August - Department of Defence

SA SOLDIERThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence8101418192021Foreword by the ChiefDirector Equal OpportunitiesFocussingon equitySA women doing itfor our continentA General whobelieves in actionOnly the bestis good enoughStrategy - theart of the GeneralDetermined to servethe Defence ForceMeet our only femaleThe General who believes22civilian directorin giving with love232425262728Living inbetter timesDirector of SocialWork no accidentBalancing thescales in the SANDFMeet a very directbut passionate leaderCommitted to thecause of womenBorn at theright time30313246The first South Africanfemale AdmiralTalking ofveteransOur Olympichopes29Not atoken womanSTREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIAPOSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: sasoldier@mil.zawebsite: www.mil.za/magazines/sasoldier2CONTRIBUTIONS:Although all possible care is takenwith articles, the editorial staffcannot take any responsibility forlost articles and photographs.Reproduction & Printing:Formeset Printers Johannesburg(Pty) Ltd,44-66 Wriggle Road,Heriotdale, Ext 13, 2094Tel: +27 11 626 1330/2/3Fax: +27 11 626 1331EDITORIAL BOARDCol P. Phiri(Acting Chairperson)Capt (SAN) R.W. HiggsLt Col M. BoschLt Col D. KhumaloEDITORIAL STAFFEditor:Ms Nelda PienaarEditorial Staff:Text Editor:Ms Nomonde VuthelaSgt David NomtshongwanaPO Dennis NdabaMr Eugené MullerMs N. PienaarMs J. RenderMaj T.W. CheelaMaj J. du ToitMaj P. LengoasaTranslationConsultant:Directorate LanguageServicesPhoto Processing: 5 ASU Photo SectionDistribution:Mr W. van der WesthuizenMr A. DzivhaniSgt D. NomtshongwanaPO D. Ndaba(Secretary)Mr Jim TshabalalaTel: 012 355 6341Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d WesthuizenS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4

Content page photos taken by Sgt David Nomtshongwana at the Opening of SouthAfrica’s Third Democratic Parliament in Cape Town on 21 May 2004.SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not necessarilyrepresent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance and publicationof advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not constitute DODendorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described. TheDOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims made in advertisements.COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced withoutthe written consent of the Editor.3FRONT COVER: It is August and we are celebrating the 9th of August(National Women's Day) and a decade of freedom for women in theDefence; SA SOLDIER magazine is therefore dedicating this special editionto all our women. (Visual: DOD Visual Communications)For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,visit our website at: www.mil.za/magazines/sasoldierA U G U S T 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

messageFrom theEditor's deskIt is August and we are celebratingNational Women's Day on the 9thof August and a decade of freedomfor women in Defence; SA SOLDIER magazine is thereforededicating this special edition to all our women.This Special Edition was the brainchild of Mr VuyoZambodla, the Head of Communication. Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng,Chief Defence Corporate Communication, recommended the ideato the Daily Defence Staff Council, and it was approved to publisha special edition on women in the DOD/SANDF as part of the celebrationsof a decade of defence in a democracy.I want to thank each and every person who sent articles and photographsabout women in their respective Services, who haveexcelled in one way or another in the DOD/SANDF. With yourmost appreciated support we did accomplish an extraordinaryAugust edition!Your response was overwhelming! There were so many, we couldnot publish every contribution in our August edition, but we willstrive to publish them in our future editions.Women played a vital role in the first decade of freedom anddemocracy in our new Defence Force. Over the past ten years quitea number of senior appointments and appointments to uniquetypes of posts were done, in which women proved themselves tobe on an equal footing with men and distinguished themselves assuccessful and exemplary leaders and commanders in their respectivefields. Changes also led to female soldiers being employed inoperational roles and theatres, which had previously been closedto them. The achievements of women in the DOD/SANDF wereoutstanding, and have been due to hard work, perseverance andcommitment, but it is time for all women to be more assertive inbringing about more changes in the entire DOD structure.A DOD Tribute to thenew Chairperson ofthe AU Peace andSecurity CouncilIn a historic first, an African woman, the Minister ofForeign Affairs, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma,assumed the Chairpersonship of the continentalPeace and Security Council for the month of July 2004during the recent African Union Summit in AddisAbaba.Issues deliberated upon during her tenure includeddevelopments in Darfur (Sudan), the DemocraticRepublic of Congo, Burundi and the Ivory Coast.The Presidency, the Department of Foreign Affairsand the Department of Defence work together as part ofthe International Relations, Peace and Security Cluster(IRPS) to advance and co-ordinate the foreign policyagendas of the Government.Clusters operate across all ministries and departmentsat Cabinet, Director-General and Head of Communicationlevels. (Article courtesy Mr Vuyo Zambodla, Head ofCommunication)The composition of today's Defence Force includes just over21.67% women, who can be employed in every branch and tradeand in all operational theatres, at home and abroad, where theirmale counterparts had previously worked and still do.4Congratulations to all the women who are making a differenceand having an impact on the DOD/SANDF, South Africa, Africaas a whole and internationally.SA SOLDIER could not afford not to seize this phenomenal opportunityto publish an edition on women in the DOD/SANDF aspart of the celebrations of a decade of defence in a democracy,because informing you is at the heart of our magazine. Pleaseenjoy the August edition which is packed with most inspiringwomen.Nelda PienaarEditorS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, Minister of ForeignAffairs. (Photo courtesy Department of ForeignAffairs)

messageForeword6S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4By Maj Gen Jackie Sedibe,Chief Director Equal OpportunitiesAugust the 9th is a day thatwas born of the struggle forthe emancipation of women.It was on this day, 48 yearsago, that 20 000 women fromall racial groups and from allparts of South Africamarched to the Union Buildings inPretoria to solemnly declare their disapprovalof passes for black women.Women who were not affected by thepass system joined the march in solidarityto protest against the apartheidsystem in general.Every year on 9 August - NationalWomen's Day - we celebrate togetherwith women of all sectors of civil societythe tremendous contribution to theachievement of peace and stability inSouth Africa today. South Africanwomen from all walks of life contributedactively to the achievementsof a remarkable decade, with theSouth African National Defence Forcewomen asserting their rights and illustratingtheir commitment to theSANDF and their willingness to makea meaningful contribution to bothcombat and supportive roles.Not many people know about thevery important role played by SouthAfrican women of all races in WorldWar II. Ironically it was World War IIthat changed the path of history irreversiblyfor women the world over bybringing them into the workplace inlarge numbers; something that hadnot happened before. In South Africa21 000 women had been enlisted bythe end of the war, including smallgroups of African, Coloured, Indianand Malay women. Many womenwon decorations and many served asfar afield as Kenya, North Africa andItaly. While we keep alive the memoriesof their sacrifices we also celebratetheir achievements. It is such achievementsthat sustain us in the strugglefor equality and gender mainstreamingin the Department of Defence.This changed in 1949 when it wasdecided that women should be phasedout of the Permanent Force.Unfortunately women's contributionto the military is often acknowledgedduring wartime, but in peacetime theyare expected to revert back to their traditionalroles.As we commemorate NationalWomen's Day, we salute the stalwartsof 9 August 1956 and the manywomen who over the years have beentrue daughters of Africa - women whomade immense personal sacrifices,some of whom lost their lives for theattainment of freedom and democracyin South Africa. We can also prideourselves that we have and still arefighting so hard to be treated equallywith our male counterparts. We haveas women in the DOD taken up thechallenge and showed by example thatwomen have the right, capacity andstrength to compete for any position atany level, even in combat units. Weare concerned about the slow progressmade towards gender equality.On National Women's Day thisyear let us take the time and opportunityto recognise and salute all thosemen with vision, who have alreadymade the paradigm shift and activelysupport and encourage women in thisendeavour to achieve social justice,development and equity in the workingenvironment.We must also understand that thevoices of all women, regardless ofrank, civilian or military status arecrucial for success; we must know thatwe are all serving the DOD with dedicationand pride. We should standtogether and confront any prescriptsin policies and practices that hinderthe advancement of women; weshould voice our concern at the lack ofsufficient gender representivity atsenior and middle management toinfluence policy decisions.It is important for us in the DOD torecognise that 9 August represents anMaj Gen Jackie Sedibe, the ChiefDirector Equal Opportunities.opportunity to promote and build solidaritybetween the women of SouthAfrica, Africa and the world in theirstruggle for gender equality. We havemuch to share from our lessons learntin our long struggle. It is therefore ofthe utmost importance for women tounderstand that they are the changeagents, the enablers and the initiators.We must strive towards sharingand networking not only within theDOD, but also within the region,Africa and the world. Only then canwe advance in stature and in confidenceto take with pride our place nextto men.We want to thank the DOD, in particularthe women of the DOD, whocontributed towards the peace processin both the DRC and Burundi: theirspirit remains undaunted despite thechallenges that prevail. Know that youare the role models for other womenand that they are looking up to you asthey are shining stars. Let us prepareand train to be efficient and ready todefend our sovereignty and safeguardpeace for our country.We must learn from one another,break the stereotypical beliefs andensure that sexism in any form is notpractised in the DOD. Let us reach outto one another and more than everdedicate ourselves in both work anddeed to service in the South AfricanNational Defence Force in the interestsof all our people.

Committed to the causeof womenBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoAlthough everybody knowsthe Chief Director Equal Opportunitiesas Maj Gen JackieSedibe, her real names areRefiloe, Phelile and Florence."'Jackie' is a nom de guerrethat is stuck on me. I haveused this name in exile more than myreal names. I have been more than thirtyyears in exile and only returnedfrom exile ten years ago." Never-theless,Maj Gen Sedibe wears the namewith grace."Never, not at all," answered MajGen Sedibe when asked if she everthought that she would become thefirst women general in the SANDF."When we integrated into the SANDFit became very clear that we still had tobattle and change the mindsets andstereotypes that did not believe in thepotential of women to perform andexceed expectations. I thought that thequestion of gender mainstreaming layfar ahead along the path to genderequality. As a former MK soldier onewas already accustomed to genderissues and its intrigues. We knew rightthen, that we had to correct the statusquo and start another internal strugglefor equity and equality in the DOD."How do you think the concept ofgender mainstreaming was initiatedin the DOD?At the time of the Joint Military CoordinatingCommittee (JMCC) discussions,when the different forces werediscussing issues of force preparation,force posture, size and structure of thenew Defence Force, a work group offour women from four different forcescame together to negotiate the role ofwomen in the new DOD. This workgroup served as an icebreaker as thesewomen worked together and produceda document indicating, forinstance, that women should be affordedthe opportunity to serve in all themusterings, including combat roles.This document created heated debatesat some headquarters and some vehementlyinsisted that the documentshould not be accepted in the newSANDF. We had to present our paperto the JMCC - this group appointed meas the head of the work group andasked me to present the paper. Weexpected intense resistance to our documentduring presentation. To ouramazement there was very little resistance.Maybe it is because we hadbraced ourselves for a very rough andnegative debate. The document wasadopted as the official guideline for thefuture utilisation of women in theDOD. In March 1997 we initiated aconference to discuss "The Role ofWomen in the DOD" which was aimedat formulating strategies for theempowerment of women. Top DODgenerals/flag officers, women officersand leaders from the various sectors ofour society attended the conference.That conference allowed us as womenof the DOD to share and deal with perceptionsprevalent at that time on genderequality and equity. That conferenceendorsed the new thinking as themost appropriate approach for gendermainstreaming in the DOD.How did you introduce equal opportunitiesinto the SANDF as this wasa new field and very controversialfor a defence force?In keeping with the Constitutionalaims that South Africa should evolvein a society free from any form ofunfair discrimination, racism, sexismand harassment, the DOD identified itsresponsibility with regard to governmentimperatives and we were boundMaj Gen Jackie Sedibe.to comply. As we all know, seven differentforces were integrated into oneforce and there had to be an agency toinstitute objectivity and fairness in theintegration process within the DOD.The agency was the EOCD, which wasconceptualised in 1997 and since then,played a major role to minimise intoleranceand to ensure that each memberis treated in a fair and dignifiedmanner and provided with the opportunityto reach his/her potential inhis/her career. Although muchprogress has been made in this field,there is still much to do as we are stillconfronted with issues of discrimination,intolerance and sexism. Targetsand time frames have been set to expeditethe achievement of representivity,as this will minimise the negative situationin the work environment createdby our past history. From the period ofintegration racial representivity hasimproved greatly although there arestill certain areas that have to learnhow to handle race and gender diversityin their environments. We shouldall realise that with diversity we shallbe enriched culturally.(Continued on page 8)7A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

feedback8(Continued from page 7)How has the SANDF and especiallyyour Chief Directorate, EOCD, influencedother defence forces inAfrica?The DOD is in the forefront ofequity implementation in Africa. Wehave been requested to network andbenchmark on gender mainstreamingby a number defence forces in theregion. During sessions we highlightour national legal framework andinternal policies that have enabled theprocess to go forward. We spearheadedpeace process initiatives throughthe Peace Table Seminar and we arealso involved in the Great Lakesregion.What challenges have you experiencedregarding gender mainstreaming? The changing of stereotypes,attitudes and perceptions hasbeen our most demanding taskin the DOD; Commitment to and compliancewith gender and disabilityregulations still needsgreater attention particularlyfrom the Services andDivisions; and The race representivity at middleand lower levels is a coursefor concern.What other interventions are yourChief Directorate involved in tofacilitate gender mainstreaming inthe DOD?The Chief Directorate has taken amultidimensional approach withregard to this issue. Although wefirmly believe that gender mainstreamingbegins with the activeinvolvement of all women in the firstinstance, we are charged with theresponsibility to facilitate the processand give Departmental guidance. Wedo this by means of many interventionssuch as: The development and facilitationof appropriate EO policiesthrough our Policy Section.Gender issues are pertinentlyaddressed in the followingpolicies; the DOD EO and AAS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Policy, the Policy on thePrevention and Eradication ofall Forms of Gender BasedViolence, the DOD Policy onSexual Harassment, Policy onMentorship and DODAffirmative Action Policy, toname but a few.The ongoing research regardinggender issues through ourResearch Section.The incorporation of genderissues in all EO training doneand facilitated by ourDevelopment Section, includingvarious Road Shows atDOD units.The monitoring of genderissues through the DODGender Forum and GenderForums at Services and divisionallevel.The evaluation of the efficacyof our interventions, mentionedabove through continuousevaluations at various levelsin the Department throughour Evaluation Section.Radio talks, media releases,magazine articles and adviceby almost all of the staff of ourChief Directorate supplementthe above.The CDEO has also a gendermainstreaming strategy withdifferent training programmesto empower women.General how will you describe yourself?"I am a mother of two girls,Boipuso (19) and Lesedi (17). We livein Centurion. At home I am an ordinarymother who relates to my familyas a parent. My husband died twoyears ago. This is something that I amgoing to have to live with forever. I donot think I will ever forget him, he hadbeen a part of my life for so manyyears." Maj Gen Sedibe's husband andfather to her children was the late MrJoe Modise, the first black Minister ofDefence in a post-apartheid SouthAfrica. "I remembered him for therespect he had for me and for who Iwas and in return I respected him forwho he was and his ideas," she said.Winning letterThe love of asoldierI find that the SANDF, its membersand the public tend to forget about thefamilies that soldiers leave behindwhen they are on course or deployed.So this short letter is for my wife,Yolande, and for all the other wivesout there.I respect, love and honour you forlooking after and raising my childrenwith good morals every time I amaway from home. Whether it is ondeployment to Lohatlha or anothercountry or just simply on course inanother city. Heartbroken when Ileave, you don't complain. The fear ofleaving you alone in this dangerousworld is overwhelming.But yet through all the hurt, Iknow you will cope, as you have doneso many times in the past.The public, the SANDF, and itsmembers, they all forget about youwhen I'm gone. When I return thereare no medals or honourable functionsheld in your name, for all your troubles,perseverance and hard workmaintaining a household all on yourown.So all I have to show is my appreciation- The Love of a Soldier.Thus, to my wife and all the othersoldiers' wives - I salute you! -S Sgt D.J. Lombard, Bloemfontein.Thank youGeneral NyandaThank you for your hospitality on ourtwo-day trip over the period 10 to 12June 2004 to military units inPhalaborwa.The occasion afforded one theopportunity to become acquaintedwith the roles, tasks and state of readinessof the South African NationalDefence Force, and gave one a comprehensiveoverview of the SANDF,and the chance to interact with highrankingmembers of the DOD,Director Generals of other Govern-

