regular updates on national televisionon all major peacekeeping deploy-ments. This should ideally be donejointly by both the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans and the Ministerof International Relations andCooperation. This will avoid a situationwhere the nation gets to know about adeployment when a soldier has donesomething untoward.

5. A permanent deployment of at leasttwo senior officers, e.g. a General and aColonel, to the office of the President.How can we call our President the

Commander-in-Chief when there areno officers stationed in his office? It isinternational practice that the mili-tary are present in the President'soffice. As to who gets appointed tothese two posts could be the decisionof the Minister together with theCouncil on Defence.

6. If acceptable, some of the examplesgiven above could be included inChapter 2 of the next DefenceReview.

It is my belief that relations betweenmilitary and civil society in SouthAfrica have normalised. There is a gen-eral acceptance of the military in civilsociety. The recent march of strikingsoldiers to the Union Buildings could,in any democratic society, have beencatastrophic. As a civilian, my under-stand-ing of a soldier marching to theseat of power is a coup. The punish-ment for this is execution. However,this did not happen in South Africa,which I think says a lot about howadvanced our society is in dealingwith military issues. It is for theDODMV to extend its role in promot-ing civil-military relations as outlinedin this article.

Article and photo by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he Defence Intelligence Divisionheld a medal parade at the Thaba

Tshwane City Hall on 27 August 2010to honour its men and women whodistinguished themselves by render-ing excellent service to our country bydoing their soldierly duties and whodisplayed exceptional capabilities inthe SANDF.

The Chief Defence ForeignRelations, Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng,was pleased to officiate as the func-tionary at this parade, as the last timehe officiated was at an Intelligenceparade in 1995 during the passing-outparade of the Non-statutory Forcemembers graduating from the Schoolof Intelligence in Potchefstroom aftercompleting their bridging training.

Speaking to the recipients, MajGen Mofokeng said the parade wasorganised to thank them for the com-mendable contributions they had

made to the SANDF. He further statedthat the medals, decorations, certifi-cates and citations received were a truereflection of the excellent service pro-vided by members of Defence

congratulations from the Chief of theSANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, tothe recipients for their contribution inproviding our country with a combat-ready National Defence Force.

Honouring Defence Intelligence members

T

Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng, Chief DefenceForeign Relations, taking the salute at theDefence Intelligence Division medal parade.

Intelligence to the broaderpublic.

Maj Gen Mofokengsaid: "The future of ourorganisation is not in thehands of the Chief ofDefence Intelligence or inthose Generals at the differ-ent headquarters, but inyour hands - members atall levels - shaping the lead-ers of tomorrow througheffective learning and set-ting the example as you didby serving your countrywith distinction. Pleasewear these medals withpride; you earned themand you deserve them."

In conclusion he con-veyed a special word of

events

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Fltr: The Chairperson of the Joint Standing Committee on Defence, Ms Hlengiwe Mgabadeli, the Chief DirectorTransformation Management, Maj Gen Ntsiki Memela-Motumi, the Chief of the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, theDeputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla, the Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm JohannesMudimu, and the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, at the DOD Gender Conference.

Celebrating anchors of family and society

By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he Chief Directorate Transfor-mation Management of theSANDF convened the annualDOD Gender Conference atthe Signals Formation atWonderboom Military Base,Pretoria, from 18 to 20 August

2010. Over 300 male and female dele-gates drawn from the various Servicesand Divisions, both uniformed andPublic Service Act Personnel (PSAP),participated.

The theme of the conference was"Together Entrenching ConstitutionalImperatives within the DOD". The pri-mary focus of the conference was toreport on progress made in imple-menting the Gender MainstreamingPlan of Action on issues identified atthe 2009 conference. As per the com-mitment made at the 2009 DOD

TGender Conference, research on thestatus of women in the DOD sixteenyears into democracy was presented.The research highlighted issues thatimpinged on women's advancementand indicated five key areas of focus tomove the gender mainstreaming agen-da forward:

In welcoming the participants theChief of Human Resources, Lt GenDerick Mgwebi, outlined the objec-tives of the conference and highlightedthe disparity between the objective ofgender mainstreaming and culturalstereotypes about men's and women'sroles that people bring with them tothe DOD. He called for gender educa-tion and training as this was the onlyvehicle to ensure a paradigm shift inthe creation of an enabling environ-ment for women and men to pursueeffective careers within the organisa-tion. Thereafter, Services andDivisions presented feedback reports

The Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, delivering his keynoteaddress at the DOD GenderConference.

29


exhibited by both men and women thatinhibit opportunities."

He affirmed women by telling themthat they must play a leadership role indefining the support mechanisms theyneed. There is a call for women-friend-ly military equipment. Making theenvironment within defence user-friendly for women means equipmentmust be designed with women's physi-cal disadvantages in mind. We need tocreate women-friendly defence equip-ment that can be marketed overseas tobenefit from economies of scale.

Award winners At the awards evening, prizes were

given in three categories:The SA Navy won the award for

the Service/Division that has bestimplemented the Gender Plan ofAction.

The SA Army won the award forthe Unit/Base/Seagoing FSE that bestpromoted a gender friendly environ-ment.

The SA Navy was given the awardas the Service HR Office that hasachieved a 40% women recruitmentintake over the period 2009-2010.

ConclusionThe Secretary for Defence, Ms

Mpumi Mpofu, tasked the ChiefDirectorate Transformation Manage-ment to organise a workshop withinthe next six months to discuss imple-mentation of the recommendationsmade and promised to provide the nec-essary resources for this. The confer-ence resolved that the purpose of theworkshop would be to develop anaction plan to indicate what needed tobe done by whom and when. In themeantime, Services and Divisions areexpected to discuss possible solutions.Consensus was also reached that asfrom next year gender conferenceswould be held regionally acrossServices. The Chief Director Trans-for-mation Management, Maj Gen NtsikiMemela-Motumi, concluded the con-ference by responding to all the ques-tions raised by the delegates during theplenary session and undertook toorganise a follow-up workshop, asinstructed, before the end of 2010.

Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, the Chief ofthe SANDF, speaks about the needfor women to reach their highestpotential.

long time to accept women due togender stereotyping and the percep-tion that matters of defence were theprerogative of men. She acknowl-edged that some small strides hadbeen made in recognising women andgender equality.

Ms Mgabadeli concluded by high-lighting the key lessons emerging

from women's roles in the politicalarena, including progress made withinthe DOD. These were the result of pay-ing special attention to the following: 1) The establishment of appropriate

infrastructure for gender equality,and ensuring that the gendermachinery is staffed by committedpeople dedicated to achievingequality.

