June 2013 - Department of Defence

S A S O L D I E Rwww.dod.mil.za4647To dreama dream …Youth reclaim ThabaTshwane for GodEDITORIAL COMMITTEEMr S. Dlamini(Chairperson)Brig Gen X.G. MabangaCol M.D. KgweteCol L. KirsteinCpln M.P.K. MasemolaCol S.A. MotswadiraCol M.E. PhekoCapt (SAN) P. TshabalalaCol S.P. ZeemanMs N. PienaarMr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)ABOVE: Lt Col Nico Swarts helping one of the learners ofKamagugu Inclusive school to get the hang of golf.(Photo: Lt Col Ilze du Toit)44SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views andopinions expressed by the authors of articles are their own and donot necessarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD).Acceptance and publication of advertorial and advertising matter inSA SOLDIER do not constitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respectof goods or services therein described. The DOD does not assume anyliability in respect of any claims made in advertisements.COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproducedwithout the written consent of the Editor.FRONT COVER: CPO Candice Chetty, senior chef on the SASQueen Modjadji I (left) and CPO Susara van den Heever, atelecommunications operator, are both submariners. Read moreabout being a submariner in the SA Navy on pages 26 and 27.(Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,visit our website at: www.dod.mil.zaJ U N E 2 0 1 3 • S A S O L D I E R 3

S A S O L D I E Rmessagefrom theeditor’s deska bvhahokha munwaleliThis month SA Soldier takes a peek into thelives of young talented soldiers and featuresin-depth profiles on some of them to celebrateJune as Youth Month.Thirty-seven years ago on 16 June 1976(now referred to as the Soweto Uprising)more than 20 000 learners from schools in Sowetomarched against Afrikaans being used as a mediumof instruction and for better education.In remembrance of the Soweto Uprising theGovernment declared 16 June a national holiday,which is now known as Youth Day.Since then the entire nation celebrates June asYouth Month and Youth Day in honouring the youngpeople of 1976 and our leaders of tomorrow – today’syouth who are facing different challenges such asunemployment, drugs, HIV and AIDS.The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, participated in theYouth Day celebrations held at Riviersonderend inthe Western Cape (see pages 12 and 13). She toldthe youth that the SANDF was in the process ofrejuvenating itself by recruiting young people fromdifferent backgrounds throughout the country,adding: “We particularly need educated and skilledyoung South Africans to serve in a modern andtechnologically advanced National Defence Force”.Also read on pages 14 and 15 how the Departmentof Defence celebrated its Youth Day at Tempe MilitaryBase in Bloemfontein.According to Minister Mapisa-Nqakula theDepartment of Defence is beginning to conceptualisea National Youth Service whose focus will be on thedevelopment of entrepreneurial skills. Read moreabout the National Youth Service training programmeon pages 22 and 23.Just recently a graduation ceremony was held for1 000 young people who underwent non-militarycharacter building training at 3 SA Infantry Battalionin Kimberley. These youths were recruited by theDepartment of Rural Development and Land Reformand seconded to the Department of Defence. Read allabout it on pages 24 and 25.In the words of former President Nelson Mandela:“Education is the most powerful weapon which youcan use to change the world”.Enjoy reading this month’s printed magazine ofSA Soldier …Nelda PienaarEditor SA SoldierKha houno nwedzi wa Fulwi ritshi pembelela vhaswa. SASoldier i sedza nga vhudalo kha kutshilele na mpho dzinevhaswa vha masole vha vhanadzo.Minwaha ya furaru na sumbe yo fhela nga 16 Fulwi1976 (ine ya vhidzwa sa dzikhakhathi dza Soweto)Vhagudiswa vha fhiraho 20 000 vha bvaho kha zwikolozwo fhambanaho zwa Soweto vho gwalabela u fudziwa ngaluvhuru.Muvhuso wo rwela tshitembe duvha la 16 Fulwi sa duvhala vhuawelo line la divhiwa sa duvha la vhaswa hu u itela urivhadzulapo vha Afrika Tshipembe vhavhe na tshihudzo tshadzikhakhathi dza Soweto.Ubva zwezwo lushaka lwa Afrika Tshipembe lu pembelelanwedzi wa vhaswa nga Fulwi sa tshihumbudzo tsha vhaswavho lovhaho nga Fulwi 1976 na vhaswa vha namusi. Vhaswa vhamusalauno vhane vha ndo vha vharanga phanda vha matshelovhana khaendu dzi sa fani na dza vhakale, ano maduvha khaendudza vhaswa u shaya mishumo, zwidzidzivhadzi na dwadze la HIVna AIDS.Muranga phanda wa mmbi ya vhupileli na maswole a kale,Vho -Mme Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, vho dzhenelela vhutamboha u pembelela duvha la vhaswa le la vha lo farelwa ngeiRiviersonderend khala Western Cape (vhalani masiatari 12 na 13).Muranga phanda Vho-Mapisa-Nqakula vho vhudza vhaswa urimmbi ya vhupileli ya Afrika Tshipembe ikhou di vusuludza ngathola vhathu vhaswa vhane vha bva fhethu ho fhambanaho fhanokhalino. Vho amba uri: “Zwavhudivhudi mmbi ya vhupileli i khotoda vhaswa vho funzeaho vhane vhavha na vhukoni vhane vhanga kona u shuma kha mmbi ya vhupileli yo bvelaho phanda”.Kha masiatari 14 na 15 vhalani nga ha uri Muhasho wammbi ya vhupileli wo pembelela hani nwedzi wa vhaswa ngeigammbani ya maswole ngei Tempe khala Bloemfontein.Uya nga ha Vho-Mapisa-Nqakula muhasho wa mmbi yavhupileli ukha di humbula ngaha tshumelo ya vhaswa ine idolivhanisiwa na u bveledza vhukoni ha uri vhaswa vha konezwavhubindudzi, zwothe izwi zwi wanala kha masiatari 22 na 23.A si kalekale ho vha na mushumo wa fhululedza vhagudiswavhaswa vha 1 000 vho thaphudzaho pfudzo dzavho dza dzi saelenaniho na zwa vhuswole ngei 3 SA Infantry Battalion khalaKimberley. Avha Vhaswa vho vha vho tholiwa nga muhasho wavhubveledzi ha shango na bvusuludzo ya mavu, muhasho wammbi ya vhupileli wo vha muthusedzi kha mushumo uyo. Vhalaninga zwidodombedzwa izwi kha masiatari 24 na 25.Sa zwe Muphuresindente wa kale vho-Nelson Mandela vhaamba: “Pfudzo ndi tshone tshithu tshihulwanesa tshine tsha disatshanduko lifhasini”.Ndi bvubvuseni nga bugu ino yo gandiswaho ya SA Soldier …Nelda PienaarMunwaleli SA Soldier* Translation into Luvenda by Mr Lufuno Netshirembe.4 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

S A S O L D I E ReventsThe Minister hails ourheroes and heroines duringher budget speechBy Mr Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, MsNosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula,told Parliament her maidenbudget vote speech in CapeTown on 24 May 2013: “Wewelcome the opportunity to introducethe first Budget Vote debate since myappointment as Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans. We dedicatethis occasion of our Budget Vote tothe women and men, members of ourarmed forces, who lost their lives inthe service of our country during theprevious year. May their souls rest inpeace, while the memory of their lovefor their country, should never be lostto us”.The Code of Conduct of uniformedmembers of the SANDF, clause 8,states: “I will carry out my missionwith courage and assist my comradesin-arms,even at the risk of my ownlife”. In commitment to this mantrathe deployed soldiers in the CentralAfrican Republic (CAR) fought agallant battle when they were facedwith rebels in that country. MinisterMapisa-Nqakula praised the soldierswho survived and paid tribute to thosewho perished during the March 2013battle between South African soldiersand Seleka rebels in Bangui, sayingour men and women in uniformcontinue to display selfless and loyaldetermination in executing the varioustasks in service of this great nation.Minister Mapisa-Nqakula showedher confidence in the Department’suniqueness as a governmentorganisation populated by a specialcalibre of South African soldiers andcivilians alike. These people electedto put their lives on the line, so thatwe and future generations could livein peace. She said: “Each one of themis an everyday hero.” She appealedto South African citizens that theyshould not be ashamed to associatethemselves with and showpride in these heroes andheroines, even during times ofchallenges and despondency.The Minister expressed herappreciation to Ms SusseteGates who was presentduring the 2013 budgetspeech and was seated in thepublic gallery as an invitedguest. She is not a soldier,but a civilian working in theFinance Management Division.Ms Gates was the financialofficer of the SANDF missionto the CAR. When she andABOVE: Ms Sussete Gates, acivilian who works in the FinanceManagement Division, was alsohailed as a heroine for bringing alarge amount of cash, supportingthe mission, from the Central AfricanRepublic. At the height of the battleshe returned to the base that wasunder heavy attack to fetch themoney and accounting documents atgreat risk to her life.the other civilians became aware of theimminent attack by the rebels they vacatedtheir accommodation and were relocatedto a safer place. During this rush she hadto leave behind the cash supporting theABOVE: Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, the Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans,addressing Parliament in hermaiden budget vote speech asMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans on 24 May 2013.mission, which amounted millionsof rands. She knew that shouldthe money be discovered it wouldfall into the wrong hands and beused to fund rebel activity. At theheight of the battle she returnedto the base to fetch the money andaccounting documents at great riskto her life.Another deployed colleague, CplMolatelo Nkoana, a “medic” seatedin the public gallery, showedbravery that went beyond the callof duty in Bangui. During the heatof battle she volunteered to go outand assist with casualties. Whilereturning to the base the convoywas ambushed by Seleka rebels.Without vehicles and maps to10 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RLEFT: Lt Gen Vusi Masondo, theChief of the SA Army (right), withMaj Stephen Jiyana, the CentralAfrican Republic DeploymentCompany Commander. MajJiyana led his troops in a fiercebattle when under attack bySeleka rebels in Bangui.guide them to the base, 16 memberswere cut off from their company andrealised that their hiding place wassurrounded by rebels. They werebehind enemy lines.Cpl Nkoana took the lead and decidedon the best way out of a potentialambush situation. For two long daysand nights they moved under hercommand and guidance, carrying thecasualties. She kept the commandersinformed of their position andsituation at all times. Her actionssaved all 16 of our soldiers, includingtwo who were shot. She has earnedthe nickname of “human navigator”for her role in guiding her colleaguesduring the escape.Ms Gates and Cpl Nkoana represent allthe finest qualities of the new SANDF:they are heroines and true patriotswho displayed loyalty to their countryand fellow servicemen and women.Minister Mapisa-Nqakula announcedthat it had become important that aneffective grievance procedure, whichenjoyed the confidence of soldiers, bedeveloped and implemented. In May2012 the first Military Ombud wasappointed to establish a mechanism toinvestigate and resolve the complaintsof members.She indicated that the SANDF neededABOVE: Lt Gen Vusi Masondo, the Chief of the SA Army (right),with Cpl Molatelo Nkoana, aka “human navigator” from 7 MedicalBattalion, who was praised for leading her colleagues out of anambush in the Central African Republic. She spent two daysleading her colleagues out of an ambush.to increase partnerships with tertiaryinstitutions to train SANDF membersand recruit talented students, especiallyin technical fields. The Minister said:“Recently we concluded a trainingcontract for our members with theRussian Federation as part of our effortsto expand our international trainingpartnership. This will cover some of theessential skills, particularly the trainingof our pilots.”Minister Mapisa-Nqakula announcedthat after consultation with theDepartment of Public Works, the DODhad established a Works Formationresponsible for the execution ofplanned departmental maintenancefor some of dilapidated DOD/SANDFstructures.Concluding her first defencebudget vote speech, the Ministerassured South Africans that despitethe challenges the Departmentexperienced it would not allow defencecapabilities necessary to protect ourcountry to be eroded.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 11

