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mp24957 Chaplain Mag Summer 2005 new.p65 - Chaplains service

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IN HOC SIGNO<br />

VOLUME 4 ISSUE 2<br />

SUMMER <strong>2005</strong><br />

T H E M I L I T A R Y<br />

CHAPLAIN<br />

MAGAZINE OF THE CHAPLAINS SERVICE OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE


HELP fight<br />

HIV and AIDS


Contents<br />

EDITORIAL STAFF<br />

Chief Editor<br />

Cpln M.T. Masuku<br />

Editorial Assistants<br />

Cpln M.A. Mothopeng<br />

Cpln B. J. van der Walt<br />

Cpln N.P. Ngcobo<br />

Cpln A.J. Treu<br />

Cpln N. Nkosi<br />

Cpln M.M. Mashinini<br />

Cpln S.K. Museri<br />

DIRECTOR<br />

Brig Gen M. Cornelissen<br />

EDITORIAL BOARD<br />

Cpln M.T. Masuku<br />

(Chairperson)<br />

Capt (SAN) (Rev) L. Msengana<br />

Col (Dr) J. Dill<br />

Col (Past) M. Dladla<br />

Col (Rev) T. J. Molaba<br />

Col (Rev) M. Mohapi<br />

Col (Rev) B. Bosiki<br />

Cpln (Dr) O.I. Gase<strong>new</strong>e<br />

CORRESPONDENCE<br />

The Editor<br />

Department of Defence<br />

Cpln General Division<br />

Private Bag X479<br />

PRETORIA<br />

0001<br />

Tel: (012) 312-4843<br />

Fax: (012) 312-4868 / 4973<br />

E-mail:<br />

chaplaingeneral@webmail.co.za<br />

DESIGN AND LAYOUT<br />

Molale Print<br />

Tel: (011) 493-8522<br />

REPRODUCTION &<br />

PRINTING<br />

Molale Print<br />

Tel: (011) 493-8522<br />

Fax: (011) 493-0235<br />

1. Editorial Comment ........................................................... 2<br />

2. A Special Word From the Chief of the SANDF ............... 3<br />

3. <strong>Chaplain</strong> General’s Corner ............................................... 3<br />

4. Letters to the Editor .......................................................... 4<br />

5. Focus on a Unit: PROJECT PHIDISA ........................... 6<br />

6. News from the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General Headquarters ............... 7<br />

7. News From Services, Formations and Units .................. 12<br />

8. SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service and External Deployments:<br />

Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo ..... 20<br />

9. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s and Conferences ............................................ 22<br />

10. HINDU PERSPECTIVE ON ETHICS ........................... 25<br />

11. Meditation ....................................................................... 26<br />

12. Combating HIV and AIDS in the DOD through<br />

Spiritual, Moral and Ethical Support .............................. 27<br />

13. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s on External Visits ........................................... 29<br />

14. Book Review .................................................................. 31<br />

15. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s in Sport .......................................................... 32<br />

NB: The views expressed in this issue do not necessarily<br />

represent the official viewpoint of the SANDF and or that of<br />

the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service of the SANDF. The editor reserves the<br />

right to edit or shorten articles for space and layout<br />

purposes. Although great care has been taken, the Editorial<br />

Staff cannot be held responsible for errors, omissions or<br />

views expressed by individuals, as well as lost articles and<br />

photographs.<br />

Copyright: No articles or picture in this magazine may be<br />

reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.<br />

page 9<br />

page 7<br />

page 23<br />

page 18<br />

Cover:<br />

Deputy Minister of Defence with<br />

Cpln Masweu in the DRC<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 1


The year <strong>2005</strong> is over and we are looking forward to the New Year. At<br />

the same time, our magazine has grown from strength to strength to<br />

become one among the most sought after and informative publications.<br />

Regular articles such as SANDF’s involvement in Peace Keeping<br />

Operations in our continent, are some of the highlights. Through these<br />

articles on deployment, the important work done by the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

Service in support of DOD members is demonstrated. The sections<br />

dealing with chaplains’ contribution to the fight against HIV& AIDS<br />

keep on informing our readers of the chaplains’ work in this field.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> will continue to maintain its highest standard<br />

in providing informative religiously oriented articles to members of<br />

the DOD and our stakeholders outside the DOD. We will do this by<br />

aligning ourselves to Defence Corporate Communication policies<br />

regulating the DOD publications. Readers will therefore note that from<br />

now on, we will accommodate other official languages in line with<br />

DOD communication strategy. For the first time, especially with this<br />

issue, expect to see articles in XiTsonga (Shangaan), isiNdebele and<br />

Afrikaans. But these would be translated and summarized into English<br />

for our wider readership. Other languages will also be included on<br />

rotational basis in future issues.<br />

Readers should have already noticed that we have a slot for guests in<br />

every issue of our magazine. This time we have the <strong>new</strong> Chief of the<br />

SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya as our guest. I invite our readers to<br />

read his message concerning his expectations and perception about<br />

the chaplains.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong>, will as usual show and acknowledge the<br />

different religions in our country. In this issue, for instance, readers<br />

will see that our researched article is from a chaplain and member of<br />

the Hindu faith. It touches on the perspective of Hindu faith on ethics.<br />

Please spend time on it because there is much that readers can learn.<br />

In our focus on a unit, our attention is going to be on Project Phidisa.<br />

Phidisa is doing an important work for the DOD and the role of the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service is enormous. One of our chaplains who forms an<br />

integral part of the multi-professional team driving this project at 1<br />

Military hospital is Cpln M.M. Mashinini and his activities are clearly<br />

mapped out.<br />

One other informative section of our magazine is the part that deals<br />

with the events at the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ. Read more about visitors in<br />

2 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Cpln Tobias Masuku - Chief Editor<br />

the HQ as well as <strong>new</strong> faces, transfers and <strong>new</strong> appointments. The<br />

other interesting and informative part in this section is the article about<br />

the handing over parade between the previous C SANDF and the <strong>new</strong><br />

one.<br />

Readers should not overlook the chapter on News From Services,<br />

Formations and Units. Readers are informed on what the chaplains<br />

are doing in those environments as part of their fundamental<br />

contribution to the DOD.<br />

Throughout the year, chaplains participated in conferences and work<br />

sessions and there is a special chapter for that. This section focuses on<br />

the activities of the chaplains in this regard and the conclusions reached.<br />

Expect informative articles about conferences of the SA Air Force and<br />

SA Army to mention but a few.<br />

For the first time we have a female chaplain writing Meditation/<br />

Reflection in this magazine. She is Cpln Mariëtte Franz and wrote<br />

about the love of God in the light of this festive season with Christmas<br />

as its highlight. Please read her story of God’s love.<br />

Readers are however advised to read more about <strong>Chaplain</strong>s and<br />

External Visits, Book Reviews as well as <strong>Chaplain</strong>s and Sports.<br />

The previous and current issues of the chaplains’ magazines are<br />

available on the internet and readers can visit them on www.dod.mil.za<br />

or www.chaplain.mil.za.<br />

As we are already in the festive season, the editorial team wish all our<br />

readers an enjoyable, safe and memorable festive season. Because<br />

Christians will celebrate the birth of Christ during this festive period,<br />

the editorial team also embrace them in these best wishes.


SPECIAL WORD FROM THE<br />

CHIEF OF THE<br />

SANDF<br />

Gen Godfrey Ngwenya - Chief of the SANDF<br />

I thank the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General and his Division for giving me this<br />

opportunity to comment about the value-adding ministry of the chaplains<br />

through the medium of their publication, The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong>. South<br />

Africa is a religious country with a wealth of different religions. Our<br />

soldiers as part of this religious nation, reflect this religious diversity<br />

within the military environment, therefore religion is an important<br />

component of the religious life of our soldiers.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service, giving spiritual and moral support to members<br />

of the Department of Defence (DOD), plays an important role in this<br />

regard. For me the primary role of the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service is to support<br />

our members and their families during deployment. Our chaplains must<br />

be with us wherever we deploy. At this moment I recognize the good<br />

work they are doing in the deployment areas (of peace operations) such<br />

as Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Sudan.<br />

This confirms the mandate of the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service to focus on deployed<br />

soldiers and their families. I also recognize that over and above the normal<br />

ministry support, the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service provides support to our<br />

Commanders on religious issues and offer moral and ethical guidance to<br />

all members of the DOD.<br />

An important area of chaplains’ contribution to the DOD is the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Gen HIV & AIDS value-based programme. This programme which was<br />

launched by the then Deputy Minister of Defence Ms Nozizwe Madlala-<br />

Routlege on 27 November 2002 grew from strength to strength. This<br />

was epitomized by the results of the research conducted by the Military<br />

Psychological Institute (MPI) last year which revealed that the value<br />

based approach to the fight against HIV & AIDS is making a difference<br />

in the lives of our members. It is also good to me that we are supporting<br />

other government departments (eg. SAPS) and other militaries in the<br />

region with the programme.<br />

The SADC region is very important for us as a country. I recognize that<br />

our chaplains play a vital role in the region as chair of the Spiritual and<br />

Moral Support Sub Sub Work Group (SMSSSWG) of the Interstate<br />

Defence and Security Council (ISDSC). The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service should<br />

ensure, with their colleagues of other countries, that all our members are<br />

well supported.<br />

It is good to mention that our <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service is among leading<br />

Divisions of the DOD when coming to transformation. To a great extent,<br />

they have already satisfied the requirements of the Defence Review of<br />

1997.<br />

In the light of the above, the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service’s contribution in this<br />

Department is highly appreciated. I wish the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service God’s<br />

blessings to their valuable contribution in this department. May I take<br />

this opportunity to wish them and everyone in this department a blessed,<br />

happy and safe festive season as well as a prosperous <strong>new</strong> year.<br />

CHAPLAIN<br />

GENERAL’S<br />

CORNER<br />

Brig Gen (Rev) Marius Cornelissen<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General SANDF<br />

The summer edition of our magazine indicates in its name that <strong>2005</strong> is over.<br />

May I therefore start off by wishing each of our readers a blessed Christmas<br />

time and may God protect and guide all of us in the New Year.<br />

Looking back over <strong>2005</strong>, one realises that the 143 Regular and 237 Reserve<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s rendered a <strong>service</strong> over a wide area of religious support to the<br />

members of the Department of Defence. Over and above all the tasks done,<br />

the following are the highlights of the year:<br />

The support and work of our chaplains in deployments. This is and<br />

will always be one of our most important core functions – giving<br />

special attention in spiritual and moral support to all our deployed<br />

members and their families. I thank every chaplain for his or her<br />

dedicated hard work and support to our members on and during<br />

deployments. I know that each one of you walked the extra mile in<br />

rendering this support to commanders and members.<br />

The support in prevention of and caring for those affected and infected<br />

with HIV & AIDS. As in the previous two years the main focus of this<br />

programme was to teach people the skills in value-based, ethical decision<br />

making - especially in relationships. This programme was extended with<br />

a second programme where all chaplains were trained in giving pastoral<br />

care and support to members infected and affected during all stages of<br />

their illness. We trust that our combined efforts with the DOD’s<br />

Masibambisane project will ensure good care and results.<br />

A good covenantal relationship with Religious Bodies. As the extension<br />

of the work of Religious Bodies and Churches, the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service<br />

worked very hard on maintaining an open and conducive relationship<br />

with the different religious and church bodies. Different meetings with<br />

religious bodies were held and a number of synods and church meetings<br />

were addressed on the work of the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service. We appreciate<br />

this relationship (and support) ensuring that all the members in the<br />

department are spiritually and morally supported both in deployments<br />

and at their homes.<br />

Refocusing of our Service on <strong>new</strong> long-term goals. This was one of our<br />

main drives this year. The result of the process that started in November<br />

last year was that we have six <strong>new</strong> core objectives (as depicted on the<br />

first page of the magazine) that will guide us for the next few years. Out<br />

of these core objectives, we subsequently decided to over and above<br />

our normal spiritual and moral support, focus on the following issues<br />

for 2006;<br />

• A crisis centre for members of the department<br />

• A chaplains’ resilience programme (to support our deployed<br />

members and their families)<br />

• A chaplains’ care for the care-giver and mentorship programme.<br />

• A conference with all churches/religious bodies on moral<br />

regeneration<br />

• A chaplains’ enrichment programme which on a monthly basis will<br />

address pertinent ethical, theological and moral issues in the<br />

department.<br />

Lastly I want to thank all chaplains for their loyalty, dedication and hard<br />

work during the year. This is what we are called to do in serving God and<br />

the people of our country.<br />

May all our readers enjoy the blessings of the Christmas period and prosperity<br />

for the <strong>new</strong> year.<br />

May God bless you all.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 3


Letters<br />

CANADIAN FORCES<br />

Canadian Forces chaplains pray daily for<br />

chaplains, members of the military<br />

communities and their families. Today, our<br />

chaplains prayed for your chaplains, the<br />

members of your military community<br />

(SANDF) and their families.<br />

Blessings on your ministry and please<br />

remember us in your prayers.<br />

Brig Gen R.P. Bourque<br />

CHAPLAIN GENERAL OF<br />

CANADIAN FORCES<br />

ASB DURBAN<br />

It is imperative to credit one another<br />

especially when one has done well. By so<br />

doing, you release your inner and outer<br />

ability to say, ‘well done’. Reading,<br />

pondering, reflecting and conceptualising<br />

are words that depict an inner and outer<br />

being of this magazine. Messages, pictures,<br />

punctuations, full stops, commas and<br />

question marks are all geared to embrace<br />

one another towards the fulfilment of the<br />

cosmos.<br />

My dear brother (Cpln Masuku) keep up<br />

the good work knowing that no one is not<br />

prone to criticism. See criticism as an extra<br />

power to move forward. This magazine, as<br />

I see it, must be geared to teaching spiritual<br />

doctrines and explaining spiritual ethics. It<br />

must aim to move our congregation which<br />

is the SANDF members and the community<br />

at large to respond to a response that may<br />

take a form of consciousness into vitality<br />

for a spiritual experience.<br />

The community of the SANDF depends on<br />

this magazine for guidance, spiritually,<br />

socially and in ethical matters. There are<br />

times of difficulties where encouragement<br />

is needed, of inspiration when faith is<br />

waning. Therefore, this magazine should<br />

be geared for such moments in one’s life.<br />

This should also be seen as a position of<br />

honour within the Defence Force<br />

community. Through you Sukus (Cpln<br />

Masuku), we are recipients of various<br />

tokens of esteem.<br />

Thank you and God bless you.<br />

Cpln M.T.A. Nkayi<br />

ASB DURBAN<br />

4 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

101 ASU<br />

XITSONGA<br />

Xikwembu xi ve na rirhandzu hiku nyika<br />

mufundzisi loyi a nga ta ntirha na hina<br />

laha unitini. Loyi a nga ta dyondzisa rito<br />

ra Xikwembu hi tirimi hinkwato a tlela a<br />

yingisela swirilo swa hina na ku hi<br />

hlohlotela ku landzikela rito ra<br />

Xikwembu.<br />

Munhu u nwana na u nwana loko a<br />

khongela u ndzunisa Xikwembu xa<br />

yena.Tinsinu leti yimbeleriwa hi tinzimi<br />

to hamba hamba na tona tindzumisa hosi<br />

ya hina leyi nga ematilweni.<br />

Ku va na wena mufundzisi ha<br />

tinyungubyisa hiwena, Xikwembu a xi ku<br />

katekisa.<br />

Cpl S.K. Shai<br />

101 ASU<br />

ENGLISH VERSION<br />

(XITSONGA LETTER)<br />

God with His sincerity has given us a<br />

loyal chaplain who is working with us in<br />

our unit. The characteristics of a chaplain<br />

should be one who works honestly,<br />

preaching the Word of God using all<br />

official languages, listening to our<br />

problems and encouraging all our<br />

members to listen to the Word of God.<br />

People who pray daily spread the Word<br />

of God. The hymns sung in different<br />

languages also bring joy to the mighty<br />

God in heaven.<br />

We are proud to be with you, our lovely<br />

chaplains.<br />

May God bless you.<br />

Cpl S.K. Shai<br />

101 ASU<br />

to the EDITOR<br />

DELMAS, MPUMALANGA<br />

ISINDEBELE<br />

Ngithandra ukutsho ukuthi amajoni enza<br />

umberego oqakatheke kwamambala<br />

kodwana simphakathi siyalibala bonyana<br />

akhona, ikani siphephile<br />

abesinamkhumbulo wo bona amajoni<br />

asiphephisa njalo kodwa lincwadi<br />

iyasikhumbuza ngokucakatheka kwawo.<br />

Kuthabisa khulu ukuthola ulwazi lokuthi<br />

ama <strong>Chaplain</strong> ayelelisa amajoni<br />

ngokucakatheka, ubukhulu no thandro<br />

luka zimu bonyana namkhana balwa<br />

kodwana bangamkhohlwa uZimu<br />

nokuthi ekulweni kwawo kube nguye<br />

othatha indrawo begodu abakhambele<br />

phambili. Njengoba bona bacalene<br />

nokufa ngamalanga, kufanele imimoya<br />

yabo ihlale ilungele ukubuyela ku Zimu<br />

isesimeni esihle (pure) ngalokho ngithi<br />

ama <strong>Chaplain</strong> ayisibane empilweni<br />

zamajoni, lebhugu iyamtlhohogomelisa<br />

umfundri bonyana amajoni lapho ahlezi<br />

khona akadlumbani ngokubulala<br />

kwaphela njengoba sibandru sicabanga,<br />

kodwana bayamazi uzimu, nabo banabo<br />

ubumnene nokuzithoba bahlala<br />

banozimu ophilako ngaphakathi kwabo<br />

ngebanga le mfundriso abazithola kuma<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>.<br />