2) The allocation of appropriateresources for the task, both finan-cial and technical. In the case ofmilitary equipment, we mustdetermine what we need in theDOD and approach serviceproviders to acquire exactly what'srequired.

3) Working in partnership with civilsociety, because you need the sup-port of civil society in order to doyour job in defence. We need toeducate civilians about the DOD.

4) Effective utilisation of researchinstitutions through collaborationin order to ensure alignment, byworking with them to ensurealignment.

5) Improved utilisation of technolo-gy.

6) The gender mainstreaming strate-gy must be supported by sustainedcommitment and sufficient genderexpertise at all levels of the depart-ment.

7) Last but not least, the gender focalpoint must be operational andeffective, including sufficientfinancial resources being allocatedto Gender Mainstreaming.

Keynote addressThe Deputy Minister of Defence

and Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, in his keynote address stat-ed that 16 years into democracy,women had claimed their space in defence;they serve in all corps, including com-bat roles, and are represented in allranks, except Lieutenant General andGeneral. Mr Makwetla said: "The tar-gets are being reached, there are insti-tutions and mechanisms for gender,including performance agreements.However, women are still found morein the support services, and we stillneed to tackle negative attitudes

Lt Tandeka Matanzima reciting apoem to celebrate women duringthe DOD Gender Conference.

on the implementation of the GenderMainstreaming Action Plan over thepast year.

Creation of a conducive work-ing environment

The Chairperson of theParliament's Joint StandingCommittee on Defence, Ms HlengiweMgabadeli, gave a speech on theCreation of a Conducive WorkingEnvironment for Women and Menwithin the DOD. In her speech shenoted that the armed forces took a


30

SANDF boostingscarce skills


he Military Skills Develop-ment System (MSDS) remainsthe primary mechanismthrough which the Depart-ment of Defence contributestowards structured militaryskills development, occupa-

tional functional skills developmentand leadership development amongthe youth.

The aim of the MSDS is two-fold,namely to enhance the SANDF's mis-sion-readiness through the systematic

T

Watermanship is used for water jumps, or when equipment is carried across a river or dam during deployments.

rejuvenation of its human resourcecomposition. This is done throughannual intakes of young, fit andhealthy people. Secondly, the MSDSserves as the feeder system for theReserves and seeks to provide scarceskills for the youth of the country toenable them to contribute meaningful-ly to the growth of the country.

Subsequent to their Basic MilitaryTraining deserving MSDS recruits areafforded an opportunity to choosetraining in specific careers, such asengineers, pilots, surveying, etc. On 4August 2010 MSDS members demon-strated the type of training they had

undergone in the School of Engineers atKroonstad to qualify themselves as SAArmy Engineers.

The Officer Commanding of theSchool of Engineers, Col Willis Nkosi,said such training were vital not only toensure the SANDF could function effec-tively, but also to assist the Governmentin addressing the country's skills short-age. The skills that these recruitsacquire include bridge building, basicfield engineering and construction andwater purification, all of which can beused in the civilian world when theyleave the National Defence Force.

Private Bridget Plaatjie, who is

training

31


undergoing training, said the trainingopened her eyes to the opportunitiesavailable to young people to contributeto South Africa. "The skills we learn

here, such as how to build a bridge andpurify water are what are needed todevelop South Africa."

The skills they have learned here can

be utilised for various projects, such aswhen SA Army Engineers recentlybuilt bridges for the communities ofthe Eastern Cape.

WO2 Thabo Radebe and Military Skills Development System (MSDS) recruits demonstrate to the media how to breacha mine as part of Corps training for the SA Army Engineers.

Bridge building done by the Military Skills Development System (MSDS) members. These acquired skills can be utilised in projects such as the one in the Eastern Cape where the SA Army Engineers built bridges for the communities.

competition


32

SA Army Fittest SoldierCompetition


he fourth SA Army FittestSoldier Competition was heldat the DOD MobilisationCentre at De Brug TrainingArea near Bloemfontein from16 to 19 August 2010. A totalof 256 members from 40 dif-

ferent units, including 10 senior sol-diers: Brig Gen Lawrence Smith, GOC43 Brigade, Brig Gen SithabisoMahlobo, GOC 46 Brigade, and SeniorChief Warrant Officer MothusiKgaladi, Warrant Officer of the SAArmy, participated in the event.

The main objective of the competi-tion was to determine the fittest maleand female soldiers in four different

T

Physical fitness is the foundation of a soldier’s combat-readiness. Soldiers takingpart in the multi-run competition.

The competition challenges every muscle in the body.

age groups, as well as the unitor formation with the fittestteam.

Each team consisted of fourmembers. Over three days sol-diers participated in healthrelated activities reflectingphysical fitness, includingbody compositions, cardiovas-cular fitness, flexibility, muscu-lar endurance, and musclestrength, while skill relatedcomponents included agility,balance, co-ordination, powerreaction time and speed.

The Iron Lady of the SAArmy, Pte Baleseng Motebele,did it again, winning the com-petition for the third time. Sheattributes her success over thepast years to passion, dedica-

33


The winners of the various categories, fltr: WO2 H.W. Matoeka, S Sgt S.B. Sawula, Lt Col A.S. Nzweni, Pte M. Motebele, Gnr L.L. Tukula and Cpl D.C. Nkosi.

tion and hard work, including totalcommitment and a belief in her abili-ties. She has received the award forwinning the competition three times.

This prestigious competition wasinitiated on account of poor results andmembers failing physical fitness tests.Soldiers from all ranks were putthrough their paces in both the individ-ual and the team competitions. Thecompetition is unique as it challenges

every muscle in the body and every cellin the brain.

WinnersSenior Soldier: Lt Col A.S. Nzweni (OC 3 SA Infantry Battalion)Unit: 1 Special Service BattalionSA Army Formation: SA Army Infantry FormationSA Army Formation HQ: SA ArmyArmour Formation HQ

Female 40+: S Sgt S.B. Sawula (101 Air Supply Unit)Female 30-39: Cpl D.C. Nkosi (Infantry School)Female up to 29: Pte M.L. Motebele (5 SA Infantry Battalion)Male 45+: WO2 H.W. Matoeka, Army HQMale 35-44: Capt D.T. Sekoere (1 Special Service Battalion)Male up to 35: Gnr L.L. Tukula (Light Artillery Regiment)

Over a period of three days soldiers from all ranks were put through theirpaces in both the individual and the team competitions.