S A S O L D I E RArticle and photos by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleIn the South African context themonth of June is regarded as YouthMonth in commemoration of 16June 1976 - Soweto Uprising. It iscustomary that various activitiesare supported by Governmentto recognise, among others, the roleplayed by the youth in the past, theircurrent status and what measures needto be put in place in order to securetheir future.focus on youthDOD reinforces South Africandemocracy through youthempowermentABOVE: Lt Gen VusiMasondo, the Chief ofthe SA Army, and hisentourage inspectingthe guard of honour.ABOVE: The SA Navy drill squad with their winning trophy.As one of the state entities, theDepartment of Defence (DOD) heldits Youth Day celebrations at TempeMilitary Base in Bloemfontein on 21June 2013 in honour of the youth ofour country, with the central themeof DOD Youth Month: “Entrenchingour Democracy by Promoting YouthCohesion through March and Drill andthrough different sporting codes”. TheDOD joined in these celebrations as areminder of where we come from as anation and where we are headed.During the SANDF Youth Daycelebrations the young Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) membersparticipated in the drill competition,sports events and prize-giving ceremony.The drill competition was executed bythe 2013 MSDS January intake of thevarious Services in order to promotemilitary cohesion, leadership qualities,camaraderie and healthy competition.The young people that showcased theirskills during the drill competitionacquired these skills through the MSDS.They seized the opportunity in theSANDF for developmental opportunities,adventure, and the chance to deployin operations to build a militarycareer while at the sametime making them moremarketable for the civilianlabour market.Through this programme theDOD provides youth with ampleopportunities to develop their skills,capabilities and personalities andbecome good citizens of the country.Lt Gen Masondo encouraged theyouth to seize the moment and takefull advantage of the opportunitiesavailable for their growth andempowerment, whether in business,education, sport, art or science.Empowering the youthThe DOD provides the securityinfrastructure that underpins the14 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

S A S O L D I E ReventsThe official opening of theMilitary Ombud’s OfficeBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe launch of the MilitaryOmbud’s Office last yearon 14 May 2012, under theleadership of Lt Gen (Ret)Temba Matanzima, was aremarkable event for the SANational Defence Force.A year after his appointment asSouth Africa’s first Military Ombud,Lt Gen (Ret) Matanzima, and his staffmembers officially took possessionof the Eco Fusion Office Park inHighveld in Centurion near Pretoriaduring a ceremony held on 14 May2013.The Military Ombud’s first yearof operations was conducted fromtemporary accommodation, andwhile complaints were received anddealt with, staffing has been themajor focus.The mandate of the Military Ombudis to investigate complaints lodgedin writing by SANDF membersregarding conditions of service. Itthus safeguards the rights of allmembers of the SANDF by allowingindividuals to raise their concernswhen they have been treatedimproperly or unfairly.During the official opening ceremonythe Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, said that the MilitaryOmbud was established as a soldier’sappeal office to deal with internalmilitary grievance managementprocesses. He added that it wastherefore an essential ingredient inthe pursuit of a systematic approachto a democratic rights-based militaryculture. Mr Makwetla said: “I wishto emphasise that it is a carefullyconsidered extension of a wellestablishedconventional frontier ofa military culture in a democracy,consistent with contemporary demandsfor due process.”He added that the Office of the MilitaryOmbud was meant to be a neutral andobjective sounding board, mediator,investigator and reporter. It would alsoensure good record-keeping, providenatural justice and decision-making in atimely manner and monitor adherence todemocratic civil-military relations.Mr Makwetla said: “The patrioticinclination to heed the call to participatein the defence of one’s country - to defendour democratic values - is a courageousact. It is therefore our moral obligationLEFT: The DeputyMinister of Defenceand Military Veterans,Mr Thabang Makwetla,addresses the guestsduring the officialopening of the MilitaryOmbud’s Office.LEFT: The MilitaryOmbud, Lt Gen (Ret)Temba Matanzima,expressing gratitude forthe commitment of theDepartment of Defenceand Military Veterans inassisting in establishingthe Military Ombud’sOffice.as a nation to treat withdignity all those citizenswho give their lives to thelofty cause of defending ourdemocracy.”In conclusion, Mr Makwetlasaid that the Office of the MilitaryOmbud would complement, ratherthan compete with existing internalredress procedures in the SANDF. Hesaid: “Through this office our soldiersare guaranteed humane treatmentand the quality of life which all ourcitizens deserve as an inalienableright bequeathed to them by ourconstitution.”Lt Gen (Ret) Matanzima said that hisoffice served as a force multiplier forthe SANDF and was not a threat to it,serving instead as an example of goodgovernance and accountability. Heacknowledged the work done by the16 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RRIGHT: A tour insidethe offices Fltr: TheSecretary for Defence,Dr Sam Gulube, theChief of the SANDF, GenSolly Shoke, the DeputyMinister of Defenceand Military Veterans,Mr Thabang Makwetla,and the Military Ombud,Lt Gen (Ret) TembaMatanzima.DOD staff to craft the bill andthe energy and perseveranceof the previous Minister ofDefence and Military Veteransto have had it inacted in April2012. He said that the Officeof the Minister had assisted inno small measure to ease itspassage. He added: “I wish tothank my colleagues, the Secretary forDefence and the Chief of the SANDF,and all their subordinate service anddivisional commanders and chiefs fortheir unselfish provision in setting upmy office.”In conclusion, he said that theintake, analysis and investigationsenvironment received a total of 308cases which have been registered andassessed. He said: “A total of 92 fileshave been finalised. The majority ofcases received relate to allowances,salaries and service benefits, 98 tobe exact, of which 69 dealt withpromotions and 68 with termination ofservice.”ABOVE: The Service Chiefsand senior SANDF Officerscame to witness a task wellaccomplished.ABOVE: Esteemed dignitaries came to grace the occasion.The history of the military ombud inSouth Africa goes back almost 15 yearsto the 1998 Defence Review whichconceptualised a military ombud,but the concept was not taken anyfurther until 2005 when the PortfolioCommittee on Defence revived it. Thisled to the Military Ombud Bill whichwas signed into law by President JacobZuma in May 2011.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 17

S A S O L D I E ReventsChief Army provides insightinto SA Army statusBy Sgt Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe Chief of the SA Army, LtGen Vusi Masondo, maintainsthat despite recent incidents inits areas of operations the SAArmy remains a formidableforce to reckon with. A mediabreakfast session was presented at theSA Army College in Thaba Tshwaneon 16 May 2013 to update the publicthrough the media about currentissues affecting the SA Army.Lt Gen Masondo said SA Armysoldiers were currently deployed inpeace missions in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo (DRC) andthe Sudan. He added that the servicehad been suitably prepared andequipped for the conditions theymight encounter during peace supportoperations.He added: “Much has been said andspeculated about after the operationalincident in the Central AfricanRepublic (CAR) that resulted in thetragic death of 14 of our soldiers(when going to print 15 soldiers). I amconvinced that few other forces wouldhave been able to match the combatcapability displayed by our soldiers inthat situation if they had to face it.”Lt Gen Masondo indicated that theyhad taken heed of the CAR incidentand would incorporate the lessonslearnt from it in preparing forces forfuture operations. He maintained thatthe SA Army had been involved intraining statutory forces in countriesaffected by turbulence and violence,including the DRC and the CAR.Operation Corona continues to yieldpositive results on the borders with13 companies deployed. Lt GenMasondo stated that since January2012 soldiers had confiscatedabout 15 391 kg of dagga and 2 782dagga plants. They apprehendedLt Gen Vusi Masondo, the Chief of the SA Army, pledgesduring the media breakfast to steer the SA Army on the road ofconstructive rejuvenation and modernisation as the country’sprimary landward defence capability.12 409 undocumented immigrants,recovered 76 vehicles and confiscatedcontraband to the value of R 18 271 529.Furthermore 98 illegal firearms andmore than a thousand head of lifestock were recovered.He said that the SA Army continuedto render support to other governmentdepartments and that this was visibleduring national strikes that affectedthe hospitals. The SA Army assistedthe Department of Home Affairs todocument immigrants and supportedthe SA Police Service during the festiveseason and periods of unrest.The provision of a combat ready forceremains a priority for the SA Army.Lt Gen Masondo said that during theprevious financial year a total of 632courses were presented that produced17 235 competent learners. This willbe augmented by the force trainingscheduled to take place later this yearand which will which include ExerciseShared Accord and Exercise YoungEagle.Lt Gen Masondo touched based on theissue of discipline following the pretrialof members who were implicatedin the illegal march to the UnionBuildings on 26 August 2009. He said:“Adherence to the Code of Conductfor uniformed members in theSANDF and processes and proceduresregulating grievances cannot benegotiated. It is unfortunate that theisolated incidents of poor disciplinethat occur are portrayed in such amanner as to suggest that this hasbecome the norm in the SA Army.”In response to a question during themedia breakfast, Lt Gen Masondoindicated that the SA Army wasdeployed in Goma in the DRC, aspart of the United Nations (UN)Intervention Brigade. A battalion willbe added to those already deployed inthe UN mission.18 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsFocus on 2013 SANDFGoodwill Parcel ProjectS A S O L D I E RBy Sgt Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleMassmart Holdings held abreakfast briefing sessionat Waterkloof in Pretoria on14 May 2013 to review theachievements of the 2012Goodwill Parcel Project andto acknowledge the valued Massmartfood suppliers’ contributions towardsthe 2013 SANDF Goodwill ParcelProject.Last year more than 5 500 foodparcels were successfully distributedto families of SANDF membersdeployed internally along the bordersand externally on peacekeepingmissions. Massmart Holdings hasbeen requested to assist with the coordinationof the project for 2013.Massmart Collaboration Executive,Mr Graham Robello, introduces thevalued Massmart food sponsorsfor 2013, namely Colgate, PremierFood, Snackworks, Entyce Beverages,Tongaat Huletts Sugar, Unilever SA,Tiger Brands, Lucky Star, Simba,Nampak Corrugated, Nestle SA,Bokomo Foods, Krafts Food SA,Bullbrand Food and Packo.The Chief of the SANDF, GenSolly Shoke (the Patron of the SANDFGoodwill Parcel Project), commendedthe sponsors who continue to supportand make pledges towards the SANDFGoodwill Parcel Project. He indicatedthat the SANDF was always in thebackground and little was known ofits activities and contributions.Gen Shoke said: “The SANDFensures that business operates in asafe environment. It paves the way forbusiness expansion and for the growthof the economy.”He stressed that the annualGoodwill Parcel Visit to our deployedsoldiers enabled people to discoverbusiness opportunities in these givencountries.The Chairperson of the SANDFSpouses Forum, Ms Charlotte Shoke,said their mandate is to supporttheir husbands in their endeavour toABOVE: Mr Thabang Makwetla,the Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans.ABOVE: Ms Charlotte Shoke,the Chairperson of the SANDFSpouses Forum.stabilise the continent and support thefamilies of the deployed soldiers.Ms Shoke said: “We would like tothank our most valued guests, who areour sponsors. We have recognised everysponsor’s contribution since the project’sinception. The project has grownimmensely and more products have beenadded by the sponsors and we appreciatethat.”The Deputy Minister of DefenceABOVE: Gen Solly Shoke, theChief of the SANDF.ABOVE: Mr Graham Robello,Massmart CollaborationExecutive.and Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, said he appreciated thetime that the sponsors took to attendthe session despite other personalbusiness they had to attend to. Headded: “Citizens must be aware andconversant with military issues. Peoplemust know that you are one of thegood corporate citizens. It proves thatwe are not alone in our endeavour tocare for our deployed soldiers.”J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 19