Ama <strong>Chaplain</strong> enza umberego omkhulu<br />

kwamambala wokunakekela abandru<br />

njengokududuza abakhanjelwe zinini<br />

zabo. Abandru ababerega nabo<br />

ababathandri basaphila kwaphela,<br />

kodwana sibona nenthombe zabandru<br />

esebahlo ngakala kulebhugu. Lokho<br />

kutshengisa uthandro olungatshabalaliko.<br />

Kulebhugu (The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong>)<br />

sifumana bonyana ama <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

ayayicalelela ipilo yabandru. Uku<br />

rhatsheka kwalengogwana<br />

yendrumbandronga kucede amaphilo<br />

wabandru abanengi. Siyathokoza<br />

njengabafundri balebhugu ukufunyana<br />

bona kunehlelo le zokuyelelisa<br />

ngalobulwelwe emajonini.<br />

Engithandra bonya kulungiswe:<br />

• Abandru bengubo nabo ababe<br />

banengi. Abangezelelwe emajonini<br />

nakuma <strong>Chaplain</strong>. Ngiyethemba<br />

bona lokho kuzakwenza<br />

amatshuguluko amahle kulombuso<br />

wokuvikela.<br />

• Ngingathaba khulu kwamambala<br />

nangingabona ibhugu yama <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

ibhalwe ngesindrebele namkhana<br />

ngesi swati namkhana isivhendra.<br />

Phela lebhugu iqakathekile isivula


amehlo ngokwenzeka embusweni<br />

wokuvikeleka. Kungabakuhle khulu<br />

bona ibhalwe nangezinye ilimi khona<br />

sizakgona ukuyifundra soke<br />

ingafundrwa ngilabo abazi ilimi<br />

lakakhwini kwaphela.<br />

Ngibona bona lelibhugu litholakale<br />

njengokuthi lithengiswe. Lokho kuza<br />

kusiza thina bathandri balo begodu<br />

nemali yakhona ingasiza abandrwana<br />

abizindrandrane.<br />

Phambilili ma <strong>Chaplain</strong> amahle<br />

imiberego yenu mihle begodu iyakarisa.<br />

Nisibane esihle sika Zimu u Zimu<br />

anitshudubaze kanye nennini zenu.<br />

Emma Skhosana-Molo<br />

DELMAS MPUMALANGA<br />

ENGLISH VERSION<br />

(ISINDEBELE LETTER)<br />

This chaplains’ magazine brought to our<br />

attention that the soldiers play a very<br />

important role in our lives. As long as<br />

we are safe we don’t even care or<br />

remember their existence but this<br />

magazine leads us to recognize them as<br />

part of our society.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s are spreading the Word of God<br />

to the soldiers. They want those soldiers<br />

to have the Spirit of God. God must<br />

always help, guide and be by their side<br />

whenever they fight because they are<br />

always facing death. As people far from<br />

these soldiers, we thought that they do<br />

not even know God, but to our surprise,<br />

they know God and these chaplains are<br />

always preparing them to have God<br />

inside them.<br />

They are so kind that they do not take<br />

care of theirs soldiers only, but they<br />

extend their care to their families.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ magazine has the photos of<br />

the deceased members. This shows that<br />

they keep their colleagues in their<br />

memories. This really shows love to<br />

every body.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s make sure that soldiers are<br />

aware of this deadly disease (HIV and<br />

AIDS) by work-shopping them. They<br />

also bring people who are having this<br />

disease to talk about it, so that they can<br />

know about its reality. This shows love<br />

and protection by our soldiers.<br />

In conclusion, the following<br />

recommendations are made:<br />

• More females must be added to<br />

chaplains’ corps and military<br />

community in general. That will<br />

bring more improvements in the<br />

<strong>service</strong> of this department.<br />

• It can be greatly appreciated if this<br />

magazine can be written in<br />

isiNdebele, isiSwati, XiTsonga and<br />

other minority languages.<br />

• As staunch readers of this magazine,<br />

we can be pleased if it can be sold in<br />

the markets so that it can be easily<br />

accessible. The revenue generated<br />

from this can be donated to the<br />

orphanages.<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong>s are the light of God in the<br />

military. They are doing a very good<br />

job. May God bless them and their<br />

families.<br />

Ms Emma Skhosana-Molo<br />

DELMAS<br />

THE GREAT LAKES<br />

REGION (CRAGLR)<br />

I write to you on behalf of the members of<br />

CRAGLR, meaning “Conflict Resolution<br />

in the African Great Lakes Region”.<br />

CRAGLR is made of natives of the<br />

countries of the Great Lakes Region<br />

(Burundi, Democratic Republic of the<br />

Congo, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda)<br />

who live and work in South Africa. We<br />

consider ourselves privileged to witness the<br />

“South African Miracle”, which is the<br />

successful and peaceful transition from<br />

apartheid to non racial democracy. It is<br />

because we appreciate what we see that we<br />

want to learn as much as we can from your<br />

experience so that we can help our own<br />

people to cohabitate peacefully, resolve<br />

their conflicts and embrace democracy.<br />

We are grateful to the South African nation<br />

as a whole for being willing to share “The<br />

Miracle” with other African nations. As a<br />

result, in the Great Lakes Region,<br />

Burundians recently (August <strong>2005</strong>) had a<br />

peace settlement that led to democratic<br />

elections. South Africa is also involved in<br />

the Democratic Republic of the Congo as<br />

part of MONUC. Hope is slowly but surely<br />

being restored and Congolese are preparing<br />

to cast votes democratically in June 2006<br />

for the first time in more than 40 years.<br />

In all this work by the SANDF, the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service is deployed primarily<br />

to render moral and spiritual support to<br />

the South African troops. What is most<br />

interesting is that the chaplains go out of<br />

their way to liaise and interact with local<br />

communities through various activities,<br />

such as provision of aid relief, food<br />

parcels, hospital visitations and fellowship<br />

with local church leaders. This kind of<br />

interaction has much value to the assisted<br />

communities and to God Himself as it is a<br />

practical way of sharing in the love of<br />

Christ.<br />

We thank God for using the South African<br />

nation to come to the rescue of our people.<br />

We also thank you for accepting the<br />

invitation to reach out to other nations and<br />

for stressing the spiritual aspects of the<br />

needs of our people.<br />

May God bless you.<br />

Gabriel Kanyangoga<br />

CRAGLR: THE GREAT LAKES<br />

REGION<br />

Letters<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 5


FOCUS on a UNIT<br />

PROJECT PHIDISA<br />

PHIDISA PHIDISA VISION<br />

VISION<br />

Providing a preventive and promotive health<br />

care <strong>service</strong> to the SANDF members and their<br />

families<br />

MISSION<br />

MISSION<br />

6 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Col X. Currie - Director Project Phidisa<br />

Cpln (Rev) M. M. Mashinini<br />

Phidisa Unit <strong>Chaplain</strong>, 1 Military Hospital<br />

Using a multi-disciplinary team approach to<br />

HIV to ensure effective management of<br />

resources to prolong lives of HIV and SANDF<br />

members and their families and to prevent<br />

the spread of HIV and Sexually Transmitted<br />

Diseases.<br />

By Cpln (Rev) M. M. Mashinini<br />

Phidisa Unit <strong>Chaplain</strong>, 1 Military Hospital<br />

WHAT PROJECT PHIDISA IS ALL ABOUT<br />

Project Phidisa is a clinical research project focused on the management<br />

and treatment of HIV infection in the uniformed members of the<br />

SANDF and their dependents.<br />

CHAPLAIN’S ROLE IN PROJECT PHIDISA:<br />

THE AFFIRMATION OF HUMAN DIGNITY<br />

BACKGROUND<br />

It must be understood that the chaplain is part of the multi-disciplinary<br />

team that endeavors to promote a holistic approach in meeting the<br />

needs of the participants. Most importantly the chaplain provides<br />

specific pastoral counseling and support with regard to adherence to<br />

Anti-Retroviral treatment.<br />

The overall work of the chaplain in Phidisa is premised on the<br />

implementation of the Phidisa <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Care Givers Support<br />

Programme. This programme is perceived as a strategic imperative of<br />

the chaplain both for the moral, spiritual and care for Phidisa patients<br />

and their support system. We have to acknowledge that the<br />

presupposition of our work is shaped by the mandate, and directives<br />

of the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General. Such a mandate is well articulated in the<br />

SANDF guidelines on Religious Policy. The said policy clearly<br />

articulates that “the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service provides a specialist religious<br />

support <strong>service</strong> to the members of the DOD”. It further states that<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>cy must ensure that “…all members and their dependants are<br />

spiritually cared for by exercising a ministry that promotes spiritual<br />

growth and sustains an ethos of high morality and ethical credibility’”.<br />

Having been in Phidisa in the past year, we have learnt that our primary<br />

focus as staff, centres on meeting the needs of our HIV & AIDS infected<br />

patients. To a lesser extent and due to human resources constrains, we<br />

do address the needs of the network systems of our patients i.e. family<br />

members, friends and colleagues.<br />

STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES<br />

• To impart pastoral perspectives on care-giving as articulated in<br />

the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General Programme of Pastoral Counseling and<br />

Support for the HIV & AIDS infected and affected.<br />

• To share skills and to empower the participants with the validity<br />

of spiritual formation principles in meeting the challenges of<br />

purposeful living with HIV & AIDS.<br />

• To honour and to acknowledge the commitments and the support<br />

of the Care-Givers to our patients.<br />

• To empower the participants with spiritual resources that will<br />

enhance their coping skills and life support systems.<br />

• To gather data that will assist the chaplain to present relevant<br />

intervention measures.<br />

• To impart character formation skills of faithfulness and<br />

accountability to enhance the effectiveness of the anti-retroviral<br />

treatment.


STRUCTURAL COMPONENTS<br />

This intervention work is premised on the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General HIV &<br />

AIDS Prevention Programme, as well as the Pastoral Counseling and<br />

Support Programme for HIV & AIDS affected and infected. However<br />

for the purposes of relevancy and contextual accuracy within Phidisa,<br />

the programme comprises the following aspects:<br />

· Phenomenology of religion and Care-Giving.<br />

· Morality and decision making capacity.<br />

· Relational aspects of Care-Giving and support systems.<br />

· Ethical categories and faithfulness in relationships.<br />

· Spiritual formation principles.<br />

· Mimetic structures of modelling and positive living.<br />

· Pastoral Restorative Therapy.<br />

METHODS<br />

Our syndicate group comprises 25 participants within Tshwane area<br />

whose relatives’ colleagues and friends are currently on treatment in<br />

Phidisa. Our Care-Givers Support Group is based on an inter-action<br />

process between the participants. We engage each other on interpersonal<br />

dialogues and narrative empowerment mechanism within the<br />

framework of personal accountability and moral responsibility in the<br />

aspect of care giving. We also employ measures of relationship building<br />

among the Care-Givers. We further address and attend to the needs of<br />

care giving to those who do not qualify for treatment, as well as<br />

understanding the demands of ARVs treatment in the patients’ support<br />

system.<br />

ANTICIPATED RESULTS<br />

The overall benefit of the Care-Givers Support Group is that<br />

participants’ awareness increased with regard to the implications of<br />

the WHO clinical stages I-IV of people living with HIV & AIDS and<br />

its aspects of ARVs treatment. The given process has inculcated<br />

common solidarity and shared experiences that ultimately strengthened<br />

the family support system of our patients.<br />

We also intend to use the Care-Givers groups as a platform to gather<br />

data that could benefit Phidisa from the daily experiences of the Care-<br />

Givers regarding the challenges of giving support to our patients.<br />

Secondly, we need to find ways of empowering our Care-Givers with<br />

practical skills of helping our patients to attain relative success with<br />

adherence to ARV treatment.<br />

Project Phidisa Team, 1 Military Hospital<br />

PROJECT PHIDISA<br />

NEW AREAS OF FOCUS<br />

The Phidisa chaplain has identified a need of a specific<br />

Pastoral Restorative Therapy for the Phidisa clinic staff<br />

(Health Care-Workers) i.e. Doctors and Nurses. The<br />

envisaged intervention program will empower the clinic<br />

staff with spiritual resilience mechanisms as they begin<br />

to attend to their colleagues, friends and close associates.<br />

We seek to address within the staff those issues that relate<br />

to, and have a negative impact on both their emotional,<br />

psychological, and spiritual well-being, and as such lead<br />

to stress factor that accumulates as our Health Care<br />

Workers interact with their close associates.<br />

Furthermore, it could be said that the highlight of the<br />

chaplain’s work in Phidisa this year was reflected during<br />

the successful presentation of the two day Phidisa<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Care-Givers Training, which largely<br />

comprises of the issues of spirituality and care-giving.<br />

CONCLUSION<br />

It is evident that the role of the chaplains in Phidisa is<br />

premised on a sound ethico-moral frame of reference.<br />

Therefore the chaplain’s focus is geared not only towards<br />

preventative measures but also on the advancement of<br />

both ethical and moral imperatives that affirms both the<br />

dignity, humanity as well as the spirituality of our<br />

patients. It is in this regard that our patients must be<br />

categorically acknowledged as individuals who are<br />

conscious of their God given right as free moral agents.<br />

Furthermore it could be said that the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Care-<br />

Givers Support Programme strives to accentuate the<br />

importance of spiritual formation exercises that will<br />

enhance the moral capacity of the participants as well as<br />

the Care-Givers for ownership of both the treatment and<br />

purposeful living with HIV & AIDS.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 7


NEWS<br />

from the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

General Headquarters (HQ)<br />

VISITORS<br />

The former Chief of Corporate Staff (CCS) Lt Gen T.T. Matanzima<br />

paid a staff visit to the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ on 7 June this year. On 28<br />

October, the <strong>new</strong>ly appointed CCS Lt Gen Rinus Jansen van Rensberg<br />

also paid a staff visit to the HQ.<br />

Lt Gen T.T. Matanzima addressing members of the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ and SSOs.<br />

During these visits, the same programme was followed. They had oneon-one<br />

meetings with the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen in his office, were taken on<br />

tour to the HQ personnel offices and ended up in the Board Room<br />

where they met SSOs of Services and Divisions. The <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen<br />

made a general presentation about the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service and its support<br />

to the DOD. Afterwards, each SSO in the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ briefed<br />

them about their post profiles. After the speeches, gifts were exchanged.<br />

In turn, both CCSs congratulated the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service on the<br />

important work they are rendering to the DOD. They also promised<br />

the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service full support and co-operation.<br />

Lt Gen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg during his<br />

visit at the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ<br />

The Sergeant Major of the SANDF WO1 J.J. Jacobs paid a visit to the<br />

HQ this year. He spent some time with Col (Rev) Z.A. Makalima since<br />

the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen was away on duty. The relationship between WOI<br />

Jacobs with the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service dates many years back but a close<br />

link was nurtured during the recent visit to Germany which included<br />

himself and some senior chaplains.<br />

NEWS<br />

8 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Col (Rev) Z.A. Makalima and WO of the SANDF WO1 J.J. Jacobs<br />

during his visit at the HQ<br />

Director of <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service of the Botswana Defence Force (BDF)<br />

Maj D. Mapitse paid a brief visit to the HQ during his graduation with<br />

UNISA on 12 April this year. Accompanied by his wife and son, he<br />

spent quality time with the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen discussing matters of<br />

importance for both <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Services.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen with the Director of BDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service with his<br />

family during their visit at the HQ.<br />

Representatives of Prophet T.B. Joseph from Nigeria paid visit to the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ on 15 September. They were in the country in<br />

preparation for the proposed visit by the prophet to this country next<br />

year. The aim of their visit was to explore some co-operation with the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service during the prophet’s visit. The delegation met the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen and the SSOs at the HQ.<br />

Representatives of Prophet T.B. Joshua with members<br />

of <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ during their visit at the HQ.