The facial expression of one of theparticipants says it all.

training

Writers. This includes eight members ofother state departments and this year's41 learners. The courses are co-ordinatedby the Directorate Departmental PolicySupport under the auspices of the ChiefDefence Policy, Strategy and Planningheaded by Dr T. Gamede.

From the inception of the course, MrKen Bornman, Director DepartmentalPolicy Support, has been spearheading itand has seen the course grow year byyear. It must be with a feeling of great

34

The "Koepel" - the AlmaMater for Policy Writers

pride that he has seen off this year'slearners, since he is going on retirementearly in 2011. The ninth course tookplace over the period 26 July to 6 August2010. In his welcoming speech, deliv-ered on behalf of the Secretary forDefence, Mr Bornman alluded to the factthat policy writing could be seen as botha "science" and an "art". He referred tothe two-week course as learning aboutthe "science" of policy formulation,approval and implementation, but saidthe actual writing of policies was morean "art" than a science. This message is ofthe utmost importance since policies, asexpressed in policy documents of theDOD, must be user-friendly, objective,concise, focussed and written in such away that they are understood by eventhe lowest ranks.

Although the course is directed atpolicy writers of Departmental Level 1policies (at Service and Divisional level)it must give clear guidelines as to whatpolicy direction has to be taken at anylevel. At the departmental level we getDepartment of Defence Instructions andSA National Defence Force Orders. Thisis turned into Service specific instruc-tions at the next level (for example anAir Force Instruction) and at the nextlevel (level 3) the ordinary member andemployee may see it in the form of aUnit Order.

It has been said that writing a policyis also the making of history since thepolicies we write today are actually his-tory in the making. Over the years manyimportant meetings have taken place inthe Koepel, many of them resulting indecisions that have had a great impacton our history as a Department. In itsown way we hope it has also contribut-ed to producing departmental policywriters in their own right, who by writ-ing departmental policies, help to makehistory.

By Col J.J.W. Kotze, DepartmentalPolicy AdviserPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

hat would the historical"Koepel" at the SA DefenceIntelligence College andpolicy writing have incommon? The fact of thematter is that this buildinghas become the proverbial

Alma Mater for aspiring Department ofDefence (DOD) policy writers. Since theinception of the course, the Koepel hasbeen the venue where the DOD PolicyWriters Course is presented.

The course is the result of a dire needin the DOD to equip its personnel with-in the policy-writing environment withthe necessary skills, knowledge andattributes to initiate, develop, communi-cate and control departmental policyaccording to DOD prescripts.

The first Policy Writers Course waspresented at the stately old Koepel in2002; since then a total of 371 officialshave graduated as DOD level 1 Policy

W


The "Koepel" at SA Intelligence College where the course is presented.

Mr Ken Bornman, DirectorDepartmental Policy Support.


35

2010, 28 June - 2 July and 26 - 30 July.On completion of all three blocks

the learners were requested to evalu-ate the programme. More than 90% ofthe learners rated the overall pro-gramme, including the content, logis-tics and the facilitator as excellent.They indicated that the programmehad re-energised them with knowl-edge and the competencies required atan advanced management level.

The Assistant Director (SocialWork) SAMHS, Ms M.L. Abrahams,said: "The AMDP opened one's mindand thinking abilities. It also ensuredintrospection and the ability to evalu-ate one's own department and direc-torate against the key performanceareas of effective service delivery andhow improvement plans could be

Advanced ManagementDevelopment Programme

implemented."The Assistant Director (Cash

Payments) Financial ManagementDivision, Mr A. Johnston, said: "Uponcompletion of the third block, the par-ticipants were of the opinion that theProgramme (and its contents) waspractical, relevant and applicable tothe middle management echelon ofthe DOD. The approach adopted bythe facilitator also enabled the entirelearner group to discuss 'real-world'problems in an academic environmentwhere every learner was entitled to hisor her opinion, thereby sharing per-spectives from various functionalenvironments. Participants were alsoforced to 'think outside the box'regarding the solving of challengespresented in the case studies."

By WO2 P. du Plessis, PSAP ETD

wenty-six Public Service ActPersonnel on salary levels 9 -12 recently successfully com-pleted an Advanced Manage-ment Development Program-me at the Public Adminis-tration, Leadership and Man-

agement Academy (PALAMA).The programme provides middle

managers with cutting-edge compe-tencies and prepares them for thefuture challenges of the Senior Man-agement Service.

It was presented by the ChiefDirectorate Human Resources Dev-elopment (PSAP: Education, Trainingand Development), through PALAMAin Pretoria over the periods 24 - 28 May

T

Attendees of the Advanced Management Development Programme for PSAP on salary levels 9 - 12.

insight

36


The A - Z of TerrainIntelligence Regiment

By Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he amalgamation of 1 MilitaryPrinting Regiment (1 MPR)and 4 Survey and MappingRegiment (4 SMR) in 2009 ledto what is now called theTerrain Intelligence Regiment,a unit that specialises in

Engineering.The reason for merging the two SA

Army units was that their tasks weresimilar and they usually workedtogether. Integrating the two meant anincrease in effectiveness and efficiency.

Tstrategy of the SANDF. It specialises inwell-timed and cost-effective mappingproducts within the unit's allocatedbudget as required by the SANDF orother clients.

To get a comprehensive understand-ing of operational aspects of this newlyestablished unit SA Soldier spoke tosome members of the TerrainIntelligence Regiment.

Capt Ramaitse Maduna of the 47Survey Squadron said: "47 SurveySquadron updates maps, but also focus-es on training areas. We collect topo-graphical data and process it, then passit on to 44 Digital Mapping Squadron to

S Sgt Petrus Johannes Janse van Rensburg operating the plotter machine whichis used to print maps after they are digitalised. It can produce up to 200 A0 sizemaps in one minute.

SA Soldier spoke to Capt MphoMoatshe, Adjutant of the TerrainIntelligence Regiment, who took usaround the building.

The previously known 1 MPR isutilised primarily for operational andclassified printing and photographictasks. Operational tasks are performedin-house or when the SA Army isdeployed in the field. The day-to-daytasks are performed in the base, includ-ing the printing of manuals, doctrines,placards, leaflets, etc.