S A S O L D I E ReventsSA Air Force paid homage toits fallen heroes and heroinesArticle and photos by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleThe fallen heroes and heroinesof the SA Air Force werehonoured during the AnnualJoint Memorial Service of theSA Air Force and the SA AirForce Association and wreathlayingceremony held at Bays Hill inValhalla on 19 May 2013. The aim ofthe memorial service was to honourservicemen and women who laiddown their lives while serving theRepublic of South Africa betweenApril 2012 and May 2013.Thirteen servicemen and womenfrom the SA Air Force perishedbetween April 2012 and May 2013.LEFT: Lt GenZimpandeMsimang, theChief of the SA AirForce, after layinga wreath duringthe memorialservice to honourfallen soldiers ofthe SA Air Force.Eleven crew membersdied when a Dakotaaircraft crashed intothe Drakensberg inDecember 2012, whileanother two SA AirForce members werekilled in March 2013when their AgustaA109 light utilityhelicopter plunged to the ground inthe Kruger National Park.The names of the 13 deceased wereadded to a wall of remembrance.The fallen heroes were honoured fordedicating their lives to serving thecountry, and that is how they shouldalways be remembered.The 2013 memorial service was alsoused to celebrate 50 years of selflesscommitment and dedication displayedby members of the SA Air Force in theservice of the Republic. A symbolicfly-past by an SA Air Force Oryxhelicopter and a Harvard aircrafttook place to celebrate the 50 years ofdedicated service.ABOVE: Cpl Winnie Mamabolo, wife of the late Sgt Joseph MokoetlaMamabolo, and her family pay homage to her husband who laid downhis life in service of the country. He died when the Dakota aircraft inwhich he was travelling crashed into the Drakensberg in December2012.The memorial, dedicated to those thatgave their lives in the service of theircountry in war and in peace, wasopened on 1 September 1963 by thethen State President of the Republic ofSouth Africa, Mr C.R. Swart. The site20 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RABOVE: A fly-past by an Oryx helicopter to pay homage and to honour the fallen heroes and heroines ofthe SA Air Force.commands a magnificent view of thesurrounding countryside and is adominant feature in the landscape.The promoters chose this site as itoverlooks the buildings and runwayof Swartkop, the first Air Forcestation in the Republic and the cradleof the SA Air Force as well as thedeparture point during World WarII for the majority of SA Air Forcepersonnel going north.It has always been said that thereis no greater love than to sacrificeyour life for another human beingand this has been so throughout theages. It would then also be fair tosay that there is greater commitmentby those of us staying behind byour remembering and honouringthe absence of those who paid theultimate sacrifice.The Chief of the SA Air Force,Lt Gen Zimpande Msimang, theDeputy Chief of Corporate Staff,Maj Gen Louis Dlulane, as well asfamily members of the deceased laidwreaths to honour the fallen soldiersand loved ones. The presenceof those attending symbolisescommitment in remembering thesacrifices made by all people ofdifferent races in pursuit of freedomduring different operations.They gathered as one people thatshare a history and as friendswho share a human story. Theyrecall that history, keep it clearin their consciousness, and passit on to the future generations.They have come to know how ourfallen heroes and heroines paid theultimate price with their blood bylaying down their lives.We acknowledge this painfulhistory and cherish this abidinghuman story. We celebrate thisway of living and we show ourgratitude for having learnedit; a way of living that valuespersonal effort, restrained courage,humility, sacrifice, resilience andself-belief.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 21

S A S O L D I E Rfocus on youthCelebrate National YouthService trainingArticle courtesy Public SectorManager (PSM)Photos: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe Department of Defence(DOD) has successfullyinstituted a National YouthService (NYS) trainingprogramme since January2011 in collaboration withparticipating government departments.More than 5 000 youths from theDepartment of Rural Developmentand Land Reform (DRDLR), and 500from the KwaZulu-Natal ProvincialGovernment have participated in theDOD NYS programmes to date.ABOVE: Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi,then Chief of Human Resources,with Ms Selina Hlakane (30)from Sedibeng District inGauteng, who had undergonetraining in self-discipline andpatriotism.ABOVE: Mr Anton van Staden, the National Rural Youth ServiceCorps programme manager, congratulates one of the graduates afterhanding her a certificate.The NYS programme is in answerto the Government’s call to addressthe plight of the extraordinarilyhigh number of unemployed youth.The Government’s intention is tointegrate the youth into the economyby providing them with appropriateand targeted skills based on fourpillars, namely provision of basic hardskills; discipline; entrepreneurial andvocational skills; as well as socialdevelopment and upliftment.The SA National Defence Force(SANDF) excels in the second pillar,22 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

focus on youthS A S O L D I E RABOVE: National Rural Youth Service Corps members singing, dancing and cheering after receivingtheir certificates after undergoing training in self-discipline and patriotism.namely to instil discipline by virtueof its mandate that require welldisciplinedand professionallytrained soldiers to defend thesovereignty of the State.Therefore the curriculum ofthe DOD NYS programmeprovides subjects such as drill,physical training, leadership,civic education, life skills,youth regeneration, diversitymanagement, public serviceinduction, communication andsocial responsibility.The programme is focused oncharacter building in order todeliver youth who have developedself-discipline, are proud SouthAfricans and can take the lead intheir communities. No combatskills are developed and the DODNYS programme is thus nonmilitarytraining.On conclusion of the DOD NYSprogramme the participantsreturn to their various governmentdepartments to continue with theiryouth service programme thatdevelops hard skills, mainly throughFurther Education and TrainingColleges. The skills developmentprovided by DRDLR’s NationalYouth Service Corps (NARYSEC)is in the domain of construction,agriculture, disaster mitigation, officemanagement, basic administrationskills, project administration andenterprise development.The skills development phase isfollowed by community servicewhere the skills developed arepractically applied while the youthsare being mentored. On conclusionof the four-year NARYSECprogramme the participantscan either be employed or cancontribute to the economies of theirrespective communities throughentrepreneurial enterprises.The DOD NYS programme fillsa niche that enhances the youthprogrammes presented by othergovernment departments. Theeffect of the DOD NYS programmeis reflected in the behaviour of theyouth returning to their departments’programmes. They display selfconfidence,respect towards othersand a disciplined approach to theskills development opportunitiesoffered. Given the limited sparecapacity of the SA Army, the SA Navyand the SA Military Health Serviceto present and support the broaderNYS programme, only a smallnumber of youth may have beenreached, but these become valuablecitizens. Each of these youths willhave a significant impact on thesocio-economical upliftment of hisor her community.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 23

S A S O L D I E Rfocus on youthContributing towards skillsdevelopment for youthArticle and photos by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleThe Government has identifiedhigh levels of unemployment,deepening poverty andincreasing inequalities asthree persistent developmentchallenges the country mustovercome if the vision and promises ofthe Constitution of South Africa (ActNo 108 of 1996) are to be realised. Itwas against this background that theNational Rural Youth Service Corps(NARYSEC) was established.The NARYSEC, a skills developmentprogramme under the Department ofRural Development and Land Reform,ABOVE: Fltr: Maj Gen Mokoena, Chief Director Human Resources Development,Mr Gugile Nkwiti, Minister of Department of Rural Development and LandReform, and Dr Anton van Staden, Programme Manager National Rural YouthService Corps, during the media briefing.ABOVE: Youthwho completedthe characterbuilding trainingat 3 SA InfantryBattalion throughthe National RuralYouth ServiceCorps showcasingtheir drill skills.recently held a graduation ceremonyfor 1 000 youths who underwent nonmilitarycharacter building training at3 SA Infantry Battalion (3 SAI Bn) inKimberley.The youth were recruited by theDepartment of Rural Developmentand Land Reform and seconded to theDepartment of Defence for characterbuilding training, which focuses oninstilling a culture of discipline,patriotism and awareness of theirrights in order to prepare themthe 48 months skills developmentprogramme. This will equip them with24 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

