T - Department of Defence

www.dod.mil.zawww.dod.mil.za4447Defence athletes racein the Two OceansMarathonBook review:The JourneyEDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini(Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. VisserCpln M.P.K. MasemolaCol S.A. MotswadiraCol M.E. PhekoCol S.P. ZeemanCdr C.E. KhumaloLt Col R. LeburuMs N. PienaarLt S.E. SegoneMr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, the outgoing Chief of the SANDF (left)bequeaths the Command of the SANDF to Gen Solly Shoke, thenew Chief of the SANDF. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)12SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not necessarilyrepresent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance and publicationof advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not constitute DODendorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described. TheDOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims made in advertisements.COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced withoutthe written consent of the Editor.FRONT COVER: We salute the new Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke.Read all about the change of command parade on pages 12 to 15.(Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,visit our website at: www.dod.mil.zaJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s3

S A S O L D I E Rmessage from the editorfrom theeditor’s deska bvaho khamunwaleliThe year is flying - it is already mid-year! Wow! It isalso time to salute our new Chief of the SA NationalDefence Force - General Solly Shoke. He is not only thenew leader, but also the father of our military family.He is also blessed with four children of his own.General Shoke knows what it means to be a father andwhat it entails. We as SANDF members can rest assured thatour new military father and Chief will take charge and provide uswith the necessary guidance and direction.These sentiments were echoed by General Godfrey Ngwenya, theoutgoing Chief of the SANDF, in welcoming his successor at theChief of the SANDF Change of Command Parade. GeneralNgwenya in his final message to General Shoke said that leadershipand command were the single most important elements inany defence force. He said that leadership was about trust: trustin the leader's competence, character and vision and trust in theleader's respect and care for those in his charge, which inspiredthe voluntary spirit. Please read more about the Change ofCommand Parade on pages 12 to 15.As we celebrate Father's Day on 19 June, let us all honourour fathers and remember those fathers who are no longerwith us …Viva to all fathers Viva!Nelda PienaarEditorNwaha asi tshithu tshilapfu, ndi amba izwi naguri ro noswika vhukati hayo. Na tshi fhinga tsha u sumbedzathonifho kha muranga phanda wa mmbi ya vhupileliMudzhenerala vho-Solly Shoke na tshone tsho swika. Vho-Shoke a si muranga phanda kha muhasho wa mmbi yavhupileli fhedzi, vho shundufhadziwa nga vhana vhana. ¸Mudzhenerala vho-Shoke vha a talukanya uri uvha khotsi zwi ambauri mini. Rine ¸ vha tshumelo ya ‘ vhupileli ri na fhulufhelo uri vha ndokona mushumo wavho na u sumbedza dila vho di imisela.Zwa uri vho-Shoke vha do shuma vho di imisela zwo khwathisedzwanga Mudzhenerala vho-Godfrey Ngwenya vhane vho ruliwa ‘ mushumowa u ranga phanda mmbi ya vhupileli. Izwi vho zwi amba musivha tshi rwela tari muranga phanda muswa. Vho-Ngwenya vho isaphanda nga u ‘ amba uri u ranga phanda ndi tshone tshithu tshavhuthogwa nga maanda kha mmbi ya vhupileli. Vhori u thembea nau shuma ‘ muthu o ndi imesela na u vhavhalela vhashumi ndi hone uranga phanda ho teaho. Vhalani nga ha aya mafhungo kha siatari 12u swika kha 15.Mushi ri tshi pembelela nduvha la vho khotsi nga 19 Fulwi ri sihangwe na vho ri sia ho.Viva kna vho khots: Viva!Nelda PienaarMunwaleli* Translation (Tshivenda) by Mr L. Netshirembe4• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RSANDF celebrates Freedom Daywith the nationArticle and photos by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleThe SA National Defence Forceparticipated in the FreedomDay celebrations on 27 April2011 in support of the NationalDepartment of Arts and Cultureat the Union Buildings inPretoria. Freedom Day celebrations inour country mark the culmination of along and hard won struggle that hasseen countless heroes and heroines makethe ultimate sacrifice and living the lifeof selflessness for freedom anddemocracy.Freedom Day celebrations in our country mark theculmination of a long and hard won struggle that hasseen countless heroes and heroines make the ultimatesacrifice and living the life of selflessness for freedomand democracy.This day commemorates the first electionsheld in South Africa on 27 April1994. It is a day that represents peace,The march past of an amended brigade comprising marchingcolumns.The National Ceremonial Guardparticipated in the Freedom Daycelebrations.unity, and the restoration ofhuman dignity of all SouthAfricans, in the spirit of building aSouth Africa that belongs to all. Itis a reminder of the struggle for afree and just South Africa. Thisyear we celebrated 17 years offreedom and democracy and theachievements we have made as anation with the theme: "Workingtogether to unite the nation, promotedemocracy and protectfreedom".The colourful military ceremonyincluded a National Salute, aguard of honour by the NationalCeremonial Guard, a 21-gunsalute, a salute flight by three AgustaWestland AW109 helicopters with twoNational Flags and the SANDF Flagescorted by six Oryx helicopters guardingthe flags, followed by a march pastof an amended brigade comprisingmarching columns, mass fly-past,military veterans and a cultural parade.The SANDF also celebrated 17 years ofits existence; it was on the eve of the1994 first democratic general electionthat the new SANDF was born as aresult of the decision to integrate theNon-statutory Forces (MK and APLA),the SA Defence Force and the Transkei,Bophuthatswana, Venda and Ciskei(TBVC) Forces.