The previously known 4 SMR on theother hand is a combat-ready sectionthat supports the landward mapping

update the maps." Capt Vusi Makhanya, the

Squadron Commander of theCartography Section, said: "TheCartography Section updatesdigital maps of South Africa,which are also made available toother countries. The minimumrequirement a person shouldhave to work in this section is aDiploma in Cartography. Herewe use a programme calledLAMPS to digitalise maps for theDepartment of Defence (DOD)and other clients. We also have aplotter machine that prints up toan A0 size after digitalising themaps. The recorder then scansthem in the library for futureuse."

Cpl Orient Nyokong of thePhotography Section said: "ThePhotography Section is responsi-ble for taking photos, loadingthem on the system, editing andprinting them. We take picturesduring official functions of theSA Army and other Services onrequest. The photography course

37


is provided for us by 68 Air School and some ter-tiary institutions."

S Sgt Deon Liebenberg of Desktop PublishingSection said: "Desktop Publishing Section workswith page layouts and graphic design. We use aHigh-end Apple Macintosh with specialised soft-ware. Our programmes include quad-express forpage layout and adobe for graphic design andphoto manipulation. We prepare work for printingon the big machine by means of lithographic plates.The plates are colour separated by a computer."

S Sgt James Ntsoane in the machine room said:"All the jobs from the Desktop Publishing Sectionwith a job card and lithographic plates are printedin the machine room. The plates are called imagecarriers. The machine is filled with different coloursin sections to enable it to determine the colour den-sity of the product. The density of the colour, how-ever, will depend on the density of the colour dot."

Sgt Puleng Nthoroane of the Bindery Sectionremarked: "Document and loose pages are devel-oped in the machine room and our responsibility isto bind them together. We also have a foldingmachine in cases where pages are too long. Pagesare bound together by folding, stapling, sewing andgluing. We also trim documents for the final cut.We have what we call a Mobile OperationalGeographical System (MOGS), which is used indeployment cases and has the capacity to performthe same in-house task."

Mr Cassuis Kiwitt from Transito said: "TheTransit receives and despatches merchandise. Wedeliver everything that is from the production line."

Maj Trevor Plaatjies, the Planning SquadronCommander, confirmed: "All the tasks are planned

according to cost as determinedby the quotes from the produc-tion line. Clients are informed ofthe costs on the basis of thequotes. One dummy (copy) of aproduct will be completed, after

which proof-reading and errorrectification take place beforemass printing."

This in a nutshell is whathappens at the Terrain Intelli-gence Regiment.

S Sgt Deon Liebenberg of Desktop Publishing Section explainingto SA Soldier how the Desktop Publishing Section works.

IN THE MACHINE ROOM. S Sgt James Ntsoane standing next tothe full colour machine that prints designs provided by DesktopPublishing from lithographic plates.

Cpl Orient Nyokong of the Photography Section editing photoson her system.

Capt Ramaitse Maduna of the 47 SurveySquadron preparing a Total Station. Theequipment is used for surveying, supportedby a Level Machine.

focus on women

38


brought unity to the country. "Whowould have thought that we would behere seated together, black and white."The women were also encouraged bythe CEO of Legally IndependentPeople's Co-operation (LIPCO), MrChris Majondo. "You have the law onyour side," Mr Majondo explained,"LIPCO is unique in that we do not onlyadvise, but offer security and peace. Our

By L Cpl Mapule RaphelaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

omen's Day is a significant event onthe South African calendar. August

marks the important roles that womenhave played in the democracy of ourcountry. Women have fought and final-ly attained the right to vote, the domes-tic violence bill has been passed as wellas the right to choose whom to marry.

Wa thinta Abafazi Wa thinta Imbokodo:you strike a woman you strike a rock.These were the words echoed by thewomen attending the Women's Day cel-ebration of Training Command held atGerbera Officers' Mess in ThabaTshwane on 27 August 2010. Thewomen were beautifully dressed intheir traditional attire. The event wasopened by the General OfficerCommanding of Training Command,Maj Gen Manfred Mabuza, who praisedthe women who had made their voicesheard by marching to the UnionBuildings in Pretoria on 9 August 1957.Maj Gen Mabuza said: "I am much hon-oured to be standing in front of theseflowers of the nation. Thanks should begiven to women such as Helen Joseph,Lillian Ngoyi and Helen Suzman." Headded that the March of 1956 had

members have their own advocates,attorneys and legal representatives whoact as mediators and advisers to settleany legal problems." The FinancialAdministrator of Avbob, Ms ElmarieRossouw, provided tips to the womenon how to save money, such as goingshopping with a shopping list, compar-ing prices and being aware that buyingin bulk was not always cheaper.

Celebrating women of substance

W

Dynamic SignallersBy Lt Col Debbie van Rensburg,Officer Commanding Western Cape Signal UnitPhoto: WO1 Mark Roberts

hat makes this unit differ-ent from other units in theSANDF? Believe it or not,this unit's managementstructure, including theOfficer Commanding, theSecond in Command and

the RSM are all women! Western CapeSignal Unit is the only unit in theSANDF, to our knowledge, which is

W

Sgt Patience Ramogale, the Programme Director, reciting a poem aboutwomen and their day-to-day struggles.

run by such a structure. The OfficerCommanding is Lt Col Debbie Jansevan Rensburg, the Second in Commandis Maj Vanessa Mostert and the RSM isSenior Warrant Officer Class OneAnnette Singleton. These three womenconstitute a formidable team. They aredisciplined, energetic, assertive and aninspiration to their unit members.

In 2003 Lt Col Janse van Rensburgwas appointed as Officer Command-ingof the then Command Manage-mentInformation Systems (CMIS) RegionalService Centre Western Cape, nowWestern Cape Signal Unit. She is also

the first woman to command this unitsince its establishment. Three years later,in 2006, both Maj Vanessa Mostert andWO1 Annette Singleton were transferredto the CMIS Regional Service Centre.

This caused many a raised eyebrow:how was this to work? Despite all theexisting contradictions inherent in whatis primarily a man's world, these threewomen have managed to achieve whatmany other units aspire to achieve.

When one visits the unit there is awarm and harmonious feeling to theunit. It exudes friendliness, yet one cansense that there is discipline in unit lines.


39

Fltr: Maj Vanessa Mostert, Lt Col Debbie Janse van Rensburg and SWO Annette Singleton of Western Cape Signal Unit.

One can see that the unit is well main-tained, and yes, there is definitely thatfeminine touch! One senses this amongthe unit members too. This is a team.What makes this unit "tick"?