Decade of Defence in a democracy -R300 for best letterOn 27 April 2004 South Africans celebratedten years of freedom. TheDepartment of Defence (DOD) hasbeen prominent in many of theachievements of this country over thelast decade. As we approach the seconddecade of freedom all of us representingthe DOD need to ask ourselveshow we can work in unity to help theDepartment continue to improve itsperformance. We need to aim to beeven more committed soldiers, moreefficient administrators, exemplaryleaders, accountable officials and evenbetter human beings to help the DODand the SANDF to be a Force forGood.In order to stimulate critical thinkingin this regard, readers are invitedto share their ideas and thoughts onthis subject. The Government's coremessage and dominant theme for thecelebrations of the last decade is"People United for a Better SouthAfrica and a Better World".One should take into considerationthe undermentioned burning issues,which affected the first decade of freedomand should affect the second aswell.The core messages for ten years offreedom are: Celebration of freedom attainedand thanksgiving. Pride in the achievements of theDOD and the SANDF since 1994. Looking forward to furtherprogress, democracy and stability. South Africa's co-operation withnational and international partners(inclusivity). Humility in acknowledging thatthe management of social change isa process of learning. Contributions to the "Four BigIdeas".The "Four Big Ideas" are majorissues as we progress to the next (second)decade.They are the following: socialresponsibility framework, improvingperformance of the state, addressingthe consequences of the social transitionand the improving of the regionalenvironment and implementingNepad. Issues related to ethical anddisciplinary codes as defined in theCode of Conduct are, as always, vitalto our daily lives at the workplace.The best contributions will bepublished in SA SOLDIER. Amonthly prize of R300 will be awardedto the best letter received.Short letters are encouraged. Allletters must include the writer's fullname, address and telephone number.The volume of letters we receivemakes individual acknowledgementimpossible.Please send your letters to: TheEditor, SA SOLDIER, Letters - ADecade of Defence, Private Bag X158,Pretoria, 0001. Letters may also befaxed to: (012) 355 6399 or sent viaemail to: sasoldier@mil.za - EditorColonel excelsWe would like to express our sinceregratitude to you (Colonel MarthieVisser, SSO Defence Corporatement departments, as well as executivesfrom both parastatals and corporateSouth Africa.You were indeed a most gracioushost. One appreciates your effort toput everything together; it was great.We value the relationship thatwe have established with the SANDFand hope that it grows from strengthto strength - Rabby Bokaba, NationalGovernment Sales ManagerKey Accounts, DaimlerChryslerSouth Africa.Communication Strategy, Policy &Planning) for the work you did on theoccasion of Ten Years of FreedomCelebrations and the Inauguration ofthe Third Democratic Government.Your dedication, commitment anddiligence before and during the celebrationsare highly appreciated.Through your active participation,government has managed to communicateeffectively on the significancethis historic occasion.We look forward to seeing youmore involved in future governmentcampaigns - Tony Trew, Deputy CEO:Strategy and Content Management,Government Communication andInformation System, RSA.* Also read a most informative articlewritten by Colonel Marthie Visser on page12 - Ed.R200-00 prize for the best letterSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to bepublished, and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or spacelimitations. Letters should preferably be typewritten and double-spaced. Allletters must include the writer's full name, address and home telephone number.The volume of letters we receive makes individual acknowledgement impossible.Please send your letters to: The Editor, SA SOLDIER Letters, Private Bag X158,Pretoria, 0001. Letters may also be faxed to (012) 355-6399 or sent via email tosasoldier@mil.za. We would like to hear your comments or ideas, particularlyabout matters affecting members of the Department of Defence. Regrettably,anonymous letters cannot be answered officially or published - Editor.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R9

transformationFocussing on equity10By PO Dennis NdabaPhoto: Sgt David NomtshongwanaCol Dineo Monethi comesaccross as a person who isvibrant and passionateabout issues that promoteequity and equality in theDepartment of Defence(DOD). Her passion stemsfrom her career as a Nursing ServiceManager at 1 Military Hospital, whichsubsequently landed her a position inthe Equal Opportunities ChiefDirectorate.After leaving 1 Military Hospital,she was seconded to the CivicEducation Centre of Excellence as aCultural Diversity Facilitator.For equity to be understood andaccepted, reference should be made tothe legal framework and documents,such as the Constitution, the Promotionof the Equality Act and thePrevention of Unfair DiscriminationAct 4 of 2000, the Employment EquityAct 55 of 1998, the National Frameworkon Gender Equality and Empowermentand the National IntegratedStrategy for People with Disabilities,which were later translated and promulgatedinto the DOD EqualOpportunities and Affirmative ActionPolicy, the Mentoring Guidelines, theFast-tracking Policy and the DODAffirmative Action Plans to achievean equitable situation, for the transformationof all state departments,including the DOD, as prescribed bythe national Government imperatives.Col Monethi relates equity to aholistic and comprehensive approachto issues that include objectives fordesignated groups, namely: Blacks,women and people with disabilitiesand those who have suffered fromattitudes and perceptions, racism anddiscrimination in the DOD.Empowerment and development programmeshave to be institutionalisedto uplift the designated groups. ThisS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4also includes the monitoring ofServices and Divisions on how theyare managing equity implementation."As we are looking at people whowere previously disadvantaged in theDOD, we want to empower them sothat they can be capacitated andachieve their desired competencies toperform effectively and reach selfactualisation,"Col Monethi added.The DOD has to remove barriersthat continue to disadvantage the designatedgroups as we also have toemphasise that we are not talkingabout a situation where we create asense of expectation, window dressingand entitlement, as these are verydamaging to the careers of individuals.She further stressed that peoplemust be prepared to be coached andmentored.She added that the Fast-trackingPolicy was promulgated in 2002 tofocus on the accelerated advancementof people from designated groups.This policy has criteria and principleson how the Services and Divisionshave to manage the implementation.The Chief Director Equal Opportunities,Maj Gen Jackie Sedibe, has establishedthe DOD Fast-tracking AssessmentBoard and she is the processowner, who is responsible for criticallyassessing the objectivity and fairnessof the process.Col Monethi continued: "The challengesin my current post is the capacityto handle the current strength ofthe DOD, both uniformed membersand Public Act Service Personnel(PSAP) as the accountability stretchesbeyond the Minister of Defence, theSecretary for Defence and the Chief ofthe SANDF to the DOD Equal OpportunitiesMonitoring and AdvisoryBoard, the Department of Labour, thePublic Service Commission andParliament.""My objective is to ensure that theDOD complies with the transformationalimperatives of the Government.Col Dineo Monethi.My dream is that we have a fully representativeDOD that is free fromracism, intolerance and discrimination.I am elated that there is relativeprogress. The DOD has to be commendedon the strides that it has takento improve the position of women.However, if we look at the nationaltargets, we still have a shortfall ofwomen in areas of influence and decision-makingand we have to understandthat the DOD was previously atraditionally male dominated arena,"Col Monethi said. She also singles outMaj Gen Jackie Sedibe and the lateCapt (SAN) Lindsay Evans as hermentors who inspired her in the DODto grow and maximise her potential.Her message to all women in theDOD is: "We cannot escape the wavesof a democratic South Africa. The skyis the limit for all women in the DOD.We must be focused and should humbleourselves to face all availableopportunities to improve our circumstances".Success she said is synonymouswith personal fulfilment, andtrust relationships are essential foreffective working teams. "We all haveto engage in critical introspection andmake major paradigm shifts or we willnever be able to release sufficient creativeenergy to face the existing challengesin the DOD," she concluded.

Empower women tobecome managersBy Lt Col Debbie Khumalo,Acting Director Communication,Defence SecretariatPhoto: Sgt David NomtshongwanaWomen are a powerfulforce for achieving success.There is a wellknownsaying: "Behindevery successful manstands a woman". Thesaying is true and shouldnot be understood in a narrow-mindedsense or taken lightly. At all timespeople should understand that allissues that we perceive to be onlyaffecting women also affect men, ourfamilies, our work, our environment,as well as our societies - consciously orunconsciously and directly or indirectly.Therefore oppression, suppressionor discrimination against some of ourhuman beings based on certain classificationsis not correct. People shouldlearn from their history and not repeatthe mistakes of the past.The Department of Defence (DOD)is one of the big organisations in thecountry, which is also classified as aPublic Service department. Amongmany other issues to be addressed, thegender issues are a Governmentimperative. There are a number oflegal documents that in one way or theother speak of and protect the rights ofwomen and everyone in the DOD.This organisation is aware that therights of all the DOD members, bothmen and women, need to be protectedas is the case at present. It is also awarethat women have previously been disadvantagedand there is a need to befocused and sensitive when dealingwith issues that relate to women. It isalso a reality that in the DOD womenreceive no special treatment: the meritsystem is the way to go when weaddress issues of representivity.When it comes to the empowermentof women, I really do not thinkthat we are doing enough; the organisationstill lacks a working system.However, I would point out that thereare existing programmes, such as fasttrackingand mentoring for the managementto implement where thepotential exists. So in spite of the slowprogress and the greater numbers ofwomen in the DOD that are not awareof the existing programmes forempowering women in their organisation,they should at least be aware ofthe possibilities of fast-tracking andmentoring.Some women said they only hearabout seminars for women or meetingsa month after they have passed,or not at all. This is a true reflection ofthe inadequate information channelsin the Department. Do we, duringmeetings, check how many womenfrom other regions attend the meetingsother than the women in the specificregion where the meeting is held? Dowe have yearly statistics on what ishappening in these meetings and conferenceson women that are organisedby the Department?The statistics reflect 91% men asagainst 8% women and 94% men asagainst 5% women in the SeniorManagement System (SMS): DefenceAct Personnel (DAP) and PublicService Act Personnel (PSAP) respectively.The members of the DOD are74% men as against 26% women. Thevisibility and profiling of successfulfemales in the DOD is at a minimumlevel. Surely the DOD has brightwomen it can show off. The fact is thatthe Department is doing somethingabout the issue, but it is still notenough. As I have said, this is not theónly issue we need to address, but letus find a way to do justice to all ourefforts.Protecting therights ofwomen.Lt Col Debbie Khumalo.This article should be seen as positivefeedback to those responsible forthis issue. It must bring us together tofocus on improving the existing systemon how better to empower thewomen in the DOD. I can proudly saythat the Department has empoweredwomen by implementing the policiesthat protect the rights of women. Itshould be noted that the overall organisationalsystem of the DOD is differentfrom any other organisation.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R11

transformationCelebrate 10 years ofwomen in uniform12By Col Marthie Visser,SSO Defence Corporate CommunicationStrategy, Policy & PlanningWomen have reached forthe sky since air powerfirst became an elementof war, and by the end ofWorld War I there were18 000 women serving inthe Royal Air Force(RAF), the oldest air force in theCommonwealth and a clear indicationof the opportunity and popularity ofchange and emancipation in women'semployment.From the beginning women haveserved with distinction, rising to thechallenges and playing their part. Atthe end of World War I it was recognised,once again, that women had animportant part to play in the defenceof the country, and that using them inthe RAF would allow men to bereleased for combat roles. The womentherefore found themselves in clericaljobs, but also serviced aircraft, workedas radio operators, plotters, armourers,mechanics, electricians, cooks,photographers and balloon operators.In more recent times changes haveoccurred more gradually. The mostimportant of these was the appointmentof women in top positions, suchas Maj Gen Jackie Sedibe as the ChiefDirector Equal Opportunities and theadjustments made in the monthly contributionto the GovernmentEmployers Pension Fund, whichbrought women's benefits in line withtheir male counterparts.Over the past ten years quite anumber of senior appointments andappointments to unique types of postsfollowed, in which women provedthemselves to be on an equal footingwith men and distinguish themselvesas successful and exemplary leadersand commanders in their respectiveS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4fields. Changes also led to female soldiersbeing employed in operationalroles and theatres, which had previouslybeen closed to them.The composition of today'sDefence Force includes just over 21.67per cent women, who can be employedin every branch and trade and in alloperational theatres, at home andabroad, where their male counterpartshad previously worked and still do.The next major milestone cameapproximately a decade ago when theSA Air Force started to train women aspilots and navigators, initially inmulti-engined aircraft, but now on alltypes of aircraft.The progress and successes withregard to "first of" appointments, egthe first female helicopter pilot and thefirst female sheet metal worker on airframespushed back the barriers andturned the wheels of history to arriveat the position today of a fully integratedservice in which women play amajor role.The first female combat pilot is currentlyundergoing training and will beanother milestone in female aircrewtraining once she successfully completesher training. This is but oneexample of many female soldierspaving the way for complete genderequality in the military sphere. Equalopportunities and equality emergedfrom the Constitution - women wereno longer seen only in a supportiverole, but were granted opportunities toaccept any challenge in the militaryworkplace.In service of my country - a tripdown memory lane! My thoughtsabout joining the military began in theSA Air Force on 21 January 1974 whenI was 17 years of age. Currently onlytwo of us remain in the SA Air Forcefrom an original group of 33 femalestudents who joined the Force in 1974- the first group of women to beCol Marthie Visser.trained again in the SA Air Force sincethe end of World War II.I was privileged to have been ableto serve on the Integration Committeeand Integration Work Group in 1998,where I developed a good understandingand an in-depth interest in challengesand successes during the integrationprocess. I had my own personalexperiences of change towards genderequality. During the birthday celebrationsof the SANDF held inBloemfontein on 27 April 2000 BrigGen Petra Mari (then Colonel) and Iwere appointed as the first femaleaides-de-camp for President ThaboMbeki and to perform the dutiesattaching thereto at such an event.Col Sybil van der Bank and I werethe first women to be appointed to theposts of Director Air Force Liaison andDirector Foreign Relations respectively,at the Air Force Headquarters.These posts were always to be staffedwith pilots (who used to be only malesin the past and at the time).

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transformationSA women doing it forour continent14By Matshidiso Pila andNakedi PhashaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoWhat is the world withoutwomen? Nothing - noarguments - it is true.Who keeps the peace athome? Without a motherthere will be no ironedshirts. But the problemstarted when one was made to believethat that is the only thing a mother cando. This was only the case until thewomen decided enough was enough.In 1956 they raised their voices andsaid "wathint’a bafazi wathint’i mbokodo…"(if you strike a woman youstrike a rock). Although the situationhas changed since then, there are stillsome mindsets which need to bechanged.Today women do not have to raisetheir voices as loudly as in the past,for their voices are recognised andheard. Col Belinda Martin, SSOPromotions at the Reserve ForceDivision, said in the past women hadto prove themselves. Today we have aGovernment that recognises thestrength and potential of women in anew dispensation.For instance on 14 June 2004 at theSA Air Force Headquarters in PretoriaSouth African women, including theFirst Lady, Ms Zanele Mbeki, ChiefDirector Equal Opportunities, MajGen Jackie Sedibe, women from theDepartment of Defence, traditionalleaders and healers, members ofParliament and the BurundiAmbassador attended a conference tobrainstorm and discuss the strategyfor assisting the Burundian women inpreparation for the United NationsGreat Lakes Peace Conference (UNGLPC), which will be held inS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4November 2004, as well as to discussthe coming elections in Burundi. TheDeputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma,officially opened the conference.Maj Gen Sedibe emphasised the cooperationof civilian women and militarywomen in working together in thepeace process. South Africa is assistingwith the workshop of the BurundiWomen's Initiative because she cannotstand by and watch other parts of ourcontinent in distress and being tornapart, she said. South African andBurundian women should work handin hand to foster a culture of peace, tolerance,reduction of prejudice andrespect for diversity. Together wehave the potential to overcome the crisis,she continued. We need to assistBurundians in confidence buildingmeasures and in the strengthening ofthe rule of law and economic ordertogether with social development, sheconcluded."It is our duty to assist where wecan, to make thedream of an AfricanRenaissance a reality,"said the DeputyPresident of SouthAfrica. "We areinvolved in achievingthe vision of anAfrica that is freefrom conflict, warsand famine, and anAfrica that canexploit its resourcesfor the benefit of all,to achieve prosperityand a better life.The achievement ofthese objectivesrequires the participationof both menand women, and sofar the involvementMindsets stillneed to bechanged…of women has been minimal."No matter how hard the wordswere uttered - the women were notfighting - they were just discussing theissues intensely and passionately. Asmost men say, that is what mostwomen do - the women did not forgetthe purpose of the conference, whichwas to help the women of Burundi. MrZuma said: "The women of Burundicannot afford to be passive; this istheir future and the future of theirchildren. At this critical stage in thehistory of their country, they shouldreally make their voices heard througha number of forums and opportunities."Grand entrance by the First Lady, Ms Zanele Mbeki, andthe Deputy President, Mr Jacob Zuma.