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 5

S A S O L D I E Rletters to the editorDIFFERENCE BETWEEN SERVING AND WORKING - SOLDIERA soldier is a patriotic member of thecountry who volunteered to stay awakeon behalf of the President and the citizensof the country.But what?Yes there is a vast differencebetween soldiers.Our motherland is going downbecause of two classes of soldiers,namely serving members and workingmembers.Serving soldiers are crying to bedeployed, whereas working soldiers arecrying to go home.Serving soldiers are concerned aboutthe future of the SANDF, while workingsoldiers are concerned about salaryincreases.Serving soldiers know how to fold theR4 rifle, whereas the working soldiers askassistance on how to fold the R4 rifle.A trench is the living quarters for aserving soldier in the bush; a workingsoldier calls home to complain about thesituation.A serving soldier safeguards the propertyof the Government, while the workingsoldier prefers to take Governmentproperty home.A serving soldier is mostly disliked; aworking soldier entertains friends duringworking hours.A serving soldier always conforms toorders and instructions; a working soldierquestions why, what is the purpose ofthat?A serving soldier complies and complainslater; a working soldier complainsfirst and complies after disciplinaryaction.A serving soldier lifts up his or herhead to listen for the direction of thegunfire; a working soldier hides withthe intention of surrendering.A serving soldier has comrades-inarmsin uniform; a working soldier hasfriends in uniform.Same drills, same courses, but aworking soldier is considered betterthan a serving soldier!That is the difference between a"serving" and a "working" soldier.LS A.M.T. Monaheng,Protection Force: SAS SALDANHATRIBUTE - THE FACE OF THE NCG BAND IS NO MOREMany people will remember him leadingthe National Ceremonial GuardBand during prestigious events of nationalimportance, such as the Openingof Parliament, the Presidential Inaugurationand many other ceremonial events.S Sgt Nkagisang Godfrey Moremediwas born on 7 October 1969 in Sewedingvillage in Mafikeng. He completed hisschooling at Lapologang High Schoolafter which he joined the then BophuthatswanaDefence Force on 1 June 1984.S Sgt Moremedi was the drum majorof note in the National CeremonialGuard Band. Maj Shabalala of 43 SAInfantry Brigade, S Sgt Moremedi'scousin, said: "It all started when S SgtMoremedi was a toddler. He used tobreak broomsticks when he was youngand practise as a drum major. That qualifiedhim for local street Majorriegroups."SAYING THANK YOUOn 25 March 2011 the SA ArmyTechnical Service Unit held a function toexpress appreciation for all the non-Technical Service Corps (TSC) membersand for the work of the support structureof the unit and to lift the morale ofthese members as the TSC members ofthe unit received "back-pay" on theirtechnical allowance. The idea was soldto TSC members who responded in themost positive way and 82 members eachcontributed R100 to pay for this function.All the non-TSC members and thecivilian members were invited to enjoy acasual afternoon in the unit hall whereIn 1994 he was integrated into theSANDF and continued as a drum major.In 2001 S Sgt Moremedi was sent toBritain to further his art as a drum major.Sadly the post was eliminated, though hecontinued serving with distinction as thedrum major.S Sgt Moremedi was selected to bepart of a contingent to represent theSANDF in the International Tattoo thattook place in Virginia USA in 2008. SinceS Sgt Moremedi took ill in August 2010 hewas in and out of hospital. Eventually hesuccumbed to cancer on 20 February 2011.He was a very disciplined soldier whowas always available to perform any taskwith a smile. He also doubled as a busdriver for the Band.He is survived by his mother, wife,sister, two brothers, a son and threedaughters.May his soul rest in peace.they were spoilt with drinks and snackswhile they played pool, socialise andwatch the ICC World Cup Quarter Finalbetween South Africa and New Zeelandon the big screen.In his opening addressLt Col S.J. Fowler thanked all the HumanResources and Personnel members for theovertime they had to work to ensure thatthe applications for technical allowanceswere handed in on time. He alsoexpressed his gratitude to the logisticalpersonnel and the civilian members of theunit for their continued support to theTSC members in the execution of theirtask.This function was the brainchild ofROBALA KA KGOTSO MOSIKWA,MOLETA NGWEDI.Lt Col J.T. Magubane, emailS Sgt Nkagisang GodfreyMoremedi. (7 October 1969 -20 February 2011)WO2 R.D. Stack and S Sgt S.A. Loochand was organised by Maj J.L. Jansenvan Rensburg with tremendous supportfrom the Officer Commanding, ColB.A.G. Mofela, and TSC members.The TSC members all signed a bigcard on this day which will be presentedto the Director Technical Serviceswith the following inscription: "Onbehalf of all the TSC members of the SAArmy TSU we would like to expressour sincere gratitude to you and yourteam for bringing about the manychanges in the TSC". S Sgt S.A. Looch,email6• J U N E 2 0 1 1