Lt Col van Rensburg was initiallytransferred in 2003 as part of the stabilis-ing and restructuring of the CMIS, nowWestern Cape Signal Unit. Her area ofresponsibility spanned the four ServiceCentres, viz Langebaanweg, Simon'sTown, Bredasdorp and Oudtshoorn. In2007 these Service Centres werereturned to the respective Services andthe CMIS Regional Service Centrebecame Western Cape Signal Unitshortly thereafter. These units and ap-proximately 400 personnel had to bemanaged.

Despite the demands and expecta-tions placed on Lt Col Janse vanRensburg, she does make time for herown extramural activities. She is adven-turous and an avid motorcycle enthusi-ast, which takes her off the beaten track.She also exercises in the gym and gen-erally keeps fit. Last year she took partin the Fittest Soldier Competition in thecategory 40+ and came second.

The Second in Command is a mere1,60 m tall, but do not be put off by hersize. The old adage of "dynamite comesin small packages" is a fitting descriptionof this petite and assertive lady. Shekeeps the unit intact and is responsible

for ensuring that the unit is a well-oiledmachine. There is no end to Maj Mostert'sabilities: nothing is too much or too hardfor her: she will overcome almost insur-mountable odds to achieve the unit'sgoals, including her own.

Maj Mostert is the key to many of theevents organised at the unit which con-tribute to the success of the events. Herthorough dedication and persistencehave resulted in the unit boasting a veryhealthy financial status. She too has ateam that supports her creativity, whichultimately is ploughed back to the benefitof the unit members.

In 2007, while her OfficerCommanding was away on Senior StaffCourse, she had to ensure that each of theService Centres was handed back to therespective Service, a task that was execut-ed professionally.

At some point in one's military careerthere is that feared, yet highly respectedRSM. WO1 Annette Singleton aptly fitsthe bill. She performs her duties withesteem and pride, as befits an RSM and ishighly disciplined. She therefore morethan meets the expectations of her OfficerCommanding. Just because she is awoman does not mean that the memberscan get away with murder! On the con-trary, WO1 Singleton ensures that themembers of the unit adhere to the disci-plinary procedures laid down by thehigher headquarters.

She may be highly disciplined, yetshe is compassionate in the manner inwhich she executes her task and is wellinformed and at all times promotes theimage of the unit. She also finds the timeto participate in extramural activities. Ifshe is not tasking members in the unit,she assists with netball coaching and theumpiring of matches.

All three of the women are part ofthe SANDF veterans' netball team,which won the championship in 2009.WO1 Singleton also captained this sideduring the 2009 tournament. None ofthese women are afraid to get theirhands dirty: they get actively involved incleaning up the unit and working in thegardens.

Despite their busy schedules and thetarget dates that each of them must meetfor the higher HQ and 2 SignalRegiment, there is still time to representtheir unit on the netball fields in the vet-erans' teams of the SANDF. WesternCape managed to walk away as champi-ons of the netball tournament in 2009,which WO1 Singleton captained!

While Lt Col van Rensburg had tomanage the Signal Troop deployed onOperation KGWELE, Maj Mostert andWO1 Singleton had to ensure that theunit was still managed on a daily basis.This they did successfully.

This unit is a team. There is an amaz-ing mix of dynamic personnel in theunit. The unit has its fair share of mentoo. Put all these members together andyou have a dynamic unit.

What makes the three women suc-cessful? They are a winning team. Thereis a synergy among the three in support-ing one another, the headquarters andtheir team.

The Officer Commanding is self-motivated and has a positive attitude,the Second in Command is energetic andsparkling, while the RSM is disciplinedand assertive, thus a winning team ofunit members, and a recipe for success.

They give the following advice towomen: "Believe in yourself, seizeopportunities".

These three women have certainlyleft a mark at Western Cape Signal Unitand are representative of the calibre oftraining of SA Signals Formation.

Let it not be said that women are notcapable in what is primarily a "man'sworld"!

events


40

By Capt Jacqueline van Schalkwyk,Corporate Communication: AFBYsterplaatPhotos: Sgt Reynier Kotze

ir Force Base Ysterplaatrecently exercised its Rightto Freedom of Entry into theCity of Cape Town for thefirst time. Located inBrooklyn, Air Force BaseYsterplaat was awarded this

prestigious civic award on 16 April2009 in recognition of its maritimereconnaissance, search-and-rescue anddisaster relief operations.

The Executive Deputy Mayor, MrIan Neilson, handed over the officialscroll confirming their Right to

The Executive Deputy Mayor, Mr Ian Neilson, taking a salute from Col Bill Cowan, the Officer Commanding of AFB Ysterplaat.

Freedom of Entryinto Cape Town

AFreedom of Entry into the City of CapeTown at a special City Hall ceremonyon 21 August 2010.

In his address the Executive Mayorof Cape Town, Mr Dan Plato,expressed his pride and said: "For thepast 80 years, AFB Ysterplaat has pro-vided vital aerial support to the City ofCape Town, the ProvincialGovernment, the SA Police Service(SAPS), the National Sea RescueInstitute (NSRI) and the WildernessSearch and Rescue WSAR". He added:"During the Soccer World Cup, the AirForce Base played a vital role in ensur-ing airspace security over Cape TownStadium, the Grand Parade Fan Parkand the Fan Walk. This was regardedas the largest airspace security opera-

tion in the history of the SA Air Force".According to the Officer

Commanding, Col Bill Cowan, AirForce Base Ysterplaat is home to 35and 22 Squadrons. It boosts enthusias-tic and knowledgeable personnel thataim to provide South Africa with anexcellent maritime service and land-ward air operations. Col Cowan said:"35 Squadron operates the C47-TPDakota aircraft, which has been in ser-vice since 1944. With this trusted air-craft the squadron executes missionssuch as maritime air patrols, air trans-port, aerial photo-reconnaissance,search-and-rescue, electronic warfareand air navigation. During the pastyear 35 Squadron successfully execut-ed six search-and-rescue operations


41

and conducted 62 maritime reconnais-sance missions to help combat illegalfishing operations and safeguardmarine life."

22 Squadron operates the M2 Oryxhelicopter in maritime and landwardroles. It is capable of performingmountain rescue, air-sea rescue, aerialphotography, crime prevention, floodrelief, fire-fighting, medical evacua-tions and similar humanitarian tasks.

During the past year, 22 Squadronflew 35 fire-fighting missions and con-ducted ten separate mountain rescuemissions and medical evacuations. Italso took part in 36 training and hoist-ing exercises with the NSRI and theWSAR. Various missions in conjunc-tion with the SAPS were also under-taken as part of their crime preventionsupport programme.