The Black Library Page 15The warrior was as tall as a Space Marine and carried with him anair of such cruelty and authority that it took a conscious effort not tokneel before him. The horde parted as he descended, hulkingwarriors in rust-red plate armour gathering in a cordon around him.The tower was still well beyond lasgun range, but the lord of theChaos host was obvious, like a beacon in the horde.‘See him?’ asked Haulvarn.‘Yes,’ said Alaric.‘The Guard can’t take him,’ said Brother Dvorn. ‘It’s up to us.’‘For now, Dvorn, we help to hold the line.’The horde reached the first of the marker flares. At this rangeAlaric could see their faces, buried under scars or masks of blood, orjust so twisted with hatred that there was nothing human left.‘Open fire!’ yelled the colonel, and the air in front of thefortifications was streaked with las-fire. The front ranks of cultistswere riddled, fat crescents of laser lashing off arms and slicingbodies open. Billows of steam rose up where the snow and ice werevaporised. The sound was immense, like reality itself ripping underthe fury. The battle cannon fired again, but its roar was almost lostamong the gunfire, the explosion of smoke and gore just apunctuation mark amid the slaughter.Alaric took aim and fired. The Grey Knights around him did thesame. A Space Marine’s aim was excellent, and he picked out theindividual shapes of heads and torsos among the confusion, and spatexplosive bolts into them. Where the bolts detonated, puffs of bloodand bone showered. Alaric fired in bursts, picking out a cultist andblasting him apart. The Grey Knights chewed a hole into the end ofthe Chaos line like a bloody bite mark, and within moments cultistswere clambering over the ruined bodies of their dead.However, the front ranks were just weak-willed fodder for theguns. The true power of the army followed them, ensuring theHathrans used up ammunition and time killing the scum herded intothe firing line.The tide drew closer. The rhythm became frantic, trigger fingersspasming as the Hathrans sprayed rapid fire into the mass of men

16insightMedical officer and soldier deployedabroad several timesLt Col (Dr) Khanyisile Ndaba.DRC - an eye-opening experienceBy Maj Maretha Roberts,CMIS Ops FormationI, Maj Maretha Roberts, am appointedwithin the CMIS Ops Formation as theSO1 Deployable Command andControl Telecommunication. The mainfunctions of my appointment are toensure that an operationally deployabletelecommunication networkexists within the DOD, eg the supportelements from the CMIS SupportFormation.Planning for a new integratedtelecommunication system forMONUC III, Task Force 1 in Kindu inthe DRC and the Battalion HQ inGoma was well under way when theproject officer resigned and I wasappointed as project officer for thefinalisation and installation phase ofthe shelter.On 15 March 2004 the installationteam consisting of seven male colleaguesand myself from 2 SignalRegiment left for the installation phasein the DRC.I only realised the great challengesthat would have to be faced when IS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4By Lt Col D. Botha,SO1 Corp Comm, Tertiary MH FmnPhoto: Maj Marthie PotgieterLt Col (Dr) Khanyisile Ndaba is amedical officer at the Institute forAviation Medicine where she isresponsible for conducting flight medicalexaminations for the SANDF andother civil authorities. During the pastfour years she has been deployed severaltimes in the DRC and Burundi.Lt Col Ndaba started off her militarycareer in 1998 as a senior medicalofficer at 1 Military Hospital whereshe worked mainly in theDepartments of Gynaecology andDermatology. Right from the start thiswoman made herself available notonly to serve the military communityMaj Maretha Roberts helping Sgt Christo Pelser with the installation ofunderground cabling in Kindu.arrived in Kindu. I realised that to planon paper is much easier than planningin a real life situation. Paper resultsduring simulation are very differentfrom real life experience when you areexpected to provide a successful installationof active, real life services!Only then did I appreciate theplanning, preparation and physicalactivities involved in the installation oftelephone and LAN capabilities viaas a medical officer, but also to participatein military deployments.Shortly after her appointment inthe SAMHS in 1998 she was involvedwith Exercise BOLEAS, which tookplace in Lesotho. During 2001 she waspart of the first team of the SANDF tobe involved with a UN Mission inKinshasa, DRC. The following yearshe was deployed in Burundi, while in2003 she was once again called toserve the military in the DRC. Thisyear she has already been deployed toBurundi and will continue her role asa medical officer and soldier lateragain this year in Burundi.She sees herself in the specialisedfield of aviation medicine in ten yearstime and would like to completeanother B Sc. Degree.satellite communication. This includedthe installation of underground andoverhead cabling, sixteen distributionboxes, seven Hubs, 79 telephonepoints, and 43 LAN points - all had tobe completed in three weeks!The system that was in use inKindu was redeployed to Goma wherethe Bn HQ is situated. It took us twodays to finish the complete installationin Goma. This entailed the erection of

A unique experience in the United NationsArticle and photo by Maj MarthiePotgieter, SAMHS Corp CommNodal Point, SO2 Internal CommUNMEE is the abbreviation for the"United Nations Mission to Eritreaand Ethiopia". Maj Bonnie Skweyiyahad the privilege of spending a wholeyear there, although mainly in Eritrea.In 1999 she did a course in peacekeeping,the "Military ObserversCourse", and was placed on a namethe satellite dish, overhead cabling forthe base, nineteen telephone pointsand one LAN point in overcast andrainy conditions.After completing this task we hadto return to Kindu for the final commissioningof the installed shelter andit was there that we really experiencedAfrica. The availability of flightsbetween Bukavu and Kindu was anightmare; 62 members were bookedon a 24-seater aircraft. We ended up atone of the company bases and stayedthere for two days, after which onlythree members of the team were ableto return to Kindu. I stayed with therest of my team and only arrived a daylater. The final commissioning tookplace, by which time we were all readyto return home after five weeks in theDRC. This experience was an eyeopener.I had the opportunity to meetwomen soldiers from Sweden andUruguay who were also deployed aspart of the UN mission. It was veryinteresting to see that these womenoperate on the same level as the men,eg the Swedish women soldiers driveheavy-duty vehicles and load freightas part of their responsibility to "man"the airport.I saw this as one of the greatestopportunities in my career and felthonoured to act as the project leaderfor this installation. As a marriedwoman and mother of two childrenaged six and two this was a challenge,but with the support of my husbandand in-laws it was easier and less disturbingthan expected. I also learned avaluable lesson from Lt Col TienieSlabbert, the 2IC in Kindu, - "Do nottell me, show me!"Captain (now Major) Bonnie Skweyiya.list for a UN mission. This meant,however, that she had to be ready toleave any moment when she wascalled up and had therefore to undergomedical and fitness tests every sixmonths. Members must be G1K1 to beable to go on such a mission.At last the Chief of JointOperations Personnel Office informedher of her call-up letter to the UNMEEHQ. Maj Skweyiya left Pretoria on 10January 2002 and arrived on 13January 2002 in Eritrea, via AddisAbaba in Ethiopia. The following dayshe cleared in; she had only two daysof in-post training and was on her ownto assist her director in the day-to-dayfunctioning of the office. As PersonnelOfficer and Administrator she was atthe focal point of matters concerningpersonnel documentation of the UNForces. It was quite an adjustment toget used to all the foreign languagesspoken around her, as the UN hadabout 25 countries represented there.The official language was English. Themembers she mainly worked withwere from the USA, England, Ireland,Bangladesh, India and Kenya. MajSkweyiya managed to learn someTigrinia, the language spoken inEritrea.During the following weeks shewas nominated to do an HIV courseand was one of the three best studentsin the class. The result was that shewas nominated as the HIV PolicyOfficer. This responsibility often tookher to other contingents on detachedduty as there are continuous arrivalsof new contingencies that fulfil four,six or twelve-month contracts.Maj Skweyiya found that many ofthe foreign countries were ignorantabout HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitteddiseases. She often experiencedgreat resistance from some of thesemembers, as it was against their cultureeven to talk about sex, and herewas a woman lecturing them! Theyalso had no knowledge of condoms. Itwas therefore a great challenge to herto win the confidence of the UN soldiersand to train them in this regard.This single year in a foreign country,in a foreign Peacekeeping Force,was an enriching experience for ourSAMHS member. Not only did shemake friends with people from othercountries, and gain insight into othercultures and forces, but she was also aproud ambassador for South Africa,the SANDF and the SAMHS.Maj Skweyiya was a worthyreceiver of the UN Certificate and UNService Medal, as well as a SpecialCommendation Award from her ForceCommander, Maj Gen PatrickCammaert. UN members are inEritrea to ensure that the peace processprogresses well. After a ceasefireagreement was signed in September2002, the political situation has beenstable.17A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

focus on peopleA General who believesin action18By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoBrig Gen Claire Bless is thefirst woman General OfficerCommanding of the SANDFCollege of EducationalTechnology (Colet) inPretoria. The SA SOLDIERteam went to interview herthere."I hate talking about myself," BrigBrig Gen Claire Bless, GeneralOfficer Commanding of theSANDF College of Technology.S A S O L D I E R • AU GUST 2 0 0 4Gen Bless indicated. Nevertheless,dragging information out of theGeneral was a pure pleasure.Before starting her career in theSANDF Brig Gen Bless was lecturingat a few African universities, such asin Togo and Zambia. Finally shebecame a Senior Lecturer at the thenUniversity of Natal."I was recruited into the MK in1981 when I was in Zambia," she said.Brig Gen Bless then integrated into theSANDF in 1994.Talking about her work theGeneral said: "My work here is verychallenging. It makes me very positiveand optimistic because we are goingforward". Her mandate is to ensurethe best possible outcome-based training."I studied Social Psychology. Iwrote a couple of books. I wrote manyarticles and have done quite a bit ofresearch. That is why I think my jobhere is so challenging, also because itrelates to my academic formation,"said the General Officer Commandingof Colet."I place a lot of importance on theenthusiasm, dynamism and team spiritof the people working with me inColet," continued Brig Gen Bless.Brig Gen Bless said that to becomea General was never one of her ambitions.She said: "I travelled and wasinvited by some other defence forcesto visit them, and usually they wereamazed that the SANDF had even afew women Generals.""We do not have enough womenGenerals and we have to pursue thematter," stressed Brig Gen Bless.She continued by saying that balancingmotherhood and one's professionis difficult for an officer, let alonea General - therefore the SANDFshould be more flexible to accommo-"There arenot enoughwomenGenerals."date such challenges too. "I have introducedflexi-time at Colet, which helpsmany women to be mothers andcareer women at the same time," sherevealed, proving that change beginswith each and every individual.Brig Gen Bless said that when shewas in exile, 9 August was a veryimportant day. In her own words: "Wehave to enhance that culture and saythat the meaning of 9 August is stillalive, but in another way.""We have to continue with transformationand it should not be seen asa rare occurrence where we havetwelve female Generals among overtwo-hundred male Generals," maintainedBrig Gen Bless.Although Brig Gen Bless's family isnot in South Africa she said: "I callJohannesburg home. I have manyfriends - friends from the past andfriends from the present - very representativeof the population of SouthAfrica".She likes visiting people and havingpeople visiting her. Brig Gen Blessalso has an appreciation for theatre, artand watching good movies. She is anauthor herself."I have a lot of plans, a lot ofplans… Too many things and the daydoes not have enough hours," saidBrig Gen Bless on future plans.

A phenomenal womanwho believes in teamworkBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoAvery young Brig GenChristell Brand joined theDefence Force thirty yearsago and after a productiveand fulfilling journey inDefence industry, she retiredas Director PersonnelMaintenance at the Human ResourcesSupport Centre on 30 April 2003."I joined the Defence Force in 1974as a Captain and was appointed as aSports Officer at the then CivilDefence College in George. Then I successfullycompleted all my militarycourses and was promoted to Major inthe personnel environment," said BrigGen Brand.Brig Gen Brand had studied at theUniversity of Stellenbosch and was ateacher afterwards for a while. "I mustsay that I really enjoyed my teachingcareer a lot, but I also like structureand discipline and this I could find inthe Defence Force," she added. "I am avery ambitious person and I said tomyself: you are starting with a newcareer and only the best is goodenough.""I was accepted as a woman soldier.I was promoted when I was duefor promotion. I was nominated formy military courses and I did all ofthem together with my male counterparts.I did not experience any obstacles,"said Brig Gen Brand.Brig Gen Brand was the SeniorStaff Officer Personnel at WesternProvince Command in Cape Townand became the Officer Commandingof the SA Army Women's College inGeorge in 1988. "I did my utmost toexplore every opportunity," she said."I had a wonderful career andwonderful opportunities. I alwaystried to make the most of it, but a personis a person through other people,"she pointed out. "I believe in team-work and I am what I am becauseother people supported me," she continued."I believe that if you are givingyour best the organisation will alsogive you its best," Brig Gen Brandemphasised.When asked to share the one memorythat stands out in all her career,Brig Gen Brand said: "I was appointedas Officer Commanding of the SAArmy Women's College in 1988 and Ioccupied that post until 1995. I wasthere for almost eight years; it was anexperience that I will always remember.""I worked together with very creativeyoung women, it was a challengeand I went for it with the team," BrigGen Brand said. "I gave myself withmy abilities to the Defence Force.""Communication is very important, asis commitment, dedication and toutilise your subordinates fully, therebyempowering them so that they toocan be part of a team that contributesto achieving goals," Brig Gen Brandsaid.Thinking back on the integrationprocess and how it was an immensetask for the Human Resources Directorate,Brig Gen Brand said: "Integrationwas very interesting. What Ialways do when I am faced with achallenge is to take what everyone hasto offer," she continued, "And to takeall this and mould it into one specificprocess that will meet your customers'needs because that is what servicedelivery is all about.""What the SANDF has achievedover a period of ten years I would callunimaginable; if you look at where westarted and you look at what we haveachieved - it is wonderful!," commentedBrig Gen Brand."It was made possible because ofour leadership and the fact that everyonehad something good to give,"stressed Brig Gen Brand. "I think thatthe SANDF should never stop with theBrig Gen Christell Brand (Ret),the former Director PersonnelMaintenance at the HumanResources Support Centre.empowering of our people and weneed more women in top posts, eventhough there has been a lot of progressmade in relation to that," she added.What do you do now that you areretired I asked the General, and shereplied: "I am a retired officer and Ibought myself a flat in Melkbosstrandnear Cape Town. At the time of theinterview with SA SOLDIER Brig GenBrand was in Pretoria and sheexplained: "I was called up to be partof a Board of Inquiry for the HumanResources Support Centre. I joined theReserve Force after my retirement.Every human being wants to belongand to contribute; here I belong andcan still contribute," said Brig GenBrand, expressing her obvious need tocontinue contributing.And when she is not worryingabout matters of state Brig Gen Brandgets involved in environmental conservationprojects, plays badmintonand contributes to cultural and communityservice projects. "I am busyand I have time for what I neverbefore had time for," she concluded.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R19

focus on peopleStrategy - the art ofthe General20By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoAt the age of 46 Brig GenAnsuyah Fakir can berespected for having successfullybroken through themilitary glass ceiling byentering the military strategicplanning environment,previously an exclusive male domain.One can be forgiven for being confusedby the General's unassumingmanner when compared with herrank and position as Director JointSupport Management in the JointSupport Division. But this confusionwon't last long. Within a few minutesinto the SA SOLDIER's in-depth interviewwith the General, I soon realisedthat our first female strategic plannerpossesses not only a vast and variedexperience, but also a strong mindand thinking power, which certainlymatch her position.This ordinary mother of threereveals insights and wisdom aboutsecurity that point to a new andextraordinary role for the military inensuring peace and security in Africa."For us in Defence our concern isfor human security. This means thatwe must look at every aspect of protectingpeople: in terms of humanrights, nurturing our basic humanitytowards each other and in ensuringphysical security," she elaborated."August is a special month for allof us in South Africa because our Constitutioncelebrates women. In Augustwe acknowledge that no democracywill go forward without women playingan equal, if not, leadership role,"said Brig Gen Fakir as she made coffeefor the photographer and myself ather home in Constantia Park inPretoria East.As much as I found the General tobe many people, she argued that sheS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Brig Gen Ansuyah Fakir, DirectorJoint Support Management in theJoint Support Division.is, most of all, a social worker. "I askmyself: As a social worker, I wear auniform - what am I doing?, and I thenthink to myself, I am here to hear andaddress all sides regarding security,"she said."I believe in diplomacy and thecritical role of the military to ensurepeace. This mix is what our Governmenthas enabled, whether wittinglyor unwittingly. They have merged thebest of everything, people with differentviews so that we are balanced andcan go forward together and build astrong nation," stated Brig Gen Fakir."Policy-making is political andpolicies affect people, families andchildren and security," explained theStrategic Planner.Brig Gen Fakir integrated into theSANDF in 1994 as part of Umkhontowe Sizwe, one of the former NonstatutoryForces. She then spent sevenyears in Kwazulu-Natal at the NatalMedical Command where she was theHead of Social Work. "I cannot not tellyou what a learning curve that was,"reflected Brig Gen Fakir on her staffvisit experiences at the Natal MedicalCommand."To be on the ground, to go frombase to base experiencing what it feelslike to be in deployment and the veryharsh conditions our soldiers copewith and the fact that they do thistwenty-four hours a day," continuedthe General."That takes a very special tenacity,so I really salute those soldiers outthere, the Riflemen, Corporals andSergeants who do this for us, for ourcountry, outside and on the borders,patrolling night and day," said the formersocial worker.The General is married to MaheshFakir, a civil engineer by professionwho works at the National Treasury."So you see we are public servantsboth of us and we come from a backgroundof always working for thecommunity," said the Director JointSupport Management, as she talkedabout her family life."That is what I believe in, thewarmth of family life to keep you stable.I cannot cope with a career (and acareer such as Defence) without myfamily's support," maintained BrigGen Fakir.Studying never stops for Brig GenFakir, who is currently doing a doctorate- a PHD in Public Affairs. In themidst of this she is conductingresearch into the African Union (AU)and peacekeeping. "It is an excitingarea because there is little researchmaterial, so I am almost breaking newground," she said, all geared up for yetanother achievement."There are always new goals toreach, new mountains to climb andnew lessons to learn," said the Generalin conclusion, and, she should haveadded, "And new roles to play".