SET FREE BY GODWe were born free to live free in God'sfavour not in any man's favour. That iswhy God did not allow Pharaoh tomake slaves of the Israelites. He sentMoses to rescue them. Soldiers, do notallow anything to make slaves of you. Ipray that our leaders will understandour vision because everyone has avision, whether a Recruit, Private,Lance Corporal or Sergeant.God does not start recognising usfrom Staff Sergeant and up; He startsfrom our mother's womb. In the DODpeople will look at your shoulders andsay lower ranks are crazy, even if youcome up with something constructive.My advice is not to look down at God'simage because by so doing you are dis-SA ARMY GYMNASIUM MEMBERSREACHING OUTThe SA Army Gymnasium slogan says:"May every soldier make his or hermark", and the social outreach serves asa means of making the mark in the community.The Unit's programme accommodatesthe social outreach once ortwice a year. For 2011 a social outreachwas organised by the Unit with the aimof giving to a community organisation.Unit members brought clothes and nonperishableitems together to theChaplain's office as an expression of caringfor the needy in the vicinity of theSA Army Gymnasium. This processtook about three weeks, after which anorganisation was identified.Ikhono Care Group, a non-governmentalorganisation of Ratanda Extension7, was identified as an organisationfor reaching out to in the year 2011. Thisorganisation plays a crucial role in supportingpeople who are suffering fromthe HIV and AIDS pandemic.letters to the editorhonouring God. Anyone who sins is aslave to sin (John 8:34).Soldiers, let's depend upon God forour lives, for we are created by Him forHis purposes, unlike those who dependon people and then if that particular personmakes a mistake then he or she killshimself or herself to be free. It starts in themind, for example if you want to go tothe Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) and help people there, God will dothe impossible for you: you just have todo the possible and believe. When youare sick, see yourself healed no matterwhether the disease is curable or incurable:God is God. No sickness is biggerthan Him. If you want a degree, see yourselfgraduating, and you will graduate.The Unit representatives who tookthe gifts to the Ikhono Care Group on 17March 2011 were as follows: the Chaplainof the Unit, Cpln W.H. Mthimunye,Communication Officer, Maj P.P. Xaba,Evaluation Warrant Office, WO2 E.B.Nkomo, Musketry Non-commissionedOfficer, S Sgt C.J. Cockroft, and a PublicService Act Personnel member, Mr G.H.Dlamini. Cpln Mthimunye spoke to thepeople on behalf of the Unit before handingover the gifts. He emphasised that thegifts were a gesture of caring and concernfrom the military community that couldmake a different in the lives of the needy.Thereafter the gifts were presented tothe representative of Ikhono Care Group,Mr Obian Skhosana. He expressed hisgratitude and appreciation as the giftswould be very important in alleviatinghunger. He made a plea that the relationshipwith the military should be ongoing.Maj P.P. Xaba, SA Army GymnasiumA member of the Ikhono Care Group thanks Chaplain W.H.Mthimunye for the gifts that the SA Army Gymnasium presented tothem.S A S O L D I E RTake myself before integration. Iwas integrated after it was declared thatthere would be no more integration. Iprayed to my Master and said: I do notwant to demobilise and stay at homeafter all I did to earn the opportunity.My vision was to serve my country, butfor Him nothing is impossible, no matterhow long it takes, but you will befree.Once there was an incurable diseasecalled polio, but today we are free.Believe that there will be no more HIVand AIDS soon. I pray for this becauseit is destroying our beautiful country. Inthe journey of Israel there were a lot ofthings happening, but God rescuedthem (Exodus 14:13).I pray that God will make our channelof command effective in such a waythat it will help everybody.We have to stop the mentality of Icannot or am not able, because we arecreated by God, who can and is able.We are his image (Genesis 1:26). Godcreated everything and finally created aman. He created everything for theman, meaning humankind.In conclusion, in the deepest mudyou can see a way out. God directs youthere: make sure that you get out; noone must oppress you because of hisBig Rank. My God says the righteouswill have many troubles, but God willrescue him out from all of it (Psalm34:14). Cpl M.N Lubuzo, School ofArmourA FIREFIGHTERThe main task of a firefighter is to carry outrescue operations and save people's lives andequipment.A firefighter's task is not easy; it requires alot of physical strength and endurance.A firefighter needs mental toughness andpersonal skills.A firefighter renders the services of a rescuer,even at the risk of his or her own life.A firefighter needs to be ready at any givenpoint and time.A firefighter should be respected when carryingout his or her tasks.Fire-fighting needs a lot of character.To become a successful firefighter one needsto stay focused; and to "look, listen anddecide". Pte Yaya Guduza,Kimberly Military Base (fire branch)J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 7