Members of the organisation called Conflict Resolution in Africa Great<br />

Lakes Region (CRAGLR) paid visit to the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ on 3<br />

November. This is a Christian organisation of people from the<br />

Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) currently residing in South<br />

Africa whose aim is to see peace in that country with Christian values<br />

and principles being the core drivers. They read (in The Military<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>) about the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service’s involvement in peace<br />

operations in their country and decided to pay our HQ a visit to cultivate<br />

means of co-operation in peace efforts from a Christian perspective.<br />

Members of GRAGLR at <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ with members<br />

of <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ<br />

BIRTHDAYS AND OTHER EVENTS<br />

Birthdays are special occasions in the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ. We share<br />

some refreshments and well wishes to make sure that every birthday<br />

is a memorable one. Some of the HQ personnel who celebrated their<br />

birthdays during the course of the second semester were our <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Gen Brig Gen (Rev) M. Cornelissen, Cols (Dr) J. Dill, (Rev) Z.A.<br />

Makalima, (Rev) C.B. Bosiki, Cpln M.T. Masuku, 2 Lt Thobakgale,<br />

WO1 H.W. Maluleke and Sgt X. Yanta. Good luck and best wishes to<br />

all of them.<br />

Members of the HQ during a birthday celebration<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen handing over a medal to our driver Cpl R. Makgato<br />

Security Services Christian and<br />

Hindu Advisory Board Meetings<br />

Pastor George Mahlobo<br />

Chairperson Christian<br />

Advisory Board<br />

The SSCAB met on 9 June and 20 October this year. The<br />

aim of the SSCAB is to advise the RSA security <strong>service</strong>s<br />

especially the chaplains’ <strong>service</strong>s of DOD, Department of<br />

Correctional Services and the SAPS on religiously related<br />

policy matters in these security <strong>service</strong>s. The venue for the<br />

first (9 June) meeting was the Department of Correctional<br />

Services (DCS) at Zonderwater in Cullinan while the second<br />

one (20 October) was SAPS college in Tshwane.<br />

During the last meeting, some of the issues discussed were:<br />

• The Holy Communion for deployed members.<br />

• The position of Military Christian Fellowship (MCF) and<br />

similar organisations.<br />

The Hindu Advisory Board met in Durban on 23 November<br />

<strong>2005</strong>. The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General and SSO Communication<br />

attended the meeting. The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General presented the<br />

report about the current situation in the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service.<br />

The Hindu liaison Cpln Vipra Krish Pillay also presented<br />

his report.<br />

Other highlights on the agenda were the question of the<br />

successor of Cpln K. Pillay after his retirement in two years<br />

time from now and the appointment of Reserve Force Hindu<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s. The Hindu Advisory Board thanked the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

General for the work they are doing also in accommodating<br />

other religions in the chaplains Service of the SANDF.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, Cpln M.T. Masuku, Vipra (Cpln) K. Pillay (Hindu<br />

Liaison Cpln) and Members of Hindu Advisory Board of the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 9


Please meet 2 Lt J.M. Thobakgale, HIV &<br />

AIDS Programme Administrator in the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ<br />

2 Lt J.M. Thobakgale<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General officiated at the<br />

change of command and handing over<br />

parade between former C SANDF Gen<br />

S. Nyanda and current C SANDF Gen G.<br />

Ngwenya<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen conducting devotions during the taking and<br />

handing over of parade<br />

Monday of 31 May this year saw the change of command<br />

between the former C SANDF Gen S. Nyanda and the current C<br />

SANDF Gen G. Ngwenya at Thaba Tshwane sports-ground. The<br />

president Mr Thabo Mbeki with his spouse Zanele, Minister of<br />

Defence Mosuioa Lekota, other members of parliament,<br />

representatives of foreign missions in SA, General Officers of<br />

the SANDF and other members of the DOD attended the occasion<br />

which was marked by military colourful activities.<br />

Activities for the day included; scripture reading and prayer by<br />

the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen of the SANDF Brig Gen M. Cornelissen, a<br />

massive military parade and a speech by the former C SANDF.<br />

The SAAF demonstrated their capabilities with fly-pasts in such<br />

a way that the sky was converted to what was phrased, “a mini<br />

air show” by some guests.<br />

10 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

2 Lt J.M. Thobakgale was born<br />

in Soshanguve, one of the<br />

townships in northern Tshwane.<br />

It was in this township where he<br />

completed both his primary and<br />

secondary education. He is<br />

married to Dineo and they have<br />

been blessed with a son named<br />

Itumeleng. 2 Lt Thobakgale<br />

joined the South African Military<br />

Health Service (SAMHS) in 1993<br />

and did his Basic Military<br />

Training (BMT) at SAMHS<br />

Training Formation.<br />

In 1994 he worked at Area Military Health Unit North West (AMHU<br />

NW) (former North West Medical Command) as a Primary Health<br />

Care Orderly. In 1996 he re-mustered and worked at the Radiology<br />

department as a Supplementary Diagnostic Radiographer. In 2001 he<br />

completed the Officers’ Formative Course. In 2003 he went (on<br />

detachment) to the School for Military Health Training (in the HIV<br />

section) to assist in co-ordination of HIV courses and projects, as part<br />

of Masibambisane project. In March <strong>2005</strong> he was detached to <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

General Division as HIV & AIDS Programme Administrator.<br />

The President Mr Thabo Mbeki (right) and the Minister of<br />

Defence Mr Mosiuoa Lekota during the Parade<br />

The above occasion took place in two phrases, outdoor activities<br />

at the sports-field-followed by a function at the Thaba Tshwane<br />

town hall. Light lunch was served and speeches continued with<br />

the <strong>new</strong> C SANDF and Minister of Defence addressing the guests.<br />

A marquee was also erected close by as the hall could not<br />

accommodate all guests.<br />

Apart from the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen who was part of the officials,<br />

chaplains also attended this historic event.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ SSOs attended a<br />

Leadership Convention<br />

Members of <strong>Chaplain</strong> HQ who attended the Leadership Convention<br />

(f.l.t.r) Cpln M.T. Masuku, Col (Rev) C.B. Bosiki, Dr H. Mogashoa<br />

(Dir of Consultancy), Col (Fr) B.A.M. Ndwandwe,<br />

Cpln (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya<br />

Four officers from the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ attended a Leadership<br />

Convention on 8 October this year. The event was organised by The<br />

Humphrey Mogashoa Motivational Consultancy at the National<br />

Cultural History Museum in Pretoria, Tshwane. The theme of the<br />

convention was “Effective Excellence Minded Leadership”. Focus was<br />

on five main areas and they were:<br />

• Leadership: What is it?<br />

• Effective Leadership<br />

• The Mind of Excellence and<br />

• Excellence Minded Leadership<br />

Cols (Rev) C.B. Bosiki, (Fr) B.A.M. Ndwandwe, Cplns (Dr) R.M.<br />

Ngwanya and M.T. Masuku as attendees from the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ<br />

benefited from this convention and it is hoped that what they gained<br />

will be of value to the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service.


NEWS<br />

from the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

General Headquarters (HQ)<br />

CPLN S.N.N. (SITHI)<br />

NGQAKAYI: PSO OF THE<br />

SURGEON GENERAL OF<br />

THE SANDF<br />

Cpln Sithi Ngqakayi<br />

Cpln Sithi Ngqakayi has been appointed<br />

Personal Staff Officer (PSO) of the <strong>new</strong>ly<br />

appointed Surgeon General (SG) of the<br />

SANDF Lt Gen Vejaynand Ramlakan with<br />

effect from 1 August. Before his <strong>new</strong><br />

appointment, he was a chaplain in the<br />

SAMHS. In 2003 he joined the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Gen HQ as SSO Staff Services. During his<br />

time in the post, he was also assisting the<br />

Inspector General (IG) Division with<br />

spiritual <strong>service</strong>s. It was also while he was<br />

in the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ that he got married<br />

to Nokulunga. The couple have been<br />

blessed with a baby boy named S’thembiso<br />

(Sithi) Junior (SJ) recently. The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

Service wishes him God’s blessing in his<br />

<strong>new</strong> appointment.<br />

TRANSFERS AND DETACHMENTS<br />

TRANSFERS<br />

S/N Rank Name Unit from Unit to Date<br />

1. Cpln (Rev) W.T. Ndala AFB Hoedspruit AFB Waterkloof 1 Aug 05<br />

2. Cpln (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya SA Army ADA Fmn SA Army Supp Fmn 08 Aug 05<br />

3. Cpln (Rev) K.S. Teko SA ARMY Art Fmn SA Army Eng Fmn 08 Aug 05<br />

4. Cpln (Rev) H.P. Kotze SA Army Eng Fmn SA Army ADA Fmn 08 Aug 05<br />

5. Cpln (Rev) J.M. Mc Kaig School of Art SA Army Art Mob 08 Aug 05<br />

6. Cpln (Rev) V.E. Mtshayisa 4 Artillery Regt School of Artillery 08 Aug 05<br />

7. Cpln (Rev) B.A. Madleleni SA Army Art Mob 4 Artillery Mob 08 Aug 05<br />

8. Cpln (Rev) O.A. Motshudi SA Army Supp Fmn SA Army Art Fmn 08 Aug 05<br />

9. Cpln L. Hough AMDW AFB Overberg 1 Sep 05<br />

10. Cpln M. van Rooyen School of Eng School of Armour 1 Sep 05<br />

11. Cpln (Rev) P. Roos 1SSB JSB Wonderboom 1 Sep 05<br />

12. Cpln (Rev) L.A. Xolilizwe 1 Para Bn 9 SAI 1 Sep 05<br />

13. Cpln (Rev) P.J.A. Steenkamp 9 SAI Bn GSB Youngsfield 1 Sep 05<br />

14. Cpln (Rev) J.N.R. Bosman GP 33 GSB Nelspruit 1 Sep 05<br />

15. Cpln (Rev) M.A. Letshabo 12 SAI Bn 17 Maintenance Unit 1 Sep 05<br />

16. Cpln (Rev) M.D. Mence 5 SAI Bn GSB Oudtshoon 1 Sep 05<br />

17. Cpln (Rev) P.H.S. Bezuidenhout 61 Mech Bn 8 SAI Bn 1 Sep 05<br />

18. Cpln (Rev) J.C.J De Lange AFB Waterkloof AFB Ysterplaat 1 Oct 05<br />

19. Cpln (Rev) T.E. Kefile 1 Mil Hosp GSB T/Tshwane 14 Oct 05<br />

20. Cpln (Rev) T.T. Mara AFB Hoedspruit SA National<br />

War College<br />

1 Nov 05<br />

21. Cpln (Rev) S.S. Tshelane <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ D1 1 Dec 05<br />

NEWS<br />

from the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

General Headquarters (HQ)<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 11


from Services, Formations and Units<br />

CPLN (REV) DONALD (DON) NEILL<br />

THEOPHILUS WATSON, CHAPLAIN OF<br />

SAAF COLLEGE RETIRED<br />

Cpln Don Watson<br />

(Cpln Don Watson served the South African Air Force (SAAF) for<br />

many years. Below is a short history of his ministry as written down<br />

by him):<br />

MY MY MEANDERINGS MEANDERINGS IN IN THE THE MINISTRY<br />

MINISTRY<br />

I was born on 18 October 1945 in Johannesburg. I was privileged to<br />

have Christian parents who took me to Sunday school and church. I<br />

completed high school at Florida Park High School in 1963. I worked<br />

in the mining industry and later the financial sector in a commercial<br />

bank from 1964 – 1968.<br />

My ministry work commenced in 1965 with children and youth and I<br />

began Lay Preaching in 1966. I commenced full time studies for the<br />

ministry in 1969 and graduated with a Licentiate in Theology in 1972.<br />

I married Suzanne (Sue) Stafford on 3 July 1971 and we have two<br />

sons John (23) and Mark (19).<br />

12 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

FAREWELL FUNCTION OF<br />

MAJ GEN D. MOFOKENG<br />

The farewell function of Maj Gen D. Mofokeng took place on 21<br />

October this year at the Defence HQ, Tshwane. It was attended by<br />

communicators in DOD, members of the Defence Corporate<br />

Communication and invited guests. Activities for the day composed<br />

among others, of a video show focusing on Maj Gen Mofokeng<br />

during his time at the Defence Corporate communication, speech<br />

from Maj Gen Mofokeng and handing out of gifts. Cpln M.T.<br />

Masuku in his capacity as Senior Staff Officer (SSO) Religious<br />

Communication and Liaison attended the event.<br />

(f.l.t.r.) V Adm (JG) R.W. Higgs, Cpln M.T. Masuku,<br />

Mr V. Zambodla (HOC) and<br />

Maj Gen D. Mofokeng<br />

<br />

My full time ministry years have been as follows:<br />

1973 – Youth ministry – Scripture Union in Johannesburg.<br />

1974 – Kroonstad Baptist Church and part time chaplain at the local<br />

Military Base.<br />

1977 – Walvis Bay Baptist Church, part time chaplain Walvis Bay<br />

Military Base and Rooikop (Army) and finally during this year,<br />

a Communication bunker and Diving Unit/Harbour (Navy).<br />

1980 – Uitenhage Baptist Church.<br />

1985 – Randfontein Baptist Church.<br />

1989 – Joined SA Defence Force as a permanent force chaplain at<br />

Personnel Service School in Tshwane and Pastor at Emmaus<br />

Baptist Church in Rooihuiskraal, Centurion area, Tshwane.<br />

1990 – (December) SA Air Force Regiment and Air Force Base<br />

Hoedspruit, Lowveld Air Space Sector and Mariepskop (at the<br />

same time) Pastor at Hoedspruit Community Church.<br />

1993 – (January) Air Force Base Ysterplaat Cape Town and thereafter<br />

22 Sqn, 35 Sqn, 80 Air Navigation School and Pastoral assistant<br />

at Pinelands Baptist Church.<br />

2001 – (January) SA Air Force College and Pastoral Elder at Bethany<br />

Baptist Church.<br />

<strong>2005</strong> – (31 October) Retired from the SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service and<br />

joined SA Air Force Reserves as a chaplain.<br />

I have certainly enjoyed my years of ministry in the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service.<br />

My ministry has made a positive impact in the lives of many people.<br />

For this all praise to our Lord Jesus Christ.<br />

I particularly appreciated the opportunity to participate in sport and<br />

enjoyed many rounds of golf at many different golf courses with both<br />

military and civilian golfers.<br />

In March <strong>2005</strong>, I won the C section of the SA Air Force Golf<br />

Championships (Both Gross and Nett scores).<br />

I have joined the SA Air Force Reserves and will stay involved in<br />

chaplains ministry and also in the local church community at Lyttelton.<br />

I trust that the ministry of the SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service will be blessed<br />

by God and bring glory to Him.<br />

My greetings to all of you and may God bless and give you fruits for<br />

your labours in His vineyard. Have a Merry Christmas and showers of<br />

blessings in the New Year.


CHAPLAIN GENERAL VISITS THE FLEET<br />

IN SIMONSTOWN<br />

Cpln N.A. <strong>Mag</strong>erman<br />

The Fleet was graced with the visit of <strong>Chaplain</strong> General Brig Gen M.<br />

Cornelissen on the 13 and 14 September this year. The aim of the visit<br />

was to acquaint him with the SA Navy environment and the Naval<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service.<br />

On13 September, <strong>Chaplain</strong> General had the opportunity to visit Naval<br />

College (NAVCOL) where he was exposed to the unit. After enjoying<br />

Stand Easy with the members at NAVCOL, <strong>Chaplain</strong> General took the<br />

long and tedious journey to SAS SALDANHA, where the Officer<br />

Commanding of the unit met him. He was shown around the unit and<br />

interacted with the various categories of people especially the MSDs.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen with Members of the Navy,<br />

from left to right: Cpln P. Mpisana, R Adm H.V.E. Bester and<br />

Capt (SAN) L.Msengana<br />

On 14 September <strong>Chaplain</strong> General started his day with a courtesy<br />

visit to Flag Officer Fleet. During his visit in Simon’s Town, he was<br />

entertained and welcomed by the Officer Commanding of the Diving<br />

School and the Captain of the SAS ISAAC DYOBHA (Strike Craft).<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General and the chaplains were privileged to enjoy a sea trip<br />

on the SAS UMHLOTI (Mine Hunter).<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen in SAS MENDI<br />

Before lunch, the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General was proudly taken on a tour of<br />

the SAS MENDI. After lunch he spent quality time with the Naval<br />

chaplains on board the SAS MENDI. He shared his vision and thoughts<br />

with the chaplains but allowed them to express their thoughts and<br />

concerns with him. The chaplains enjoyed the session with the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General.<br />

It is refreshing to know that he has the interest of the SA Navy<br />

community at heart. It was good to interact with him.<br />

We wish our <strong>new</strong> <strong>Chaplain</strong> General God’s blessing as he leads us<br />

through the changing times.<br />

PLEASE MEET CPLN (DR) R.M.<br />

NGWANYA, OUR NEW DOCTOR IN<br />

THEOLOGY<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, Cpln (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya and the UNISA<br />

Registrar (Academic) Prof Louis Molamu, UNISA main campus,<br />

Pretoria<br />

Cpln (Dr) Richman Mzuxolile Ngwanya obtained a doctors’ degree<br />

in Theology during October graduations this year at UNISA’s main<br />

campus, Tshwane. He researched about the Bulhoek massacre of<br />

1921. The title of his thesis is: An Ecclesiological Analysis of the<br />

Church of God and Saints of Christ and its Impact on Bulhoek<br />

Massacre. He argued and concluded that it was the belief system of<br />

this church that gave them power to face the then state army.<br />

His graduation ceremony was attended by CHR Lt Gen T.T.<br />

Matanzima, the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, his spouse and local caplains.<br />

Cpln (Dr) Ngwanya is an ordained minister in the Methodist Church<br />

of Southern Africa. He candidated for the ministry in 1971 and was<br />

ordained in 1978. Cpln (Dr) Ngwanya is presently seconded to the<br />

South African National Defence Force as a chaplain. He served in<br />

various categories of leadership. He is now a Formation <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

wherein few other chaplains are working with him.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, Cpln (Dr) Ngwanya, Lt Gen T.T. Matanzima and<br />

other <strong>Chaplain</strong>s during Graduations at Unisa<br />

Cpln (Dr) Ngwanya holds several degrees in Theology. He started<br />

by obtaining a Diploma in Theology at Federal Theological<br />

Seminary (Fedsem). After some years serving the church, he<br />

proceeded to the then Durban-Westville University where he<br />

obtained the degree of Honours in Theology and Masters degree in<br />

Theology. He proceeded to study for another Masters degree at the<br />

University of Fort Hare. In the process, he received a scholarship<br />

grant and pursued a doctoral programme in theology at the<br />

University of South Africa (UNISA).<br />

Cpln (Dr) Ngwanya resides at Valhalla, Tshwane and has three<br />

children, two sons and a daughter namely; Zukiswa, Mlamli and<br />

Mluleki. He is married to Cynthia Nomvuselelo (nee Mazwi) who<br />

is presently a Chief Professional Nurse at 1 Military Hospital, Thaba<br />

Tshwane.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service congratulates him on his academic<br />

achievements and wishes him luck for the future.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 13