Determined to serve theDefence ForceBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie Kgomo“In the Directorate we manage suppliesand support. Today they callit 'supply chain management',"explained Brig Gen Tersia Jacobsduring her interview with SASOLDIER. She added: "I amresponsible for the maintenanceof base support systems, includingrunways, runway lighting, operationalinfrastructure, such as hangarsand power supplies and managing thefire and rescue services in the SA AirForce". Brig Gen Jacobs is the DirectorBase Support Systems in the SA AirForce.All the General ever wanted wasto join the Armour School. "While Iwas still in Grabouw High School inthe Cape, I attended an Open Day ofthe SA Army and I thought this waswhat I would like to do," she said,"But I was informed that women werenot allowed to work in the ArmourCorps," recounted Brig Gen Jacobs.Meanwhile, on the home frontboth her parents were against her joiningthe Defence Force. "My father saidthat no lady can join the Defence Forceand although we were not wealthy hethen asked if I did not want to study atthe university instead," related BrigGen Jacobs. While the other childrenin her class were talking about goingto the university, she was intent onjoining the Defence Force."I decided I was going to join theDefence Force and would at leastbecome a Major," she said. (I wastotally ignorant with regard to therank structure of the Defence Force.)Well, she became a Brigadier Generalinstead - one of twelve in the entireSANDF."I have seen over the last ten yearsso many positive changes, so manydifferences in the women's world,especially in the SA Air Force - womenwho became pilots and very goodpilots. Women are also activelyinvolved in the technical environment,which was previously only a place formen. This symbolises visible changesthat I enjoy taking stock of," said BrigGen Jacobs.Brig Gen Jacobs is also the firstwoman to become a Logistics Co-ordinatorin the SA Air Force at the TestFlight and Development Centre. Shesaid: "It is a highly technological environment.With my appointment theSA Air Force took a risk placing me insuch a male dominant milieu, but theydid it because I had previous exposureand experience." She was also appointedas the Logistics Co-ordinator ofWaterkloof AFB during 1999-2001.Brig Gen Jacobs took me back towhen she worked as a Major as theChief Supply Officer with the MobileRadar Group in the then Pietersburg(now Polokwane). "My team at theMobile Radar Group won the trophyone year for the best supply and supportsection in the SA Air Force," sheproudly remembered."All women must accept fullresponsibility for each and every postthey fill. Do not say because I am awoman men must do this and that.You must live up to the standardexpected of your post and rank," BrigGen Jacobs advised.Success is so much sweeter whenyou really deserve what you haveachieved."I have so much experience on variouslevels and I would like to giveback what I have learnt. My mission isto try and make a difference for ourMaking adifference forour futuregeneration.Brig Gen Tersia Jacobs, DirectorBase Support and Systems in theSA Air Force.future generation," she said. Whoknows, perhaps Brig Gen Jacobs is yetanother Chief of Logistics in the making."I am enjoying my job and I amgiving it my best shot. I would like tosee much more representivity in oursenior female ranks working towardsan even more competent SA AirForce," said Brig Gen Jacobs.Brig Gen Jacobs is married to ColTony Jacobs, who is the Senior StaffOfficer Air Traffic Control Management,in the SA Air Force. She has athirteen year old son, who is an aspiringgolfer.21A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

focus on peopleMeet our only femalecivilian DirectorBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie Kgomo22Ms Thuli Manzini, DirectorHuman Resources PolicyManagement in the Policyand Planning Division, iscurrently the only femalecivilian member in theDivision, who is a Director- the equivalent of a Brigadier General- in the DOD."I am expected to ensure that collectivedisputes in labour relations forboth civilians (PSAP) and uniformedmembers are solved with the applicationof relevant prescripts. My workalso includes the adherence, monitoringand evaluation of HumanResource Policies for the whole of theDOD. Among other things it is expectedfrom my Directorate to ensure thatthe Department is involved in youthand transverse issues," said the newlyappointed Director, touching on herjob description.Ms Manzini was born in Bouldersin the Mpumalanga Province andstudied at Technikon Pretoria,University of Witwatersrand andCranfield University, UK, and theUniversity of Zululand in KwaZulu-Natal, where she majored in Englishand Pedagogics. Her previousemployment includes working for theDepartment of Home Affairs, and laterin the Department of Defence in theDirectorate Integrated ManagementSystems (DIMS). "I worked at DIMS asa Deputy Director responsible for jobanalysis and design for the whole ofthe DOD," stated Ms Manzini confidently.One could not help but pick up MsManzini's excitement about her newpost. "I am very excited - I had setMs Thuli Manzini, Director Human Resources Policy Management.goals for myself and I knew that Iwanted to be a Director by the year2004," confirmed Ms Manzini."As a woman this is very challengingbecause you have to prove yourselftwice as much as your male counterparts.Respect is earned and to berespected means I must work veryhard to make my mark," Ms Manzinicontinued. "I must prove that I wasnot just appointed because I am ablack woman," she added."Women need to celebrate whothey are everyday," said Ms Manzini.She also pointed out that 9 August,National Women's Day, is symbolicand important; women should alsostrive to earn respect on a day-to-daybasis. "Women should not expectthings to come automatically theirway; they should prove that they arecapable and competent," continuedMs Manzini."Not everybody will support you.I have experienced it first-hand. Itdoes get very difficult and challenging.I have no sympathy for non-performers;what motivates me most ischallenging tasks and to see other peopleachieving their goals," said a veryforthright Ms Manzini."The affirmative action policies,equal opportunities and theEmployment Equity Act helped us alot," stated Ms Manzini. "We now havea voice because in the past you wouldnot see a young woman like me in mypost," she added.Ms Manzini is married to VictorManzini and has a daughter, Mbali."When I am at home I assume a differentrole. There I am a mother and wife- I do my own cooking and laundry.There I take off my Director's hat andbecome a mother and a wife becausemy husband is married to his wife andnot to a Director," she said in conclusion.S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4

Living in better timesBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoBrig Gen Petra Mari, DirectorMilitary Health HumanResources for the SAMHS,reminds me of many drivenand determined, yet wonderfulwomen who are soeasily misunderstoodbecause they come across as toostrong.As I listened to her at the interviewthe one thought that came to mindwas that society needed people likeher, because they get up and get thingsdone. As she talked to SA SOLDIER Ialso found that her past experienceshad taught her to stand up for herselffrom a very early age."I am a very strong woman,"admitted Brig Gen Mari. She comesfrom a strong political background;the security forces killed her fatherduring the apartheid era. He wastaken in for questioning and wasnever to be heard of again. Brig GenMari's family was able to piece thepuzzle together only after witnessestestifying at the Truth andReconciliation Commission revealedhis fate.In 1976, following the studentuprising at Makabelane High School(where she was studying) in Qwa-Qwa, Brig Gen Mari and a group ofschool friends who had taken part inthe demonstration were flogged andforced to hide out and survive for fourdays in the mountains. She eventuallyleft for exile at the age of eighteen.Brig Gen Mari has one brother andsix sisters - five of her sisters also leftthe country and went into exile, one ofwhom died in Angola. Having shareda bit of her history with me theGeneral served to confirm even furthermy belief that people do becometheir experiences."Exile made me grow up," affirmedthe General. "To a large extent I owemy political maturity, my wisdom andwhat really created who I am today tomy years in exile", she continued.Her first contact with the SouthAfrican Defence Force was in the early1990s when the integration processbegan and she was working in theAPLA Office responsible for integratingPAC members."I represented APLA in variousbodies dealing with integration andthat improved my understanding ofpolicies and policy-making," statedBrig Gen Mari. It is a trait that she saysnow works to her advantage asDirector Military Health HumanResources."Everybody knows that when youtalk to Brig Gen Mari you talk policy.You must know exactly what you aretalking about because she will tell youof policies that were formulated evenbefore integration," she warned."It has been ten years, we haveworked a lot and I have been so committedto transformation," stated BrigGen Mari. She added that her mandateis very clear because her understandingis that the strategic intent of theChief of the SANDF, which amongother objectives is to transform theDefence Force.Brig Gen Mari believes that it wasall very clear after integration thatmembers of the new SANDF weregoing to "shape up or ship out".9 August (National Women's Day)for Brig Gen Mari is also about themany women who took up arms tofight for what they believed in. "Wenow live in better times, due to theircommitment and selflessness. It is nolonger surprising for women to have asay at decision-making levels, luckilywe are now covered by the"If youcannot shapeup, ship out."Brig Gen Petra Mari, DirectorMilitary Health Human Resources.Constitution," she said."I know I was going to be aGeneral, I always know what I am destinedto be," said Brig Gen Mari confidently.She said that if women stayfocused and work hard, the sky is thelimit."For women to have taken thatstride in those times it means the situationwas completely unbearable,"Brig Gen Mari added. Rememberingher personal sacrifices for change BrigGen Mari continued: "My life has beendedicated to one thing, and one thingonly, the love of my country".Brig Gen Mari has five children.She is married to Col Mike Mari whoworks in the Joint Training Division.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R23

focus on peopleDirector of Social Workno accident24Photo: PO Eddie KgomoBrig Gen Ntsiki Motumi grewup in Diepkloof, Soweto,and integrated into theSANDF as a LieutenantColonel of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) in 1994. She wasdeployed in the DirectorateSocial Work, and like most ex NonstatutoryForce members at the time,she did not have a job description.This did not discourage her for shesoon found her niche by pursuing andtabling the needs of Non-statutoryForce veterans and gender issues onthe agenda of the Joint IntegrationCommittee. This culminated in theorganisation of the first gender conference,which was held in 1997 to look athow the status of women was going tobe advanced in the new SANDF.The 1976 Soweto student uprisinginfluenced her political thinking andinvolvement in the struggle to liberateSouth Africa. She was recruited intothe ANC underground structures byher twin sister, Totsi Memela, in 1979,and worked as an underground operativeshuttling between Swazilandand South Africa. She studied SocialWork at the University of Fort Hare inthe early eighties and was involved instudent politics as a member of theAzanian Student Organization(AZASO) and also served in the SRC.On completion of her studies sheworked for the Johannesburg ChildWelfare Society in its special programme,which sought to address theneeds of children detainees exposed tourban war in the townships. Brig GenMotumi was instructed by the ANC toleave the country in 1987 when herMK Commander, Ignatius Mthebula,went missing on the East Rand. (It wassubsequently learned during the TRChearing that members of the SecurityBranch had killed him). On arrival inS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Brig Gen Ntsiki Motumi, Director ofSocial Work in the SANDF.Lusaka she worked closely with MmeGertrude Shope, Cde BalekaKgosietsile - Mbethe and NosiviweMaphisa - Ngqakula in the ANCWomen's section. In 1988 she workedwith Comrade Max Sisulu to establishthe Department of Social Work in exilein order to address problems experiencedby the swelling ranks of ANCmembers.She was among the first exiles toreturn to South Africa in 1990, whereshe worked with Comrade JackieSelebi and Ms Zanele Mbeki on theRepatriation Committee, to lay thegroundwork for the reception ofexiles. During this period she alsohelped trace the families of veterancomrades who had left the country inthe 1960s and also psychologicallyprepared the families of comradeswho would be coming back physicallyand mentally challenged.In this regard she worked closelywith Comrade Winnie MadikizelaMandela at the ANC HQ in ShellHouse. In 1993 she was appointed tothe Joint Military Co-ordinationCommittee's Health Work Group tolook into the psychosocial issues to beaddressed by the new SANDF duringthe integration process.Ntsiki Motumi was appointed as aBrigadier General on 1 April 2000 andbecame one of the two senior Africanwomen in the SANDF. She attributesher success and achievement to determinationand hard work. "Blackwomen have always had to enduretriple oppression in a male dominatedsociety simply because of their gender,skin colour, and low status insociety," says Brig Gen Motumi.As one of the senior officers in theSANDF she sees her role as bringingpertinent issues to the attention of theDOD leadership, issues which affectthe organisation's mission readiness.Furthermore, she regards the settingup of mechanisms which willenable soldiers' spouses engage in economicempowerment projects asimportant in enabling them find theirniche in society so that they are notpreoccupied with the demands placedon their spouses by the military system.She also believes that supportmechanisms should be created forwomen soldiers so that they can fulfiltheir dual role of mother and soldier.Brig Gen Motumi believes thatwomen have a critical role to play inthe larger society because they are theones who bear the brunt as mothers ofthe nation. "We are the ones who areraped, whose husbands and sons arekilled and whose children are ravagedin times of male created wars. Wedeserve to take our rightful place tohelp find solutions to all problems."Brig Gen Motumi enrolled for aMasters degree at the University ofPretoria and her thesis was on theImplementation of the AffirmativeAction Policy in the SAMHS duringthe period 1995 to 2000. She is marriedto Tsepe and derives joy and fulfilmentfrom her children, Thando (15)and Phethagatso (11). (Article courtesyBrig Gen N. Motumi)

Balancing the scalesin the SANDFBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: Sgt David NomtshongwanaBrig Gen Anna-Marie Myburgh,Director Military Judges, is incharge of the DirectorateMilitary Judges, which meansthat she must ensure that theSANDF has at its disposal professionaland legitimate militaryjudges inside and outside thecountry whenever required.Brig Gen Myburgh is functionallyin charge of the (said) Military Judgesin the SANDF. She advises and guides(Senior) Military Judges on functionalmatters, ensures that their conduct isprofessional and that they are abreastwith new caselaw.She joined the Defence Force in1985 as a Military Legal Practitioner atthe Quartermaster General. She waslater placed with the DirectorateMilitary Legal Services where she wasOfficer in Charge of the Military LawTraining Section, she was responsiblefor the training of Military LegalPractitioners and Line Officers in militarylaw. "I had quite a bit of exposure,I enjoyed that and it is one of thethings I am still involved in," said theGeneral. "With the integration of theforces I was also tasked with providingbridging training, presenting militarylaw to the senior cadre and thatwas a excellent experience."In 1999 when the Military LegalSystem changed Brig Gen Myburghbecame the Director Military Judges."In my Directorate, I have a fewwomen Military Judges and I am veryproud of them," Brig Gen Myburghemphasised. Several (Senior) MilitaryJudges have been assigned by theMinister of Defence on full-time, parttimeand Reserve Force basis of whomeight are women. "I am very proud ofthe commitment and drive of all(Senior) Military Judges in myDirectorate."Brig Gen Myburgh is not officebound. She regularly visits militarycourts in order to keeping abreast withwhat is happening on the ground andin military courts. She also presided asSenior Military Judge in several casesand intends to do the same in future.She studied law at PretoriaUniversity, prior to which she spent1979 doing Voluntary NationalService at the SA Army Women'sCollege (SAAWCOL) in George - amove that greatly influenced her decisionto pursue law. "It was while I wasthere that I decided to study law, andwhen I finished my first degree Idecided to join the Defence Force,"said Brig Gen Myburgh.She enjoys her job tremendouslyand is not of the intention to leave theSANDF within the near future."I have an open door policy. I givethe necessary credit when it isdeserved and they know they willhave to deal with me when requiredstandards are not complied with."Brig Gen Myburgh is committed toher job and always takes the interest ofthe SANDF at heart. She believes thatif you show your commitment youwill obtain your set goals of which oneof her goals is the appointment as theChief of Military Legal Services. Thatwill be the end of a wonderful career,and I believe that way I will continueto contribute a lot to the system."She is a family woman. TheGeneral is married to Pierre Myburghand she is the mother of two beautifulkids, Mignon and Albert. "I am first of"You can attainanything if youwork at it."Brig Gen Anna-Marie Myburgh,Director Military Judges.all a mom," she stressed. Secondly, Iam Anna-Marie - I am not title bound.I am a people's person, but I have terriblyhigh standards in my work environmentand I also enjoy my game ofgolf," Brig Gen Myburgh added."So, I am wife, mother andDirector Military Judges," she said in ajovial mood, as she counted her differentroles on her fingers.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R25

