mp24957 Chaplain Mag Summer 2005 new.p65 - Chaplains service
mp24957 Chaplain Mag Summer 2005 new.p65 - Chaplains service
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