CPLN M.J. MOSHAPO RETIRES AT END<br />

OF JANUARY 2006<br />

Cpln M.J. Moshapo, a Minister of Religion in the Reformed Church<br />

in SA was enlisted in the former Bophuthatswana (Bop) Defence<br />

Force (BDF) on 1 August 1985. During integration period he was<br />

the Chief <strong>Chaplain</strong> of BDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service. When Cpln Gen<br />

(Maj Gen) De Wit succeeded Cpln Gen (Maj Gen) Jordaan as<br />

SANDF Cpln Gen, he called Cpln Moshapo to serve as one of his<br />

staff members in the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Moshapo’s family: six daughters, one son, one son-inlaw<br />

and three grand-children<br />

While serving at the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen Division, Cpln Moshapo was<br />

responsible for Research Projects. In his capacity as leader of<br />

Research Projects, he was a co-ordinator of the Multi-lingual hymn<br />

book of the SANDF. He was further assigned the task of writing a<br />

document “How to communicate a death message to the next of kin<br />

in the SANDF”. The document contains African, Western, Hinduism<br />

and Muslim traditions regarding death related issues.<br />

Cpln Moshapo served at the following Units and Formation in the<br />

SANDF.<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong> General Division 1995-1997<br />

• National Ceremonial Guard 1997-1999<br />

• Army Intelligence Formation 1999-2001<br />

• DOD Logistic Support Formation 2001-2006<br />

In the light of the dates mentioned above, Cpln Moshapo was the<br />

first chaplain at the National Ceremonial Guard (NCG). He further<br />

became the first Formation <strong>Chaplain</strong> at the Army Intelligence<br />

Formation.<br />

At the DOD Logistic Support Formation, he is responsible for<br />

functional guidance to seven chaplains who are serving at Logistic<br />

Agencies.<br />

Awards<br />

Cpln Moshapo has been awarded the following medals.<br />

• Commendation Medal<br />

• General <strong>service</strong> Medal<br />

• Unitas Medal<br />

• Ten years Service Medal<br />

• And twenty years <strong>service</strong> will be awarded to him at the end of<br />

<strong>2005</strong>.<br />

Cpln Moshapo is married to Hilda (a school principal) and is blessed<br />

with six daughters, a son and three grandchildren. As to his way<br />

forward from the SANDF, Cpln Moshapo will serve his church and<br />

has applied to serve in the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service as a Reserve Force<br />

chaplain.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service wishes him and his family the best of luck<br />

and God’s blessing for the future after his retirement.<br />

14 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

REVIVING AND RE-INTEGRATING THE<br />

RESERVE FORCE CHAPLAINS INTO THE<br />

SANDF CHAPLAINS SERVICE<br />

By Col (Rev) C.B. Bosiki, <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen HQ<br />

Since the birth of a democratic order in<br />

South Africa, the role of the Reserve Force<br />

chaplains has been in the periphery. While<br />

chaplains were willing to function as<br />

Reserve Force members, transformational<br />

imperatives were not in their favour. In the<br />

process, the Reserve Force chaplains were<br />

either forgotten or deliberately consigned<br />

into inferior positions. Some of the<br />

chaplains in the reserves became demotivated<br />

and decided to distance<br />

themselves from the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service Col (Rev) C.B. Bosiki<br />

altogether.<br />

In addition, there were also no reports about the involvement of chaplains<br />

from other religious groupings except the Christian faith. This was a<br />

matter of concern for the emergence of the Reserve Force chaplains.<br />

SANDF encourages the participation of all religious groups because of<br />

its religious multiplicity. As chaplains in the SANDF, we are noticing<br />

that plurality of religions is a healthy phenomenon. It does not only<br />

broaden the religious responses but also encourages religious tolerance.<br />

The Reserve Force chaplains will play a vital role in rendering a pastoral<br />

support to deployed members. The planning and preparation of such a<br />

support was long overdue hence a workshop in Bloemfontein which<br />

was attended by various stakeholders. Identification, recruitment,<br />

appointment, management, preparation, support and utilisation were all<br />

that the workshop dealt with. A sustainable, measurable, accurate,<br />

reasonable and tangible plan was a product of this workshop. From now<br />

until 2010 the direction of the Reserve Force chaplains will be clear and<br />

leveled. Whoever will have dealings with the Reserve Force chaplains<br />

will know the path ahead. From now onwards, the plan will be marketed<br />

so that corporate ownership of the plan is realised and the unity of purpose<br />

is achieved.<br />

Reserve Force chaplains are not only a concept but a reality that cannot<br />

be wished away. They are accessible when needed. Reviving and utilising<br />

them will help the Department of Defence to access this ministry in<br />

reserves for its own benefits. They are not only ministry in reserve but<br />

also a force multiplier.<br />

CHAPLAIN GENERAL’S VISIT TO<br />

CHURCHES AND RELIGIOUS BODIES<br />

As his gesture of extending a hand of friendship with the churches and<br />

other religious organisations, the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen started with a series of<br />

visits to those organisations. On 28 September this year, he addressed<br />

the synod of the Uniting Reformed Church in Southern Africa<br />

(URCSA) held in Pietermaritzburg. A total of two hundred and fifty<br />

delegates and observers attended the synod. In his presentation, the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen introduced<br />

delegates to the work of the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service of the<br />

SANDF in support of the<br />

entire Department of<br />

Defence (DOD). He also<br />

touched on the agreement<br />

between church and state<br />

with regards to governing of<br />

the chaplains. He requested<br />

churches that have not yet<br />

signed the agreement to do<br />

that as soon as possible. <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen and the Moderator of<br />

the URCSA Prof Tias Kgatla


CHAPLAIN GENERAL’S<br />

ANNUAL PLANNING WORK<br />

SESSION, RUSTENBURG<br />

15-18 AUGUST <strong>2005</strong><br />

By Col (Dr) Johan Dill<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General’s annual planning<br />

session took place from 15 to 18 August. At<br />

that planning session, SSOs agreed on<br />

guidelines that will guide the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

Service through 2006. Guidelines were<br />

developed on Spiritual & Moral issues from<br />

an in-depth discussion about the Key<br />

Performance Areas (KPAs) which were<br />

finalized earlier this year.<br />

Over and above the normal responsibilities,<br />

the following focus areas were identified for<br />

2006:<br />

Establishment of a Crisis Intervention<br />

Centre. This will be worked out and<br />

consolidated in much more details by the<br />

SA ARMY INTELLIGENCE FORMATION WOMEN’S DAY CELEBRATION<br />

On 8 August the SA Intelligence Formation<br />

celebrated Women’s day in style. Units that<br />

were involved in the celebration were SA<br />

Intelligence Formation, School of Tactical<br />

Intelligence, and 1 Tactical Intelligence<br />

Regiment. The ladies were dressed in<br />

traditional attire and everyone looked<br />

stunning. The celebration was held at the<br />

School of Tactical Intelligence at the<br />

Combined Scouts Club in Potchefstroom.<br />

The guest speakers for the day were Mrs.<br />

Jacqui Jacobs and Pastor Mathibela. The<br />

GOC SA Army Intelligence Formation Brig<br />

Gen M.A. Kula, Formation Cpln Past. N.<br />

Ngcobo, OC School of Tactical Intelligence<br />

Col (Rev) J. Dill<br />

SAMHS chaplains with the involvement<br />

of all SANDF chaplains when<br />

implemented.<br />

Resilience Strategy & Implementation<br />

Plan. This will be worked out and<br />

consolidated in details by the SSO<br />

Education Training & Development Col<br />

(Rev) P.J. Oberholzer and all SANDF<br />

chaplains will be provided with the<br />

By Cpln MJ Frantz & Capt MJ Sindimba<br />

Col V.D. Ntlokwana, A/CO 1TIR Maj S.<br />

Keketsi were amongst the special guests of<br />

the day. The Programme director was Capt<br />

M Sindimba.<br />

Cpln M Frantz, organizer of the event,<br />

opened the day’s celebration with Scripture<br />

reading and prayer. The first guest speaker<br />

Mrs. J. Jacobs emphasised the importance of<br />

that event. She said; “as women we must not<br />

undermine our capabilities. We have to trust<br />

God to give us strength and courage to<br />

overcome fears and weak points”. She<br />

specifically concentrated on the<br />

responsibilities of every woman with regard<br />

to her family. Women have to be dedicated<br />

VIPs during the celebration. Note Cpln M.J. Frantz (2nd from right) and<br />

Brig Gen M.A. Kula (3rd from right)<br />

opportunity to attend training in different<br />

Life Enrichment Programmes, according<br />

to their needs.<br />

Care for the Care-Giver & Mentorship<br />

Programme. This will be worked out<br />

and consolidated in details by all SANDF<br />

chaplains.<br />

National Conference with Civilian<br />

Churches. A large group of church<br />

leaders from South Africa will be invited<br />

to participate with chaplains in a National<br />

Conference about “Spiritual & Moral<br />

Regeneration”. The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General<br />

appointed a work group to plan and<br />

execute such a conference.<br />

Ethical programme. A programme of<br />

addressing an ethical topic per month for<br />

2006 which ensures that all chaplains<br />

address the same ethical issues in a<br />

constructive manner per month.<br />

and committed in every sphere of their lives<br />

but most of all to their children and spouses.<br />

Rev Mathibela confirmed that women have<br />

got many tasks and responsibilities in their<br />

lives. They are managers in their houses, are<br />

like ministers of education, ministers of<br />

finance and leaders in the community, to<br />

mention just a few. Nevertheless, they take<br />

their responsibilities very serious and do<br />

them with love, passion, and dedication in<br />

support of their families and serving their<br />

communities.<br />

Both speakers also emphasize the fact that<br />

women firstly have a responsibility towards<br />

themselves, especially with regards to their<br />

physical, psychological and spiritual wellbeing.<br />

In all the roles they play in life, they<br />

also need to make time for themselves.<br />

The SA Army Intelligence Formation choir<br />

entertained us with motivating songs. Cpl<br />

Snyders dedicated a poem to all the ladies<br />

entitled “Phenomenon Women”. A delicious<br />

three-course meal was served during the<br />

programme. There were also opportunities<br />

for lucky draws and some ladies won lovely<br />

prizes. At the end of the activities each lady<br />

received a gift and a memoir to remember 8<br />

August <strong>2005</strong>.<br />

The ladies of the SA Int Formation want to<br />

thank their GOC Brig Gen M. A. Kula for<br />

giving them the opportunity to celebrate<br />

women’s day together. It was the most<br />

enjoyable day filled with memories. Thanks<br />

to all the people who made this day a success.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 15


NELSPRUIT KAPELAANSDIENSTE<br />

Op 1 September <strong>2005</strong> is Kpln Bosman vanaf Groep 33 verplaas na die<br />

Leërsteunbasis Nelspruit. Sy hoof verantwoordelikheid is die bediening<br />

van die Leërsteunbasis Nelspruit met al sy verskillende dienssentrums,<br />

die Militêre Polisie te Nelspruit en CMI Mpumalanga. Aangesien hy<br />

die enigste staandemag kapelaan in die omgewing is, lewer hy steeds<br />

sekere steundienste aan die AMHU Mpumalanga, Groep 33, Groep 12<br />

(Camden) en die Taktiese HK Mpumalanga (insluitend die ontplooide<br />

elemente wat in die gebied operasionele diens verrig).<br />

Kapelaansbediening<br />

Die gebruiklike kapelaansdienste<br />

word gelewer. Dit sluit onder andere<br />

in: pastoraat, gebedsparades,<br />

besoeke aan afdelings, hospitaal en<br />

siekeboeg besoek, oordra van<br />

doodsberigte en die normale<br />

betrokkenheid by konferensies en<br />

ander amptelike byeenkomste.<br />

Kapelaansperiodes word gesien<br />

as ‘n belangrike aspek van<br />

die kapelaansbediening. Die<br />

aanbiedingstyl van die<br />

kapelaansperiodes is deelnemend.<br />

Gevallestudies word bespreek en die<br />

lede kry die geleentheid om op ‘n Kpln (Ds) Johan Bosman,<br />

eksperimentele manier te groei in die ASB Nelspruit<br />

praktiese toepassing van Skrifwaarhede en etiese waardes. Sang en<br />

musiek word ook gesien as ‘n belangrike hulpmiddel. Daar is opnuut<br />

met ‘n koor in Nelspruit begin en groot dinge word van die koor verwag.<br />

Deelnemers aan een van die aktiwiteite tydens die Massama<strong>new</strong>ales<br />

aangebied by die Leërsteunbasis Nelspruit<br />

‘n Hoë premie word geplaas op persoonlike kontak met die lede en<br />

hulle gesinne. Sover moontlik word gepoog om die gesinne van die<br />

lede tuis te besoek.<br />

Soos by talle ander eenhede is die kapelaan nou betrokke by begrafnisse.<br />

MIV & VIGS is ‘n groot uitdaging in Mpumalanga. Die kapelaan werk<br />

nou saam met die Multi-dissiplinêre span van die AMHU Mpumalanga<br />

om díe uitdaging die hoof te bied. Gesamentlike beplanning word gedoen<br />

vir voorkomings- en ondersteuningsprojekte. MIV positiewe lede word<br />

betrek by ‘n weeklikse ondersteuningsgroep. Die kapelaan word ook<br />

betrek by die voorkomingsprojekte. ‘n Geslaagde Massama<strong>new</strong>ales is<br />

gedurende kondoom bewusmakingsweek onder leiding van die kapelaan<br />

aangebied.<br />

Die kapelaansdiens se CHATSEC kursus word in die eenhede aangebied<br />

as deel van die MIV voorkomingsprogram van die AMHU.<br />

16 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Deur Kpln(Ds) Johan N.R. Bosman, ASB Nelspruit<br />

Ander Kapelaanswerk<br />

Behalwe die normale kapelaanswerk is die Leërsteunbasis kapelaan ook<br />

nou betrokke by die verdere ontwikkeling van die CHATSEC kursus en<br />

die opleiding van SANW, SADEC en SAPD kapelane as fasiliteerders<br />

van die kursus.<br />

Betrokkenheid by die gemeenskap word belangrik geag. Die kapelaan<br />

het noue skakeling met die kapelane en maatskaplike steundienste van<br />

die plaaslike SAPD. SAPD kapelane en maatskaplike werkers het van<br />

die CHATSEC kursusse bygewoon. Verder het die kapelaan ook<br />

deelgeneem aan gebedsaksies wat deur die provinsiale departement van<br />

vervoer geloods was met die oog oop veilige padvervoer. Die kapelaan<br />

is ook betrokke by sy eie en ander kerke se aktiwiteite.<br />

Dit is met dankbaarheid dat kennis geneem word van getuienisse van<br />

lede oor hoeveel die kapelaansdienste in die SANW vir hulle beteken.<br />

SOLI DEO GLORIA!<br />

ENGLISH VERSION OF ABOVE ARTICLE (ASB NELSPRUIT)<br />

CHAPLAINS SERVICE AT NELSPRUIT<br />

By Cpln (Rev) Johan N.R. Bosman, ASB Nelspruit<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service at the ASB Nelspruit is a merry mixture of different<br />

responsibilities, demands and challenges.<br />

On 1 September this year, Cpln Bosman was transferred from Group 33<br />

to the ASB Nelspruit. His primary responsibility was to serve the ASB<br />

Nelspruit and all its satellites, e.g. the Military Police and CMI<br />

Mpumalanga. Because he is the only chaplain in the Nelspruit area, he<br />

also serves the Area Military Health Unit Mpumalanga, Group 33, Group<br />

12 (Camden) and the Tactical HQ Mpumalanga (including the deployed<br />

elements doing operational duty).<br />

Normal <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service includes: pastoral care, prayer parades, visits<br />

to sections, hospitals, and sick bays, death messages, funerals,<br />

conferences, parades and other unit events. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Periods are seen<br />

as an important aspect of the chaplains’ task. The style of doing these<br />

<strong>service</strong>s is important. Case studies are discussed and participants are<br />

given the opportunity to grow through an experimental approach by the<br />

practical implementation of Scriptural and ethical values. A choir was<br />

also established to enhance spirituality in the unit.<br />

HIV and AIDS is a great challenge in Mpumalanga. The chaplain works<br />

closely with the SAMHS multi-disciplinary team and the Area Military<br />

Health Unit Mpumalanga to combat HIV and AIDS. HIV positive<br />

members are also invited to a weekly support group. The chaplain is<br />

also part of many HIV and AIDS Prevention Projects, including a very<br />

successful so-called Mass Antics Event that took place during Condom<br />

Awareness Week. The CHATSEC program is presented in all units as<br />

part of the HIV prevention campaign. Outside his home unit, the chaplain<br />

is also part of a development team that develops CHATSEC Courses for<br />

SADC Countries, the SAPS and the broader SANDF.<br />

The chaplain regards his involvement with the local community of special<br />

importance. In this regard he has close contact with the chaplains and<br />

social workers of the SAPS. He also takes part in prayer meetings as<br />

organized by the regional Department of Transport, in order to secure<br />

safe public transport. Apart from this, he is always involved in his own<br />

church and other churches activities.<br />

Lastly, although his work is demanding and includes a merry mixture of<br />

events, it is always his pleasure to serve people and God. SOLI DEO<br />

GLORIA!