focus on peopleMeet a very direct butpassionate leader26By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoIhad to buckle up for this interviewwith Brig Gen Buks Potgieter,who runs the Military HealthSupport Formation in Centurion.As I made my way to her officeprior to the interview a couple ofpeople warned me about her, butnothing could have prepared me for apint-sized General who would attemptto throttle me playfully in front of witnesses.The first revelation she made to SASOLDIER was how much she dislikesthe Servamus Building and how shepreferred the Military Health BaseDepot where she was once OfficerCommanding. This is because sheprefers open spaces and gardens, anenvironment the Servamus Buildingunfortunately cannot boast of. In orderto remedy the situation Brig GenPotgieter spends as little time as possiblein her office and communicateswith her subordinates in their offices."I cannot sit still in one place, I wouldrather go and stir something up in thepassage," she explained.Second on the agenda was hernickname, Buks, meaning "the shortone". Brig Gen Potgieter then stressedthat there is no other Buks and she isthe best Buks.Talking about herself she said: "Iwas brought up in a home where therewas no distinction made between girlsand boys. Everybody was treatedequally, therefore I believe in who theperson is and not which gender theperson is. I am a General because ofwho I am and not because I am awoman," Brig Gen Potgieter said."I do not have my head in theclouds; I know there is a differencebetween male and female. We canmake as many laws as we want, but ifwe cannot change the way a motherS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4raises her children, nothing willchange. This means that boys and girlsneed to be raised as equals and withthe understanding that both sexes canachieve the same goals if they put theirmind to it," continued Brig GenPotgieter."I know I had to work much harderthan my male counterparts, but Ithink at the end it made me a betterperson. I hope I got my position notbecause I am a woman, but because Ihave shown I can do it," emphasisedBrig Gen Potgieter.Admittedly Brig Gen Potgieter islike a ball of fire on the move. I suggestedto her that perhaps all thisoverflowing energy make up for herheight, or rather lack of it. She thenjokingly replied that if her parents hadhad to put her on medication as a childto try and slow her down, she wouldhave most definitely have needed anoverdose. When asked why she joinedthe SANDF the General said: "I actuallycame to the Defence Force becauseof sport. I studied pharmacy inPotchefstroom and did my internshipat the H.F. Verwoerd Hospital inPretoria. Then I decided that I did notlike 'adult life' because there was notime to do sport", Brig Gen Potgietersaid jokingly."Then somebody told me that themembers of the Defence Force can participatein sports on Wednesdays," shesaid. And that is how she landed in themilitary milieu. "Now I am a General -I am built for this post," reaffirmedBrig Gen Potgieter.On future plans Brig Gen Potgietersaid: "Sometimes I dream about asmall house on the beach where mylittle 'Scotties' can run freely. If I can bealone with my dogs around me, I amhappy. I am satisfied with what I haveachieved up till now," said Brig GenPotgieter. Describing her likes anddislikes Brig Gen Potgieter said: "I likeBrig Gen Buks Potgieter.honest people and people who speaktheir minds. I believe one must dounto others what one wants them todo unto you. I despise people whomoan behind your back when they arenot prepared to open their mouths infront of you. I am very direct when Ispeak my mind. I say when I disagreeor dislike what one is doing or saying,"Brig Gen Potgieter assured me.One major thing that the Generalcannot stomach is destructive criticism.She hates being told she is notgood enough or that she is secondbest. "If I am very passionate aboutsomething, for instance like my formation,and somebody criticises myformation falsely, I get like a tiger andI lose my head and want to kill," BrigGen Potgieter strongly pointed out.Brig Gen Potgieter is the youngestof six children and feels her parentswaited for the best to come last. Shehas four brothers and one sister. Oneof her four brothers is a padre. "I dobelieve in God - I believe there isSomebody higher than me," Brig GenPotgieter stressed. Her mother, who iseighty years old, is always in troublewith the General for "sharing" hermedication with her pets.Brig Gen Potgieter has been in theDefence Force for almost 23 years andsays this is the only life she has everknown, and added: "I want to see thatthe SANDF becomes the best defenceforce in Africa".

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focus on peopleBorn at the right time28By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoAlot of literature written onzodiac signs suggests that aperson born under the Piscessymbol can only be one oftwo types of fish. The symbolfor the Pisces star sign is twofishes swimming in oppositedirections. The one fish swimsupstream and if you are this type, successis yours for the taking. The secondkind of fish swims against the currentand therefore is headed for disaster.Brig Gen Portia Sibiya was recentlyappointed Director Corporate StaffServices, a role that is more or less concernedwith image building in the SAAir Force. Brig Gen Sibiya is a Piscesand a Brigadier General at the age 37:surely this is indicative of the type offish she is and the direction she isswimming."We must celebrate the role andcontribution that women are makingin this country and the role they madein the past," stated Brig Gen Sibiya."We are here because our women wereactive and passionate about our emancipation,"she continued.We then spoke about her age andhow young she really is: certainlymany 37 year-olds are still trying tofind their way around. To this BrigGen Sibiya said, "You tend to sit atforums and when you look at somepeople, the year they joined the SA AirForce is the year I was born".According to Brig Gen Sibiya she findscomfort in knowing that the SANDFneeds this kind of combination inorder to go forward."I think because I spent the bestpart of my teenage years and the bestpart of my youth in exile, I missed theboat; I had my priorities shifted," sheexplained."Here I am now, the higher yourposition the smaller your pool offriends gets because you are now high-S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4er than them," said Brig Gen Sibiya. "IfI go to a party or any private socialfunction, once there is a junior memberfrom the Air Force or the SANDF whoknows me, even if the person was myfriend before, a tension develops andeverybody freezes because you arenow a General."So automatically you are cut out,"she continued. Brig Gen Sibiya elaborateson how she must select her companyvery carefully. In her own words:"The people in my league tend to bevery old and I become a misfit becausethey talk 'old staff' - people my age aremy junior and either see me as theirauthority or an agent".Brig Gen Sibiya is a Sowetan whowas enrolled as a medical student atthe University of Transkei where shewas counted among the troublemakersbecause, as she said, "anything thatwent wrong was done by people whowere non-Transkeians (foreigners inthe language of those days) and I wasone of those".Forced to leave the country, shewas a teenager in exile, homesick andangry that she had to leave everythingbehind, including her studies. "I foundanother way of dealing with my angerand frustrations. Hope, self-disciplineand loyalty to my organisation werepillars of strength. When the repatriationof exiles began I remained behindand took the opportunity to go back toschool," Brig Gen Sibiya said.Brig Gen Sibiya maintains that lifeis full of challenges, but how you handlethose challenges determines yourstrength as a person. "In exile I wouldsit and meditate to find my inner self,spend an hour or the whole day justlocked in myself." She said that thingsalways looked much better after that.In the late 1980s she was one of theyoung South Africans in exile whowent to study in Nigeria at the invitationof the Nigerian Government. Shewas placed at the Federal University ofTechnology in Minna, in Niger State.Brig Gen Portia Sibiya,Director Corporate Staff Servicein the SA Air Force.She decided not to pursue medicine,and opted for an Honours degree inComputer Science and Mathematicsinstead.She was integrated into theSANDF in 1998. "The SA Air Forcethen became the natural choicebecause I thought that I was thinkingthat I was going to deal with softwarein the aircraft," said Brig Gen Sibiya.Unfortunately she did not fit the agecriterion set by the SA Air Force andwas found to be too old to go into thatparticular field.Talking about that which gives hersustenance Brig Gen Sibiya said:"When you think how far you havecome and where you are going andwhat you have achieved, there is noreason to stand back, so I do this forthe love of my country".One other thing she is grateful foris that at least one of her parents isalive to witness her success. She said:"I just feel sorry for my father whodied before I came back from exile."On the professional front Brig GenSibiya said: "I am full of compassionand that is the best in me; even at workI like to have happy people. I willfocus on the reasons why my membersare not pulling their weight. Iactually believe that a happy employeeproduces better results," emphasisedBrig Gen Sibiya.

Not a token womanBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoBrig Gen Alta Smit, DirectorDepartmental Security atDefence Intelligence, wasgenerous enough to be interviewedat her home inValhalla. She walkedtowards us with her threedogs protectively following close by.We were about to be given access toher private life, but she seemed totallyunperturbed. One could easily spotthat the General was comfortable withbeing herself.I would ask her a question and shewould begin to answer and then go onto speak of somebody else. "I am theeldest of three children. If you look atthe psychology of children and wherethey fit into the family, the oldest oneis almost always self-sufficient, veryresponsible and a little bit withdrawnbecause you have got to survive onyour own after the others are born. Iam a typical eldest child and not a personto draw attention to myself," continuedBrig Gen Smit. Well, as one ofonly twelve female Generals in thewhole of the SANDF, the spotlight isnow definitely on her."Defence Intelligence and the militarybeing my life, one tends tobecome more inward than outwardbecause you cannot talk about yourwork because it is such a uniqueorganisation," continued the General,as she considered how her discreetpersonality works in her favour professionally."I would like to think that I have avery good relationship with my personneland colleagues. We may notnecessarily always agree on all matters,but as a disciplined and loyal soldier,the outcome must be to theadvantage of the DOD and the safeguardingof the RSA," said Brig GenSmit.Brig Gen Smit did her initial militaryservice in 1973, then she joinedthe Permanent Force as a non-commissionedofficer in the Medical Service at1 Military Hospital. She continuedwith part-time studies and obtained adegree and then an honours degree.Brig Gen Smit was the first of the studentsto do her initial training atGeorge with a view to becoming aGeneral. Since entering the DefenceIntelligence milieu in 1977, manythings started to change very slowly."This was due to individuals in theSouth African Defence Force whowere open to change and were preparedto take a risk and give opportunitiesto women, including myself. Invarious directorates I was the firstwoman serving in the directorate andin certain fields," said Brig Gen Smit.She thoroughly enjoyed the variouspostings, including that of instructorand personal staff officer. She wasalso the first woman to be given theopportunity to do the completeCommand and Staff Course in 1989.Before that time women could not dothe whole course.Brig Gen Smit is also the onlyfemale General among all the maleGenerals within Defence Intelligence."I, as a woman, never thought of beinga General. It was not part of my planning,but then Chief of DefenceIntelligence gave me the opportunityin 1999 to become a General. Lt GenMotau, the late Lt Gen Masuku, MajGen Mgwebi and two RSMs (WO1"Killer" Coetzee and WO1 LionelSlade) played major roles in my developmentas a soldier and an officer inthe new SANDF," said Brig Gen Smit.Brig Gen Smit was never marriedand has no children. "Things havechanged. Women can now have acareer and a family," she said. She statedthat living alone does not mean thatshe is lonely. "I have a very strongsense of family and I am always therefor my family and friends," said BrigGen Smit. She said women in theSANDF must be cautious not to sitback and wait for opportunities toBrig Gen Alta Smit, DirectorDepartmental Security at DefenceIntelligence Office.come to them; also they must not thinkthat they are advantaged just becausethey are women. "As women we alsohave the responsibility to empowerourselves to prove that we are the bestcandidate for a post or a task," saidBrig Gen Smit."One should never sit back andreflect on what was and get stuck withwhat could have been, but shouldalways have one's eye on the futureand what can be. I am a very religiousperson and believe that even thoughsome hardships may be hard to fathom,nothing happens without God'swill," said Brig Gen Smit."I am a seasoned and enthusiastictraveller with my sister as a travellingcompanion. We specialise in exploringspecial bargain travel deals," she said.In a small corner in the lounge of theGeneral's house one can find memorabiliafrom all her many visits, includingvarious musical instruments.Her plans include learning tospeak Zulu, Spanish and sign language.Brig Gen Smit would also liketo see herself representing SouthAfrica in far-off lands as a DefenceAttaché. In the meantime she enjoysher work and the many challengesthat each new day brings along.29A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

focus on peopleThe General who believesin giving with love30By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoBrig Gen Marietjie Swanepoel,Director of Nursing for theSAMHS, was the eighthGeneral to be interviewed bythe SA SOLDIER team sincewe began with this project togive exposure to all femaleGenerals in the SANDF.Brig Gen Swanepoel works fromthe SAMHS HQ, which is located atthe Centurion Lake next to the everpopularCenturion Mall, an areawhere it is almost impossible to findparking. This whole experience ofchasing after our multi-talentedwomen Generals means the SA SOL-DIER team never knows what liesahead.But on the day of this interview,the photographer, PO Eddie Kgomo,and I, found parking at the CenturionMall without even making an effort.Surely this had to be a good omen; asign perhaps of how well thingswould go for the day.I walked into Brig Gen Swanepoel'soffice silently, hoping that theinterview would go as easily as the littletime spent finding accommodationfor our military vehicle. I was not disappointedas Brig Gen Swanepoel waseasy to talk to; the interview wentsmoothly and we were done in notime.Brig Gen Swanepoel originallycame from Louis Trichardt where hermother still lives. She then studied inPotchefstroom for about four yearsand then in Bloemfontein for twoyears. Eventually she joined theDefence Force, where she felt she wasneeded.Brig Gen Swanepoel has a B Art etSc. (Nursing) from the PotchefstroomUniversity for Christian HigherS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Education, an M Soc. Sc. (PsychiatricNursing) from the then University ofthe Orange Free State and anAdvanced Diploma in Nursing fromthe University of South Africa."I started working for the DefenceForce in 1976 at 1 Military Hospital inthe Psychiatric Ward and that Ienjoyed tremendously," Brig GenSwanepoel said. She then moved on tonurses' training and became the firstPrincipal of the SAMHS NursingCollege in 1985.She has been Director of Nursingsince 1988. She did not expect to everbecome a General. "My whole focuswas on becoming a nurse; I wanted tobe a nurse for as long as I can rememberand I have never seen myself inany other role than working withpatients," Brig Gen Swanepoel said."I look after the nursing staff of theSANDF and I too get to do my bit forpatient care, because if the nurses arewell-trained and well cared for theycan give their best," said Brig GenSwanepoel, who is still a registerednurse. In reference to 9 August,National Women's Day, Brig GenSwanepoel had this to say: "I am veryglad for all women that there is recognitionof what they are doing. I thinkthere is still a lot of very good workdone in the communities and in otherplaces that is still not recognised"."In the Defence Force women aresometimes misjudged, but we arestronger. Maybe we are not as aggressiveas our male colleagues, but wehave other styles and ways of doingthings just as effectively," continuedthe Director of Nursing."I still think that the role womencan play in the country and theDefence Force is not recognisedenough," stated Brig Gen Swanepoel.Brig Gen Swanepoel also addedthat she thinks it is wonderful thatBrig Gen Marietjie Swanepoel,Director of Nursing.President Thabo Mbeki has appointedso many women in political posts.The General related how she hadto do her Air Force Senior Commandand Staff Course in a "very strange situation",as she put it. In 1993 sheremembered feeling "old" at 42 in aclass filled mostly with young SA AirForce members. "I worked very hardand I felt extremely gratified when Ipassed that course very well," BrigGen Swanepoel said proudly.Speaking on the past ten years ofthe new SANDF she said: "We havegone through a bit of turmoil and a lotof change". Brig Gen Swanepoel notedthat in terms of representivity in nursingall is going well. She also mentionedthe great work being done bynurses who are deployed in Burundiand the DRC."I would like to see a young,vibrant and healthy Defence Force,very well-disciplined and very welltrained,"commented the General onhow she would like the SANDF tolook ten years from now.The General's message to all membersis: "If we could just try and caremore for each other we will go a longway". She believes that if you givesomething with love, it truly has quality.