Air Force Base Ysterplaat has been

the top air force base three times in thepast four years although it is currentlythe second best air force base. It hasalso received numerous prestigiousawards, such as the Permanent FlyingUnit of the Year, the Aviation SafetyAward, the Sword of Peace forCommunity Support, the Fire RescueServices Section of the Year, theProtection Squadron of the Year, andthe Air Servicing Unit of the Year.

The SA Army Band leading the parade through the streets of Cape Town.

As part of its socialresponsibilities, the SA AirForce Museum in Brooklynreceives thousands of visi-tors annually and the AirForce Base actively pro-motes career opportunitieswithin the SA Air Force bymeans of school visits andwork-shadowing assign-ments. Beneficiaries of itssocial upliftment pro-gramme include theAtlantis Home for AbusedWomen and Children, theAlta du Toit School, theSalvation Army, theAthlone School for theBlind and the WesternProvince Blood TransfusionServices. Members of AFB Ysterplaat on parade awaiting the arrival of the podium group.

events


42

Honouring women ondeploymentArticle and photo by S Sgt LebogangTlhaole

omen on deployment wererecently honoured and cel-ebrated by the SANDFSpouses Forum duringWomen's Day celebrationsheld at the SA ArmyCollege in Thaba Tshwaneon 28 August 2010. The

Forum recognised the important role ofwomen in the prevention and resolutionof conflicts and in peace building. Alsostressed was the importance of theirequal participation and full involvementin all efforts towards the maintenanceand promotion of peace and security.

The Chief of the SANDF, GenGodfrey Ngwenya, the ChaplainGeneral, Brig Gen (Rev) MariusCornelissen, and the Master ChiefWarrant Officer of the SANDF, MCWOJohan Scheepers, graced the occasionwith their presence and recognised thecommitment of women on deployment.They pointed out their selfless dedicationto the safety of the Republic and the con-tinent, and their determination to protectthose who are vulnerable and insecure.

A former VIP Protection Commanderin Burundi, Maj I.J. Owen, is such anunsung heroine. She is young and is pas-sionate about being a woman in armsserving her country and its people. In her

WHilland, was the guest speaker and sheshared with the delegates the family pro-grammes established and facilitated bythe National Guard for families of mem-bers deployed. She mentioned that astrong bond meant a stronger defenceforce. Some of the programmes includedthe Yellow Ribbon event, family wellness,family readiness assistance, youth andcommunity programmes and familyassistance specialists. She stated that theseprogrammes were facilitated by ongoingcommunication, involvement, supportand recognition between the NationalGuard families and the National Guard ina partnership that promotes the best inboth.

The Chief of the SANDF said thatSouth Africa was immensely blessed tohave the kind of women we have:women, who despite the challenges andhardships that life often throws at them,become victorious in the end. Theyendure the struggles and negative chal-lenges, yet through their dedication andcommitment they remain as firm as rocks.

The Chairperson of the SANDFSpouses Forum, Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya,said that it was a special and joyous day:A day of honouring the commitment,dedication, selflessness and amazingwomen on deployment. Ms Ngwenyaconcluded: "One is bound to find such awoman, a woman of character and dedi-cation; an exceptional woman who goesbeyond just her normal duty, but puts inan extra effort. As the SANDF SpousesForum we recognise and honour you foryour contribution to creating a saferAfrica."

The SANDF Spouses Forum is animportant initiative within the SANDF. Itsrole and objectives include providing aplatform for women's contributions andparticipation in changing the lives of ordi-nary citizens, particularly the families ofmembers deployed on external militaryoperations. Deployment and separationsare issues that the SANDF cannot avoid.Deployment is a parliamentary objectivethat is non-negotiable. As a result spousesand family members of SANDF membersare exposed to many frustrations andchallenges emanating from external mili-tary deployments.

speech she took the audience on a tour ofher deployed duties and shared her expe-riences and the conditions that womenendure on an equal basis with their malecounterparts on deployment.

The story that touched the audiencemost was that of two SA Police Service(SAPS) women, Col Ntlogeleng MendaAucone and Constable MmasebelaloMacey Ramantsi, who were abducted inthe Sudan on 15 April 2010. They sharedtheir 15 days of endured emotional suffer-ing. These two unsung heroines conduct-ed themselves peacefully at all times,regardless of the abduction and despite allthe cowardly acts to dampen their spiritsand threats to their lives. They remainedfocused on their mission: to protect, serve,empower and execute their tasks withexcellence.

The meeting was also conducted toobserve the impact that external militarydeployments have on the families ofdeployed soldiers. Maj Sello Maganweshared his family's experience when hisspouse was on an external deployment inthe Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).He related the nature of social support ser-vices that should be rendered to familiesand evaluated the implementation, effi-ciency and effectiveness of existing socialsupport services to families of SANDFmembers while on deployment.

The Director of the New York NationalGuard Family Programs, Lt Col Kelly

Fltr: Maj Sello Maganwe, husband of a deployed soldier to the DRC, MsBusisiwe Ngwenya, Chairperson of the SANDF Spouses Forum, Lt Col KellyHilland, Director of the New York National Guard Family Programs, and MajI.J. Owen, a former VIP Protection Commander in Burundi, at the SANDFSpouses Forum Women's Day celebrations.


43

Empowering women via DIY workshop

By Thabo ShirindaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he concept of do-it-yourself(DIY) was taken to anotherlevel when women in theSANDF, both civilian and uni-formed members, recentlyexchanged their normal work-ing attire for tracksuits and

tekkies to carry out chores that menusually do. The chores include suchthings as changing a flat tyre, puttingout fires, fixing electrical appliancesand using physical force to defend one-

Tmale counterparts for help had cometo an end. She said: "We want womento do things for themselves, as by sodoing, they will empower them-selves." As part of the Women's Monthcelebrations, the concept of womenempowerment has been taken toanother level with this initiative.

It was previously unheard of forwomen to be seen putting out fires.Most of the women seemed delightedto handle fire extinguishers, whichthey did with great success during theDIY Workshop.

Do-it-yourself is a term used to

describe the modifying or repairing ofsomething without the help of profes-sionals or people who have experiencedoing that particular job. The phrase"DIY" is used with reference to homeimprovement when no assistance isneeded. In recent years the term DIYhas taken on a broader meaning thatcovers a wide range of skills. DIY isassociated with men doing choresaround the home without outsourcinghelp. With the recently held DIYWorkshop women are now encouragedto help themselves by doing some ofthese physically demanding chores.