BIRTH OF CHAPLAINS’ SPOUSES ORGANISATION<br />

Senior <strong>Chaplain</strong>s and their spouses during Bronkhorstspruit “lekgotla”<br />

The need arose that chaplains’ spouses should<br />

form an organisation to assist and support<br />

chaplains at work. This kind of organisation<br />

was in existence for some time and stopped<br />

to exist in the early nineties. The need emerged<br />

to revive it. The initial stage for this was<br />

made during the meeting of some of the<br />

senior chaplains and their spouses in<br />

Bronkhorstspruit (East of Tshwane) on 11<br />

June this year. A total of 23 people ie, the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen and his spouse Lizette<br />

converged and devised means of re-activating<br />

this organisation.<br />

The spouses were given enough time alone to<br />

look into this issue. During that session, they<br />

unanimously agreed that this project should<br />

go on. A committee was formed out of the<br />

volunteers. This committee will organise<br />

quarterly meetings for chaplains’ families<br />

firstly around Pretoria, and thereafter will<br />

expand to cover the entire country.<br />

During the afternoon of the same day, the team<br />

visited the Buddhist Temple (Nan Hua<br />

Temple).<br />

CHAPLAINS AND SPOUSES IN NORTH WEST MEET ANNUALLY<br />

By Cpln John McKaig<br />

Once a year, chaplains in North West get<br />

together with their spouses and children for a<br />

“Braai and fellowship evening”. This year this<br />

event took place on 21 October at ASB<br />

Potchefstroom.<br />

This time it was very special because the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General and his spouse joined them<br />

for one evening. Other chaplains could not<br />

make it because they were on deployment but<br />

their families attended the event.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ spouses in North West<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen shared with them about<br />

some of the <strong>new</strong> and exciting things that will<br />

be happening in the future. The rest of the<br />

evening was spent together where they shared<br />

their lives’ experiences.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s came from as far as Zeerust and<br />

Mafikeng. Events such as these are important<br />

because they help in building the bond among<br />

chaplains and their families.<br />

AIR FORCE BASE<br />

WATERKLOOF RUNWAY<br />

WALK <strong>2005</strong><br />

By Cpln Melanie Smit, AFB Waterkloof,<br />

Tshwane<br />

One of the events that personnel and the<br />

community of Air Force Base (AFB)<br />

Waterkloof organize and participate in every<br />

year is the AFB Waterkloof Runway Walk.<br />

This year it was held on 19 August. This was<br />

the fifth time the Runway Walk has been held<br />

at AFB Waterkloof.<br />

Note Cpln Melanie Smit (first from right)<br />

during the walk<br />

Cpln Kobus de Lange initiated this event in<br />

2000 when the people of AFB Waterkloof<br />

wanted to collect money for the Bible Society<br />

of SA so that more Bibles can be distributed<br />

to people who do not have or can’t afford<br />

them. Since the success of the first event in<br />

2000, the whole activity became an annual<br />

event on the calendar of AFB Waterkloof.<br />

The Runway started in front of the Air Traffic<br />

Control Tower. The Officer Commanding of<br />

AFB Waterkloof Brig Gen W.S. Mbambo<br />

opened the event and then an aircraft towed<br />

in front of the people led the crowd on the 5<br />

km walk. The Fire Brigade bade the crowd a<br />

good walk by a display from one of their fire<br />

engines. It was also a great opportunity to walk<br />

on the runway where many aircrafts land and<br />

take off during the year.<br />

(f.l.t.r.) Mr L. Geldenhuys (Bible Society of<br />

SA), Cpln Kobus de Lange and<br />

Brig Gen W.S. Mbambo (OC AFB<br />

Waterkloof)<br />

The Runway Walk was however not only for<br />

the people of AFB Waterkloof. The community<br />

around AFB Waterkloof was also invited<br />

including members from other <strong>service</strong>s.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 17


Those that wanted, bought a medallion of the Bibles Society. The money<br />

of the medallions as well as other donations went to the Bible Society of<br />

SA for the distribution of Bibles. An amount of R6000 was collected. Brig<br />

Gen W.S. Mbambo officially handed over the money to Mr Lourens<br />

CPLN B. JOHNSON IS A MODERATOR OF<br />

AFRIKAANS REFORMED CHURCH IN SA<br />

Cpln B. Johnson<br />

TIME FOR CPLN S.M. (STEVE) VAN<br />

JAARSVELDT TO MOVE ON<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> to the School of Armour, Steve van Jaarsveldt is leaving the<br />

SANDF after many years of <strong>service</strong>. His career as a soldier has taken him to<br />

interesting places and equipped him for the <strong>new</strong> challenges he faces.<br />

From the age of six his parents sent him to Sunday school. In this way the seed<br />

of the Gospel was planted and although he never gave religious matters any<br />

serious thought at the time, he surrendered his life to Christ at the age of nineteen<br />

as he recognized his most crucial need of Him for salvation.<br />

He was doing his two years of compulsory National Service in the army at the<br />

time. He had the rank of lieutenant in the SA Infantry and was mustered as a<br />

Platoon Commander. He placed his faith<br />

in Christ and in this way appropriated<br />

the work accomplished by Christ for<br />

those who believe.<br />

His conversion was a process that Steve<br />

believes had its foundation in those early<br />

days of Sunday school and progressed<br />

until he could say like the man born<br />

blind: “One thing I do know. I was blind<br />

but now I see!” (John 9:25) Having<br />

completed his compulsory military<br />

<strong>service</strong> he worked in a bank but soon<br />

recognized a clear call to serve the Lord<br />

in the ministry. At the age of twenty three<br />

Steve pursued full time study at the<br />

Baptist Theological College of Southern<br />

Africa and graduated four years later<br />

with the Licentiate in Theology. His first<br />

church appointment was at Trinity<br />

Baptist Church in Port Elizabeth. Two<br />

years later he was given the opportunity<br />

to serve as chaplain to 1 SA Infantry<br />

Battalion in Tempe. At this stage he was already married. He was later transferred<br />

to the School of Amour. At his <strong>new</strong> unit Steve was able to gain valuable insight<br />

into military operations and in 1996 he attended the Junior Command and Staff<br />

Duties course at the SA Army College. This was followed by the Senior Staff<br />

course that he completed at the end of 1998.<br />

Steve has enjoyed his military career enormously and feels honoured to have<br />

served in such a professional environment. At the School of Amour Steve busied<br />

himself with his pastoral responsibilities, trained the judo team and was the<br />

editor of Corbadus the unit’s <strong>new</strong>sletter. Earlier this year (<strong>2005</strong>) a <strong>new</strong><br />

opportunity arose for him and his family to relocate to Brisbane, Australia.<br />

Steve will be joining the staff at the Parklands Baptist Church and his wife will<br />

be teaching at Brown’s State High School.<br />

Steve is married to Sharon and has been blessed with two sons; David and<br />

Michael. We wish them well and trust that the Lord will undertake for them<br />

with their <strong>new</strong> endeavors.<br />

18 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Cpln Basil Johnson was elected moderator of his<br />

church during their synod in session from<br />

1 December last year. The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service is proud<br />

to note the confidence that churches have on their<br />

ministers who have been seconded to become<br />

chaplains in the SANDF.<br />

Cpln Basil Johnson is currently a chaplain at 46 SA<br />

Brigade, married to Liz and blessed with children.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service congratulates him and wishes<br />

him God’s richly blessing for the future.<br />

Cpln Steve van Jaarsveld<br />

and his family<br />

Geldenhuys, the Director of the Bible Society of SA. Mr<br />

Geldenhuys donated a special Bible edition to AFB Waterkloof<br />

in recognition of their continued involvement in donating<br />

money to the Bible Society of SA.<br />

PRETORIA (TSHWANE) SHOW <strong>2005</strong>,<br />

A SUCCESS!<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen and his SSOs during his visit to the show<br />

Cplns Hein Kotze and B.J. Moncho in action at the show<br />

Tshwane (Pretoria) Show took place from 24 August to 4<br />

September at the Pretoria Show Grounds. The chaplains’ stall in<br />

Hall F received a lot of guests who congratulated chaplains on<br />

the work they are doing within the DOD and their involvement<br />

in peace support operations in the region. Items that were<br />

exhibited included religious literature, posters, promotional<br />

videos, camouflaged Bibles, etc.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General paid a courtesy visit to our stall on 30<br />

August. He was accompanied by his SSOs.<br />

We as the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service are grateful for the support and<br />

prayers from many visitors. We also want to thank all the visitors,<br />

chaplains who participated as communicators as well as Acting<br />

Director of Visual Communication for the role he played in<br />

support of the chaplains.<br />

from Services,<br />

Formations<br />

and Units


TRIBUTE TRIBUTE T TTO<br />

T O THE THE LA LATE LA TE CPLN CPLN (REV) (REV) M.J. M.J. MT MTSHALI MT SHALI<br />

By Cpln (Ds) B.J. Moncho – Nodal Point Pastoral Service Section SAMHS HQ<br />

Cpln (Rev) Mpostoli Josiah Mtshali joined the SANDF on 1 July 1997 and served at 118 SAI Bn until 2002. He was then transferred from<br />

the SA Army to the SAMHS at the General Support Base Thaba Tshwane.<br />

His achievements were as follows:<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service: Administrative Enrichment Seminar “Ministry<br />

Management” 06-09 October 1997<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ Formative Course –20 to 31 July 1998<br />

• Basic Induction for Professional Officers at SA Military Health<br />

Combat Training Centre – 12 to16 July 2004<br />

• Certificate: Division for Contextual Ministry – Continuing Theology<br />

Training (Basic Course in Preaching) Vista 02 February 2001<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ HIV & AIDS Trainers’ Course “Combating HIV & AIDS<br />

Through Spiritual and Ethical Conduct” – 24 to 28 February 2003<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ Enrichment Seminar in Pastoral Counseling – 02 May –<br />

July 2000<br />

• Certificate: Best Development in Pastoral Counseling May 1999 to<br />

July 2000<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong> in Peace Support Operation Course presented by the Canadian<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service – 08 to 12 September 2003<br />

• <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen’s Merit Certificate awarded in meritorious <strong>service</strong> 24 February <strong>2005</strong><br />

• Unit Trophy for loyal and dedicated <strong>service</strong> dated 23/04/1999 – 25/01/2002<br />

(118 SAI BN)<br />

• A walk through the Bible Experiencing Spiritual Breakthroughs – 23 January 2003<br />

• Unit Commander’s Commendation Certificate 118 SAI BN – 02 December 2000<br />

Mpostoli Josiah Mtshali was born on the 14th of March 1971 at Rietkol. He started school at<br />

Bhek’mfundo Primary School in Holfontein and later attended Bazani Primary School in Delmas.<br />

Thereafter, he matriculated at Botleng Senior Secondary School. He obtained a Diploma in Theology from the Spiritual Churches Research<br />

and Theological Training Institute in 1995<br />

The late Cpln Mtshali, was loved and respected by many soldiers. He was dedicated to his calling and strong in character. He was indeed a man<br />

of his time, with resourceful ideas, who could extricate himself from positions of utmost difficulties. In addition he was a soldier and a fighter<br />

for the right cause. He leaves behind his wife, two sons and a daughter. His burial took place in Olifantsfontein and the burial rites were<br />

conducted by Cpln Gen, Brig Gen M. Cornelissen, the preacher was the acting SSO SAMHS Pastoral Service, Cpln H.H.M. Klein and the<br />

Programme Director Cpln B.J. Moncho.<br />

The late Cpln Mtshali will be missed greatly. May his soul rest in peace.<br />

CHAPLAINS DURING CONVENTIONAL OPERATIONS<br />

Cpln (Dr) S.G van Niekerk<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>: SA Army Combat Training Centre<br />

Kenneth Anderson, an Australian chaplain during World War 1<br />

in France, wrote that:<br />

The influence of a chaplain over the men depends on one<br />

thing - his obvious physical bravery. Everyone can value<br />

courage, for all know the meaning of fear. All things may<br />

be forgiven to the chaplain who shows himself prepared to<br />

share their dangers; nothing can mitigate the failure of the<br />

man who is not.<br />

True to this proud tradition eleven chaplains took part in Exercise<br />

Seboka at Lohatlha in the Northern Cape. While ministering to<br />

their respective units, the chaplains were given “in post training”<br />

at the SA Army Combat Training Centre by Cplns Johan and<br />

Sybrand van Niekerk, Basil Johnson, as well as various<br />

instructors of CTC. For some of the chaplains the experience<br />

was a rude awakening to the harsh reality of conventional<br />

warfare, others took to it like old, battle hardened soldiers.<br />

The chaplains were taught how to read a 1:50 000 map, how to<br />

plot their positions and how to navigate from one point to<br />

another. Radio speech procedures and networks were practised,<br />

and they learnt to recognise the various call signs encountered<br />

in a battle formation. They were confronted with a reality check<br />

in which the emotions experienced by soldiers under combat<br />

situations were highlighted. Examples were taken from<br />

Operation Desert Storm and UN operations in Sierra Leone, showing that<br />

chaplains could be maimed and are vulnerable to death. They realised that<br />

the chaplain would be subjected to the same emotions of fear, hardship and<br />

uncertainty as their fellow soldiers, while still needing to function effectively<br />

as a “hope-giver”. The chaplains became part of the Brigade’s planning cell<br />

and had to write their own chaplain support plans and decision briefs for the<br />

various unit commanders. The chaplains then deployed operationally with<br />

the various units and supported the members during the execution phase of<br />

the exercise.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s who participated in Exercise Seboka<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 19


CHAPLAINS SERVICE AND EXTERNAL DEPLOYMENT:<br />

BURUNDI / THE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO<br />

CHAPLAINS SERVICE IN BURUNDI<br />

DURING THE TIME OF CPLNS<br />

S.K. MUSERI, M.F. BLOM AND<br />

B.J. VAN DER WALT<br />

By Cpln S.K. Museri<br />

Choir by deployed SANDF members in Burundi supported by<br />

chaplains<br />

Situational background<br />

The RSA Contingent was supported by three chaplains, under the<br />

leadership of Cpln S.K. Museri as the Contingent Cpln. Cpln M.F.<br />

Blom was with the 4 SAI Battalion and Cpln B.J. van der Walt was<br />

with the VIPPU. The three of us were working together very<br />

professionally. We met every Monday mornings to compile our<br />

monthly reports, share the latest <strong>new</strong>s and plan our work.<br />

Ministry to the Local Community<br />

Our relationship with the local religious communities was<br />

important. Contact was made with local religious leaders. For<br />

instance, we first met Bishop Nzeyimana Noe, the General Secretary<br />

of the Burundi Council of Churches (BCC). This meeting facilitated<br />

our meeting with the BCC to discuss issues of religious importance<br />

with regard to peace in the region. It was good to learn that the<br />

BCC had ties with the South African Council of Churches (SACC).<br />

On many occasions, we were invited to preach at local churches.<br />

The RSA Contingent had a choir that sang during the church<br />

<strong>service</strong>s.<br />

Contingent <strong>Chaplain</strong> at Work<br />

A daily routine would start at 07h00. Everyday different Force<br />

Structure Elements (FSEs) would have a parade with Scripture<br />

reading and prayer and the very FSEs had chaplains’ periods on<br />

their scheduled days. The Contingent <strong>Chaplain</strong> was responsible<br />

for Multi Professional Team and the MCDC meetings and functions.<br />

Letters to the deployed family members were sent from our<br />

environment to give support to the families. The South African<br />

National Contingent Commander, Col N.A. Ncube played a<br />

supportive role to the Contingent <strong>Chaplain</strong>.<br />

A CD with mainly Gospel songs was recorded and produced. The<br />

funding of the CD came from choir members who sacrificed part<br />

of their water allowance.<br />

Conclusion<br />

The office of <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen must be congratulated for giving<br />

chaplains the opportunity to deploy externally. We are proud to<br />

have made a difference in the Great Lakes region.<br />

20 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

SANDF CHAPLAINS SEVICE IN BURUNDI:<br />

10 AUGUST 2004 TO 7 FEBRUARY <strong>2005</strong><br />

By Cpln L.A. Xolilizwe<br />

The responsibility of the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service was to support SANDF<br />

members on spiritual and moral matters and to promote a relationship<br />

between own forces and the local population.<br />

Orphanage<br />

An orphanage was established for children who lost their parents as a<br />

result of war and HIV& AIDS. At some stage we had up to 150 children.<br />

The children were supported morally, spiritually and materially. They<br />

Cpln L.A. Xolilizwe (centre) with children in Burundi<br />

were given blankets, food and clothes. Military Welfare Officers<br />

(MWOs), as well as female soldiers, played a prominent role in the<br />

maintenance of the orphanage.<br />

Kabezi<br />

SANDF members were also deployed to the area called Kabezi where<br />

Burundian government forces clashed with the rebel forces. In that<br />

situation, co-operation with local religious leaders was important for<br />

the purpose of peace and stability. The SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service<br />

played a considerable role in building a relationship in this regard. As<br />

Cpln L.A. Xolilizwe with church and community leaders<br />

fruits of the efforts of the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service, a peace prayer day was<br />

organised at Kabezi and was attended by senior members of the United<br />

Nations in Burundi.<br />

Assistance to Widows<br />

Through the request of UN Force commander, Maj Gen Mgwebi, the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service was asked to assist women who lost their husbands<br />

as a result of war to get their financial grants/assistance from Burundian<br />

government. The challenge was that there was ethnical divide between<br />

the women and that others were fighting for the government while<br />

others were on the rebels’ side. In that environment, the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

Service addressed those challenges.