Focus on the first SouthAfrican female AdmiralArticle and photo courtesyNavy NewsIn a proud history of 82 years, oneof the proudest moments the SANavy has enjoyed has had to bewhen R Adm (JG) KhanysileLitchfield-Tshabalala assumed herpost as Director Fleet HumanResources in Simon's Town inJanuary 2004. Why? Because she is thefirst-ever South African femaleAdmiral!It has been an arduous journey, butas she herself is fond of saying: "Thereare only dead heroes. I say thatbecause I believe it is only by livingyour beliefs right to the end - consistentlyliving the struggle, that you area hero. I regard Bob Marley and CheGuevara as heroes, because they didjust that". This prime role model foryoung women everywhere was bornand raised in Soweto. She spent tenyears in the military arm of the ANC,Umkhonto we Sizwe, where she wastrained in Guerrilla warfare and wasforced into exile in Angola in the1980s.She returned in 1993 and completedher Bachelors and Honours degreesin politics and drama at the Universityof Cape Town and is continuing withher Masters degree in Criminologythrough Unisa this year. After muchdeliberation, she joined the SA Navyin 1997. Why the SA Navy? "Whatimpressed me and convinced me tojoin the SA Navy and not anotherdepartment, was the fact that theywanted one to have a tertiary education.To me that is very important,"said R Adm (JG) Litchfield-Tshabalala.Her career took off quickly and sherose through the ranks, but not withouta lot of hard work.She is quick to point out that it washer female colleagues (from seaman tothe most senior rank) who made itpossible for her by paving the way in amale dominated environment, encouragingand supporting her throughcourse after course."It was not just my effort alone thatgot me to where I am today. The SANavy opened the doors for me andcolleagues supported me," R Adm (JG)Litchfield-Tshabalala said of her newposition, "I am happiest as a personnelofficer. I enjoy the challenge of problemsolving and see my role as contributingto building bridges betweenblack and white. There is still so muchthat we do not understand about eachother that can be critical to the successof the transformation of our SA Navy."Her goals as Fleet Director HumanResources (FDHR) include improvingHuman Resources service deliveryand establishing a "culture of HumanResources professionalism… wherestaff see Human Resources as a careerand develop accordingly, much like itis viewed in the US." She is also anxiousto address the failure rate andplans to put the Education Trainingand Development (ETD) Centre togood use. "We must be proactive anddevelop a strategy to improve on this.Next year I want to focus on careerplans for the SA Navy personnel," shesays.On a more personal note, sheenjoys running and exercising, watchingtelevision (especially soccer) andthe theatre. She adds with emphasis: "Ialways make time to work on my spiritualside". She is full of praise andappreciation for her family. As wifeand mother of a twelve-year-old sonand a three-year-old daughter, R Adm(JG) Litchfield-Tshabalala acknowledgesthe support of her husband andchildren. "During the past few years,Mbongiseni alone raised our daughter."…as shebreaks newground forwomen inour Navy.R Adm (JG) Khanysile Litchfield-Tshabalala, Director Fleet HumanResources in Simon's Town."My daughter's first word was'Baba' - I was always busy with yetanother course!" She also acknowledgesthe tremendous support of herbeloved mother, NomhlanganoDlamini, her three sisters and threebrothers who all live in Gauteng, aswell as members of her church, theBaptist Church in Meadowlands,Soweto, who prayed for her regularly.R Adm (JG) Litchfield-Tshabalala hasa daunting task ahead of her as shebreaks new ground for women in theSA Navy, but she is clearly well suitedto the challenge.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R31

focus on peopleTalking of veterans32“YBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie Kgomoou reap what you sow", is astatement that came to lifefor me when I met Maj GenJoan van der Poel (Ret). SASOLDIER interviewed herat her very modern andwarm home, which projecteda lot of her personality. Outside hergarage was parked her trailer, ready tobe whisked off to another adventure ata moment's call."I joined the Defence Force in 1974when there was a need for officerinstructors at the then SA ArmyWomen's College (SAAWCOL) inGeorge. At that stage I was a teacherand I applied for a vacancy and wasappointed," said Maj Gen Van derPoel. She served there for four yearsand was then transferred to the then"Administrative Service Corps". Shespecialised in Human Resourceswhere she remained until her retirement."At that time coming into theDefence Force was a grand adventure.It was a time when women were startingto make their mark in SouthAfrican society, not so much womenof colour, but white women," theGeneral reminisced. "They realisedthat by involving women in theDefence Force they could make a difference.We had a wonderful start atthe SAAWCOL because we weresomething of a novelty.""Girls received one year of trainingat the SAAWCOL. That one year gavethem confidence and the ability towork well in various occupationswhen they left the SAAWCOL. It waslike a year out and it gave girls theopportunity to say to the guys: "Wehave been there and we have done it!,"said Maj Gen Van der Poel with obviouspleasure even after all these years."Why did you join the DefenceForce," I asked. "I joined the DefenceForce because I love the outdoors. Iwas hoping to work outside all day. IS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Former President Nelson Mandela and Maj Gen Joan van der Poel (Ret) withMaj Gen Pine Pienaar (Ret) looking on.did it for the adventure of it. I am atmy best when I camp and travel, butlike most things your plans do notalways work out the way youplanned." After four lovely years inthe Defence Force as an officer instructorat SAAWCOL in George she wastransferred to Pretoria and from thereon she was office bound.The retired General then concededthat subsequently the Defence Forcetreated her very well. "In some luckyway I was in the right place at the righttime," she said."Then you started to climb yourprofessional ladder," I suggested. "Inmany cases it depended on whom youimpressed. I had the privilege of doingParliamentary duty for twelve years;there I had contact with many of themost senior officers," she explained."If you had done your bit and hadgiven somebody the right informationat the right time, they realised that youwere credible, reliable and trustworthy.Confident men would then recommendthat you be given a chance,"continued Maj Gen Van der Poel."I was one of the first women to dothe then Blue Staff Course in 1981. Iwas also the first woman to completethe Joint Senior Command and StaffCourse (now the ENSP) in 1988," sherevealed.Maj Gen Van der Poel was promotedto Brigadier General in 1993."That was quite a difficult time,because we had already started withthe negotiations for the integrationprocess. I was part of the first negotiationsregarding the planning, followedin 1994 by the whole integrationphase at Wallmannsthal.""One could not have done it wereit not for an absolute endeavour byeveryone to make it work," sheemphasised. "Yes, it was hard and wehad to learn by making mistakes, but Ibelieve in the end it is one of the greatsuccess stories of the world," Maj GenVan der Poel added.In 1994 Maj Gen Van der Poel andMaj Gen Jackie Sedibe, Chief DirectorEqual Opportunities, became the firsttwo women to be appointed as MajorGenerals. "Jackie and I showedwomen in uniform that it was possible,that they need not to be afraid, itcould be done," Maj Gen Van der Poelsaid.Now Maj Gen Van der Poel is writingtelevision scripts about travel inSouth Africa and living the outdoorlife to the full.

A female doctor wholeads“IBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie Kgomohave two people I want to thankfor who I am today - my motherand father. They are the oneswho used to push me, althoughthey died at an early age. Theyused to encourage me by sayingthat I must ensure that I go asfar as I can," said Dr Mary Ledwaba,Chief Director of Human ResourcesPolicy and Planning."In the Defence Secretariat I am theonly Chief Director," stated DrLedwaba proudly. "When you are anindividual you have to have someplans and you have to focus on thedirection you want to follow in life.Because of my qualifications I knewthat I could fit in any level," added DrLedwaba confidently. She has aDoctorate in Sociology."The position of Chief Director isnot even the position that I can say thisis where I am. I can still aspire to gofar," noted Dr Ledwaba.Explaining her post Dr Ledwabasaid: "I am responsible for the HumanResource Strategy for the Department,as well as the planning of theDepartment where Human Resourcesare concerned. I have to give thedirection for Human Resource processesand the direction for strategy"."I have four directors under me -Director Human Resource PolicyManagement, Director ServiceSystems, Director Human ResourcePlans and Director Reserves andVeterans Policy," elaborated DrLedwaba.Dr Ledwaba studied in the UnitedStates of America where she spentfourteen years. "America being veryfar from home, especially not bychoice was not very nice, but I wasprivileged enough to study andacquire five degrees," revealed DrLedwaba.She came to the military environmentin 1999. Prior to that she workedfor the Department of Public Serviceand Administration. "My responsibilitiesthere were to monitor, evaluateand draft all the new legislation," saidDr Ledwaba."I wish to see the Department ofDefence having the best HumanResource practices. This will be thecase if I am able to drive a paradigmshift in all managers to ensure thatthey practise best practices," stated DrLedwaba."The past ten years of democracyhave been difficult, but we have goodpolicies in place and we have progressedto a point where you can seeus working hand in hand - side byside," Dr Ledwaba said.Dr Ledwaba is also a mother and aspouse and about this she said, "I seemyself as a professional woman whois juggling two professions, that ofmotherhood and being a partner, aswell as my profession"."South Africa has really achieved amilestone in that it is one of the countriesthat has recognised the importanceof women. We see it in ourParliament. We see women in variouspositions, as well as in leadershippositions," said Dr Ledwaba."If it were not for women, menwould not be here. It is women whoplay the role of being a mother, aprovider and a comforter," added DrLedwaba."As a woman I have also endureda lot of discrimination," added DrLedwaba. "We are not recognised, weare not given a voice as women. OneGo as far asyou can.Dr Mary L. Ledwaba, Chief Directorof Human Resources Policy andPlanning.has to prove oneself three or fourtimes more than one's male counterparts,"she continued."As women we must always assertourselves. We must disregard all negativitybecause there will always besome stereotypes. One must ignorethem, and excel in one's profession,"advised Dr Ledwaba."Regardless of all the discriminationand disadvantages I have alwaysasserted myself to ensure that I amrecognised," emphasised Dr Ledwaba."Every woman who has been givenan opportunity to be in a leadershipposition should not forget where shecame from. We should ensure that wemotivate other women by empoweringthem so that they too can reachtheir aspirations," said Dr Ledwaba.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R33

tributeShe preferred to walk offthe paper into action34By Nomonde VuthelaThe Former Deputy Ministerof Defence, Ms NozizweMadlala-Routledge, speakingat the DOD's NationalWomen's Day celebrations on7 August 2002 suggested thata name register listing themany women who have struggled forthe emancipation of women be kept.Ms Madlala-Routledge spoke ofbuilding an archive not only rich withinformation but one that would alsogive a "true" reflection of women leadersand the journeys embarked uponin this ongoing quest for change.Although Ms Madlala-Routledge'sterm as Deputy Minister of Defencecame to an end early this year, it isthrough that very sentiment that shetoo is remembered as the DOD yetagain celebrates its women and theirachievements in the past ten years ofdemocracy.Ms Madlala-Routledge was thefirst woman Deputy Minister ofDefence the country had ever seen,which gave women in the DOD evenmore reason to celebrate SouthAfrica's Constitution that has placedwomen in the forefront.When the former Deputy Ministerof Defence addressed the women ofthe DOD on National Women's Day in2003 she acknowledged that the struggleto end gender inequality in theSANDF had not been realised. "Thechallenges are different, yet just asdaunting," she said and called upon allwomen in the DOD to unite in order torise above all barriers.Speaking to SA SOLDIER, MrBuddy Ntsong, Head of Office for theDeputy Minister of Defence, MrMululeki George, helped recollectsome of Ms Madlala-Routledge'sactivities while she was still in office.S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4"Ms Madlala-Routledge wasinvolved with the promotion of genderissues," stated Mr Ntsong. "Shewas instrumental in the establishmentof the Women's Peace Table wherewomen in Southern Africa wouldcome together and discuss the contributionwomen can make in bringingabout peace in the region."Sponsored by the SANDF's EqualOpportunities Directorate the PeaceTable was held for the first time in2001. Addressing participants at theThird Annual Women's Peace Table in2003 Ms Madlala-Routledge said thechallenge to all participants was tomap out a way forward for women inthe furtherance of the AU/NEPADpeace and security agenda.At this particular conference MsMadlala-Routledge emphasised onwalking off the paper and into action."Clearly women have a definite pointof view in relation to peace, securityand safety," she said, calling on institutionsand instruments for peace inAfrica to be gender sensitive."She was also involved with theMilitary Veterans Project, which wasone of her pet projects given to her bythe Minister of Defence", stated MrNtsong as he listed Ms Madlala-Routledge's past contributions. Theformer Deputy Minister for Defencewas also involved in a number of veteranprojects mainly run by non-governmentalorganisations (NGOs).According to Mr Ntsong the aim ofthe Military Veterans Project was totry and provide employment opportunitiesfor destitute military veterans."A year ago she launched, togetherwith the then Minister of Water Affairsand Forestry, Mr Ronnie Kasrils, aProject called OPERATION VUSE-LELA aimed at eradicating alien vegetationon Defence controlled land,"said Mr Ntsong. This project helped toMs Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge,former Deputy Minister of Defence.provide employment for some veterans."Ms Madlala-Routledge alsoplayed a role on an advisory basis tothe Freedom Park Project whose CEOis Dr Wally Serote," said Mr Ntsong.The Freedom Park Project is a nationalproject that was unveiled late last yearin Pretoria in recognition of all thepeople who fought for freedomthroughout the history of SouthAfrica."Another one of her responsibilitieswas the Masibambisane HIV/AIDSAwareness Project launched in 2001 inPretoria. She was also instrumental inchampioning the launch of the projectin the various provinces," added MrNtsong. Another of Ms Madlala-Routledge's duties was liaising withthe Americans who are major sponsorsof the project."In December 2003 Ms Madlala-Routledge played a leading role in thelaunch of Project Phidisa, which is runby the SANDF in an attempt to provideHIV/AIDS treatment for membersand their dependants," said MrNtsong. 1 Military Hospital is one ofsix sites that been selected to conductresearch on the administration ofantiviral drugs in the Defence Force."She was very passionate about ProjectPhidisa," concluded Mr Ntsong.

First female militaryattaché in an AfricancountryBy Lt Col Adelle Naudé,Directorate of Foreign RelationsFltr: Maj Gen M. Shalli, Army Commander, Lt Col Adelle Naudé (MilitaryAdvisor) and Brig M. Shiweda, COS Operations - attending a de-mining functionin Ruacana in February 2001.In mid-1998 I received confirmationfrom the Directorate ofForeign Relations that I had beenearmarked to become a militaryattaché. This was the beginning ofa period of excitement and uncertaintyas to what lay ahead.Although it was clear to me personallythat the climate necessitated theappointment of a female attachéabroad, and that I would be somewhatof a token appointment, I realised thatit would be an honour for me as anindividual and that I could play a pioneeringrole.After assessing my personal circumstancesI decided to accept a postingto Namibia, as my spouse who is amanager in a private telecommunicationscompany could be transferred toan open regional office. This decisionto me was the first consideration thatany earmarked attaché should consider.A posting is most definitely a partnership,and to make a decision unilaterallywithout taking cognisance ofyour spouse's career or needs wouldmost certainly make a successful postingimpossible.In December 1998 my husband,Adriaan, my son, Adriaan Jr, aged 2,and I arrived in Namibia to take upmy three-year posting. After presentingthree Military Attaché Coursesprior to my deployment I had a clearunderstanding of what was expectedof me as a military advisor.Working from my office at the SAHigh Commission in Windhoek theone thing that was clear was that runninga one-person military officeabroad required extensive hours ofhard work with many responsibilities.Many people perceive an attaché postingabroad to be that of glamour andoverpaid officers who do the diplomaticparty circuit for a living. Fromfirst-hand experience My colleaguesand I who have had the privilege ofserving the SANDF abroad can assureany aspiring attaché that if these preconceptionsare a motivating factorwhen applying for a posting, the realityis going to be a huge disappointment.I credit the Namibian DefenceForce with making my posting a successfulone. My posting was also a firstfor them in their having to receive afemale advisor and they accepted mein my professional capacity and neverhad any gender prejudices towardsme. This acceptance allowed me torepresent the SANDF as a professionalofficer and in the spirit in whichattachés and advisors are mutuallyaccredited. After three years of liaisingwith the Namibian Defence Force on adaily basis I not only built good workingrelations, but made many friends.In my three years my day-to-daywork required me to represent theSANDF by hosting and attendingfunctions, liaising between theSANDF and the Namibian DefenceForce, co-ordinating training betweenthe SANDF and the NamibianDefence Force, arranging high-levelvisits and exercises between the twoforces, overt collection as required,promoting local defence industriesand advising the SA High Commissioneron military matters.To point out only a few highlights,my involvement in the followingevents has definitely left me with lastingimpressions: Co-ordinating the participation ofthe Namibian Defence Force in theregional Exercise BLUE CRANE. The SA High Commission'sinvolvement in the hosting of theSADC Heads of State Summit inWindhoek. The hosting of the Namibia/RSAJoint Commission on Defence inWindhoek. The co-ordination of the visit bytwo SA Navy strike craft, the SASRENé SETHREN and the SASGALESHEWE to Walvis Bay andLüderitz. The visit by the Chief of theSANDF to Namibia and the reciprocalvisit by the Chief of theNamibian Defence Force to theRSA. The presenting of a MilitaryAttaché Course to the NamibianDefence Force.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R35

focus on peopleA Legal Advisor whoachieved many firsts36By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: Sgt David NomtshongwanaMs Lizzy Kubushi is a LegalAdvisor to the Minister ofDefence, Mr MosiuoaLekota. Ms Kubushi is aspecial advisor to theMinister of Defence; it isimperative to note thatboth Minister Lekota's special advisorsare women."It is a very onerous assignment forme because the advice that I give tothe Minister impacts on the wholecountry," revealed Ms Kubushi in aninterview with SA SOLDIER. "In givingthe advice I must have done a lotof research, I must have thought andthought about it; it is not somethingthat I can just give out." Ms Kubushihas been a Legal Advisor to MinisterLekota since 2002.Part of Ms Kubushi's job descriptionis to provide general and legaladvice to Minister Lekota and DeputyMinister Mululeki George on defenceand security matters within SouthAfrica and in terms of South Africa'speacekeeping role in the region. Thisincludes advising the Minister and hisDeputy on the transformation of theSANDF."Some people are afraid to say theyhave been affirmed, but I always say Iam an affirmative appointmentbecause if it was not for democracy Iwould not be sitting where I am advisinga minister," said Ms Kubushi withconviction. "Because of the ten years ofdemocracy I feel affirmed andempowered."Success for Ms Kubushi started atan early age. She was a straight "A"student at a time when it was difficultfor young black girls to make itthrough high school. She went toschool in Soweto and Soekmekaar andobtained first class passes for StandardS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Six, Standard Eight and for theNational Certificate.Ms Kubushi graduated with a BProc degree from the University of theNorth in 1983, Ms Kubushi was admittedas an attorney by the SupremeCourt of SA Orange Free State Division,now Free State Division, in 1987."It was really a great feat because I wasthe first black woman to qualify in theFree State," said Ms Kubushi.This achievement was followed bya series of graduations at local andinternational universities. Ms Kubushifurther obtained a Master of BusinessAdministration (MBA), a PostgraduateCertificate in Management and aDiploma in Management Studies fromthe Buckinghamshire ChilternsUniversity College.She also has a Bachelor of Laws(LLB) from the University of the FreeState. In 1993 Ms Kubushi attended acourse in Israel for the Role of People'sOrganisation in the Community and inNation Building. She was also admittedto appear as an attorney in theHigh Court of South Africa in 1996."My achievements made meproud, but not just for me, but also forother women who looked up to meand were inspired by what was happening,"Ms Kubushi said. In the periodbetween 1984 and 2003 she hastaken up no less than 21 leadershiproles. "I was involved in businessorganisations and women's organisations,"she said. "You cannot achieve inisolation: as you achieve you need tobe taking other people along.An advisor to the Minister ofDefence, an intellectual, a businessand community leader and a homemaker- all this Ms Kubushi saidwould not be possible to balance if shedid not have a support base. "My husbandis very supportive and veryunderstanding," she said. Ms Kubushi,who uses her maiden name, is marriedMs Lizzy Kubushi, Legal Advisor toMr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister ofDefence.to Pitso Sekhoto and is mother to four.She was the first black woman tobe admitted as a practicing attorney inthe Free State, the first black woman tobe admitted as a conveyancer andnotary and the first black womanattorney to be allowed to appear in theHigh Court in the Free State.She is also the first black woman tohave become the Chairperson of theBlack Lawyers Association in the FreeState Region, and the first blackwoman to serve on the Council of theLaw Society of South Africa (in thenew dispensation). She was also thefirst woman to be appointed StateAttorney and the Head of the StateAttorney Offices in the Free State andNorthern Cape Provinces."The girl child as she is growing upnow has possibilities that are endless.They look up and see that there arewomen who occupy very powerfulpositions and they too aspire to thosepositions," Ms Kubushi said."Democracy has brought in a lot ofspace to move in, so there is a widespace in front of me and there isenough space to go anywhere," sheconcluded.