focus on youthS A S O L D I E RLEFT: Youth who completedthe character building trainingentertaining the guests duringtheir certificate ceremony at3 SA Infantry Battalion.BELOW: Marching on …ABOVE: The youth showcasingself-defence tactics.skills in construction, agriculture,household profiling, welding andrecords management so that they areable to participate in the social andeconomic development of their ruralcommunities.During their character buildingtraining at 3 SAI Bn over theperiod February to May 2013 theparticipants acquired skills such asdrill, physical training, leadership,civic education, life skills, youthregeneration, diversity management,environmental management, publicservice induction, communicationand social responsibility. The focuswas to instil self-discipline and beproud South Africans who can take alead in their communities.The main goal of the programme is torecruit and develop rural youth aged18 to 35 as paraprofessionals who willprovide community service in thecommunities in which they reside.The initiative has to date recruited inexcess of 13 000 rural youth around thecountry.Rural communities daily face variouschallenges, including high levels ofunemployment among the youth andlack of vocational skills, very limitedjob opportunities. Exacerbating thissituation is the lack of economic andsocial development, as well as verylimited access to government servicesand other basic services.Artisan and cultural promotionprogrammes are promoted as partof rural training that the NationalDefence Force is providing for allcommunities that are connectedto Defence institutions. Thisprogramme is useful to people inrural areas, particularly the youth,who change from being job seekersinto becoming job creators in theirown right, thus breaking the viciouscycle of dependency on socialgrants.This is a Government effort to curbmigration to urban areas, whichincrease service delivery protestactions and high unemploymentprevalent among the youthand people in rural areas. Thiscommunity service was initiated toreskill the citizens, thus providinganother opportunity for economicparticipation through maintenanceof existing infrastructure.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 25

focus on careersS A S O L D I E RMay 2010. She admitted that,although it was exciting to be atelecommunications operatorand a woman in the submarine,it had its own challenges. To be atelecommunications operator meanshaving to communicate with theoutside world while under water,which requires special skills. This canbe a daunting task, as failure to do hertasks professionally and effectivelycan literally lead to the submarinebeing lost at sea as a submarine cannotbe easily located. She added that it isimperative to keep abreast of the latesttelecommunications technology at alltimes and that she is passionate abouther job and enjoys it tremendously.This helps to “keep her on her toes”.For CPO Van den Heever the allconsumingdesire to be a submarinerwas ignited by her insatiable quest toexplore. Simply put, she just wantedto be somewhere she had never beenbefore. She had been on land, in theair and on the water. But she had notbeen under water and that becamesomething she wanted to experience.Little did she know that her desire toexplore was to change into a career.Asked if she was not intimidated byworking in this unconventional andmale dominated environment sheexplained that the same principle ofmutual respect, regardless of gender,applied in the submarine just asanywhere else.Cooking in a submarineCPO Chetty, one of the pioneer womenon board the submarine, concurredwith CPO Van den Heever and said:“Working in a submarine as a womantakes courage and serious introspectionas most colleagues will be men. As aminority, women cannot expect all mento change their general behaviour, so awoman has to adapt and keep an openmind”.Everyday luxuries that a womanmight want to have to live comfortablyunder normal circumstances are eitherlimited or not provided for in thesubmarine. The long periods spentsubmerged can pose a challenge toanyone not psychologically prepared,as a submarine becomes one’s homeand one has to make do with what’sprovided. She was quick to add thather assertion in this regard was by nomeans a conviction that conditionsin the submarine were ghastly andthat it was uninhabitable for women,but on the contrary it could be quitecomfortable though not in any waylike a conventional home.It does not mean that in a maledominated environment a womanhas to lose her femininity. Minoradjustments are required to adjust tosubmarine living conditions, such asthe limited time spent in the ablutionfacilities because both genders use thesame facilities, always being awareof the presence of men and avoidingbehaviour that can be construed assexual or having sexual undertones.These are small adjustments that makelife under water bearable once one isused to it.Clearly these female submarinersrelish these challenges, and livingfearlessly without limits seems to bewhat drives their amphibious careers.“It is not about gender, but about thewill: where there is a will there is away,” they both asserted.2nd AnnualWomen In Road SafetyStrengthening The Role Of Women In Road SafetyDate: 1 & 2 August 2013Chief Director Management ServicesDEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT EASTERN CAPEMember of Mayoral Committee: Corporate, HR and EducationSTEVE TSHWETE MUNICIPALITYDirector Public Safety and TransportMALUTI-A-PHOFUNG MUNICIPALITY - EASTERN FREESTATESenior Superintendent / Training ManagerDURBAN METRO POLICE SERVICE• Addressing The Challenges Within The Road SafetyImplementation Process• Looking At Measures To Combat Sexual Harassment In TheWorkplace• Creating A Culture Where Road Safety Is Everyone’sResponsibility• Gaining A Male Perspective On A Women’s Role In Road SafetyConfirmed Speakers Include:Senior Public ProsecutorNATIONAL PROSECUTING AUTHORITYActing Director: HRMNORTH WEST PUBLIC SAFETYVenue: Gold Reef City Theme ParkConference Highlight:All delegates gainFREE entryto Gold Reef CityTheme ParkHead: Centre for Education in Traffic SafetyNORTH WEST UNIVERSITY (POTCHEFSTROOM CAMPUS)Regional ManagerSOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL ROADS AGENCY SOC LTDNational ChairmanJUSTICE PROJECT SOUTH AFRICA (NPC)Key strategies to be discussed:• Handling Internal Conflict Professionally• Dealing With Difficult Motorists Or Difficult Individuals• Building A Stronger Force Through Stronger Prosecution• Working Together To Face The Challenges Of AMale Dominated Sector• Reaching 50/50 Women Targets WithinYour OrganisationFor more information contact Amrita on 011 326 2501 or email amrita@intelligencetransferc.co.zaQuote WIRS-mktSAS to claim your 10% discountResearched & Developed By:J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 27

S A S O L D I E ReventsAir capability demonstrationreflects combat-readinessBy Sgt Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe SA Air Force capabilitydemonstration is meant toshowcase its operationalcapability, its readinessand its ability to exerciseinteroperability with otherServices of the SA National DefenceForce.This was clearly evident at theRoodewal Weapons Rangein Makhado where currentSA Air Force aircraftbombarded the range in asimulated battle on 9 May2013. Aircraft that took partincluded fixed wing, rotarywing and fighter jet aircraft.how the SA Air Forcecarries out this mandate,both autonomously incertain scenarios, andjointly with the SA Army,the Special Forces, the SANavy and the SA MilitaryHealth Service to executeour mandate.”Despite the budgetaryconstraints affecting theSA Air Force, Maj GenAlthough facing budgetaryconstraints, the Air ForceCommand Council optedto retain the capabilitydemonstration, but at amuch reduced capacity, andhad to take decisions not toparticipate in air shows andfly-pasts, and only take partin exercises until fundinglevels improved.The Deputy Chief of theSA Air Force, Maj GenGerald Malinga, said theService was maintaining acomprehensive defensivecapability to promotepeace, security and stabilityin the Southern AfricanDevelopment Community(SADC) region in support ofboth South Africa and theAfrican continent.Prior to the demonstrationsMaj Gen Malinga said:“Today you will witnessABOVE: An Oryx helicopter carrying a bambiebucket to extinguish fires.ABOVE: Maj GenGerald Malinga, theDeputy Chief of theSA Air Force, saysthat the only waythese economictough times can beovercome is throughgood joint leadership,vision and action.Malinga indicated thatthe flexibility, mobilityand firepower of theService’s aircraft werebeing maintained owingto the commitment anddedication of the SA AirForce personnel whoperform their duties withdiscipline and integrity.28 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RMaj Gen Malinga added: “Let us notforget that air power of a state includesthe other security cluster assets,other state departments, the defenceindustry, various institutes and thebroader aviation industry, whichtogether with the SA Air Force,constitute a formidable force and awinning edge for the Republic ofSouth Africa.”ABOVE: An Oryxhelicopter dropping aGecko vehicle.ABOVE: A Rooivalk attack helicopter providing air support by firing at targets during the simulatedwarfare demonstration.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 29

S A S O L D I E ReventsEnthusiasts thrilled by thedaring dance of military aircraftBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaYoung and old aviationenthusiasts recently flockedto Air Force Base Swartkop inPretoria to be thrilled both bythe daring dance of militaryand civilian aircraft thunderingthrough the skies and those on theground.The SA Air Force Museum Air Showprovided an airborne display, to thedelight of thousands of spectators. Aday before the air show a career dayexpo was hostedto provide learnerswith assistanceand informationon careers in theaviation industry.Time Aviation/SAAir Force Museumcelebrated its 40 thbirthday and 40years of aviationpassion during theannual air show. The2013 Air Show hasbeen given the theme“40 Years of AviationPassion”. Prior tothe event Maj GenWiseman Mbambo,the General Officer Commanding ofAir Command, said that one of theaims of the air show was to exposeyouth to aviation and to createawareness of career opportunities inthe field of avionics. He added thatSA Air Force Museum Swartkop wasthe centre for flying and displayinghistorical aircraft.Lt Col Mike O’Connor, OfficerCommanding of the SA Air ForceMuseum, said that the museum wasmostly self-sustaining in terms ofpreserving South Africa’s aviationheritage and, as such, conducts variousfund-raising activities, and the annualair show contributes in a significantmanner to raise funds needed tofinance its restoration projects. Headded that the museum hostednumerous school visits on a monthlybasis. He thanked Time Aviation,Paramount, local aviation companies,sponsors and the spectators who neverfail to turn out to support the museum.As always the Capitol Sounds teamwas in top form with commentatorBrian Emmenis behind themicrophone during a full day ofentertainment. This year the Gautrainhas come on board by running abus shuttle between CenturionABOVE: The Silver Falcons.LEFT: Maj Gen WisemanMbambo, the General OfficerCommanding of Air Command(left), receiving the scroll fromF Sgt Frikkie Geyser, a memberof the Golden Eagles Parachutedisplay team, during the officialopening of the air show, whileLt Col Mike O’Connor, OfficerCommanding of the SA AirForce Museum, looks on.Station and AFB Swartkop to reduceparking queues at the base. The localaviation companies supported theevent with their corporate standsthat included stalls, displays ofaerospace technology and generalaviation products. Those who did notbring along their own picnic basketssupported the food and drink stalls.The highlights of the day were the SAAir Force’s famous aerobatic displayteam - the Silver Falcons - with their30 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RABOVE: What an incredible experience for the twolittle ones, Michael Smith (3) and Shayne Smith (6)from Krugersdorp.ABOVE: Thumbs up from Grade 11and 12 learners during the aviationcareer day at AFB Swartkop.magnificent manoeuvring andexpertise, as well as the Eqstra flyinglions and other aerobatic stalwarts.Here and there one could hearpeople catching their breath whenaircraft swooped low over theirheads.Other exciting events included a racebetween an Alouette III of the SAAir Force Museum and the Gautrainbetween Midrand and Centurionstations. The Alouette III took thelead and beat the Gautrain. Anotherrace that caught the attention ofspectators was a race between aBentley and a helicopter.Various flying schools displayedproducts in order to provideinformation to the youth on thepossibilities on becoming an aviator.The SA Army Armour Formationprovided an armoured vehicledisplay, while the SA Army EngineerFormation provided a pyrotechnicABOVE: A Rooivalk attack helicopter and an Oryx helicoptertaking off to demonstrate a precision exercise.display. The show also featured theGolden Eagles parachute display team.Aviation enthusiasts saw an array ofmilitary vintage aircraft, including theVampire Jet Trainer, Puma, AlouetteII, Alouette III, Harvards, Bosbok,Kudu and a Patchen Explorer that onlyrecently flew again after 13 years. Fromthe civilian sector many “warbirds”were to be seen in action, including jetaircraft, the Cheetah, Impala Vampire,L-29 and many others.The SA Air Force Museum also playsa major role in social responsibilityprogrammes, including services suchas the blood bank and the “Pink Drive”against breast cancer. The hospitality ofmembers of the SA Air Force Museumwas outstanding and the air showin general was well organised andmanaged.Devine Mhlongo (18), a Grade 12learner from Bona Lesedi SecondarySchool, had this to say about the airshow: “I have a passion for aviation.What a privilege to be able to attendthe career day expo. I aspire to bea fighter pilot in the SA Air Force.It’s a fantastic experience to see ourcountry’s wonderful warbirds.”Siphesihle Nkosi (14) from BhukulaniSenior Secondary School commented:“I want to be a mechanical or aviationengineer and know what makes anaircraft work. Lastly, attitude is themost important factor.”J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 31