THE STORY OF CPLN J.N. JAPHTA DURING HIS DEPLOYMENT IN THE DEMOCRATIC<br />

REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO (DRC)<br />

Introduction<br />

October 2004 to 27<br />

April <strong>2005</strong> was for<br />

me a time when I<br />

rendered a <strong>service</strong> to<br />

our troops in<br />

deployment. I had<br />

the opportunity to be<br />

part of Mistral 8 in<br />

Kinshasa the capital<br />

Cpln J.N. Japhta city of the DRC. We<br />

arrived on a very hot day in Kinshasa, with<br />

the temperature between 38-40 degrees. The<br />

ruins were evidence that the DRC was still at<br />

war in the North and the North East. People<br />

were misplaced and families scattered.<br />

Challenges on the Ground<br />

Our contingent members were deployed in the<br />

Cpln J.N. Japhta, Mistal 8<br />

first week to the sectors in locations like:<br />

Kananga, Kisangane, Kalemile, Kunda,<br />

Bukavu, Mbandaka and Goma. This means<br />

that the chaplain was to travel and visit all of<br />

them.<br />

The support team was all up to the challenges.<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>, Military Welfare Officer<br />

(MWO) and Medical Personnel supported our<br />

members in their specialized ways. The loss<br />

of family members while in deployment,<br />

falling ill (Malaria), stress and depression<br />

were just some of the examples. The chaplain<br />

and MWO were always busy to lead the<br />

members with programmes to uplift and<br />

enrich them spiritually, socially and ethically.<br />

Poverty was one big challenge. But the<br />

hospitality and friendship of the people were<br />

not dampened by war.<br />

CHAPLAINS IN THE DRC THROUGH THE EYE OF CPLN T.E. MASWEU: OCTOBER 2004<br />

TO MAY <strong>2005</strong><br />

Introduction<br />

We were deployed in Kindu, the Democratic<br />

Republic of the Congo (DRC) for the duration<br />

of the period mentioned above. I was the HQ<br />

Cpln T.E. Masweu with Dep Munister of<br />

Defence Mr Mululeki George during the<br />

latter’s visit to Burundi<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> in Kindu working with the other two<br />

chaplains, Cpln T.J. Bathobakae stationed in<br />

Beni (Battalion) and Cpln J.N. Japhta stationed<br />

in Kinshasa (SANDFSPEC).<br />

Community Development<br />

Projects<br />

The first project we did was that of food parcels<br />

as Christmas gifts. We gave food parcels to<br />

more than 300 kids and more than 200 adults.<br />

By Cpln T.E. Masweu Unit: 43 SA Brigade<br />

There was also a school project that Cpln Mara<br />

initiated which we also continued to support,<br />

contributing more than $400 for the schools<br />

building project. The third project was the<br />

Orphanage home for which we donated food<br />

on monthly basis. The fourth one was that of<br />

people living with disabilities. We sponsored<br />

their annual conference with lots and lots of<br />

food. Our soldiers were also encouraged to<br />

sponsor school children with school fees and<br />

clothes. We had many requests from the<br />

churches to help them to rebuild their church<br />

structures. Through God’s guidance we<br />

managed to donate $370 to one church.<br />

It is good to note that one of the Rafikis<br />

(Bwaliso) who has been working in the<br />

chaplain’s office managed to reach the sixth<br />

year of his studies with the help of the<br />

chaplains. He is studying to become a medical<br />

doctor. In my last conversation with him in<br />

October, he told me that he passed his sixth<br />

Link with local Churches<br />

We had the opportunity to visit local churches.<br />

Most of the church <strong>service</strong>s were conducted<br />

in French or Lingaloa, (the local language).<br />

We were also privileged to help the orphans<br />

and street children. Lt Col Conradie the<br />

Officer Commanding of Mistral 8 was a great<br />

support to the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service. He<br />

facilitated our support to the local churches<br />

and their projects.<br />

Conclusion<br />

I would like to thank the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General<br />

for this opportunity and also want to thank<br />

my wife Yolanda for her support and love. We<br />

wish all our members in deployed areas, God’s<br />

blessing.<br />

year and he is now in the final year. He was<br />

very thankful for the support we gave him.<br />

Cplns Japhta and Bathobakae worked tirelessly<br />

to help the communities they were deployed<br />

in. They initiated projects that benefited local<br />

people greatly. Goma for that matter mourned<br />

when our soldiers were moved to Beni. They<br />

valued our presence due to the good work our<br />

soldiers did there.<br />

Our soldiers not only continued to display a<br />

picture of true soldiering, but also as soldiers<br />

who can entertain the youth. We formulated<br />

an African Traditional dance group in which<br />

we displayed our own South African culture<br />

and tradition. We performed for the local<br />

schools, churches, the community at large and<br />

other UN contingents.<br />

We wish the people of the DRC and those<br />

military practitioners who are involved in Peace<br />

Keeping Operations, God’s blessing and love.<br />

Cpln T.E. Masweu (first from left middle) with the locals in Burundi<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 21


SAAF CHAPLAINS’ CONFERENCE <strong>2005</strong> YSTERPLAAT<br />

The Chief of the South African Air Force<br />

every year supports the drive of the chaplains<br />

in the Air Force, to host a work session. We<br />

gathered at Air Force Base Ysterplaat from<br />

20 – 22 August <strong>2005</strong>.<br />

The conference was officially opened with a<br />

candle-lighting ceremony when each Air<br />

Force Unit <strong>Chaplain</strong> was presented with a<br />

22 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s and Conferences<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen with Air Force <strong>Chaplain</strong>s at<br />

their conference<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen receiving a prayer booklet<br />

from <strong>Chaplain</strong> A. Burt<br />

Air Force <strong>Chaplain</strong>s during candle lighting<br />

ceremony at conference<br />

unique candle, depicting the unit’s badge.<br />

These candles will be kept at the respective<br />

units. The candles were lit by the SSO<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service SAAF, Col (Rev) Mantsi<br />

Mohapi. Annually these candles will be lit at<br />

our conference.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s presented what the ministry at their<br />

units entailed. They had the opportunity to<br />

benchmark with each other. They shared<br />

information on sermons, devotions and<br />

chaplain’s periods. The CD, with all the<br />

presentations was distributed at the<br />

conference.<br />

During their visit to the Cape they could not<br />

ignore an opportunity to visit the South<br />

African Navy. They appreciated the<br />

hospitality of the SA Navy. In Simonstown<br />

they experienced the wet conditions of the SA<br />

Navy on a ‘Lima’ boat and also toured SAS<br />

MENDI, one of the <strong>new</strong> corvettes.<br />

They were honoured by the presence of<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General, Brig Gen (Rev) M.<br />

Cornelissen, Cols Z.A. Makalima and P.<br />

Oberholzer. They enlightened them on recent<br />

developments in the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service. It was<br />

a proud moment when they presented the<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen with the first copy of their<br />

SAAF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ Devotional Booklet,<br />

confirming the chaplains’ commitment to<br />

promote the SAAF Core Values:<br />

INTEGRITY<br />

DIGNITY EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE DO<br />

SERVICE BEFORE SELF<br />

WORK SESSION ON DEVELOPMENT<br />

OF CHAPLAINS’ PERIODS<br />

In ensuring that the <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service<br />

addresses the relevant issues in 2006, a worksession<br />

was held to develop themes for<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ periods. A number of chaplains<br />

under the leadership of the SSO Training<br />

attended. The results and material will be<br />

available to all chaplains at the annual<br />

conference in February next year.<br />

RETREAT FOR CHAPLAIN GENERAL<br />

STAFF COUNCIL!<br />

In line with the core objectives of self-care, all<br />

chaplains will over the next two years attend a<br />

spiritual retreat. The first group that participated<br />

was the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen Staff Council. It was held<br />

on 14 to 16 November this year at Good<br />

Shepherd Retreat Centre, Hartebeespoort dam<br />

area, North West province.<br />

The facilitator during that period was Dr.<br />

George Malek, Director of Ecumenical Pastoral<br />

Institute.<br />

SSOs during the retreat with<br />

Dr George Malek (third from left front)<br />

SA ARMY CPLNS<br />

CONFERENCE17-20 MAY 05<br />

By Cpln C.F. De Kock, ASB Bloemfontein<br />

SA Army <strong>Chaplain</strong>s during conference<br />

Bloemfontein, the capital of the Free State<br />

province, was chosen as venue for the first<br />

SANDF Army chaplains’ conference.<br />

Col (Rev) T.J. Molaba opened the conference<br />

on 17 May and welcomed the army chaplains,<br />

emphasizing the important work they are<br />

doing in supporting our members spiritually,<br />

ethically and socially.<br />

He also specifically asked the Lord’s blessing<br />

for the conference. Brig Gen M.M. Moadira<br />

did the welcoming on behalf of the Army<br />

Support Base (ASB) Bloemfontein. The final<br />

word of welcome came from Col W. Nondala,<br />

Officer Commanding from the School of<br />

Armour, whose conference facilities were<br />

used.<br />

The first day’s work was rounded off by a<br />

traditional “braai”. Old friendships were<br />

strengthened and “war stories” exchanged.<br />

The main item on the agenda for Wednesday<br />

18 May was the address by the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen,<br />

Brig Gen M. Cornelissen. We all looked<br />

forward to this, not only that the <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Gen was speaking, but also the special nature<br />

of the place where his address was delivered.<br />

Just after breakfast we left Bloemfontein for<br />

Ladybrand, our destination being the Anglican<br />

Church, St. Augustines at Modderpoort. The<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen spoke earnestly on discipline<br />

and professionalism. He reminded us of the<br />

Code of Conduct which we all signed as<br />

uniformed members of the SANDF. The<br />

chaplains also had the opportunity to ask<br />

questions on personnel, logistic and ministry<br />

matters.<br />

After the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen’s address, Fr Charles<br />

Lange, the resident priest at Modderpoort,<br />

took us on a tour round the estate. The farm<br />

Modderpoort was bought by the first Anglican<br />

Bishop of Bloemfontein, the Rt Revd Edward<br />

Twells in 1867. He started the first religious<br />

order in South Africa called the Society of St.<br />

Augustine. Because there was no


accommodation available on their arrival, they<br />

converted a sandstone shelter into a place of<br />

worship and a dwelling place for more than a<br />

year. A High School and Teachers’ Training<br />

College was opened in 1929 and some 700<br />

teachers graduated from this college. Many<br />

highly esteemed women and men were<br />

educated there, like Mrs. Winkie Direko, the<br />

previous Premier of the Free State. Sadly, as<br />

a result of the introduction of the Bantu<br />

Education Act by the previous Government,<br />

the governing body refused to introduce an<br />

inferior education system and the facility<br />

closed its doors in 1955.<br />

Fr Lange also related the legend of Mantsopa<br />

to us. She was a contemporary of King<br />

Moshoeshoe, a prophetess known as Mme<br />

(Mother) Mantsopa, Anna Makheta. She<br />

gained a large following in Lesotho during<br />

King Mosheshoe’s reign as Paramount Chief.<br />

It is believed that she was baptized by the<br />

French missionaries at Morija, and then<br />

banned from Lesotho by King Moshoeshoe.<br />

Mme Mantsopa was then taken in by St.<br />

Augustine missionaries where she lived and<br />

worshipped until her passing away at the age<br />

of 111 years. Fr Lange took us to her gothic<br />

style grave and spoke in length how it has<br />

become a place of pilgrimage for all Sesotho<br />

speaking people.<br />

After lunch, the chaplains went to the natural<br />

spring where Mme Mantsopa spent much of<br />

her quiet time. This spring is also believed to<br />

have healing powers. The chaplains bought<br />

bottles of Mantsopa spring water to take home.<br />

We left feeling refreshed and at peace.<br />

On the morning of 19 May Maj Gen J. Jooste,<br />

Chief Dir Army Corps Svcs addressed the<br />

chaplains. His theme was; The chaplain,<br />

walking the narrow road. He said there are<br />

many forces influencing the chaplain, e.g.<br />

external, political, organizational and<br />

transformational. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s are members of<br />

their church denominations and must stay true<br />

to their confession. A chaplain is also a<br />

military practitioner and must conduct him/<br />

herself in a professional manner. The chaplain<br />

also as a member of the military community,<br />

must respect the hierarchy of the organization.<br />

He/she is also a member of a family that must<br />

be nourished, supported and loved. Apart<br />

from special knowledge, skills and the right<br />

attitude, the chaplain must also, when working<br />

with people, have the three Fs viz; Fair, Firm<br />

and Friendly. All these must manifest<br />

themselves in the social, physical, emotional,<br />

cognitive and spiritual spheres of the<br />

chaplain’s life.<br />

In the afternoon, the chaplains attended the<br />

Chief of the SANDF’s farewell parade that<br />

was presented by the SA Army. The neatness<br />

of the members on parade, the precision with<br />

which the drill movements were executed and<br />

the pride of everybody present, instilled hope<br />

for the future in the chaplains. After the parade<br />

the chaplains were entertained by 1 SSB.<br />

The highlight of the last day of the conference<br />

was when the Armour Formation bade Cpln<br />

Steve van Jaarsveldt farewell. He accepted a<br />

calling to a Baptist Congregation in Brisbane,<br />

Australia.<br />

STRATEGIC WORK SESSION AT POTCHEFSTROOM<br />

The outcomes of <strong>Chaplain</strong> General’s two<br />

Strategic Work Sessions (one held in<br />

November last year at Pretoria and the other<br />

held at Banana Beach Resort in February this<br />

year) strongly indicated a great need for a<br />

relevant <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service to make a spiritual,<br />

social and ethical impact on the functioning<br />

of all members in the DOD. After consulting<br />

with all role players, six Key Performance<br />

Areas (KPAs) were identified and prioritized.<br />

A strategic work group session to develop an<br />

operational strategy for spiritual and moral<br />

Participants at the work session<br />

support in the SANDF was then held over<br />

the period 6 – 10 Jun 05 at Potchefstroom.<br />

The aim of this work session was to develop<br />

a draft Strategic Spiritual & Moral Support<br />

Plan for the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General Staff Council,<br />

by making use of the six identified KPAs.<br />

After four days of very hard work and inputs<br />

by all the participants, the plan was presented<br />

to <strong>Chaplain</strong> General and his Staff Council on<br />

10 June this year and was approved in<br />

principle.<br />

SA INFANTRY CHAPLAINS’<br />

CONFERENCE AT THE SEA<br />

By Cpln Hannes (P.J.A) Steenkamp<br />

9 SA INFANTRY BATTALION<br />

Infantry <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s of the SA Army Infantry<br />

Formation, under the leadership of the<br />

Formation <strong>Chaplain</strong>, Cpln (Rev) S.J. Dithipe,<br />

left their landward inclination for the week of<br />

18-24 October and gathered for a conference<br />

at Simonstown. Welcomed by the Flag Officer<br />

Commanding Naval Base Simonstown, R<br />

Adm (JG) S.L. Pillay, and the Acting Officer<br />

Commanding 9 SAI Bn, Maj S. Engelbrecht,<br />

the chaplains felt immediately at home in the<br />

Cape.<br />

Deployment Resilience was the main focus<br />

of the conference. The attendees were<br />

honoured and the importance of resilience was<br />

highlighted by the presence of Chief HR, Maj<br />

Gen L.S. Mollo and Cpln General, Brig Gen<br />

(Rev) M. Cornelissen, as well as (chaplain)<br />

Cols T.J. Molaba (SA Army Office), J. Dill<br />

(Cpln Gen Div), M.C. Dladla (CJ Ops) and<br />

P.J. Oberholzer (CJ Training).<br />

In his address Maj Gen Mollo stressed the<br />

importance of people, not only in the DOD,<br />

but also in a democratic South Africa – people<br />

that must be cared for. In the DOD the military<br />

chaplains play a vital role in the care of people<br />

and the chaplains must not underestimate their<br />

role.<br />

Cpln S.M. Thabalaka handing over a gift to<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen from Infantry <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

In his address Brig Gen Cornelissen, amongst<br />

other issues, stressed the importance of<br />

resilience as the families in the DOD members<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 23


<strong>Chaplain</strong>s and Conferences<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s and Conferences<br />

24 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

have to cope so often with separation. His<br />

presence and words were much appreciated<br />

especially in view of the fact that he has lost<br />

his stepfather and had to conduct the funeral<br />

during the time of the conference. All present<br />

offered him and his family their condolences<br />

and committed them in prayer to God’s care<br />

during the difficult time.<br />

The Worksession built on the work that was<br />

done since October 2004 by the Infantry<br />

Formation. Preliminary guidelines were<br />

formulated from the inputs received from the<br />

chaplains by a work group and it was time to<br />

put them into practice. The chairperson of<br />

the work group, Cpln (Rev) Hannes<br />

Steenkamp tested some aspects of the program<br />

in 9 SAI Bn before their deployment to<br />

Burundi in August this year and gave feedback<br />

on the results, findings and practical<br />

challenges.<br />

Mrs. Ina Steenkamp, Chief Social Worker at<br />

Tygerberg Hospital, took it a step further and<br />

introduced the chaplains over two days to the<br />

practice of a proper needs assessment, the<br />

planning of a life skills program, the<br />

evaluation of such program and the practical<br />

facilitation of different skills in support of<br />

families to cope effectively with separation.<br />

She compiled a condensed manual with the<br />

necessary handouts to assist the chaplains and<br />

guide them through the presentation of topics<br />

Infantry <strong>Chaplain</strong>s, the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen and invited speakers<br />

like communication, a positive mental<br />

attitude, problem solving, financial<br />

management, conflict management and stress<br />

management. The topic of stress management<br />

at the end of the workshop was thoroughly<br />

enjoyed.<br />

Relaxed and refreshed, the chaplains took it<br />

the Wednesday afternoon to the sea. Wrapped<br />

up in life jackets, the orange crowd got<br />

carefully into a boat. Seated in two nice rows,<br />

they enjoyed a tour of the harbour and a short<br />

trip to the open sea. Back on solid<br />

ground, they visited the corvette SAS<br />

ISANDLWANA.<br />

The last day was utilized for business.<br />

Regional annual reports were presented and<br />

general matters were discussed. Positive<br />

feedback was also given on two other projects<br />

of the formation. The devotional booklet with<br />

Scripture readings and prayers for each day<br />

of the year, as well as the induction booklet<br />

for <strong>new</strong> chaplains, were near completion.<br />

Thanks to the team work of the chaplains and<br />

the dedication of Cpln (Rev) J. Bosman who<br />

co-ordinated these projects. Unfortunately the<br />

conference had to greet a number of chaplains<br />

who are leaving the formation and Cpln<br />

Dithipe thanked them for their contribution<br />

and wished them well in their <strong>new</strong> work<br />

environments.