Good advice goes along way“IBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: Sgt David Nomtshongwanalove it, my job is very, very interesting,"said Ms Sue Rabkin, theSpecial Advisor to the Minister ofDefence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota."There is no formal jobdescription; it depends on theMinister and what he wants hisadvisor to do," said Ms Rabkin in aninterview with SA SOLDIER. "I try tosee the strategic direction the Ministeris taking and what he wants to accomplishand then I try to add more substance.I think the combination worksvery well.""I take the work very seriouslybecause he does listen to what I say soI am actually very careful what I say. Ifeel the weight of the responsibilityand I think he knows that," added MsRabkin.In 1999 Minister Lekota asked herto be his Special Advisor. "TheMinister appointed me because,among other things, I had experiencein the Department - I was in theDefence Secretariat for five years. Healso know about my past with theANC and I think that he placed somevalue on what I have to say," she said.Working with Minister Lekota isnot a new experience for Ms Rabkin,so she is well able to work with him. "Ihave been involved in the politicalstructures of the ANC for many years.I first worked with the Minister for the1994 elections," said Ms Rabkin. "Thatis where he saw me work and got toknow me.""I have a good understanding ofhow the Government works, which Ithink is very important for a departmentlike Defence," said Ms Rabkin. "Itinforms my approach to all facets ofdepartmental work and I like to thinkthat I bring some quality to the level ofanalysis and strategic planning."Born and raised in London MsRabkin studied at York Universitywhere she did her BA Honours. Shelater met a South African from CapeTown, David Rabkin, whom she marriedin England in 1972. He recruitedher into the underground machineryof the liberation movement. In 1976they were arrested and found guiltyof producing illegal propaganda forthe liberation movement.Ms Rabkin was sentenced to threeyears which was suspended. Sheserved a month in Pollsmoor Prisonwhere she gave birth to her secondchild, Franny; she was then deportedback to the UK. "I was a single motherfor seven years before my husbandwas released. I was three years inLondon after my release and then Iwas deployed by the ANC toMozambique, which was quite difficult,but that was part of the struggle,"she said looking back. "I had the bestsupport from all the comrades; everybodyhelped look after my kids. Theywere virtually brought up by the collective."Her husband was sentenced to tenyears' imprisonment and was releasedin 1983; he then joined her inMozambique, but was killed twoyears later in Angola.Ms Rabkin and her daughter cameback to South Africa in 1990. Shejoined the Department of Defence in1995 as the Chief Director EfficiencyServices in the Defence Secretariat. "Ithink it is a lot easier for women whofunction at the top levels of an institutionlike Defence because you havealready got some credibility," MsRabkin said."When I was Chief DirectorEfficiency Services I had a secretary,an assistant and a parliamentary officer- all of whom were women andMs Sue Rabkin, Special Advisor toMinister Mosiuoa Lekota.African, but I failed for the most partin getting the Department to take theirdevelopment seriously. I could notget a career path mapped out forthem; nobody was interested and Iwas coming up against a brick wall. Ifelt it was indicative of what the bulkof women in this Department must gothrough," said Ms Rabkin."Women who have made it in amale environment like Defence, forexample, our women Generals, aremuch better than their male counterpartswhich is how they got to be atthis level," she emphasised. "Butthings are a lot easier than they usedto be. One of the reasons why SouthAfrica is going to blossom is becausewe are releasing this fantastic capacityof women, and they are beginning totake their place as equals alongsidemen," Ms Rabkin concluded.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R37

focus on peopleFemale Deputy Directorheads DocumentationCentre38By Capt Leon Steyn,SO3 Military HistorianDocumentation Centre is managedby a unique team consistingof women only. MsLouise Jooste heads theoffice as the appointedDeputy Director of DocumentationCentre with fourappointed Assistant Directors of thevarious sections. They are MsAnnelies Schoeman of the RecordManagement Section, Ms Annette vanJaarsveldt of the Archives Section, MsErica Pienaar of Library Services andMs Esté van Jaarsveldt of thePersonnel Records Section.Ms Louise Jooste was appointed asDeputy Director DocumentationCentre on 1 November 2001. MsJooste's appointment heralded a newera in the history of the DocumentationCentre. Not only was she the firstPSAP (civilian) member,to fill the post, butalso the first woman todo so. Ms Jooste graduatedfrom the RandAfrikaans University(RAU), having majoredin Afrikaans-Netherlandsand English,while obtaining her BAdegree in 1971. Thenshe accepted an appointmentin the DODat the then DirectorateDocumentation Serviceon 14 May 1973.Following a stint asSO2 Actuality Service,which involved thecritical selection of documentationfor historicalwriting, she wasS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4appointed as a historian in the postSO3 Military Historical Service inJanuary 1978.Ms Jooste obtained a BA degree,majoring in History, from theUniversity of South Africa in 1982, aBA Honours degree in History fromUnisa in 1985 and a Masters degree inHistory with distinction from Unisa in1996.Her contribution to military historywriting has been significant. MsJooste's bibliography includes: Thehistory of Op SAVANNAH (1979),SADF involvement in South WestAfrica (1979-81), the history ofSWAPO (1981), the history of theSouth African Artillery (1981), a criticallyacclaimed history of militaryWar Art (1982), the history of OpASKARI (1982), the history ofSoutpansberg Military Area (1996)and an essential work on the formerUnion Defence Minister, F.C. Erasmus(1996).On 1 April 1988 Ms Jooste was promotedto the rank of Assistant Director(SO1 Research and Historical Writing).She has subsequently received twoChief of the SANDF Commendations(1980 and 1996) endorsing her purposefulapproach and truly professionalattitude in the overall managementof military history and its causewithin the SANDF, which earned herthe highest respect from academicpeers, superiors, colleagues and subordinatesalike.In January 2001 Ms Jooste was appointedActing Deputy Director DocumentationCentre, and on 1 November2001 she became the new DeputyDirector Documentation Centre. MsJooste has seen thirty-one years of servicein the DOD, all of which havebeen with the Documentation Centreand exclusively as a professional militaryhistorian.Group photo of the personnel of the Documentation Centre. The Centre is managed bya unique team consisting of women only - front, third to seventh person, fltr: Ms EricaPienaar, Annelies Schoeman, Ms Louise Jooste, Ms Annette van Jaarsveldt and Ms Estévan Jaarsveldt.

First female officer commandingof Naval CollegeAt the beginning of 2004 the SA Navycelebrated yet another first - Capt(SAN) Lilla du Preez assumed commandof the prestigious SA NavalCollege in Gordon's Bay as the firstfemale officer commanding of thisofficers' training base in the history ofthe SA Navy.Capt (SAN) Du Preez's career inthe Defence Force began in the SAMilitary Health Service as a SocialWork Officer in Cape Town, when sheobtained the degree of BA Honours inSocial Work at Stellenbosch Universityin 1985. From there she joined theBureau for Information (now theGovernment Communication andInformation System) as Liaison Officerfor foreign government guests.She joined the SA Navy in 1989,working as a Public Relations Officer,first in Cape Town and then (from1990 to 1993) in Durban at the StrikeCraft Flotilla. In 1993 she was reappointedto SA Naval Headquarters,Pretoria, where she served as StaffOfficer Internal Communication andthen as a Media Liaison Officer. Capttransforming and her careeras a woman in a male dominated environmentstarted to look more promising.True to her determination to excel,and her ambition, Capt (SAN) DuPreez then completed the Senior NavalCommand and Staff Course in 1999,after which she became Staff OfficerCommuni-cation Planning at DefenceCorporate Communication.In 2001 she served for a short whileas a project officer on Project PROFU-SION (responsible for the design of thenew Joint Senior Command and StaffProgramme for the SANDF. In June2001 she was promoted to Captain (SANavy) and appointed as the PersonalCapt (SAN) Lilla du Preez (right) during theOpening of our Third Democratic Parliament.First Indian woman Warrant Officerin our NavyBy AB Zelda (Lizzy) Lebelo(Courtesy Navy News)Not only is WO2 Cheryl Essop afemale warrant officer, but also thefirst and only Indian woman in thehistory of the SA Navy to become one."It is a wonderful feeling and I amproud to have made it so far," she toldNavy News.She joined the SA Navy in 1989and did her Basic Training at SASJALSENA in Durban. Her career in theSA Navy started at SAS SCORPIONwhere she worked as a junior communicationoperator.WO2 Cheryl Essop also worked atNaval Base Simon's Town, Naval BaseDurban and Group 10 (an Army HQ)(SAN) Du Preez continuedwith her studies and obtainedBA Honours in Communicationat Unisa in 1995.This was followed by accreditationas a Public RelationsPractitioner (APR)in 1997 at the Public RelationsInstitute of SouthernAfrica (PRISA). At thisstage the Defence Force wasas both junior and senior communicationoperator for a number of years.She was awarded good conductbadges in 1991 and 1995, attained firstposition in three different courses sheattended and again was voted first asthe most supportive student duringher MTR3 course.When asked what it was like workingat an Army unit as a naval member,her response was that we are allserving the same Defence Force, andthe only difference is the uniform.WO2 Essop as made history, andconsidering we are all celebrating thetenth year of freedom and democracythis year, this is an apt milestone. Sheis definitely an ideal role model foryoung women in the SA Navy and theDefence Force at large would be wellserved in looking up to her. At presentStaff Officer to the then Chief ofCorporate Staff, V Adm MartynTrainor (now retired) until July 2003.Meanwhile, during 2002 Capt (SAN)Du Preez continued her pursuit of academicexcellence and received her MACommunication Management cumlaude, also being adjudged best studentfor 2003 at Pretoria University.Just prior to her appointment inGordon's Bay, she was a programmemember of the Executive NationalSecurity Programme (ENSP) 08/03 atthe SA National Defence College inThaba Tshwane, Pretoria. (Article andphoto courtesy Navy News)WO2 Cheryl Essop.WO2 Essop is working at the ArmyIntelligence Formation HQ in Pretoria,where she has been since 2003.39A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R

focus on peopleFirst female OfficerCommanding of2 Military Hospital40Article and photo byMaj Amora Taljaard,Corp Comm Officer 2 Mil HospCol Engela Brink, OfficerCommanding of 2 MilitaryHospital is an excellentexample of a role model forwomen in the military.Her career in theSAMHS started in 1980when she was a student nurse at 1Military Hospital.She re-mustered to "Operations"and took up the post of an operationalclerk in the operational room at theSurgeon General HQ. She was promotedto an operational officer at 7Medical Battalion Group in 1985. In1988 the Surgeon General appointedher as his personal assistant (PA)where admin and liaison tasks formedthe biggest part of her daily duties.This post meant a lot for her careerand provided good exposure and awhole new framework of friends, colleaguesand contacts.Col Brink returned to 7 MedicalBattalion Group in 1990 as Operationaland Foreign Projects Officer, andliaised with Special Forces HQ and theParachute Battalion.She became the Officer Commandingof the Medical Section at 4Reconnaissance Regiment and alsoacted as SO2 Operations at WesternProvince Medical Command. Sheexchanged the Western Cape forHoedspruit and was transferred therewith her family to become the OfficerS A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4Commanding MBH Hoedspruit.Never a woman to perceive anytask too daunting, she accepted hergreatest career challenge, viz to takeup the post of Officer Commanding at2 Military Hospital in Wynberg, CapeTown, in 2000. With this appointmentCol Brink made history, as she becamethe first female Officer Commandingto manage such a post.What made this post even morechallenging was the fact that, prior toher appointment, only medical officerswere considered for this post. Timeswere rough, as she had to battle withstaffing problems and a diminishingbudget. Col Brink stood her ground tomanage the unit in an admirable manner,always ready to support her personneland to acknowledge theirachievements.A definite highlight in her careerwas the fact that an American delegationfrom Wilford Hall MedicalCentre, Lackland AFB, presented herwith the 59th Medical Wing"Commander's Coin of Excellence".This was a tribute to her fine managementof her post and to the fact thatshe is a female Officer Commanding ofsuch a big unit.Besides being very busy in her variousposts Col Brink fortunately hadthe love and the support of her husband,Helgard, and their two children,Rico and Lara. If you asked her, shemight have added that they made theultimate difference. As you can see,behind every successful woman thereis a loving family!A role modelfor women inthe military.Col Engela Brink, OfficerCommanding of 2 Military Hospital.