S A S O L D I E RhistoryDOD archives celebratesits 45 th anniversaryBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaOn 16 May 2013 theDOD archives – theDocumentation Centre at20 Visagie Street in Pretoriaheld a function to celebrateits 45 th anniversary and, toadd a special flavour to the occasionthe exceptional achievements of MsLouise Jooste, Deputy Director ofthe Documentation Centre, werementioned. She was celebratingher service career of 40 years in theDepartment.The Documentation Centrefalls under the Command andManagement Information Systems(CMIS) Division, though its namehas changed many times over thepast few years. This very importantinstitution ensures that DOD historyis documented and that writteninformation is controlled. The corefunction of the DocumentationCentre is to provide a recordsmanagement service, informationand military historical research,library management service andcentralised archiving of records inthe DOD.The origins of the DocumentationCentre of the Command andManagement Information SystemsDivision (CMIS) can be traced backto World War I and the formativeyears of the Union DefenceForce. Throughout the history ofthe Documentation Centre theorganisation has undergone a seriesof name changes, including GeneralInformation Bureau Office in Chargeof War Records (Imperial ServiceContingents), War Records Branch,South African Defence Force (SADF)Archives, Central DocumentationService SADF, DirectorateDocumentation Service, MilitaryInformation Bureau SADF, andfinally the Documentation Centre.ABOVE: Ms Louise Jooste,the Deputy Director of theDocumentation Centre,celebrates a 40 year servicecareer in the DOD.In all of this time the DocumentationCentre has fallen under differentoffices within the Department ofDefence, namely the Central Registryof the Department of Defence,the Chief Signals and IntelligenceOffice, the Chief of PersonnelDirector-General ManagementSystems, SADF Controller (laterknown as Chief of Staff Finance),Chief of Staff Intelligence, MilitaryIntelligence Division, Signal Divisionand, lately, the CMIS Division. TheDocumentation Centre currentlyhouses 50 linear km of archivalmaterial (roughly Pretoria toJohannesburg) which is growing bythe day.The Documentation Centre continuesto provide value-added service forthe DOD and currently occupiesfour different buildings withinthe Pretoria CBD where most ofits archival material is stored. TheDocumentation Centre continuesto be committed, as it has beenthroughout its existence, to be ofservice to the DOD. The goal of theDocumentation Centre is to be theforemost archival repository in SouthAfrica.SA Soldier spoke with Ms LouiseJooste, the Deputy Director of theDocumentation Centre, who hasbeen working at the DocumentationABOVE: Proud members of the32 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

historyS A S O L D I E RCentre since the beginning of her longcareer in the DOD. She joined the DODon 1 May 1973 at a time when womenwere utilised as administration clerksand support personnel.Ms Jooste said that she had anenormous interest in SouthAfrica’s military history: “I neverfelt marginalised; I was part ofthe organisation and was givenacknowledgement.” Asked howchange had affected her career, shereplied: “I cannot look back withregrets, but instead I can look forwardoptimistically. Change based onprinciple is progress, but constantchange without principle becomessomething else. I looked forward inmy career to whatever came withpositivity.”Elaborating on how theDocumentation Centre has grownover the years, Ms Jooste said thatgood organisations that survivethe longest do so not believing inexcellence only, but in constantimprovement. She added thatchallenges will always be there, butthrough will-power and strengthwe keep marching forward.Her career highlights includedimplementing sound principles,practices and procedures withregard to preserving DOD recordspermanently, and participatingin the planning, design andimplementation of records andinformation systems to ensure thatrecords management principles aremaintained. Ms Jooste said: “Weare proud to contribute on requesttowards the reconstruction of SouthAfrica’s military past, and I amprivileged to have been afforded theopportunity to travel internally andabroad.”Her concluding message to themembers of the DocumentationCentre was: “With patience andextraordinary perseverance all thingsare attainable and the only way tosucceed in anything is to give iteverything.”To the women in the DOD she saidthat they all have dreams and thattheir purpose in life may not alwaysbe obvious, but they should alwaysremember that they havethis purpose.Documentation Centre who celebrated the 45 th anniversary of the DOD archives.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 33

S A S O L D I E Rhealth mattersKicking a bad habitBy Martina Nicholson AssociatesNews DeskPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaMost smokers have heard thatsmoking is bad for theirhealth, but they carry onregardless because it hasbecome a habit that they finddifficult to give up. Others doit because they say they enjoy it or theythink it makes them look sophisticated.In fact smoking is very unhealthy andcan cause a wide range of medicalproblems, some of them serious suchas heart disease and lung cancer.Considering the health risks, thatthe Department of Health is makingfurther moves to toughen up on antismokinglaws, and the price of tobaccoproducts is sky-rocketing, now mayjust be a great time to consider kickingthe smoking habit for good.Many persons start smoking whenthey are teenagers because theirfriends smoke and they desperatelywant to fit in with them. Before longthey find that they are completelyhooked and need to light up every day.It is not surprising that one becomesaddicted to cigarettes as tobaccocontains nicotine, which is a veryaddictive drug. This is especially truefor those who smoke regularly.Smoking is unhealthy - there aremore than 4 000 chemicals in cigarettesmoke and it has been estimatedthat 44 000 South Africans die fromsmoking-related illnesses every year.Many thousands of other individualssuffer ill health related to smoking.There are a number of health problemsyou can develop if you smoke,including heart disease, diabetes anda whole range of cancers such as thoseof the lung, throat, mouth, stomachand pancreas. The risk of emphysemais significantly increased by tobaccouse. Smoking can also lower the body’sresistance to diseases such as TBand negatively affect a man’s sexualperformance.Unfortunately your smoking habit doesnot just affect you, it can harm otherstoo. Second-hand smoking has beenshown to increase the risk of illnessessuch as asthma, heart disease and lungcancer among those regularly exposedto it. Children subjected to second-handsmoking have been found to have anincreased risk of bronchitis, pneumonia,throat and middle ear infections.Those who have a lot of will-power anda strong desire to give up smoking maysuccessfully do so without extra help oreven first cutting down on the number ofcigarettes. This may lead to withdrawalsymptoms called “cold turkey”. Peoplewho are not as addicted to nicotine asothers often enjoy greater success withthis approach. It should be noted thatthis method has become a lot easier withthe many nicotine replacement productsavailable on the market today.Another approach is to cut downsmoking slowly over time, whichinvolves gradually smoking fewercigarettes each day until you completelystop smoking. It is best to make a planregarding how you are going to do thisand then stick to it. You may decide,for instance, to smoke one less cigaretteevery day or every week until you havestopped completely, or you may ratherfollow an approach such ashaving a cigarette an hourlater every day until you areeventually having none atall. This can be an effectiveway to reduce the nicotinein your body over time andeventually give it up entirely.There are many productsand services available todayto help one to stop smoking,such as nicotine gum,nicotine replacement patchesand sprays.These products containnicotine and are used toreduce the craving for it.They take away much of thedesire to smoke and can bevery useful aids in the battleto give up smoking. Ask yourdoctor about these and how you canbest use them to assist you.There are a number of smokingcessation programmes available inSouth Africa that provide the smokerwith strategies for giving up as wellas support through the whole process.There are even medications thatcan assist one to stop lighting up byreducing the desire for nicotine.Focus on the many benefits of givingup smoking: after only one daywithout smoking the risk of a heartattack is reduced. The long-termbenefits should also be noted: 15 yearsafter smoking one’s last cigarette one’srisk of heart disease and cancer willbe almost the same as that of someonewho never smoked.* References• GEMS,https://www.gems.gov.za/defaultaspx?dCmybjzDVIEejQiUkLZqw+O6w9/wODuv• IOL, www.iol.co.za/lifestyle/third-of-south-africasmokes-cigarettes-1.1499483#.UWve4YL39dh• Quitters Guide, www.quittersguide.com.• Tobacco Facts, www.tobacco-facts.info/dangers_of_tobacco.htm.34 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