Lt M.C. Taole and Brig Gen Yoliswa Mavumbe, Director Corporate Services (SAAF),learn how to change a light bulb and a plug during the DIY Workshop.

self. Directorate Career

Management organised a two-day DIY (Do-it-yourself) prac-tical workshop at SwartkopAirfield on 30 and 31 August2010 as part of National Wo-men's Month celebrations.

The SA Police Service wasalso involved in this exercise.They provided the womenwith ways and means ofdefending themselves whenattacked. SA Soldier journalist,Cpl Mapule Raphela, said: "Ienjoyed the part where thepolice women were teachingus how to defend ourselves; itwill come in handy ifattacked."

Deputy Director ofDirectorate Career Manage-ment, Ms Hessa Ely, said: "Thisexercise first took place in theSA Navy in Cape Town; then Itook the initiative to roll it outin Pretoria, but it was in 2006that this programme reallypicked up and a lot of womenwithin the military started totake notice."

Ms Ely emphasised that thedays of women relying on their

sport

44


By Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Thabo Shirinda

he annual InternationalMilitary Sports Council (CISM)Bilateral Military Games wereheld at the Army Support BasePotchefstroom from 24 to 26August 2010. Unfortunatelythe Botswana Defence Force

could not participate, which forced theCISM to narrow the games down totwo defence forces, namely that ofLesotho and the SANDF.

On the second day of the competi-tion, during the 20 km road relay chal-lenge, the SANDF Road Running Clubmembers soon opened a 500 m gap,leaving fellow competitors from theLesotho Defence Force behind. TheSANDF went on to win the challenge

An SANDF 20 km relay female athlete handsover the baton to her team-mate during the2010 CISM Bilateral Military Games betweenthe SANDF and the Lesotho Defence Force.

2010 CISM BilateralMilitary Games

Tby 59 points against 53 of the LesothoDefence Force.

During the men's volleyball at theKopanelo Hall the Lesotho DefenceForce emerged victorious by beatingtheir SANDF counterparts 3-0, instraight sets. After the volleyball chal-lenge, came the moment when the boyshad to be separated from the men at thePotchefstroom Military Sports ClubHall - the venue for the men's boxingchallenge. The SANDF made a cleansweep by registering six wins out ofseven bouts.

To cap the day's proceedings, thespectators were further entertained byimpressive goalkeeping and dribblingskills by both sets of players during themen's soccer game at the Johan duRandt Sports Complex. It was theLesotho Defence Force that opened the

was going to be more interesting if theBotswana Defence Force was also hereto defend its title and to see if it couldreally match this high standard of per-formance we have seen for the pastthree days. This is simply due to thefact that the plans to stage the gameswere executed perfectly by the differ-ent role-players. It is also worth notingthough that the Lesotho Defence Forcewas a worthy competitor and themembers should keep their fitness lev-els up in order to be able to defendtheir titles at the next CISM MilitaryGames. I was equally impressed by theparticularly high standard of perfor-mance of the athletes present here andI hope you all made lots of friends,because the CISM motto is friendshipthrough sport."

Lt Col Khoantle Motsomotso,Chief of Mission for the LesothoDefence Force, offered his sincere grat-itude to the host nation.

Lt Col Motsomotso, a CISM offi-cial, who was also representing theChief of the Lesotho Defence Force, LtGen Thuso Molanyane, said: "Fromthe first day of our visit here we weretreated as royalty and we immediatelyfelt at home. During the course of theweek we were warmly received andwe would like to express our thanksfor the hospitality of the host nation,and to the escorts. I would also like tocongratulate the SANDF for puttingup a fine performance which enabledus to do our utmost best."

Brig Gen Aubrey Sedibe, CISMSANDF Chief of Delegation and theDirector of Physical Training, Sportand Recreation, also thanked all partic-ipants for taking time off their busyschedules to come and showcase theirskills. The event was also graced bythe presence of Brig Gen GordonYekelo, a passionate SANDF BoxingPatron.

scoring during the first tenminutes of the first half after adefensive blunder by theSANDF's defence. The SANDFcame back with only 15 min-utes remaining to equalise,and the game had to be decid-ed on penalty kicks. TheLesotho Defence Force goal-keeper made an importantsave after stopping a fourthSANDF penalty, which even-tually helped the former towin 5-4 on penalties.

During the closing ceremo-ny, Maj Gen Enock Mashoala,the main functionary repre-senting the Chief of theSANDF, Gen GodfreyNgwenya, and the Chief ofHuman Resources, Lt GenDerick Mgwebi, said thatdespite the Botswana DefenceForce's last minute withdraw-al, the high level of the compe-tition was equally impressive.

Maj Gen Mashoala said: "It

45


By Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Thabo Shirinda

ol S. Krivuskin, the military repre-sentative of the Russian Embassy,

and his wife made a clean sweep on

who represented the TanzanianEmbassy.

For the last five years, the troutfishing event has been one of the fewitems on the SA Army calendar wherethe Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen SollyShoke, entertains MAAC members ina tranquil environment, away fromthe stress of the office. The occasionoffers an opportunity to SA ArmyCouncil members to socialise and getto know the MAAC members better.

Addressing the delegates after anexhausting, but pleasant day of fish-ing, Lt Gen Shoke said that trout fish-ing was relaxing and taught patience.He said: "In order to escape the stressand noise in the office, we thought itappropriate to celebrate this friend-ship in a relaxing atmosphere. It takespatience for a person on a fishingexpedition to catch a fish and I there-fore agree fully with the saying thatpatience is a virtue. I also hope thatthis day has helped us to achieve ourpurpose of socialising and gettingto know each other better. We didthis to provide you with some enjoy-able activity while you were in ourcountry."

The Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, waitspatiently for a catch after casting his fishing lineduring the annual Trout Fishing Day.

3 September 2010 when they won thetrout fishing award at the annualChief of the SA Army Trout FishingDay for the Military Attaché andAdvisory Corps (MAAC) atMuldersdrift, west of Johannesburg.

Patience is a virtue

CThe anglers werefishing from threeponds on theBrookwood EstateTrout Fishing Farm.