S A S O L D I E RVALENTINE'S DAYOn 14 February 2011 Personnel ServiceSchool members enjoyed a Valentine'sDay Tea at their unit in Thaba Tshwane.For a minimal amount members wereinvited to wear civilian clothes for theday, and the colour scheme was redand white.Staff and course members wereinvited to enter as teams. Each teamdecorated its own table, and was challengedto be original and creative. Nineteams entered for the competition. LtCol Clarissa Neethling (HospitalityService JSB Thaba Tshwane) and membersof Ukweza Hospitality Companyacted as the judges.letters to the editorValentine's Day Tea at Personnel ServiceSchool.The MilitarySkills DevelopmentSystem memberscurrently busy withthe Senior PersonnelClerk Course alsoreceived a cold drinkwith a chocolateduring tea. Membersof the LingcingaEntertainmentGroup providedentertainment.Lt Col S.J. Olivier,2IB PersonnelService SchoolSA ARMY COMBAT RIFLE SHOOTING EVALUATIONThe SA Army Combat Rifle ShootingEvaluation was presented at the DeBrug Shooting Range near Bloemfonteinfrom 28 February to 5 March 2011.This type of event is held annuallyand different African countries take partin the shooting exercises. Altogether 354shottists of 46 SA Army Regular unitsand 376 shottists of 37 SA Army Reserveunits, including five international teamsfrom Zimbabwe, Namibia, Botswana,Zambia and Kenya participated.1 SA Infantry Battalion (1 SAI Bn),under the command of Lt Col M.P.Mofokeng, hosted the event. 1 SAI Bnplayed an important role by making thisevent a remarkable success and also succeededin upgrading the image of theSA Army. It was the first time in the historyof this battalion that it had beengiven the opportunity to host an internationalevent of such magnitude.The exercise began with massive firing.Fitness, safety and firing skillsplayed an important part as the participantsfired and moved from the 400 mmark to the 100 m mark. They ran fromthe 400 m to the 300 m mark, fired threeshots in prone position, got up and ranto the 200 m mark and fired four shotsin a kneeling position. Lastly they ran tothe 100 m mark and fired the last fourshots in a standing position.The exercise was conducted in threephases. In Phase 1 all the participants,with the exception of the participants ofthe Reserves, were evaluated in all firingpositions: prone, kneeling and standing,from the 100 m mark to the 300 m mark.Phase 2 on 3 March 2011 was the evaluationof members of the Reserves. InPhase 3 the top ten participants of theRegular and Reserve units participated ina competition against the five internationalteams.1 SAI Bn would like to give sinceregratitude to all the organisers, supportersand participants in the event. To ColVan Zanten, Col Brand, Warrant OfficerDu Toit and other Infantry Formationstaff, you are our heroes and made usproud of your organisation of such ahuge and successful event.Cpl Molehe Tshitlho, 1 SAI BnMembers of the SA Army competing in the combat rifle shooting,kneeling at the 200 m mark.Visiting (SADC) international shottists being presented with medallionsby Maj Gen Keith Mokoape, Chief Director SA Army Reserve.Fltr: Maj Gen Mokoape, representatives of the Kenyan Army, theNamibian Army, the Botswana Army, Zambian Army and theZimbabwean Army.8• J U N E 2 0 1 1

letters to the editorA GEM OF KNOWLEDGE AND INFORMATIONOn the ground floor of the ParatusBuilding on the premises of the SAArmy College in Thaba Tshwane lies agem of knowledge and information …the library.The library is expertly run by thefriendly and helpful Mr P.C. Chaukeand Pte L.M. Somdaka (assistant). Ithouses a wealth of books, coveringfields such as psychology, ethics, religion,social and political science, foreignpolicy and foreign relations, military scienceand strategy, financial organisational,general and personnel management,biographies and books on WorldWar I and II. It is also home to the historyalbums of SA Army College.It is clear that Mr Chauke and PteSomdaka are not only there to issue theoccasional books to readers; they arealso highly experienced in assisting withresearch and at the four Internet stations,three of which are dedicated to learners.S A S O L D I E RFrom 28 March to 1April 2011 the library hadbrand new literature ondisplay, bought by the SAArmy College. These displaystake place every timenew books are acquired.The library is open toclients within the ThabaTshwane area. The701220110C JuniorCommand and StaffDuties (JCSD) residentiallearners have gainedadded knowledge andinformation from frequentvisits, and it is certain thatSANDF SPOUSES FORUM MOTIVATES FEMALE LEARNERSPte L.M. Somdaka