focus on youthS A S O L D I E RSA Naval officer makes historyat the US Naval AcademyBy LS Nkululeko Zulu, InternalCorp Com Clerk, SA Navy HQPhoto: CPO Bafana NkosiAselect few can claim to makehistory in their lifetimes,but Ensign NombuleloNtombifuthi Pearl Mkhuliseis among an elite few whocan proudly say they haveinked their names in the historybooks. The 24-year-old who hailsfrom Umlazi near Durban hasbecome the first SA Naval officerto graduate from the United StatesNaval Academy and obtained aBachelor of Science Degree in OceanEngineering.A total of 1 047 men and womengraduated as the class of 2013 fromthe United States Naval Academyin Annapolis, Maryland, on 24 May2013. Ensign Mkhulise was amongthe 17 foreign students who alsograduated from the Academy. ThePresident of the United States, MrBarrack Obama, officiated at theprestigious ceremony which wasattended by an estimated 30 000spectators. The occasion marked theNaval Academy’s 163 rd traditionalgraduation ceremony since it wasfirst established in 1845.Ensign Mkhulise was away forfour years on the course comprisedfour disciplines, namely CoastalEngineering, Offshore Engineering,Underwater Engineering andEnvironmental Engineering.Asked what she found mostchallenging and rewarding duringthe course she replied: “Beingaway from home was the mostchallenging. The course entailed abalance between moral, mental andphysical development. This requireda lot of time and determination, butit was rewarding when I walkedacross the stage with my BScEngineering Degree after shakingPresident Obama’s hand. This meantI had accomplished what I wassent there for and had successfullyovercame all obstacles.”She joined the SA Navy in January2008. Ensign Mkhulise said: “Firstlyto serve my country and secondlyit was an interesting and unusualcareer path. I was inspired by theway SA Navy personnel carriedthemselves.”What advice would you give toany women and fellow sailorsfollowing in your footsteps?My favourite motto is: ‘If it is to be,it is up to me’. No one is entitled toanything in this world. If you wantsomething, it is up to you to get up anddo it yourself. As long as one does notlimit oneself, nothing is impossible.Is there a particular person that youlook up to or who inspires you inyour life and why?My grandmother is my hero. I have nevercome across such a determined and kindheartedindividual. She inspires me tobe strong and not to pay attention to thebad things in society. She also encouragesme to pray and build a relationship withGod. My grandmother is a true exampleof perseverance. No matter how difficulther life may have been she has managedto turn around all the bad into somethingpositive, which has made her a betterperson.In a few words how would youdescribe yourself?I am a person of great capabilities andone who enjoys socialising with differentpeople. I view myself as a hard workingindividual who does not give up untilshe gets what she wants. Through mygrandmother I have learned to be caringand compassionate.Do you have any hobbies orinterests?I stay active by working out in the gym;learn about different cultures around theworld; sing (even though I am nowhereclose to being a great singer); hang outwith friends, meet new people and readinspirational novels.Family and friends support Ensign Nombulelo Ntombifuthi PearlMkulise (second from right) on her graduation day.Ensign Mkhulise ended ourinterview with these words: “Afterthe past four years in the US I havelearned a lot of lessons, for examplethe importance of serving mycountry to the best of my ability. I amlooking forward to ploughing backwhat I have learned into the SA Navyand South Africa as a whole for therest of my naval career. This is theend of the previous chapter and thebeginning of a new one”.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 35

S A S O L D I E RinsightSA Army Foundation National Sales Manager retiresBy Ms Mari-Louise Kaplan,Managing Consultant: TheCreativity GroupAfter 15 years of service to theSA Army Foundation and morethan 25 years effective service inuniform, Mr Henk Redelinghuys,SA Army Foundation National SalesManager, retired on 31 May 2013 tospend more quality time with hiswife, Heloise, his children and twograndchildren.Mr Angel Ramphele, GeneralManager of the SA Army Foundation,said: “Mr Redelinghuys’ strength ofcharacter, determination and loyaltyto the SA Army Foundation has madehim a valuable asset to the companyand he will be sorely missed byhis team, his colleagues, businesspartners and our members.”Mr Redelinghuys joined the SAArmy in 1971, followed by 16 years’service at SA Army Intelligence.During this period of service heprogressed from a Private to aLieutenant Colonel and was alsoABOVE: Mr Henk Redelinghuys,SA Army Foundation NationalSales Manager.one of the founding members of FarNorth Command in Pietersburg (nowDonate blood todayand save livesPolokwane) where he worked from1983 until 1996.Joining the SA Army Foundationin 1998 in Pietersburg (nowPolokwane) as sales assistant for theNorthern and Mpumalanga regions,Mr Redelinghuys’ exceptionalorganisational skills were soonapparent and in 2000 he waspromoted to National Sales Managerand transferred to the Head Office ofthe SA Army Foundation in Gautengwhere he has been an irreplaceableasset to the organisation for morethan a decade.Although he will be pursuinghis bee-keeping interests and otheractivities, Mr Redelinghuys willcontinue to be available to assist theFoundation by means of his vastknowledge and experience.Mr Ramphele concluded: “Wewish Mr Redelinghuys and Heloisethe very best for their future togetherand would again like to thank himfor his years of loyal commitmentto the success of the SA ArmyFoundation.”By Martina NicholsonAssociates News DeskPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaBy donating your organs you couldpotentially save seven lives; bydonating blood you could savehundreds.Eight out of ten South Africanswill need blood or blood productsat some time in their lives, reports the SouthAfrican National Blood Service (SANBS).In addition one out of every ten patients ina hospital will require a blood transfusion.You can help save lives by donating blood,which is vital for the survival of humanbeings.Blood is in constant demand for thetreatment of patients involved in accidents,patients with cancer, leukaemia or withbleeding disorders such as haemophilia,among others. Many surgical operationswould not be possible without blood.LEFT: MsLehlogonoloMaake, aPersonnelEvaluationConsultantat Armscor(right), and MsTiyane Baloyi,an enrollednurse at theSA NationalBloodService.36 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

health mattersS A S O L D I E R• Those who have injected themselveswith drugs at any time.How do I donate blood?In South Africa blood donation is donethrough SANBS. Donating blood is easy,totally safe and free of charge. It takesabout 30 minutes to donate blood and itcan be donated every 56 days. You willgive about 480 ml of blood, after whichyou will be advised to remain on thedonor bed for a few minutes while havingrefreshments.How long will it take to replenishthe donated blood?ABOVE: WO1 Trevor Smart and Ms Priscilla Tsusi, aPhlebotomist at the SA National Blood Service.Blood may be needed during orfollowing childbirth or for anexchange transfusion in newbornbabies.The need for blood neverstops. According to AmericanAssociation of Blood Banks(AABB) “a blood donation trulyis a ‘gift of life’ that a healthyindividual can give to others intheir community who are sickor injured. In one hour’s time aperson can donate one unit ofblood that can be separated intofour individual components thatcould help save multiple lives.”Blood carries oxygen andnutrients all over the body andhelps to remove waste from cells.Sometimes a small wound maycause one to lose a little blood, butthe body is easily able to survivethis. However, if too much bloodis lost it can be very dangerousto one’s health and even result indeath.When a person has lost toomuch blood it is necessary toreplace this blood quickly inorder to save his or her life; this iswhere your donation could help.The only way to do this is via ablood transfusion. Blood transfusionis a medical treatment that replacesthe blood lost in one person with thedonated blood of another person. Thedonated blood is stored in a bag andis given to the recipient via a tube intoa vein. Blood transfusions are alsoperformed on people suffering fromblood related illnesses who requirenew and healthy blood cells.Who can donate blood?To donate blood you have to:• Weigh at least 50 kg.• Be between 16 and 65 years of age.• Be in good health.• Consider your blood safe fortransfusion.The following people should notdonate blood:• Those who have donated bloodwithin the previous 56 days.• Those who are HIV positive.• Those who have hepatitis B,hepatitis C or syphilis.• Those who have had more thanone sexual partner in the last sixmonths or sexual contact with apartner whose sexual history isunknown to them.SANBS says your body replaces the bloodvolume within 24 hours. Your red bloodcells are replaced by the bone marrow intothe circulatory system within about threeto four weeks, and the lost iron is replacedwithin six to eight weeks.Does my blood type matterin donating?There are four different types of blood,namely A, B, AB and O. These are furtherclassified into negative or positive, whichis simply a way of determining differentblood types. For example, one person maybe A positive and another A negative.They are both of the blood group A, butthere are differences in their blood. Yourblood type is totally unrelated to HIVstatus. Whether a person is of a negative orpositive blood type has nothing to do withwhether they are HIV positive or negative.A person can be an A positive blood type,but be HIV negative and vice versa.Each person has a particular bloodtype and can give blood to any otherperson of the same type. Type O is alwaysin demand as it can be given to patientsof any blood group in an emergency.However, it is not only important fortype O people to donate blood. A, B andAB blood is still used in transfusionsfor people of the same type and this cansave supplies of type O for emergencysituations.For more information about donatingblood and to find an SANBS clinic nearyou please call the SANBS toll-free numberon 0800 11 90 31 or visit the SANBSFacebook page.References:• The South African National Blood Service,www.sanbs.org.za• AABB http://www.aabb.org/resources/donation/Pages/whydonate.aspxJ U N E 2 0 1 3 • 37

S A S O L D I E Rfocus on careersThe concept of VIP protectionBy Sgt Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaThe National Ceremonial Guard(NCG) has a platoon of VIPProtectors in its unit that isresponsible for the safety andsecurity of DOD officials andthe SANDF leadership; theirtask is often overlooked because of thequiet manner in which they conductthemselves.SA Soldier spoke to a couple ofmembers in the section about howthey executed their tasks. Maj IngridBotha, a Company Commander of aSpecialised Company in the NCG,said: “We have a VIP ProtectionPlatoon and these VIP Protectorsare responsible for the security ofthe Deputy Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, the Chief of theSANDF and various other Chiefs ofServices and Divisions.”VIP Protection Team Commanders, Sgt Ulrich Witbooi (left) andSgt Vhutshilo Daswa, claim that a VIP Protector needs to bededicated and passionate about his or her work.Maj Botha said that depending on theinstructions the unit receives, theymay extend their services to protectingforeign visitors and providing securityescorts during events and functions,such as parades and the Opening ofParliament.The Advanced VIP Protection Courseis a one-year course presented atAir Force Gymnasium and at AFBHoedspruit for VIP Protectors.Members of the four Services have toundergo a selection process and beproficient in military disciplines suchas shooting, driving and fitness.To avoid drawing attention, VIPProtectors are encouraged to dressformally in suits so that they are notconspicuous while executing theirtasks in different situations.Maj Botha said that a VIP Protectorneeded to be physically and mentallyfit, be proficient in shooting and haveadvanced driving skills. One also hasto be prepared to work long hours, oftenstanding, and be willing to travel a lot.Asked whether there were advantages tobeing a VIP Protector, Maj Botha replied:“When you are a VIP Protector you getan opportunity to work with a lot ofhigh-profile people and you gain a lot ofself-confidence as you get to liaise withthem.”One of the VIP Protection Platoon TeamCommanders, Sgt Ulrich Witbooi, hasserved over eight years in the unit. Hesaid: “You need to be mentally andphysically fit. You must have militarytraining because of the stamina andthe discipline that is involved. VIPprotection is a career path for a soldierwho is flexible in his or her thinking andsomeone who can take responsibility.”However, Sgt Witbooi explained that thecareer path of a VIP Protector could onlyextend to the rank of a Sergeant as thestructure stood. Only officers can becompany commanders.Sgt Vhutshilo Daswa, another VIPProtection Team Commander, saidthat a VIP Protector needed to presenta good image and work well as a teammember. He said: “You need to havepassion to withstand the pressures ofthe job and be able to appreciate andembrace the challenges that come withit.”He pointed out that as a VIP Protectorone needs to be vigilant at all timesand never let his or her guard down inthe line of duty. Sgt Daswa added thathis work has also helped him to beconscious of security at all times.Although he is passionate andapproaches his work in a positivespirit, Sgt Daswa explained that thecareer path of VIP Protector lackedgrowth.38 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsChief of Human Resourcestalks openlyS A S O L D I E RBy Ms Tebogo Mampa,Intern SA SoldierPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaMembers of the HumanResource Division gatheredat Thaba Tshwane CityHall for a communicationperiod on 17 May 2013.The main purpose of acommunication period is to talkopenly about challenges and mattersthat arise in the workplace. This isnecessary to create and build mutualunderstanding and common groundso that the workplace can be peacefuland enjoyable.The ceremony started with thereading of the Codes of Conduct foruniformed members and for PublicService Act Personnel (PSAP). TheChief of Human Resources, LtGen Themba Nkabinde, led thisannual event with the theme: “Weare great because we think we aregreat”. He said: “Colleagues, sincewe began having such sessions, Ihave learnt of the great value thatthese interactions add to our dayto-dayexecution of our variousresponsibilities”.Lt Gen Nkabinde added:“Communication periods afford usa rare opportunity to interact andengage with each other on variousissues that are of mutual concern,while appreciating our victoriesas a collective. So I urge you notto hold back; let us learn to air ourviews openly in order to addresswhatever issues there may be andmove forward together in fulfillingour constitutional mandate.“A communication period is where wecan converse openly without any fears.For you to be considered great in lifeyou have to have self-confidence, trustand belief in yourself: then peoplewill trust you and have faith in you.A wise man once said: ‘Masteringyourself is true power, but masteringothers is strength. Knowing yourselfis true confidence, knowing othersare intelligence’. We are the oxygen ofthe Division; a department withouta human resource section cannotfunction well and can collapse.”After Lt Gen Nkabinde addressedthe members the floor was open forcomments and questions. After allLEFT: Lt Gen ThembaNkabinde, the Chiefof Human Resources,speaking during thecommunication periodof the Human ResourceDivision at Thaba TshwaneCity Hall.ABOVE: Membersof the HumanResource Divisionperforming aerobicexercises.LEFT: Membersof the HumanResource Divisionrunning the threeleggedrace.the talking it was time to move to thegrounds of the Personnel ServicesSchool where sport and fun activitiestook place. The members were dividedinto groups to compete against eachother. There were activities such asaerobics, a three-legged race, tug-ofwarand volley ball. The idea was toemphasise the importance of fitnessand members interacting with eachother outside the workplace.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 39