Janie boasts about hernatural blindfoldBy Miempie Louw, DirectorateLanguage ServicesPhoto: Sgt David NomtshongwanaMany of the men andwomen in uniform,trained and ready to fightfor the safety of the peopleof South Africa, know her,call her their friend, ask forher advice and deriveinspiration from her fighting spirit.Maybe it is because they talk the samelanguage - one of courage, determinationand survival.Meeting her face to face makes itimmediately clear that although JanieFourie is not a uniformed member ofthe DOD, she is every inch one of themost remarkable women of the DOD.It is also not surprising to find her inan environment where sophisticatedweapons and clever tactics are noteffective; she empowers people withsomething mightier than the sword -the gift of language.Despite a visual impairment Janieworks as a Principal LanguagePractitioner (PSAP) at the DirectorateLanguage Services in Pretoria whereshe presents English and Afrikaanslanguage training to DOD officialsand foreign military attachés and doeslanguage editing and translation.Armed with a voice activated computerprogramme called Jaws, her blackguide dog - Audrey, and an unflinchingwill to succeed, Janie is ready toconfront any challenge that crosses herline of fire.What other people might take forgranted, however, did not happenautomatically for Janie. She had toleave home at the tender age of sevenand a half years to attend the Schoolfor the Blind in Worcester, miles fromher place of birth on a farm nearVryheid in KwaZulu-Natal. So, by thetime she finished Matric, Janie hadalready trod the battlefields of life,wept for her loved ones, grown toughby endurance. She started her first jobas a switchboard operator in Durban,but although thankful for such anopportunity, Janie could not bear thebleak prospect of coping with doingthat for the rest of her life and startedstudying part-time for a BA degree atthe University of South Africa.The resident master of the youthcentre where she stayed at that stagenoticed how diligently Janie studied inthe evenings and assisted her in securinga study loan to study full-time.Consequently, to her utmost delight,Janie started in 1979 as a full-time studentat the University of Pretoriawhere she finished her BA degree, aswell as a BA Honours in Afrikaans.Much more in line with what shehad in mind for herself as a career,Janie, on 1 June 1983 took up a post asa language practitioner at the thenSouth African Defence Force. Sincethen, true to her brave spirit, she hasconquered many battles with honour.For example, she completed herHigher Education Diploma at Unisawith honours, as well as the ETDPLevel 4 course at Colet and is currentlybusy with the ETDP Level 5 course.In 1998 she was the runner-up to theCuramus Person with Disabilities ofthe Year Award which singles out aperson with disabilities who has anexceptional personality and achievementsto his or her credit.Throughout her career Janie wasapproached out to deliver speeches,make presentations and read passagesat church services and disabilityforums. She was even interviewed onRadio Kansel in March this year on herinnovative idea of making it possiblefor blind persons to also "watch" themovie, The Passion of the Christ. Shewould arrange for somebody to whisperthe text of the film for them whileexperiencing the movie.It is little wonder that her friendsJanie Fourie, a Principal LanguagePractitioner.and colleagues say of her: "Janie is afriend worth having. She knows theart of listening. With her sense ofhumour and undeniable presence sheprojects warmth and humanitytowards everyone that crosses herpath." No wonder the people workingand associating with her use words ofher, such as "jolly", "achiever", "neat"and "integrity".From her busy and active programme,it is apparent that Janie is a"whole" and happy person who doesnot intend wasting valuable timewhile experiencing life and interactingwith other people. She devotes a lot ofher time to church activities - visitingmembers of the congregation, doingstreet work, and encouraging peoplewho experience difficult times. She isalso involved in the activities of theGuide Dog Association and even onone occasion in 2003 attempted todrive a car during a Guide DogAssociation's fund-raising event at theWaverley Plaza where a person whocould see was blindfolded and navigatedby another "seeing" person - sheboasted about her "natural blindfold"!She loves social gatherings, communicatingwith others on the internet, visitingcoffee shops and craft markets,attending music concerts and "shopstill she drops"!A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R41

focus on peopleFlying as high as eaglesArticle and photo courtesyLangebaanweg AFB42Women play a very important role inthe new dispensation, not only oftransformation in the DOD, but also ingender and equity related matters. Inthe last decade.In the SAAF women haveadvanced in careers which were previouslymostly male dominated: pilots,flying instructors, navigators, loadmasters, flight engineers, aircraft technicians,flight line administrators,apprentices, physical training instructors,to mention but a few. After theintegration of all forces, women weregiven the opportunity to qualify in thefields mentioned.At Central Flying School (CFS)Langebaanweg there are at presenttwo qualified female pilots, who arealso qualified flying instructors, CaptI. Bedford and Lt Annabel Macauley.This has brought about a change in thecomposition of the flying instructorsat CFS Langebaanweg.Lt Macauley, who is the first blackfemale flying instructor, was theGround Liaison Officer for the internationallyrecognised aerobatics team,Aircraft instrument fitterF Sgt Mandy Lee Dilley is a qualifiedaircraft instrument fitter at 6 AirSupply Unit, Avionic TrainingSection, who finished her apprenticeshipin 1996. With a wide variety ofresponsibilities, including presentingapprentice training on Oryx helicopters,she has adapted very well in amale dominant environment. Thiswas a direct result of her belief toaccept people as they are and neverbeing too proud to ask for help.Her interest for aircraft's wasaroused when her brother joined theSA Air Force when she was still inGrade 4. The SA Air Force offered herthe unique opportunity to work onaircraft, which was her great interest.This proved to be a much better alternativethan to sit behind a desk in anoffice. F Sgt Dilley aspires to be one ofthe fortunate members to be consideredto form part of the AgustaHelicopter (Strategic DefencePackage) Technical Team. F Sgt Dilleyis particularly happy to form part ofthe women who serve in the TechnicalLt A.O. Macauley (left) and Capt I. Bedford are flying instructors at CentralFlying School Langebaanweg.F Sgt Mandy Lee Dilley.Mustering in the SA Air Force.However, she cautioned that "If youjoin up as a artisan, do it because youlove a practical career and not just toprove that you can do it!" She also confessedthat up to this point she has hada very rewarding career with possibilitiesthat are always changing withinthis dynamic Defence Force.the Silver Falcons. Both women havetaken part in flying formation forparades, the Opening of Parliamentthis year, the Ten Years of FreedomCelebrations, air shows and other airdisplays in the SAAF. They are at presentutilised in giving instruction atCFS Langebaanweg.They have lived up to the motto ofCFS Langebaanweg, which is to qualifyworld-class military pilots and flyinginstructors.At present three female pupilpilots are undergoing training, namelyCapt M. du Toit, 2Lt M.S.M. Manakaand 2Lt T. Thomas.Air traffic controllers completetheir basic training at the AirspaceSchool, which is based at HoedspruitAFB, and then undergo continuationtraining at any other operational base.At the CFS Langebaanweg there arethree qualified female air traffic controllers,while three are still undertraining.Flight line administration andoperation was one of the fields thatwas mainly male dominated. WO2 C.Spenceley and Cpl C. Human areutilised as material support clerks(technical) MSC Tech, while Cpl M.Motaung qualified as an MSC Tech forthe Astra PC7 MKII simulator. Cpl A.Ggxangane, who is qualified as anapprentice on an Astra PC7 MKIIAvionics and Electrical, is completingcontinuation training on Avionics.S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4

An anaesthetist andmedical executiveBy Maj Peet Kilian,Chief Corp Comm 6 Med Bn GpMaj Estelle Pretorius wasborn in Johannesburg,grew up on the East Rand,and matriculated atKempton Park HighSchool. She completed herMBChB degree at theUniversity of Pretoria and served as aMedical Official at the TembisaHospital for a period of four years.During this period she realised herspecial aptitude and interest in thefield of anaesthesia and qualified herselfas an anaesthetist at the MedicalCollege of South Africa in 1991. Afterbecoming a specialist she left the serviceof the public sector and untilrecently pursued a full-time career as ageneral practitioner/anaesthetist.She is married to Bertus and theyhave two sons. Owing to her maritalresponsibilities, and the effort itrequires, she is currently pursuing apart-time career as general practitioner/anaesthetist.Maj Pretorius is alsoan appreciated Reserve Force memberof 6 Medical Battalion Group and shebelongs to a core group of medicalexecutives who have specialist medicalresponsibilities within the unit.Her balanced lifestyle and her abilityto participate fully and with thenecessary commitment makes her agreat asset to her family, the communityand the military unit.Her approach to life is informed bythe saying: "A mind stretched by anew idea will not return to its oldshape". She believes in continualimprovement and optimal perfomancein the respective roles she hasto play as a wife and mother, and inthe importance of persevering. Sheapproaches problems as valuableopportunities to improve and enjoylife.Maj Pretorius is involved withschool and church projects. Her participationin community driven projectsis aimed at uplifting and empoweringthe less privileged members of thecommunity, and she has already madevaluable contributions in this regard.As a member of the SA Mountain Clubshe is also involved with mountainrescue projects. Her communityinvolvement and orietation towardsothers confirms her caring nature andthe ability to serve others with compassion.Maj Pretorius has many interests.She is a keen reader and has a specialaffinity for needlecraft. Typical projectsinclude quilt making, embroideryand knitting. She is also an outdoorperson, who is fond of gardening andcaring for pets, such as dogs, cats,poultry and fish. Her special interestin photography presents her withexceptional opportunities to see lifeand enjoy it to the fullest.She and her husband do tandemcycling and have on several occasionscompeted in the annual Argus cyclingevent. Most weekends are spentcycling. She prefers mountain biking,which is a sport and pastime in SouthAfrica. Mountain biking has given herthe opportunity to meet people, seethe world and enjoy life.Her state of mind and happiness ispromoted by participating in life to thefullest. She is a balanced person with acontinuous urge for self-improvementand her lifestyle reflects appreciationand sincere respect for others.Maj Pretorius is in the Unit'sClinical Wing responsible for renderingspecialist medical support to membersof the Department of Defencewhen required.As part of her career developmentplan, Maj Pretorius completed theBattles and Barts Course presented bythe Medical Training School at ThabaMaj Estelle Pretorius with her twosons.Tshwane in March 2004. Owing to herexceptional qualities and personalmake-up, she has also beenapproached to become a qualifiedInstructor for the Mobile MilitaryHealth Services.She is an informed, participativeand reliable member and her involvementand conduct within the Unit aredriven by sound principles. Herapproach is professional and her contributionsadd value to her activities.There is no doubt that this member ofthe Reserve Force with her specialabilities and willingness will play anincressingly important role withinSAMHS.Her concerned and inquisitivenature empowers her to assess andevaluate key issues and she has, therefore,the ability to make valuablestrategic inputs regarding the futurefunctioning and performance of theUnit. As a woman she has made hermark and has proved that being awoman has no influence on performancein the military environment.She is a dependable person and a realpleasure to work with.A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R43

focus on people44Dynamite comes insmall packagesBy Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: PO Eddie KgomoMs Fikile Khumalo is thePersonal Assistant (PA) tothe Secretary for Defence,Mr January Masilela. Theoffice Ms Khumalo runs istypical of an office on thefront line. The constantinterruptions as SA SOLDIER attemptedto interview her gave me a real feelof what Ms Khumalo goes through ona daily basis. She is no less than thevery lifeline that links Mr Masilela tothe rest of the world."It has been a great challenge forme," said Ms Khumalo. "You have tomanage your stress levels becausesometimes things can get very hecticand the plan changes from plan 'A' toplan 'C' and you must adjust," sheadded.Ms Khumalo was of the opinionthat her ability to cope with every situationstemmed from her belief in theBatho Pele concept. "Everybody whowants to see Mr Masilela is importantin my eyes, no issue is too small, andthat to me is what the President talksabout when he speaks of service delivery,"Ms Khumalo continued.Ms Khumalo studied in Zimbabwewhere she attained both her "O" and"A" Levels through the CambridgeUniversity Examination System. Shewas a teacher for a while, but felt thatshe did not belong there. She then dida Specialised Business Course atBirnam Business College inJohannesburg. She is currently workingtowards a B-Admin Degree.Before joining the South AfricanDefence Force Ms Khumalo worked asan Administrator at Birnam BusinessCollege. Next she worked for the thenDOD's Chief of Policy and Planning,Mr Abu Baker Ishmael, until he left theDepartment. Ms Khumalo has alsoassisted in the office of the formerDeputy Secretary for Defence, MrM.P. Netsianda, as well as on theSETAI Commission of Inquiry.She joined the Office of theSecretary for Defence in the year 2000."I do not really have normal workinghours. When I have pressing issues inthe office I give them priority and Imake the necessary adjustments to myprivate life, vice versa applies whenpressing issues are at home," she said."The past years have been a learningcurve for me; it is time now for oneto implement the lessons learnt fromthe past," said Ms Khumalo. "I wish tosee myself as a manager - with theexperience that I have gained I wouldlike to see myself working more withwomen," she emphasised.Referring to her small physicalbuild, Ms Khumalo said: "Dynamitecomes in small packages. I may bepetite, but my mind is not"."Because I started off as a secretary,I want to let other secretariesknow that their world does not beginand end with their sitting in front of acomputer and answering the phone.What secretaries actually do is managingtheir manager's office," noted MsKhumalo. According to her a secretarythat masters the art of managementcan definitely go places."I am willing to have discussionswith other secretaries, especially thosewho are new in the field, to tell themhow I have managed to grow," sheoffered. "I took every step as a challenge.When you view the circumstancesand the environment as a challengeand you say to yourself, I amgoing to learn - you will make it! Moreimportantly, for one to be successfulone must move forward with a dedicatedfocus," continued Ms Khumalo."As a South African woman I feelTake everystep asa challenge.Ms Fikile Khumalo, PersonalAssistant to the Secretary forDefence, Mr January Masilela.proud that we are celebrating tenyears of democracy and freedom. OurPresident has empowered women,thereby showing that he has confidencein women. The fact that the newCabinet is composed of 27 men and 22women bears this out. Women shouldno longer take the back seat," she stated."I hope that in the next decade wewill see an increase in the number ofwomen occupying senior and middlemanagement positions in the DOD."Ms Khumalo has one son, Themba."I am proud to be a mother - Thembakeeps me going," concluded MsKhumalo.S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 4

Communicate throughcreative brushstrokesBy Chappy Holtzhausen,Acting Visual Comm ManagerPhoto: Sgt David Nomtshongwana“When the artist is alive inany person, he or shebecomes an inventive,searching, daring, selfexpressingcreature.They become interestingto other people,they disturb, upset, enlighten andopen ways for a better understanding"- Robert Henri, The Art Spirit.Creating this understanding withbrushstrokes, colour and line on thefarm at Visual Communication inHermanstad (Pretoria) is a fine artistand creative woman, Angelique Grop.She was born in Pretoria and studiedat the University of Pretoria, obtaininga BA (Ed) Art Degree. She joined theDepartment of Defence in AugustAngelique Grop, a fine artist and creativewoman, standing in front of some of herartwork.grammes and certificates forvarious functions, and helpswith the conceptualisation ofthemes and decor for use atfunctions, shows and exhibitions.True art for her is not only apersonal expression of herselfand her ideas, but it is also thevisual communication of informationthrough problem solvingand a technically superiorexecution of the artwork. Shebelieves that art must havemeaning for the spectator, aswell as the artist. She enjoys theprocess of creative thinking,research and problem solving inregard to the size, format, mediumand the execution of an artwork.She also believes that artmust enhance the space that itoccupies and that creativity inthe Department of Defence is a1997 and brought with her a personalphilosophy and style that became hertrademark in the creating, design andexecution of artwork (paintings anddrawings), graphics and decor.Angelique created oil and acrylicpaintings for the Secretary forDefence, Equal Opportunities, theSurgeon General's Conference Room,the foyer of the SAMHS TrainingFormation and decor paintings for useat functions, shows and exhibitions.Drawings in pencil, charcoal, pasteland markers were done for the Chiefof the SA Army, the foyer of theDefence Corporate Communication,the foyer of the SAMHS, the conferenceroom of Foreign Relations, thefoyer of the Environmental Servicesand the SA Army Training Formation,to name but a few.Angelique is also involved withthe designs of invitations, menus, protoolto help communicate messagesand solve problems visually in a simpleand powerful manner.To her art is a form of self-expression,and by growing up on a farm andextensive travelling throughoutSouthern Africa, she was surroundedby the warm, bright colours of Africa.The crisp blue sky, the rich red of anAfrikaner bull, golden yellow sunflowersand the fresh green of newleaves all played a role in the creationof her artistic soul and influenced theway she looks at and executes her art.Other influences are the South Africanartist, Judith Mason, in the translucentand symbolical way she expresses hermost personal emotions without literallydetailed information.As a portrait painter herself, theartist that inspired her most is GustavKlimt. He captured the personality ofhis subjects through a creative awarenessthat moved the spectator betweenreality and illusion. His use of patterns,rich colours, stark realistic figuresand decorative style gives inspirationand happiness to her as a creativeperson.Because of the specific themes andcharacter of the Department ofDefence and the SANDF, Angeliqueadopted a way to please the client andget the message across without sacrificingher own style and creativevision. She finds her work at theVisual Communication Art Sectionstimulating and challenging.She captures colours, images andmoods on paper and canvas to tellvisual stories of the past, present andfuture. Angelique creates atmosphere,beauty and history that support themessage of freedom, peace and stability.She is a talented visual communicatorand a great artist."Let imagination rise to power andcreativity rules."A U GUST 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R45

sportOur Olympic hopesGo for gold!46Compiled by Nelda PienaarLt Cdr Henriëtte Moller, theSports Officer at Naval Basein Simon's Town, and Lt ColLiezl Diffenthal, the first SO1Business Plans of the AreaMilitary Health FormationHeadquarters, are two femaleathletes who will be competing in the2004 Olympics in Athens, Greece, inAugust this year. We wish them all thebest - go for gold!Lt Cdr Moller is the first memberof the SA Navy to be selected for theSouth African Olympic Team since1992 when South Africa was welcomedback to the international sportingarena.She boasts twenty-eight years ofexperience as a judoka and receivedher national colours for the first timein 1989. She has also been the captainof the national team since 1994."Self-discipline is vital when onewants to excel in judo. A judoka needsto think quickly on his feet if he wantsto outsmart his opponent," said Lt CdrMoller.To win is to focus on the endresult. Spending a minimum of twohours per day, six days a week practisingsoftball is only a small part of thesacrifice to which Lt Col LiezlDiffenthal, the first SO1 Business Plansof the Area Military Health FormationHeadquarters, has committed herself.Lt Col Diffenthal knows what itfeels like to ache because of exercise,exhaustion and disappointment, butshe also knows the sweet taste of winning- the taste of being awarded SAcolours for softball for the first time in1997. She was selected as the GautengSportswoman of the Year (1998, 1999,S A S O L D I E R • A U GUST 2 0 0 42000 and 2001), as well as the SAMHSSportswoman of the Year in 2000 and2002, and was the runner-up in 2001.The taste of success was even sweeterwhen she was selected as the SANDFSportswoman of the Year (Team Sport)in 2001 and 2002, and sweetest of allwas to be selected as one of the squadmembers to participate in the WorldCup in Canada in 2002!She is a member of the Road toAthens Olympic Squad for the 2004Olympics in Greece!Lt Col Liezl Diffenthal.Lt Cdr Henriëtte Moller (white judo suit) and Tania Tallie, who did herOlympic debut in Sydney in 2000.

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