and Mr P.C. Chauke inthe library of the SA Army College.8 March 2011 is celebrated asInternational Women's Day worldwide.It originated in 1910 in Copenhagenwhere a group of women took steps topromote equal employment opportunities.In 1911 the day was marked officiallyas International Women's Day. Overthe period 11 to 13 March 2011 theSANDF Spouses Forum visited theMilitary Academy in Saldanha to motivatefemale learners who were awayfrom their homes for a period of at leastone year and shared with them the100th anniversary of InternationalWomen's Day.It is for this contribution that theSANDF Spouses Forum took the initiativeto celebrate this month by sendingthe message that they saluted them fortheir bravery in their oath to the SouthAfrican Flag. With the theme "equalaccess to education training and sciencetechnology" the SANDF Spouses Forumis spreading the message of womeninclusionat all levels in various sectorsof our society.The then Chairperson of the SANDFSpouses Forum, Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya,addressed all female students of theMilitary Academy as follows: "Womenin uniform have shown great determinationin volunteering to infiltrate thismale dominated field in the securitycluster. It is also true that the educationalgap is steadily narrowing. However,we need to acknowledge the harsh realityof this significant progress. We areproud of the achievements of a small fractionof the women and young girls in ourcountry".Ms Ngwenya added: "As women weneed to emphasise our capabilities withinour respective environment as daughters,mothers, sisters, friends, colleagues,employers and employees among variousother roles we play. The future of ournation depends on the choices we make,whether to see the opportunities affordedto us for what they are, exploit them toour advantage and eventually succeed."The Department of Defence andMilitary Veterans is synchronised withthe Government's message of givingwomen a chance in leadership positions.This can be seen in the appointment ofthe Minister of the Department ofDefence and Military Veterans and theSecretary for Defence. Both these womenare serving as living proof that womenare capable of holding high-profile positionsand they are a great inspiration towomen in the DOD. The advancement ofwomen in the DOD needs to be pursuedwith the vigour it deserves and womenshould seize the opportunities presentedto them. This was emphasised by MinisterLindiwe Sisulu when she was highlitingthe role of women in the DOD. Shesaid: "They care and they pay attention todetail. Women excel better under pressure:when women are put into difficultpositions they come out the best."all learners will in future also benefitfrom visits to the library of the SA ArmyCollege. Maj Lizette Lombard, PretoriaMs Ngwenya said: "It is no walk inthe park and the road ahead needsstrong, mature women and my experiencehas taught me that women haveto leap to cover a distance that men canwalk. That is why we need to applyourselves and be more assertive whenit comes to issues of our advancement."Ms Ngwenya quoted HillaryClinton in her speech on InternationalWomen's Day: "If we invest inwomen's education and give them theopportunity to access credit or start asmall business, we add fuel to a powerfulengine for progress for women,their families, their communities andtheir country. Women invest up to 90%of their income in their families andtheir communities. When women haveequal access to education and healthcare and the freedom to start businesses,the economic, political and socialbenefits ripple out far beyond theirown homes".The female learners also had anopportunity of sharing their challengesand seeking advice from the womenwho came to motivate and give supportto them. The SANDF SpousesForum has taken a stand to mentorthese young women. To all the womenof this institution, the ball is in yourcourt, the road has been paved for you;go out there and take the women in theDOD forward. Bibi Sibanyoni,PretoriaJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s9

S A S O L D I E RMESSAGE TOMSDS MEMBERSRemember what we do today determines thefuture of our National Defence Force.The road to success is long and hard, withobstacles and challenges.Obstacles make us strong to face the futurewith pride and to do our best.Staying focused makes one a successfulsoldier in future.Obeying of lawful commands and respectwill determine who you are.Taking up training as a hobby will make younot feel the pain.Remember to train hard in order to fightwell.We are here for the memories of ourforefathers and the future of our children.Take this National Defence Force as the onlyplace for your red carpet so that you can becalled "Corporal, Lieutenant …".Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn, currentlydeployed in the SudanBYE MELLIT BASEIt was an honour for me to be part ofCharlie Company of 1 ParachuteBattalion detached to 5 SA InfantryBattalion as Delta Company forOperation CORDITE in the Sudan. Itwas not an easy mission, but we did itand we can do it again.When I arrived at 5 SA InfantryBattalion to link up with them for theSudan I was not happy because I wasstaffed in a paratrooper company and Ihad a wrong perception about airborneforces. Maj B.B. Molekane gave me achance to grow as an IntelligenceOfficer. To be an Intelligence Officer inan infantry company is not an easything because your corps is always subjectto criticism, but I stood my groundand flew the Intelligence Formation flaghigh. I will miss 9B (Major Bodibe). Healways asked me: "Bhura tell me the situationin Mellit". How can I forget guyslike Sgt O.M. Mahasa who always hadstories to tell: "I gave away my 20 yearsexperience", those were his famouswords. To the big four of Mellit, no onemanaged to break us because we werealways together (Lt Floris, Lt Nkiane, LtVeleko). Keep up the good work guys,we will meet one day on another mission.Lt A. Cengani, IntelligenceOfficer Mellit Base, Sudannews from abroadCpl Pinky Motaung, a Construction Machine Operator, is a memberof the SA Engineer Squadron on deployment in Goma in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo, for the period 1 December 2010to 30 June 2011. Cpl Motaung is a single mother of three children:Tyson (21), Nthabiseng (18) and Mpho (11). She loves her childrendearly and misses them. She said it was because of them that shewas on deployment. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)VICTORIOUS SOLDIERFighting for the sake of peace in Africa,Not knowing if he will live.Brave soldierStanding up for what he believesand fighting for freedom.Brave soldierFighting for what is right,Dying heroes, dying evil menBrave soldierLeaving every thing he ownsTo be loyal to his country.Brave soldier.LET 15 SAI BN ENJOYTHEIR TOUR OF DUTYEnjoy no matter how hard it may be onYour tour of duty.Enjoy the new day born no matterHow imperfect it may be.Pull together with one goal at the end;Shout win-win.Work as a team that may take prideHome at the end of the day.Coming home at the end of war …Victorious soldier.DRIVINGPOWERMaj Molekane, Maj Bodibe, Capt Baloyi,Lt Floris, Lt Nkiane, Lt VelekoIt was not easy but we managed,Now it is time for us to go home andMeet our families.I will really miss Sgt MahasaWith his stories (sheba bona).Lt A. Cengani, Mellit Base, the SudanA champion is one who stands upEven if he cannot. be the ambassadorsOf the Republic of South Africa.Enjoy your tour of duty, I wish you all thebest. In their language there is a saying:"LIDUDA DOVHA",the time will come to go back home.Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn (Sudan)10• J U N E 2 0 1 1

news from abroad7 SA MOTORISED INFANTRY BATTALIONS A S O L D I E ROn 26 November 2010 the bestmotorised Infantry Battalion in RSA,which was proud and mission ready,landed at Kigali airport in Rwanda. Thisunit was ready to savour the momentwhen we started with what we had beenretraining for at General Ben ViljoenTraining Area in Phalaborwa and theMobilisation Centre in Bloemfontein.Then there was the four-hour long flightwith the Virunga express to Goma in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo.Within two shakes of a duck's tail Iwas in the theatre and battle ready tocarry out peacekeeping and also to winthe hearts and minds of the local population.While keeping a constant eye onmount Nyiragongo, which was foreverglowing, the "tenacuters" diligently andprofessionally carried out patrols, escorts,tasks and combined operations withcountries ranging from India, Uruguayand the host country itself.Under the leadership of our BattalionCommander, Lt Col X.B. Ndlovu, we didindeed fly our RSA flag high by maintainingdiscipline and doing everythingwith love and compassion. There weregood times and there were better timesbecause our unit knew exactly what thesole purpose was of our being here in theDRC. We were here to assist the countryto improve the way of life of the inhabitantsby getting them to live in peace andhave a brotherly and sisterly love for oneanother. I attended a church service dur-TOUCHING LIVES OF NEEDY ORPHANS IN THE DRCAs part of the requirements within themandate, the RSA Ops Battalion (7 SAInfantry Battalion) decided to adoptWorld Orphans Kids, an orphanage forchildren at Katoyi Village, KasikaDistrict on the outskirts of Goma. This isone of the quick impact projects that theBattalion is engaged in terms of itspeace support operations.The orphanage currently has 362children ranging from three to fourteenyears, without shelter and space. Theonly structure available for them is alocal Catholic Church hall measuring 8x 6 square metres where they attendclasses given by 14 volunteer educatorswho are members of the local CatholicChurch.The children gathered from placesas far as Kanyaba, Lubero, Masisi andRutshuru. They have no relatives toraise them after their parents perishedas a result of AIDS and the armed conflict.According to Philip, the ChiefCaretaker for the orphanage, there areno consistent donors of food, clothingand medicine. They are solely dependenton occasional handouts.Having looked at the plight of thesechildren, the Ops Battalion decided thatobtaining a site and constructing a shelterwill solve many of the challengesfaced by this orphanage. However, thiscould not be achieved overnight.A site has been acquired and theOps Battalion Orphanage Committeeheaded by Chaplain D.P. Phaka is busyengaging other stakeholders with aview to obtaining resources