focus on careersS A S O L D I E RL+Applications for the 2014 SA Army Foundation and MaxiCredit Solutions “Adopt a Student” Merit Bursariescloses on 31 July 2013IMPORTANT: /-8The Bursary Programme does NOT provide financial study aid toall applicants. A maximum of 3 applicants per year will be awarded a bursarybased on merit, performance and successfullymeeting all the qualifying criteria.Do you qualify to apply for a bursary on behalf of your child?• Are you a contributing member to the SA Army Foundation for more than 24 consecutivemonths?• Are you currently and actively in the employ of the SANDF?• Is your combined gross household income less than R15 000 per month?• Does your child want to study on a fulltime basis?• Is your child in Grade 12 or First Year at University at the time of applying? Remember, onlylearners up to the age of 20 can apply.• Does your child meet the qualifying criteria of their selected course at the Tertiary Institutionof their choice?• Can you provide us with a full breakdown of the costs involved in the Further Studies of yourchild’s choice?• Have you checked that you have all the required supporting documents to include with yourapplication?NO LATE APPLICATIONS WILL BE CONSIDERED.Further information and application forms are ONLY available at any of the SAArmy Foundation’s nationwide offices. Terms and conditions apply.Members can enquire about the Bursary Programme in the following ways:Visit your nearest Army Foundation officeCall us on 012 675 9400Email us on info@armyfoundation.co.zaJ U N E 2 0 1 3 • 41

S A S O L D I E RsportSANDF conquered theComrades Marathonup runBy Col Zirk Lourens, PROfor Comrades Marathon(with acknowledgement tothe Comrades MarathonAssociation as source ofpertinent information)Photos: Courtesy of Lt ColCraig-Mackie and JetlineAction PhotoThis year’s ComradesMarathon was thetoughest ComradesMarathon in decades -only 10 278 of the morethan 14 336 runnersmade it to the finish line.A total of 4 058 failed to makeit to the finish line before the12-hour cut-off time, the largestnumber ever in the historyof the Comrades Marathon.Altogether 114 runners fromthe Department of Defence,including the Reserve Force,completed the race.This year’s 88 th ComradesMarathon was the ultimateendurance test as both noviceand veteran marathon runnersexperienced the agony and ecstasy ofbattling the unusually high humidityand temperature combined with anabnormally strong berg wind withwind speeds of up to 45 km per hour.On Sunday, 2 June 2013, as the DurbanCity Hall clock struck 05:30 thousandsof runners began their epic “up run”journey of 87 km to Pietermaritzburgwith 250 000 spectators lining theroute. It was a journey in whichathletes fought a battle not againsta team or opponent, but againstthemselves.ABOVE: The first SANDF runner, SgtSamson Mkize, proudly shows his medal.Our athletes’ achievementsThe first Defence Reserve runner tocomplete the race was Mr MdumiseniZondi of Natal Carbineers AthleticClub. His overall position out of the14 336 runners who finished was 109 thin a time of 06:59:46 - an excellentachievement.Sgt Samson Mkize from the SANDFFree State Athletic Club was the firstSANDF athlete to cross the finishingline in a time of 07:08:47 and in the 137 thoverall position. (He was also the firstSANDF runner in the 2012 ComradesMarathon.) In the secondposition was Mr JohannesMantswe, also from theSANDF Free State AthleticClub, in a time of 07:14:05and in overall 180 th position.L Cpl Edward Sibanda (53)from the SANDF LimpopoAthletic Club was the thirdSANDF athlete to finish therace. He was also the firstSANDF master athlete in theage group 50 to 59, and thirdoverall master, in a time of07:22:19 and in overall 236 thposition. He completed his18 th Comrades Marathon.They all obtained a silvermedal for running underthe 7½ hour cut-off time –an excellent achievement!The first SANDF womanwas Ms Martha Pretoriusfrom the SANDF WesternProvince Athletic Club ina time of 08:41:56 in 19 thposition among Veteranfemale runners, and the 50 thfemale runner, in the 1 130 thoverall position. She obtained a Bill-Rowan Medal for running under thenine-hour cut-off time.In the second position was S SgtNerine Geldenhuys from the SANDFFree State Athletic Club in a timeof 09:40:13, a 190 th overall positionamong the female runners. CaptNokholo Hlezupondo from theSANDF Eastern Province AthleticClub was the third SANDF womanto complete the race in a time of09:48:46 and in 112 th position amongfemale runners, in the 2 843 rd overallposition.42 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

sportS A S O L D I E RABOVE: S Sgt Nerine Geldenhuys from theSANDF Free State Athletic Club was thesecond SANDF female runner to finish theComrades Marathon in a time of 09:40:13.Lt Col Chris Steyn, the Chairperson ofthe SANDF Road Running Associationand also a member from the SANDFAthletic Club Pretoria, completedhis 22 nd consecutive race in a time of09:40:07.Col Zirk Lourens from the SANDFAthletic Club Pretoria completed his29 th consecutive Comrades Marathonsin a time of 11:45:41. (During 2014 ColLourens will attempt to run his 30 thconsecutive Comrades Marathon - afirst for an SANDF serving member.)Two SANDF runners obtained theirGreen Numbers for completing their10 th Comrades Marathon, namely SgtErnest Motlalwa from the SANDFAthletic Club Pretoria in a time of08:20:10 and Mr Billy Miles from theSANDF Free State Athletic Club in atime of 08:48:39.The last SANDF athlete to make thecut-off time of 12 hours, with onlytwo minutes to go was PO PaballoRakgotho from the SANDF WesternProvince Athletic Club in a time of11:57:57.Runners’ refreshmentsThe SANDF had aspecial stand at theOval Stadium inPietermaritzburg whereall the families andfriends of the runnersgot together to watchas the runners enteredthe stadium. The standwas identified by thebanners of the DODand the SANDF. Lt ColCraig-Mackie and WO1Sandy de Beer, whohad also successfullycompleted ten ComradesMarathons, and theirteam from the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) MilitaryAthletic Club assistedthe Defence runners andprovided warm soupfor them. The membersof Area Military HealthUnit KZN manned arefreshment station -39 km into the race forthe 19 th year - which isan achievement on itsown.The organisers provided 48 well stockedrefreshment stations along the route toprovide for the runners’ hydration andenergy replenishment needs. Availableat every station was plenty of drinkingwater in sachets and plastic bottles, aswell as Energade and Pepsi Cola. Therefreshment stations also providedbananas, cooked potatoes, chocolates,oranges and biscuits. The stationswere staffed by approximately 5 000volunteers from sponsoring companiesand service organisations.Medical, emergency servicesand first aidThe exceptionally hot weather onthe race day necessitated a quickresponse from the Comrades MarathonAssociation’s Medical Team in attendingto runners requiring medical assistance.The unusually high humidity andtemperature, combined with anabnormally strong wind, resulted ina large number of patients turningup at the medical tents. However, thegood news was that the medicalteam came fully equipped to handlethe workload and all runners weretreated or referred to the hospital forimmediate care.Altogether 833 runners weretreated after the finish at thePietermaritzburg Cricket Oval,while 366 athletes were attendedto at the main medical tent and 427sought rest and recovery, rub-downsand mild treatment at the St John’sTent. The majority of the patientswere treated for dehydration andexhaustion.The Comrades MarathonAssociation has over the yearsmade extensive medical, emergency,first aid and physiotherapy provisionfor its thousands of participants,which has been described as“possibly the world’s largesttemporary medical facility outside ofa conflict zone”.The main medical tent usually seesan average of 250 patients on raceday, but this year was different andmore demanding in that medicalstaff had to attend to 68% morepatients. However, the team was upto the task and all runners in need ofassistance found themselves in safehands.The origin of theComrades MarathonThe first Comrades Marathon tookplace on Empire Day on 24 May 1921.It started outside the City Hall inPietermaritzburg with 34 runners. Ithas continued every year since thenwith the exception of the war years1941 to 1945. The direction alternateseach year between Pietermaritzburgand Durban, the so-called up anddown runs.The first race was run on untarredroads, with the runners havingto pass through several gates andcross at least one stream. It waswon by Mr Bill Rowan, a 26-yearoldTransvaal farmer, in a time of08:59:00, which would be the slowestwinning time in the history of therace. There were 16 official finishersof the first race.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 43