HINDU Hindu Hindu PERSPECTIVE Perspective Perspective on on ON Ethics<br />

Ethics ETHICS<br />

By Cpln (Vipra) K.K. Pillay<br />

PREAMBLE<br />

Ethics may be defined as the study of conduct<br />

and the playing out of this conduct. Conduct<br />

in turn is guided by the will, which may be<br />

pious or impious. While the pious will lead to<br />

righteous conduct conducive to the highest<br />

good, the impious will beget unrighteous<br />

conduct resulting in evil.<br />

Hindu ethics is based on the premise that God<br />

(Brahman) and the Self within man are one.<br />

Behind psycho-physical man is the Divine Self,<br />

God (Ayam Aatma Brahman); that man and his<br />

maker are one.<br />

The Self, which is the innermost core of one’s<br />

being, is different from the physical, mental<br />

and sensory being. The ego also cannot be the<br />

self as it is a mental idea.<br />

The Self may be compared with a wave in the<br />

ocean. In as much as the wave is non-different<br />

to the ocean, the Self is non-different to God.<br />

This whole universe is a manifestation of the<br />

Self, which is God. Hence another scriptural<br />

declaration “All this is indeed Brahman”<br />

(Sarvam khalu idam Brahman). An injury to<br />

any one therefore is an injury to one’s Self. So<br />

it is necessary to love those around one for the<br />

sake of the Self. One should therefore not cause<br />

pain to any creature. Hence yet another<br />

scriptural injunction “Non injury is the greatest<br />

act of goodness” (Ahimsa paramo dharma). It<br />

follows then, that hate for anything stems from<br />

ignorance of the universal unity. The goal of<br />

Hinduism is to experience the divinity within<br />

as well as without one’s self.<br />

Hindu ethics therefore differs from modern day<br />

scientific ethics, which says that whatever is<br />

suitable for the survival of the individual or<br />

group is good for it.<br />

ETHICAL CONDUCT AS RELIGIOUS<br />

DUTY<br />

Hindu ethics may be divided into subjective or<br />

personal ethics and objective or social ethics.<br />

Subjective ethics are concerned with the<br />

individual’s progression to a higher ideal<br />

through the elimination of impurities such as<br />

lust, anger and greed. Objective ethics is a<br />

means of helping society to rid itself of selfcenteredness,<br />

and other vices, and in this way<br />

creates an environment for the pursuit of the<br />

highest good that transcends society.<br />

In the mundane lives of Hindus, there are<br />

different types of religious duties such as:<br />

a) those pertaining to the individual, b) those<br />

revolving around the family c) those<br />

involving the community d) those relating<br />

to the country and e) those affecting<br />

mankind in general. In as much as<br />

following health, hygiene, and dietary<br />

rules sustains the body, moral and ethical<br />

principles sustain the mind.<br />

In the Hindu tradition, person duties are<br />

determined by the stage of life to which he<br />

belongs, viz. student, householder,<br />

recluse, and renunciate.<br />

He in the first stage cultivates his<br />

mind and intellect for the <strong>service</strong> of<br />

society in future. During this period<br />

he leads an austere life steering clear<br />

of behavior and thoughts that will<br />

defile the mind and render it weak<br />

and unfit for the <strong>service</strong> of society.<br />

At the end of his tutelage, he may<br />

choose to live a life of renunciation<br />

or that of a householder.<br />

Marriage ushers in the second stage.<br />

Here the young person fulfills the<br />

legitimate biological and emotional deeds that<br />

lead to the propagation of the species. Husband<br />

and wife are co-partners on the path to spiritual<br />

progress, and progeny provides the opportunity<br />

to practice selflessness rather that selfishness.<br />

Wealth is acquired and pleasure enjoyed while<br />

remaining on the path of righteousness.<br />

Kindness to and care of domestic animals,<br />

guest, the destitute and homeless are part of<br />

the duties beside regular prayer.<br />

When state for worldly pleasures begin to<br />

diminish, when the hair turns grey and the skin<br />

begins to lose its turgidity, it is time for the<br />

third stage of the recluse. In this stage the<br />

individual lives a life characterized by<br />

equanimity.<br />

Hinduism recognizes four legitimate basic<br />

desires in its affirmative attitude towards life<br />

viz. dharma or righteousness, artha or wealth,<br />

kama or pleasure and moksha or freedom from<br />

the world and communion with God. While<br />

the first three fall into the realm of the world,<br />

the last is referred to as the supreme value or<br />

paramartha.<br />

Dharma is the basis of individual as well as<br />

social welfare. Artha is legitimate, as hardly<br />

anything is possible without money in the<br />

modern world. At the same time amassing huge<br />

sums of money is hurtful and vulgar. Nor<br />

should one wait to engage in charity only after<br />

he has saved a large amount of money. Kama<br />

covers a wide spectrum from conjugal love to<br />

love of the arts and sciences. Aesthetic<br />

appreciation adds vibrancy to life. Moksha or<br />

liberation from the love, attachment and<br />

delusion created by man’s finite view of life,<br />

caters for the spirit. Man cannot live by bread<br />

alone, and sooner or later he will grow distaste<br />

for it. Good works, charity, and compassion<br />

are means of correcting selfishness, but by no<br />

means the end. They will not give that peace<br />

that surpasses all understanding.<br />

Objective ethics creates an environment<br />

conducive to the cultivation of subjective ethics<br />

for the liberation of the soul. The higher Self<br />

is to be promoted by first raising the lower self.<br />

Some of the subjective ethical observances by<br />

the individual, as prescribed by Hindu<br />

Cpln Krish Pillay and wife Krishni<br />

scriptures are: control of external organs viz.<br />

Ears, eyes and mouth (See no evil, hear no evil<br />

and speak no evil) , straight forwardness at all<br />

times, abstention from injury to all creatures,<br />

absence of anger (rage), truthfulness in thought,<br />

word and deed, control of carnal desires,<br />

contentment with what you have by Gods<br />

grace, selflessness, non covetousness, modesty,<br />

compassion and kindness, forgiveness and<br />

freedom from malice.<br />

The family has to be sustained for the benefit<br />

of the individual. There must be mutual respect<br />

and self-sacrifice. One is exhorted to treat one’s<br />

mother and father as Good.<br />

Certain codes of conduct must be observed by<br />

the individual to uphold a well-integrated<br />

society. Non-violence, truthfulness, nonstealing,<br />

control of anger, control of carnal<br />

passions, charity and hospitality are some of<br />

the practices necessary.<br />

The survival of a nation is totally dependent<br />

on the survival of the individual. The individual<br />

behavior therefore has to be conducive to the<br />

sustenance of mankind.<br />

Ideally a Hindu is supposed to observe the<br />

entire ethics set out above. By self-sacrifice<br />

only is one able to pursue higher ideals, which<br />

make life meaningful and noble. Contrary to<br />

common belief, self-sacrifice is not selfdeprivation.<br />

It is self-evolution and selfpreservation.<br />

THE MORAL DILEMMA<br />

Can a man while cultivating ethical disciplines<br />

in a world characterized by strife and<br />

contractions, attain that peace and freedom that<br />

he seeks? Hinduism says that peace is possible<br />

only when man dissociates himself from ethical<br />

laws. Ethics is concerned with how life ought<br />

to be lived. A man living a moral life often<br />

chides himself for those things that he ought to<br />

have done, but did not do. The ever-present<br />

war against evil forces cannot be won by<br />

morality. Redemption is of the realm of the<br />

spirit and not of the phenomenal world, and<br />

therefore man has to transcend the moral laws<br />

of the world in order to attain to peace and<br />

freedom.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 25


Hindu<br />

Hindu HINDU<br />

Perspective<br />

PERSPECTIVE<br />

Perspective<br />

Perspective<br />

on<br />

on<br />

ON<br />

Ethics<br />

Ethics<br />

ETHICS<br />

HINDU ETHICS AND WAR<br />

It may be argued that Hindu ethics<br />

outlaws war. This is not so. The Hindu<br />

class system identified those, whose<br />

nature dictated that they be defenders of<br />

the defenseless and meek. Men, after<br />

their own nature, joined a defense unit<br />

in a sense of self-sacrifice. There were<br />

two categories of war basically:<br />

legitimate and illegitimate. That war<br />

which was fought in defence of a country<br />

or principle was legitimate. That war<br />

fought out of avariciousness, hate and<br />

greed was illegitimate. A person joining<br />

the fighting unit, therefore has no excuse<br />

not to take up arms in a legitimate war.<br />

That blood will be spilled and lives will<br />

be lost in war is inevitable. In righteous<br />

war a few will have to be sacrificed for<br />

the greater good.<br />

HINDU ETHICS AND SEX<br />

RELATED DISEASES<br />

From the list produced above, it follows<br />

that if one were to be truthful in thought,<br />

word and deed in a marriage, exert<br />

control over carnal desires, be non<br />

covetous and content, the scourge of<br />

STDs that is plaguing the world today<br />

will be controlled. It is for this reason<br />

perhaps, among others, that in India,<br />

which has one-sixth part of the world’s<br />

population, the prevalence of HIV &<br />

AIDS is not as high as in most other<br />

countries. The moment that man<br />

becomes a creature of the mind and flesh,<br />

and not of the Self, he is bound to hurtle<br />

towards his own destruction.<br />

BIBLIOGRAPHY<br />

Bhaskarananda Swami<br />

Essentials of Hinduism<br />

Sri Ramakrishna Math<br />

Sharma D.S<br />

Essence of Hinduism<br />

Bharati Vidya<br />

Bhavan<br />

Nikhilinanda Swami<br />

Hinduism-Its meaning for the Liberation<br />

of the<br />

Spirit<br />

Sri Ramakrishna math<br />

26 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

MEDITATION<br />

Dear friends, let’s love one another, because<br />

love comes from God. Whoever loves is a<br />

child of God and knows God. Whoever does<br />

not love, does not know God, for God is love.<br />

And God showed His love for us by sending<br />

His only begotten Son into the world, so that<br />

we might have love through Him. This is<br />

what love is: it is not that we have loved God,<br />

but that he loved us and sent His son to be<br />

the means by which our sins are forgiven.<br />

Dear friends, if this is how God loved us,<br />

then we should love one another…(1 John<br />

4:7-16).<br />

The concept that God is love can be seen as<br />

a central concept of the Bible. The Greek<br />

word or concept to explain God’s love is<br />

agape. Agape is not love that originates from<br />

human heart. It is not love that wants selfglorification.<br />

Agape is a spontaneous creative<br />

love that comes directly from God into the<br />

lives of Christians. As Christians, we have<br />

to share God’s love (agape) with others.<br />

In our passage John reminds us that love<br />

(agape) is the central reality of God’s nature.<br />

God expresses His love for us in the gift of<br />

His son, Jesus Christ. He died on the cross<br />

for our sins so that we may have eternal life.<br />

He is the ultimate demonstration of God’s<br />

love for us. However, we must keep in mind<br />

that this act of love was not in response to<br />

man’s love but an initiative, an act on God’s<br />

part. In these few verses John explains to us<br />

why love is valuable, and how we can choose<br />

to live love. That is why we must understand<br />

that real love is a conscious choice and an<br />

act, not a feeling or an intention. Real one<br />

produces selfless sacrificial giving. Loving<br />

therefore means initiating action without<br />

wanting something in return. God’s love in<br />

Jesus Christ is the model for the love we<br />

should have towards one another.<br />

Since God is love, our assumption is that<br />

intimate acquaintance with Him will produce<br />

love. But so often in our day-to-day<br />

interaction with one another, we experience<br />

that a spontaneous love for other is missing.<br />

How many times do we turn our back at other<br />

people, knowing they are in need? How<br />

many times do we hurt one another by means<br />

of words or deeds? It is easy to say we love<br />

God when it doesn’t cost us anything more<br />

than going to church to attend our religious<br />

<strong>service</strong>s. Just remember, when we confess<br />

our love with our mouth instead of our heart,<br />

it becomes empty.<br />

We need the foundation of our own personal<br />

relationship with God to experience His love.<br />

Only on that foundation can we identify<br />

ourselves with others and love them as God<br />

Himself loves them, the same way He loves<br />

us. What is more significant for us in our<br />

relationship with God is this: God wants us<br />

to grow in our capacity to love. As we listen<br />

By Cpln M.J. Frantz<br />

Cpln M.J. Frantz<br />

to Him and respond to His love, we can grow<br />

in our ability to love others. This is His<br />

message to us, since the beginning, when He<br />

commanded us to love one another.<br />

A person who is capable of loving another,<br />

desires to see him/herself grow. We can be<br />

certain that God loves us because His every<br />

word to us is designed to help us grow in our<br />

full potentials. God’s love for us is unselfish<br />

and unconditional. He honestly has our best<br />

interest at heart. When the love of God<br />

touches us, it transforms us completely. We<br />

cannot proclaim that we truly love God,<br />

while we neglect to love those created in His<br />

image.<br />

In our fight against HIV & AIDS, let us show<br />

God’s love to those infected and affected by<br />

this dreadful pandemic. Yes, many of us in<br />

the DOD are indeed involved in this fight<br />

but we need committed people. Committed<br />

to God’s will by making a conscious choice<br />

to love and to act on it. How do we do that?<br />

There are so many children being orphaned<br />

because of HIV and AIDS. These children<br />

will be in need of love and affection but also<br />

in need of clothes and food. By opening our<br />

hands and hearts to provide in that need, we<br />

can share God’s love, care and so many of<br />

our members that are HIV positive that need<br />

our support, love, care and understanding.<br />

In the true spirit of Christmas, let us reach<br />

out to them and share God’s love.<br />

My appeal to the DOD is: As we approach<br />

Christmas, let us make use of the opportunity<br />

to reach out and initiate actions that meet the<br />

deepest needs of our fellow soldiers, brothers<br />

and sisters. Let us be prepared to share the<br />

gift of God’s love with one another. By so<br />

doing, we will see God Himself as He lives<br />

in us and His love made complete in us (v.12).<br />

Ultimately, because God is love, the person<br />

who shares God’s love will love. GOD<br />

BLESS AND KEEP ALL OF YOU<br />

DURING THE FESTIVE SEASON


COMBATING HIV & AIDS IN THE DOD<br />

THROUGH SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL SUPPORT<br />

By Col (Dr) J. Dill and 2 Lt J.M. Thobakgale<br />

CHAPLAIN GENERAL (CG) SANDF HIV & AIDS<br />

PROGRAMME OVER THE PERIOD 01 OCTOBER 2004 TO<br />

30 SEPTEMBER <strong>2005</strong><br />

Combating HIV & AIDS Through Spiritual and Ethical Conduct (CHATSEC) Courses were<br />

presented to DOD members including all <strong>new</strong> Military Skills Development Student (MSDS)<br />

from all arms of <strong>service</strong>. These CHATSEC Courses focus on the universal ethical values and<br />

skills to recognise and apply these values in sexual high-risk life-situations. It is hoped that the<br />

learners will grow in their ethical thinking and be able to make value-based decisions.<br />

SUCCESS STORIES<br />

The following can be regarded as success stories in the SANDF<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General’s National CHATSEC Training conducted over the period 1 October<br />

2004 and September <strong>2005</strong>:<br />

Ser Course Target Venue Date Number Number<br />

No Conducted Group of of<br />

Learners Facilitators<br />

1 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course<br />

SAMHS MSDS MHTF 28-30/01/05 143 07<br />

2 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course<br />

CAT members CAT 07-09/03/05 75 04<br />

3 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course<br />

SAAF MSDS AF Gym 09-11/03/05 195 12<br />

4 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course<br />

SA Navy MSDS Saldanha 18-20/04/05 570 14<br />

5 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course SAAF MSDS AF Gym 02-04/06/05 185 10<br />

6 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course Army MSDS Army Gym 29-31/08/05 246 13<br />

7 3-Day CHATSEC<br />

Course SAAF MSDS AF Gym 03-05/11/05 160 06<br />

TOTAL 1574 66<br />

The SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s<br />

are also trained in<br />

CHATSEC Facilitators<br />

Course in order to<br />

acquire skills to train all<br />

DOD members. The<br />

CHATSEC Facilitators<br />

Course is not only<br />

presented to SANDF<br />

chaplains but also<br />

expanded to chaplains<br />

of other security forces<br />

e.g. SAPS and the<br />

Department of<br />

Correctional Services<br />

(DCS)<br />

SANDF and SAPS <strong>Chaplain</strong>s during the course in Bronkhorstspruit<br />