to begin withthe project.The RSA Contingent members havesuggested various initiatives to assist theorphans. These initiatives include collectingclothes, toys and donations in theform of US dollars or Francs (the localcurrency) and buying food from the localsupermarkets and spending time feedingthe children.Sadly, two of the children, Mitima andGiselle, both aged nine, recently died andPhilip indicated that as educators theywould have liked to hold a joint memorialservice for them. This afforded the OpsBattalion Orphanage Committee anopportunity to offer a helping hand andthe matter was raised during one of thechurch services at Munigi Base Churchwhere a decision was unanimously takenby the church members that funds shouldbe raised to assist with arrangements forthe memorial service. It was decided tohold a church service with the childrenand staff members and spend a day andfeeding them.This initiative was strongly supportedby the National Contingent Commander,Col R.A. Makgae, the RSA Ops BattalionCommander, Lt Col X.B. Ndlovu, theContingent Support Unit Commander, LtCol A. Tshukudu and Munigi BaseChurch members in general.Sunday, 6 March 2011, was dulyaccepted by all as the most suitable dayfor this activity and the response in termsof financial support from the ContingentSupport Unit members, the Prayer Grouping Operation MISTRAL XVI where Iwas touched by a local pastor who quotedthe following: "You may not knowwhere your next meal is coming from.You may not have shelter to sleep atnight. You may not have a car andmaterial things, but if you do not havelove that is the worst of them all". Hewent on to express his gratitude forwhat the RSA and my unit were doingfor his people, to the extent that ateardrop rolled down his cheek. At thatmoment I knew that we were making adifference in this country.To all my proud "tenacuters", continueto fly our flag high! Together westand! Lt C.B. Lewis, Munigi Base:Gomaand the Ops Battalion was very good.More than 300 US dollars were raised tosupport this cause. Sandwiches and softdrinks were prepared the night beforeby the Ops Battalion women under theguidance of Pte M.P. Mokobodi.The RSA Contingent, led by Lt ColTshukudu and inspired by ChaplainsR.I. Moremoholo and Phaka, waswarmly welcomed by the children andstaff members with the former singingKaribu, Karibu! They also performed atouching drama depicting abusive conditionsthat orphans are subjected to ifraised by relatives. Formalities for theday included the history of theorpanage by Philip, performances bythe children, a church sermon byChaplain Phaka and the event wasrounded off with the main event of theday in which the children were fed andphotographs taken.The RSA Contingent members inattendance raised more than 100 USdollars, which were handed to Philipand his staff members to purchaseitems such as medicine, when needed.The children's joy knew no boundsas they bade us goodbye by singing anddancing.As I waved through the window ofthe Land Rover I could see smiles ontheir faces and came to the realisationthat the RSA National Contingent hadindeed made their day and at least for amoment had forgotten that they did nothave parents. Well done, Ba Suda oncemore! Capt M.M. Sihlobo, emailJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 11

S A S O L D I E ReventsInauguration of the newChief of the SANDFBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaoleand Sgt Elias Mahuma31 May 2011 will remain deeplyetched in the collective memoryof members of the SANDF andthe South African nation as a sonof the soil, a giant among themilitary leaders of the world anda strict disciplinarian, Gen SollyShoke, took the oath and solemn undertakingto command the SANDF.The inauguration of the new Chief ofthe SANDF commenced with a signingceremony between the outgoing Chiefof the SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya,and the incoming Chief of the SANDF,Gen Solly Shoke, that was held duringa special meeting of the PlenaryDefence Staff Council at DefenceHeadquarters in Pretoria on 31 May2011. At the meeting the Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, took the opportunity tobid farewell to Gen Ngwenya, and tocongratulate the two military leaders,Gen Ngwenya and Gen Shoke. She saidthat the outgoing Chief of the SANDFhad created legacies for us as aNational Defence Force that wouldguide future developments. She said:"Gen Ngwenya, you are South Africa'sfinest military officer, someone who hascontributed to the SANDF's identity asa strong and dependable instrument ofpeace."To the incoming Chief of the SANDFwho took charge, Gen Shoke, she saidthat the SANDF continued to advocatethe renewal of Africa, and continued tomeet the needs of our society and thewell-being of South Africa, the SADCregion, Africa and beyond. MinisterSisulu proudly said: "Let's continue tobe true to our pledge, a force for good,supporting Government's initiativesFltr: Gen Solly Shoke, the incoming Chief of the SANDF, MsLindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, andPresident Jacob Zuma, the Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF,before the swearing-in-ceremony.and institutions that have the same missionas ours. We are an instrument ofSouth