June - Department of Defence

A statue was erected tohonour their heroic deedsBy Lt Col P.M. Motlhabane,SO1 Opcom 46 SA BrigadePhoto: WO2 C. JordaanIn the spirit of humanity (ubuntu)and comradeship 46 SA Brigademembers extended their invitationto families of the memberswho passed away while on activeduty in the brigade. The wreathlayingceremony was held on 16April 2004 as a tribute to the fallenmembers of the brigade, who hadbeen called to higher duty. The ceremonycan also be viewed as a genuinemilestone for the brigade, whichforms part of the greater achievementduring the ten years of democracy.The General Officer Commanding(GOC) 46 SA Brigade, Brig Gen J.N.J.Roets, in 2003 unveiled, the brainchildof WO1 W. van Onselen viz a statueof a Roman soldier at the entrance tothe brigade. The GOC 46 SA Brigadeled the brigade in an age-old traditionthat started at the beginning of theChristian era when heroic elementswere introduced into history.Monuments and statues were erectedfor those who had performed heroicdeeds, and therefore the unveiling ofthe statue of a Roman soldier at theentrance to the brigade is a breakthroughthat enhances ubuntu.The statue of the Roman soldier inthe brigade conveys a message to anyperson, whether military or civilian,who enters its premises, that membersin uniform at some stage wereand are still part of the Defence Forceand will be remembered by ournation in a spirit of devotion. Thisspirit is in line with the Greek andRoman school of thought in erectingmonuments.This enhances the comradeship ofthe brigade which forms a defensivesociety as seen in their motto: "Shieldof the Nation". This society aspires tobe recognised as an interwoven unitin life, sickness and in death. Thecontribution of these members to thesuccesses of the brigade will beremembered every year with thismomentous ceremony, and theirloved ones will recognise how themembers touched the lives of theircomrades in this special ceremony.The ceremony consoles thebrigade members and the bereavedfamilies and friends. It enhances thefeeling of gain in loss by its placatorynature. The synopsis of the ceremonycommenced with the posting of sentries.Then followed scripture readingand prayer by Cpln B.L. Johnson, theChaplain of 46 SA Brigade, who readfrom Psalm 103: 11-16, followed bythe Last Post, the Reveille, wreathlaying,and the National Anthem.Among other highlights of thisceremony was a speech by Brig GenRoets who used the scripture readingas his point of departure. He statedWe willrememberthem.that this ceremony coincided with thebirthday of the brigade and that itwas in line with the tradition of thepromise of the brigade to honour thefallen last year. He ended his speechby thanking all the participants andpresented the bereaved families withceremonial tokens as a compliment.The roll of honour commencedwith the tributes of:94682515NA Lt Col P.D. Nkosi.80544364NA Maj O.J. van Vuuren.94069472NA F Sgt S.L. Peege.94839776NA Sgt K. Motsiri.84703792NA Cpl S.M. Matseliso.96839907NA Cpl M.D. Tebello.82711433NA Rfn E.M. Mpiyakhe.84809045NA Mr L.P. Molekwa.Wreaths were laid at the statue of the Roman soldier at 46 SA Brigade.J U N E 2 0 0 4 • S A S O L D I E R13