More than 75people, includingArmy Council mem-bers and friends,took part in thecompetition. TheKrivuskin couplecaught a total of 14,5kg of fish, whichmade them the bestmale and femaleanglers. Havingcaught the most fishthey won first prize,the fishing floatingtrophy. The biggestfish award wasawarded to the wifeof Col S.M. Mumwi

By Kgabo Mashamaite

lmost 350 athletes from the SAArmy Intelligence Corps and road

runners from Potchefstroom partici-pated in the Thales SA 9th annual SAArmy Intelligence Corps Fox Trailevent in the De la Rey MilitaryTraining Area at Vaalkop Base,Potchefstroom, on 28 August 2010.

The event is one of the well-estab-lished traditions on the Formation'scalendar. This year it was held to hon-our Brig Gen Job Magasela, theGeneral Officer Commanding, who iscurrently sick. The event was comple-mented by many athletes, includingthose from Athletics South Africa,Potchefstroom Military Road RunningClub and Bert's Bricks Athletics Club,

ilies come together and participate inthe 10 km trail run, the 5 km fun run orcould just walk for fun."

There were various categories,such as the Juniors, Open, Veterans,Masters, Great Masters and GreatGreat Masters organised in accordancewith the standards of Athletics SouthAfrica. The first ten men and womenin the 10 km trail run were awardedgold medals, following which thoseup to the 200th position received silvermedals, while bronze medals wereawarded to all finishers of the 5 kmfun run.

The male and female winners inthe open category were both fromPotchefstroom Military Road RunningClub - Sgt M.J. Phamola (male) and SgtT.P. Charles.

a local civilian road running club.According to the SA Army

Intelligence Formation Fox TrailOrganiser, Lt Col DanieLabuschangne, the aim of the event isto encourage all members to partici-pate in order to enhance their fitnesslevels.

Lt Col Labuschangne said: "TheFox Trail event is our flagshipendurance sport where participantsnot only test their stamina and fitness,but also condition their bodies tohouse a healthy mind. This is alsodone in line with the tradition of theSANDF to keep our soldiers' fitnesslevels high so that they can performtheir daily tasks without having toworry about their form. This eventalso acts as a family outing where fam-

Thales SA Fox Trail keeps soldiers fit

A

message


46

By Col (Rev) M.A. Jamangile,Chief of Staff - SANDF ChaplainService

oshua 1:1-10 Moses, the faithful servant

of God had died, and the cur-tains had fallen on the oldorder. He was a father figure,commander, confidant andspiritual mentor who exited

the stage with aplomb and finesse.The stage was empty, the nation inlimbo, the flags were down and thepeople in mourning. The loss was sogreat; it was incalculable. Everyonewas aware that if they did not findanyone who could fit into the shoesof this giant, their course would at theleast be derailed, at the mostdestroyed. So God's intervention wasof absolute necessity. God must actagain, just like he did in the time ofPharaoh. The second stage of theirliberation was about to commence,just like for us in South Africa today.The next phase of a new era hadbegun.

Our God recognises criticalmoments in our lives, especiallywhen we have lost people who weregiving us hope and direction. Whenwe experience intractable problemsthat cannot be solved by anything oranyone, when we say we have triedeverywhere and everything, our Godsteps in. When His plan for our lives

J

Col (Rev) M.A. Jamangile.

Courage

It is the ability to over-come one's fear. Braveryis to stand one's grounddespite doubt. Courageis the ability to swimagainst the tide, againstall menacing forces andwin. Courage is the inter-pretation and applicationof certain principles eventhough they are not pop-ular or accepted by themajority. Courage is themirror through which wesee our future. It pro-vides us with a full andcomprehensive picture ofwho we are and what wecould be in the comingyears or decades. Avision is seen of whatyou can achieve in the

seems unreachable, seems totallyderailed and purposeless, when thatspirit of giving up is taking over, Hereveals himself in a spectacular waythrough wonders and miracles. Hereveals himself in the stillness of ourmeditation. He reveals himself audi-bly in the warmth of our hearts andsouls. Listen, open your spiritual earsjust as Joshua did: you will hear andsee God in your space.

So, what is courage?Courage is defined as confidence

and boldness in the face of adversity.

future by showing you where you aretoday, what potential you possessand what you can do with suchpower. It reveals the other you, who ispositive, hope filled, future orientatedand passionate about what youbelieve in.

So courage helps us to focus onpossibilities and opportunities pre-sented by all sorts of challenges. Itmoves us away from the trap of con-centrating on the power and ability ofnegative things. It transforms our out-look on life. We remain hopeful inhopeless situations.

47


Article and photo by Capt WernerJoubert, PRO School of Artillery

he School of Artillery inPotchefstroom has provenonce again to be a true com-munity asset. Members fromthe unit, mostly women, tookover the children's playroomat the SA Police Service

(SAPS) Child Protection Unit. This takeover was part of a com-

munity project initiated by the Schoolof Artillery to give something lastingback to the community. The SAPSChild Protection Unit in Potchef-stroom is housed in a private resi-dence from where the dedicatedpolicemen and women do their

T

School of Artillery provesto be a community asset

3 August and concluded it on 11August 2010 with the handover cere-mony conducted by the Commanderof the unit, Col Dawid Schoonwinkel.

The School of Artillery is proud tobe associated with the ChildProtection Unit and remains commit-ted to serve the community we arepart off.

The School of Artillery also wantsto extend a challenge to all the othermilitary units in the Potchefstroomarea to become involved with projectssuch as this where we can serve ourcommunity and show the public thatthe soldiers of the SANDF are truly anational asset and that they are notafraid to serve the people of the coun-try and our community.

room at the expense of the School ofArtillery. This included maintenanceto the windows and cracks in the walls,new paint for the children's playroom,kitchen and bathroom, and the instal-lation of a new television and hometheatre system.

The funds needed for this projectwere generated earlier in the yearwhen the unit hosted theDenel/School of Artillery Golf Classic.Part of the profits generated during theGolf Day are given every year as acharity donation to a predeterminedorganisation, and this year the SAPSChild Protection Unit was identified asthe beneficiary.

The project team from the School ofArtillery started with the project on

Women from the School of Artillery painting the children's playroom.

utmost to protectour children. Be-cause a privateowner owns theresidence, noState funds can beallocated to main-tain the houseand facilities. Theunit is thereforedependent on do-nations and spon-sorships to up-grade and reno-vate the facilities.The State onlyfunds the day-to-day expenses,such as salariesand office sta-tionery.

The projectincluded the ren-ovation, main-tenance and up-grading of thechildren's play-


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SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR - dod.mil.za · SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR The official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence From the Editor's desk Letters: to the Editor News from abroad