November - Department of Defence

messageFrom theEditor's desk4The internationally acclaimed Africa Aerospace andDefence (AAD) 2004 exhibition was held atWaterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria from 21 to 25September 2004. The AAD has established itself asAfrica's indisputable and top aerospace and defenceexposition, and indeed is one of the biggest and bestin the Southern Hemisphere. Please read more aboutthis spectacular event on pages 16 and 17.Eighty-seven years after the tragedy of the SS MENDI, inhonour of the brave men who paid the ultimate sacrifice in thetragedy, the SA Navy has commemorated the event. The SASMENDI was gearing up for her maiden voyage home. Afterpassing tough sea trials the ship's company, under the commandof Capt (SAN) Kevin Packer, were faced with the challengeof sailing the ship safely to beautiful, sunny SouthAfrica. Cdr Jaco Theunissen, Base Public Relations Officer atNaval Base Simon's Town, PO Eddie Kgomo from DefenceTelevision, and our own journalist, PO Dennis Ndaba, werevery fortunate to be assigned the task of capturing the preciousmoments of SAS MENDI en route home. Read moreabout our journalist's adventure aboard SAS MENDI onpages 18 to 20.Almost half a century ago 20 000 women marched to theUnion Buildings and planted the seeds of democracy. It wastherefore fitting that after 10 years of freedom South Africanwomen returned to that very place to complete the circle. 48years ago women marched against injustice, and on 31August 2004 a new generation of women marched to the samespot in celebration of a new South Africa.Dozens of women filtered onto the grounds of the UnionBuildings after marching from the Pretoria Art Museum inArcadia. For many women this was the second time that theymarched: they had marched in 1956 and, although their kneeswere no longer as strong, this was to them an anniversary notto be missed.It was marvellous to see how so many women could convergeon a chosen point at such short notice. The energy as thewomen marched was fantastic, it was really all about the spiritand the prevailing feeling of victory. Read more about thecourageous spirit of our women on page 24 to 27.Prevention is still the key message in the fight against HIVand AIDS. Project Phidisa is proactively addressing a criticalproblem for the benefit of this country and the region.Project Phidisa entails ground breaking clinical research on theS A S O L D I E R • N OV EMBER 2 0 0 4use of ARVs by SANDF HIV positive members and theirdependants. This is the first time in this country's history thatresearchers who are examining an issue understand the participantscompletely. It is already evident that the results ofthis research will influence policy decisions on the use ofARVs in the South African context.The core message for SANDF personnel affected by HIV andAIDS is that the DOD is proactively involved in researchingthe best possible treatment regimes for HIV positive membersand their dependants. Please read more about this criticaltopic on pages 32 and 33.Congratulations to our South African Team winning the 2004Exercise AIRBORNE AFRICA competition. Well done! Thiscompetition was co-ordinated with the Africa Aerospace andDefence 2004 exhibition regarding timings and resources, andwas attended by sixteen different countries from Africa, Asiaand Europe. Read more about this biannual exercise held at44 Parachute Regiment in Bloemfontein on page 42.The SANDF hosted the 7th CISM ESALO (Eastern SouthernAfrica Liaison Office) Soccer Championships in Pretoria.Angola, Lesotho, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Swaziland andBotswana were invited to take part in this prestigious tournament.For the first time ever women's soccer was also recognisedin this tournament. The South African Women's Teamplayed in the finals against their neighbours, Swaziland, andbeat the latter 4-0 on penalties. The Zimbabwe Men's Teamwas crowned this year's ESALO Champions when it beatLesotho 2-1. Read more about this sport highlight on page 45.The SANDF has made an enormous contribution to thedevelopment of rugby in Burundi. In the process former enemieshave been reconciled and unified in the same team witha common goal and objective. Rugby has also played a majorrole in improving the acceptability of the South African contingentby the local community.One of our soldiers, Lt Ngcelwane, who is a member of theSAMHS currently deployed in Burundi, and detached to theSpecial Forces deployed there, was recently appointed asrugby coach to the National Rugby Federation in Burundi.This is seen as a great honour for South Africa and we areglad to have a man of such stature among us.Congratulations! Please read more about how rugby hasgrown in Burundi on page 46.Nelda PienaarEditor