S A S O L D I E RsportSANDF Golf ChampionshipsArticle and photo by Lt Col Ilzedu Toit, Corp Com OfficerSANDF GolfThe SA National DefenceForce Golf Championshipswere recently held at WhiteRiver Country Club inMpumalanga. The aim of thetournament was participationbetween all qualifying SA NationalDefence Force golfers to test theirskills and perseverance and todetermine a winner in each categoryand to give players an opportunity tocompete.The Inter-Services Tournament washeld at the White River CountryClub. During this event the fourServices played 36 holes dividedinto foursomes in the morning fieldand individual match play in theafternoon. The teams consisted of 18players per Service. The SA Air Forcewon the A-Team category, while the SAArmy won the B and C-Team categories.The following day the SANDF GolfChampionships were officially openedby the Chairperson of the SANDF Golf,Lt Col Wiekus Schoeman.The Championships were played overfour days in the form of a stroke playcompetition. Altogether 86 playersparticipated from all parts of SouthAfrica.The Championships also identifiedplayers to represent the SANDF duringupcoming events such as the Inter-Forces Tournament in September2013 in George between the SA PoliceService, the Correctional Services, theFire and Emergency Services and theMetro Police.During the week of the SANDF GolfChampionships it is tradition toalways give back something to thecommunity in the area where thechampionships are presented. For2013 it was decided to invite learnersfrom the Kamagugu Inclusive Schoolin Nelspruit for developmental golf onthe White River Golf Country estate.During this event members from theSANDF Golf Committee and some ofthe top players of the week dividedthe learners into different groupsto play three holes, assisted by theSANDF players who demonstratedgolf techniques and etiquette.Afterwards they participated in someputting games. The day ended withthe handing over of five developmentgolf sets with goodie bags.The week ended with a prize-givingfunction where all the winners in thedifferent categories and the SANDFGolf Team consisting of eight playerswere announced.Maj Jay van der Waltwas the SANDF GolfChampion with agross score of 297over four days. TheLadies’ Championwas Col Karen Wattswith a gross score of324 over four days.Lt Col Wiekus Schoeman, Chairperson SANDF Golf (front, left), Lt Col SilasMankge, Vice Chairperson SANDF Golf (front, right), and WO1 Ernst Bock,Development member SANDF Golf, hand over the five sets of golf clubs to thelearners from Kamagugu Inclusive School in Nelspruit.The Inter-regionwinners: WesternCapeThe Inter-Serviceswinners - CDivision: SA ArmyThe Inter-Serviceswinners - BDivision: SA ArmyThe Inter-Serviceswinners - ADivision: SA AirForce44 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

sportS A S O L D I E RBritish and Pretorians braai andshoot clay targets togetherArticle and photo courtesyLt Col Ged Argyle, Chairpersonof the British Army Clay TargetShooting TeamThe Pretoria Military Clay TargetClub (PMCTC) recently hostedthe British Army Clay TargetShooting Team during theirtour of South Africa in Maythis year.This was a fantastic opportunityto travel to South Africa to enjoy someexcellent sport with like-mindedshooters. The PMCTC was able toaccommodate three types of clayshooting disciplines and to help setup a fourth - English Sporting - whichwas relatively new to the members,but offered the opportunity to explorea new discipline in clay shooting.The ground offered excellentfacilities; the hospitality offered bythe South African Team was second tonone. Everything ran like clockworkwith the resident club members providingunparalleled support, not justwith the shooting, but by providingan abundance of barbeques or braais(to use the vernacular), good companyand great sport. Our host’s hospitalitydid not stop at the range as we weretreated to a very special evening at theMilitary Order of Tin Hats (MOTH)Club, an organisation not dissimilar tothe Royal British Legion in the UnitedKingdom where we enjoyed yetanother spectacular braai!Over the course of the two weeksthe team competed in nine days ofconcentrated shooting, includingfour competitions where both teamsacquitted themselves well and sharedin the honours. Top shots included:WO2 Tony “Old Man” Masters, SimonArbuckle (British Army Coach) andCapt Neil Broomhead, each achievingthe coveted title of overall Army HighGun. However, the competition wassteep with WO2 Kobus Liebenberg,South Africa’s five times OlympicSkeet Champion heading up the SouthAfrican Team. This provided hugelyvaluable cross-pollination of skills thatenhanced the tour members’ experiencein the less rehearsed disciplines,notably trap shooting, while exposingthe PMCTC members to the formfavoured by the British, ie EnglishSporting. Competition was fierce withexcellent camaraderie being enjoyedby all; strong bonds in both militaryservice and clay shooting made forhighly rewarding events that ensuredthat all participants were consistentlychallenged, competitive pressuremaintained and the training andcoaching reinforcing.Unbeknown to the British Team,a PMCTC tradition dictates that a“straight” (ie no misses) on a standmeant that the “winner” was requiredto throw his hat aloft while theremaining club members took potshots! Suffice to say WO2 Tony Masters,Sgt Mark Robinson, Simon Arbuckleand WO2 Rob Howe are now allproud owners of severely aeratedheaddress!Every member of the team had amost memorable trip which for manywill be a once in a lifetime experience.We all made great friends andenjoyed some fantastic, unforgettableexperiences. This tour would nothave been possible without thewonderful and generous support ofthe PMCTC and I should like to recorda very sincere vote of thanks to allmembers of the club, especially: CaptErnst Victor, WO1 Wilna Els, WO1Johan van Wyk, WO1 JP Meyer, WO2Bertie Huisman, S Sgt Gert Jansen,Sgt Cicilia Marx, Sgt Marius Els, CplRene Jansen and Mr Dave Skews,the Braai master! Special mentionmust go to WO2 Kobus Liebenberg,Chairperson of the Club, who workedtirelessly to help arrange the tour andto make sure that everything workedperfectly during our stay. It is difficultto over-emphasise the generosity andkindness of everyone at the club.It is the intention of the ArmyRifle Association to extend aninvitation to the PMCTC to visitthe UK on a reciprocal tour in Jun2015. We have a hard act to followand although we cannot promiseto reciprocate with the weather,we are confident that we can stepup to the challenge and very muchlook forward to welcoming a SouthAfrican team in 2015.Exercise Pretorian flush British Army Clay Target Shooting Team - South Africa 2013.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 45

S A S O L D I E RmessageTo dream a dream …By Chaplain (Rev) RonnieStanton, Deputy SSO SA ArmyChaplain ServiceFrank Sinatra sang: “Todream the impossibledream.” Every mother,father, teacher, politicianand adult leader has adream for South Africanyouth. This dream echoes whatMartin Luther King exclaimed inhis speech when he said: “I have adream that one day this nation willrise up and live.”We all dream of how our countrywill develop into an economic giantand a country without strife. Theyouth is the spring of life; like ababy bird they leave the safety ofthe egg and break out of the shell;the youth is eagerly waiting tospread its wings in the open sky offreedom and hope.The age of youth is the time whenpeople discover and dream.Without dreams, former PresidentNelson Mandela would not havebecome the icon he is today.Without dreams South Africawould not be where it is today.Martin Luther King would haveaccomplished nothing in his lifewithout his dream. Our youthmust dream about the power theyhave in their hands to transformour country from a developingnation into a developed nation.Is it impossible to dream? Bybecoming aspiring entrepreneurs,speakers of truth, faithful servants,eager participants in outreachprogrammes and positive thinkersthe youth will not just dream adream, they will live the dream.Chaplain (Rev) Ronnie Stanton, DeputySSO SA Army Chaplain Service.They should cast off theirindifferent attitude towardspolitics and corruption. Theymust realise that darkness willnot drive out darkness, but thatthey need light and love to driveout darkness and take hands withpeople in all walks of life andof all cultures to create a young,unwavering nation. They darenot be indifferent and ignorant.The situation of the country willchange drastically if youngstersstand up against corrupt systems.A whole generation of parentshave failed to respect valueethics and have given the youththe message that money is to berespected more than values.Many of the youth are conditionedto believe that money, fashionand cheap popularity make theworld go round, therefore theywill not hesitate to earn moneyby doing wrong. We are partof an environmentwhere people donot go out of theircomfort zones and dosomething which isreally important. Badexcuses such as: “Wehave voted and electedpoliticians to take careof these issues” aregiven.Like Frank Sinatrathey must sing outloud: “I will dreamthe impossible dream,fight the unbeatablefoe of distrust andhatred, and run wherethe brave dare not go.”Martin Luther Kingsaid: “Our lives begin to endthe day we become silent aboutthings that matter.” It is timethat the youth speak out aboutintegrity, respect, responsibility,love and fairness. They must domore and demonstrate it as well.It is then that they will be able tosing with Frank Sinatra: “To rightthe unrightable wrong, to lovepure and chaste from afar, to trywhen your arms are too weary,to reach the unreachable star, thisis my quest, to follow that star nomatter how hopeless, no matterhow far”.Let us take to heart the wordsof Paul in Ephesians 5:16: “Makegood use of every opportunityyou have, because these are evildays”. Now is the time to liveyour dream and bring about thechange every person in SouthAfrica dreams of.46 • J U N E 2 0 1 3

eventsS A S O L D I E RYouth reclaimThaba Tshwane for GodBy Mr Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe concept of celebrating YouthMonth came about to paytribute to the youth of 16 June1976 who perished at the handsof the police who were obeyingthe orders of the state ideologyof the time.On 29 June 2013 the youth of churchesin Thaba Tshwane held a march notonly to advertise their presence, butto encourage the other non-churchedand non-religious youth. They wantedto publicise the message that therewere churches in Thaba Tshwanethat all the young people were freeto join. This was an attempt to takethem away from their wayward livinginto a Christian lifestyle. In essencethe Thaba Tshwane youthmarch was an effortto reclaim the area forGod and the march wascharacterised by praise andworship of God.ABOVE: Col (Rev) Kingsley Masemola, Chief Chaplain of the SAArmy and Senior Staff Office (SSO) Chaplain Service SA Army,preaching the Word of God during the Thaba Tshwane Youth Daycelebration.Col (Rev) KingsleyMasemola, ChiefChaplain of the SA Armyand Senior Staff OfficeChaplain Service SAArmy, confirmed thatthe march was aimedat reclaiming ThabaTshwane from the plagueof drugs and immoralitythat was terrorising theyouth and to pray forthe former President, MrNelson Mandela. Col (Rev)Masemola said: “We believe that themoral degradation in Thaba Tshwanecan be countered by spiritual andethical means. This is a deliberateattempt to tell the youth that theycan look to the church for help anddeliverance.”ABOVE: The youth dance group from Petra Life Church entertains theaudience with their choreographed dance moves.Church youths who came together tobe part of this day and to entertainthe audience were VoortrekkerHigh School drummers who playedAfrican musical instrumentsto create fusion sounds as incontemporary music, the HerbergDancers who performed a Christiandance and the New Apostolic Churchof God which mesmerised theaudience with poetry. Other youngchurch groups were from the PetraLife Church, Rock Ministries and theAfrican Gospel Church.J U N E 2 0 1 3 • 47

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