HIV<br />

AIDS<br />

A gift to the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen from one of our<br />

SADC caplains after the course<br />

A gift to our Hindu <strong>Chaplain</strong> from SAPS<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> after the course<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 27


COMBATING HIV & AIDS IN THE DOD<br />

THROUGH SPIRITUAL AND ETHICAL SUPPORT<br />

CHATSEC Facilitators’ Courses conducted over the period October 2004 & September<br />

<strong>2005</strong>:<br />

Ser Course Target Venue Date Number Number<br />

No Conducted Group of of<br />

Learners Facilitators<br />

1 CHATSEC<br />

Trainers Course<br />

SADC <strong>Chaplain</strong>s MHTF 18-22/04/05 16 04<br />

2 CHATSEC SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s ASB L/ 23-26/05/05 16 04<br />

Trainers Course smith<br />

3. CHATSEC SAPS <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Bronkors- 28/07-05/08/05 22 04<br />

Trainers Course spruit<br />

PASTORAL CARE AND COUNSELING<br />

(PCC)<br />

The SANDF chaplains are also trained in the Pastoral Care and<br />

Counselling (PCC) course which is aimed at equipping participants<br />

with necessary skills to be able to deal with people affected and infected<br />

by HIV and AIDS, in order to reduce the suffering, trauma and grief<br />

accompanying this disease. This course is aimed specifically at Care-<br />

Givers who serve the SANDF community suffering from HIV & AIDS.<br />

The PCC Courses conducted over the period 01 October 2004 & 30 September <strong>2005</strong>:<br />

Ser Course Target Venue Date Number Number<br />

No Conducted Group of of<br />

Learners Facilitators<br />

1 PCC Course SADC <strong>Chaplain</strong>s NB SMST 20-24/06/05 08 04<br />

2 PCC Course SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s ASB Bfn 05-09/09/05 16 04<br />

3 PCC Course SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s MHTF 17-21/10/05 15 04<br />

SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s during the bench-marking visit in Uganda<br />

(f.l.t.r) Col (Dr) J.Dill (front seated left), Col M.S. Mketo (SANDF<br />

Military atitaché in Uganda, back third from left) and<br />

Col (Rev) T.J. Molaba<br />

28 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

HIV & AIDS<br />

COMBATING<br />

Some Cpln Gurus on <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen’s<br />

HIV and AIDS Value-Based programme<br />

RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT (R&D)<br />

A full time chaplain, Cpln (Rev) V.P. Nkonyane has his office at<br />

MPI and does ongoing research on the HIV & AIDS Programme<br />

of the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General.<br />

From 21-22 November a research team (including chaplains and<br />

MPI members) developed a scientific measurement tool to measure<br />

the effectiveness of the <strong>Chaplain</strong> General HIV & AIDS<br />

Programme.<br />

As part of ongoing research, two chaplains namely Colonels (Dr)<br />

J. Dill and (Rev) T.J. Molaba went to Uganda (on 25 September<br />

to 1 October this year) for a benchmarking visit in order to improve<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General HIV & AIDS Programme. The visit was very<br />

informative and helpful as expertise and experience on running of<br />

HIV and AIDS Programmes were shared.


CHAPLAINS SERVICE AND EXTERNAL VISITS<br />

SANDF CHAPLAINS AND ISDSC<br />

The Interstate Defence and Security Council (ISDSC)’s Spiritual & Moral Support sub-sub Workgroup met in Zambia from 8 to 11 August. The<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, accompanied by three SSOs attended that conference. The most important item discussed was the way in which caplains from<br />

member states can cooperate on the practice of Moral and Spiritual Support to commanders of our armed forces in the region especially during<br />

joint operations. South Africa was re-elected chairperson on this bi-annual conference.<br />

The following guidelines were approved:<br />

• The facilitate regular and meaningful interaction amongst spiritual/<br />

moral practitioners within the Defence Forces of member states.<br />

• To facilitate regular exchange of ideas on the administration and<br />

application of religion, ethics and morals amongst the Defence<br />

Forces of member states.<br />

• To work towards a common strategy of spiritual/moral ministry in<br />

the event of joint military exercises.<br />

Delegates at the <strong>2005</strong> Work Group, Lusaka, Zambia<br />

• To create a forum by which Military Spiritual and moral Support<br />

Services of member states can be advise their respective Defence<br />

Forces on matters of religion, morals and morale.<br />

• To encourage cooperation in the field of religious eduction and<br />

training at the level of practitioners and in the military community<br />

in general.<br />

• To promote cooperation between the Work Group and other regional<br />

and international military organisation with similar religious/moral<br />

objectives and philosophies.<br />

SANDF <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ Delegation at the WorkGroup with the South African High Commissioner<br />

to Zambia,Mr Masala<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 29


DELVILLE WOOD AND SS MENDI MEMORIAL SERVICES<br />

The <strong>Chaplain</strong> General, as part of a group of senior SANDF officials (lead by CJ Ops Lt Gen Binda) and local Military Attaches, conducted three<br />

memorial <strong>service</strong>s during July <strong>2005</strong> in France and England to honour our fallen soldiers who died during the First and Second World Wars.<br />

Wreaths were also laid at all sites by the senior SANDF and other personnel.<br />

• Delville Wood. This beautiful memorial commemorates the almost<br />

three thousand SA soldiers who lost their lives in safeguarding the<br />

town of Longuavale during World War 1 (WW1). That site was<br />

bought by the SA government and after it was replanted with<br />

Delville Wood graves of about 3 000 SA Soldiers<br />

beautiful trees, both a memorial and museum were erected.<br />

Ambassadors, Military Attaches and the local townsfolk<br />

participated in the annual memorial <strong>service</strong>.<br />

• Dieppe. This harbour city was used during WW1 as the harbour<br />

for our forces as well as the site that hosted the military hospital.<br />

Almost 600 of our soldiers from the then “Native and Coloured<br />

Corps” were buried there. A very touching ceremony was held<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen conducting devotions at Dieppe<br />

with a special moment when the names of some of the individuals<br />

that lied buried there were read out loud.<br />

30 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

• SS MENDI. At a memorial site in Southampton are engraved the<br />

names of 682 of our soldiers who died at sea on board of the SS<br />

Mendi when it was rammed of the coast of England. Most of<br />

these soldiers were of the then “Native and Coloured Corps”.<br />

<strong>2005</strong> SANDF Delegation at SS MENDI memorial site, Southampton<br />

They were on their way to France to join the deployed South African<br />

forces. The memorial <strong>service</strong> was held under a big tree whilst it<br />

was raining lightly.<br />

We as soldiers do have the moral obligation to honour the fallen.<br />

Therefore it is off utmost importance to ensure a similar memorial<br />

somewhere on the continent of Africa to honour all our soldiers that<br />

died in uniform on this continent.<br />

It was good to see the professional way the Commonwealth war graves<br />

Commission upkeep the graves and memorials of our soldiers. All<br />

these sites are worth a visit.<br />

YOUNG CHAPLAINS’<br />

CONFERENCE!<br />

A conference entitled ‘Young <strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ Conference’ took place<br />

in Denmark during the first week of September. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s L.E.<br />

Ngesi and M. Smit attended on behalf of SANDF chaplains.<br />

They shared insights on the role of the chaplain in the military,<br />

especially out of the African context.


BOOK<br />

STUDYING<br />

CONGREGATIONS IN<br />

AFRICA<br />

2004, Publisher Lux Verbi. BM<br />

27 21 864 8200<br />

www.chistians.co.za<br />

Cpln ( Rev) Sipho Tshelane<br />

Abstract<br />

Studying Congregations in Africa is an attempt<br />

of Jurgen Hendricks of bringing to light the<br />

development of Christian congregational<br />

ministry in Southern and Central Africa.<br />

Indeed Christian congregations are dynamic<br />

and doing their utmost best in formulating<br />

congregational theology. It is neither a novel<br />

idea that worshipping God in Africa takes the<br />

form of belonging to a congregation. Since<br />

congregations are rooted in culturally specific<br />

communities, they are therefore borrowing<br />

cultural prescripts to enhance unity and<br />

cohesion of the members. Hendricks, as it<br />

appears in this research work has involved a<br />

number of persons to share experience in<br />

congregational development. He refers to these<br />

as Co-Workers.<br />

Book Review<br />

Contents of the book<br />

Studying Congregations in Africa (2004) is<br />

made of nine neatly written chapters. This<br />

form of layout allows the reader to choose<br />

freely the relevant and appealing study<br />

material. The layout is a type of structure well<br />

adapted to enhance intellectual persuasion in<br />

studying various congregational types in<br />

Africa. The overall scope of the book covers<br />

methodical areas of analysis and research of<br />

the African congregational layout. However,<br />

Hendricks’ understanding of Africa (2004:: 36)<br />

is limited to Southern and Central Africa and<br />

therefore defeating the purpose of the title<br />

“Studying Congregations in Africa”. This<br />

study should in fact have been entitled<br />

“Studying Certain Congregations in Southern<br />

and Central Africa”. The ecclesiology<br />

expounded in this book also falls short of<br />

reflecting Africa’s diversity of congregations.<br />

This indeed is an anomaly to be eradicated.<br />

The Africa of our time is no longer that of 1900<br />

wherein geography and mobility were seen as<br />

problems. Whenever the name Africa is being<br />

invoked, researchers should bear it in mind<br />

that even the poorest regions of the continent<br />

are connected to resources such as internet and<br />

telecommunications. Studies focusing on the<br />

continent should attempt to give a broad<br />

picture of phenomena on developments in the<br />

continent. In case of undertaking a regional<br />

study, a researcher should indicate that by<br />

choosing a less ambitious topic to avoid<br />

confusing the reader. A study focusing on a<br />

particular region must be clearly delimited and<br />

not overstretched like Hendricks did in this<br />

study.<br />

Studying Congregations in Africa (ibid, 211-<br />

234) is a useful guide because it provides the<br />

reader with a sense of methodological<br />

accounting by the author. In doing this the<br />

author deserves a benefit of the doubt because<br />

many would-be-authors fail to account for<br />

their conclusions. As a result of the author’s<br />

candid work, I am therefore advising readers<br />

to begin reading this book in retrospect i.e.<br />

from pages 211-234 and then proceed to read<br />

the introduction thereof.<br />

Chapter 1 (the Introduction)<br />

The introduction of this book makes an<br />

interesting reading. While the title of the book<br />

purports to be a study on African<br />

congregations, the introduction is on the other<br />

hand declaring that Presbyterian and<br />

Reformed ecclesiology is the main object of<br />

the study (2004: 11). This Chapter takes into<br />

account the social ills which are believed to<br />

be the real challenges of Africa. This is done<br />

in the guise of putting HIV & AIDS, African<br />

leadership and governance on the spotlight. I<br />

believe this is the first line of Afro-pessimism<br />

that the author is taking. Indeed the social ills<br />

in question are widespread in Africa but also<br />

all over the world. If someone mentions some<br />

of these things at a scholarly level, it is always<br />

good to think globally. Hendricks’ second<br />

paragraph (11) about HIV and AIDS is open<br />

to all sorts of interpretations.<br />

Contextual analysis of the congregation<br />

Hendriks’ theory of congregational analysis<br />

is based on a contextual model. This is a <strong>new</strong><br />

theory in theological analysis. The contextual<br />

model was introduced into theological studies<br />

only in 1972 by the Theological Exchange<br />

Fund of the World Council of Churches [My<br />

own paraphrasing]. In that is a breakthrough<br />

for someone like Hendriks to apply this model<br />

with such ambition. The immediate problem<br />

with Hendriks’ style of contextualisation is<br />

about starting from the unknown to the known.<br />

Through Chapter 4 (pp 69-102) Hendriks<br />

quotes only one African Theologian, the late<br />

Prof. David Bosch on the gospel and culture.<br />

David Bosch is known.<br />

Identity<br />

The analogy of identity in Hendriks’ thought<br />

is intended to affirm that culture plays a crucial<br />

role. Since culture is not static, identity forms<br />

have taken many shapes. Within the limits of<br />

Review<br />

Hendriks’ study there are convincing<br />

arguments about demography, world-views,<br />

history and heritage. These are like phenomena<br />

evolving in every sphere of peoples gathering<br />

(congregations). In the very phenomena there<br />

is a cultural synergy because people have in<br />

the course of time exchanged cultural patterns.<br />

In that light Hendriks is right in mentioning<br />

the donning of robes as an imitation of other<br />

cultures (not necessarily those of European<br />

origin). The Yoruba people in Nigeria who do<br />

not constitute part of this study are known to<br />

have been donning robes from time<br />

immemorial. Cultures are made by people so<br />

that they can be identified. Therefore the<br />

gospel was spread by people within their<br />

cultural mode of thinking and dress. A good<br />

example is that used in the forth Gospel.<br />

Change and Leadership<br />

In summary the leadership analysis (2004:<br />

197- 200) that Hendriks makes reckon the<br />

Christian experience. In my analysis, the<br />

congregational leadership development of his<br />

study tries very hard to say the church initiative<br />

must come from the ground to complement<br />

efforts made by church hierarchies of the time.<br />

This is no different from that which took place<br />

in 1978 when Pope John Paul II assumed<br />

papacy of the Roman Catholic Church. His<br />

main priority was evangelisation as a <strong>new</strong><br />

priority. Influential Cardinals such as Joseph<br />

Ratzinger, presently Pope Benedict XV1<br />

prefect of the Congregation for the<br />

Propagation of Faith and Jean Marie Lustiger<br />

of Paris were to occupy the centre stage of<br />

this <strong>new</strong> priority.<br />

Conclusion<br />

This book is recommended to all Church<br />

Historians, Ministers of Religion and<br />

interested believers who want to understand<br />

congregations in African context.<br />

The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong> - SANDF 31


CHAPLAINS CHAPLAINS CHAPLAINS and<br />

and<br />

and<br />

S PORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

SPORTS<br />

SPORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

Marathon: Cpln M.T. Masuku<br />

32 SANDF - The Military <strong>Chaplain</strong><br />

Table Tennis: Cpln X.A. Mzayiya<br />

Snooker: Cpln C.J. Jacobs<br />

S PORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

PORTS<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s’ contribution in sport in this<br />

department has been notable. Throughout the<br />

year, chaplains were seen featuring in almost<br />

all sport codes. It is important to remind<br />

readers that the current <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen is also a<br />

sport lover. He earned himself awards last year<br />

among others as the best sport organiser in the<br />

SANDF in the field of rugby.<br />

Apart from the <strong>Chaplain</strong> Gen, chaplains in<br />

general are active in sport. This represents all<br />

chaplains regardless of gender. Our female<br />

chaplains proved themselves to be on the<br />

active line as well. <strong>Chaplain</strong>s are seen featuring<br />

in marathon, foot-ball, rugby, fishing, snooker,<br />

swimming, cycling, etc. They are not only<br />

featuring as players but also as administrators<br />

in sport.<br />

This year, like last year, was a busy one for<br />

chaplains in sport. For instance, Cpln Tlhagale<br />

made headlines as a 100 miler, Cpln Notshe<br />

participated in comrade marathon and other<br />

chaplains appeared in some areas of sport.<br />

GOLF<br />

On 1 October Cpln Nathi Ngcobo won the<br />

Mamelodi Classic tournament that was played<br />

over 36 holes with a score of 75 and 77 grass.<br />

His connection with golf started many years<br />

back when he was a caddy boy in Kwa-Zulu<br />

Natal and has grown from strength to strength.<br />

Cpln Ngcobo who is handicap 5 has won many<br />

trophies of which the Mamelodi Classic is one<br />

of his best trophies in this sport.<br />

Tennis: Cpln J.J. Gelant Golf: Cpln N. Ngcobo


IN HOC SIGNO<br />

VISION<br />

The Department of Defence comprises<br />

people people who who are spiritually, ethically and<br />

socially socially empowered.<br />

empowered.<br />

MISSION<br />

The The <strong>Chaplain</strong>s <strong>Chaplain</strong>s Service Service representing representing a<br />

cross-section of of the the religious communities<br />

in in SA, SA, provides provides spiritual spiritual leadership leadership to DOD<br />

members at at home home and on deployment in order<br />

to to build build human capacity that enhances spiritual,<br />

ethical ethical and and human human wholeness. It does so within<br />

the the context context of of religious religious diversity, diversity, taking cognizance<br />

of of the the transformation transformation imperatives imperatives of the DOD and in<br />

support support of of democratic peace-building in Africa.<br />

STRATEGY<br />

To To provide provide a a professional professional presence presence in the DOD dedicated to:<br />

A holistic religious ministry approach to members of the DOD and their families.<br />

Specialist religious and ethical counsel to all DOD members.<br />

Deployment Deployment readiness and resilience.<br />

A sound covenantal relationship and good communication with religious<br />

organizations.<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong>s' self-care and development.<br />

Special Special attention to urgent social and ethical challenges in our<br />

contemporary Society.


Department of Defence<br />

<strong>Chaplain</strong> General Division<br />

Private Bag X479<br />

PRETORIA<br />

0001<br />

Tel: (012) 312-4843<br />

Fax: (012) 312-4868<br />

e-mail: chaplaingeneral@webmail.co.za<br />

IN HOC SIGNO

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