Africa's international relations anddefence policy, the policy of non-aggression,respect for other countries, mutualco-existence, and we defend the sovereigntyand territorial integrity of countriesand good neighbourliness."The Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF,President Jacob Zuma, parliamentarians,diplomats, senior government officials,leading academics, defence analysts, dignitariesfrom civil society, prominentbusinessmen and women and representativesfrom corporate South Africa,friendly nations from far beyond ourborders, Captains of Defence Industry,the Defence and Military VeteransPortfolio Committee, and members ofthe Plenary Defence Staff Council wereamong the esteemed dignitaries whojoined the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,the Deputy Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, and the Secretary forDefence, Ms Mpumi Mpofu, to witnessthe incoming Chief of the SANDF, GenShoke, being introduced and sworn inat a dignified colourful military ceremonialevent.During the swearing-in-ceremony heldat the Pretoria Military Sports Groundin Thaba Tshwane, the Secretary forDefence welcomed President Zuma,Judge President Bernard Ngoepe andthe esteemed dignitaries to rejoice withthe SANDF. Ms Mpofu said that theSANDF was a national asset, a forcethat represented hope and relief. Sheadded that the SANDF was the ultimatecustodian of our national security.Shortly after the swearing-in-ceremonythe Chief of the SANDF Change ofCommand Parade took place. As theyreceived a standing ovation andstepped onto the podium South Africa'stwo top military commanders stood12• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E Rtall. It was the outgoingChief of theSANDF, GenGodfrey Ngwenya,who bowed out asthe Chief of theSANDF and theincoming Chief ofthe SANDF, GenShoke, assumed hispost and took overthe reins. They werehonoured with ashow of force byour members in uniformof our gloriousnation and presentedwith a brigadestrengthparade inreview that paradedin detailed militaryprecision aroundthe field.Prior to officiallyhanding over command,the memberson parade stood toattention for a General Salute accompaniedby a 17 round gun salute. The SAAir Force aircraft took to the skies in amagnificent fly-past, which had thespectators looking up into the blue sky.A salute flight of two Agusta WestlandAW109 helicopters took place with thefront helicopter displaying the NationalFlag and the rear helicopter displayingthe SANDF Flag and a Rooivalk Mk1combat support helicopter accompaniedit as a flag escort.A mass fly-past took place, consisting ofa formation flight of four AW109Agusta helicopters, two Oryx helicoptersand a Rooivalk, followed by aBeechcraft BE-30 King Air and fourCessna C208 Caravan in a transport aircraftformation flight, followed by aC212 Casa and two Douglas C47TPDakotas, two Lockheed Martin C130BZHercules medium transports, ninePilatus PC7 MkII trainer aircraft, fiveSilver Falcons in formation flight andthe PC7. The display continued withfour BAE Systems Hawk Mk120 fightertrainer aircraft and five Saab Gripenfighters. Five Silver Falcons made a"So help me God": Judge President Bernard Ngoepe (left) administers the Oathof Office to Gen Solly Shoke as the incoming Chief of the SANDF.bow salute and the Silver Facons gave alow-level aerobatics display and aCASA C212 light transport dropped tenelite parachutists from the South AfricanSpecial Forces, while 7 Medical BattalionGroup executed an impressive free-fallto hand over the scroll to the outgoingChief of the SANDF, Gen Ngwenya.As a final compliment, the military bandcomprised of members from the SAArmy, the SA Air Force, the SA Navyand the SA Military Health Service, setthe festive tone with their brilliant performance.The flag Warrant Officersfrom the Services and Divisions took uptheir positions, flying their differentflags led by the Parade Commander atthe head of the column, followed by themarching columns marching gracefullypast the podium, and greeted the outgoingChief and the incoming Chief,President Zuma, the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, the DeputyMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, the Secretary for Defence andthe senior leadership echelon of theSANDF and all the people of SouthAfrica as the SANDF represented theSouth African population. It hadbecome credible in the eyes of our people- the pride of the rainbow nation.In welcoming his successor in his finaladdress, Gen Ngwenya, in a message toGen Shoke, said that leadership andcommand were the single most importantelements in a defence force. Hesaid that leadership was about trust:trust in the leader's competence, characterand vision and trust in the leader'srespect and care for those in his chargeand so inspiring the voluntary spirit.Gen Ngwenya admitted that there wasstill room for improvement in theSANDF and South Africa wouldremain a major role-player in Africa.He said: "Our National Defence Force'ssuccess is dependent on strong leadersand commanders who, when in command,are faced with the huge tasks ofresponsibility, authority and accountability,which are all absolute."He also thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Zuma, for overseeingthe swearing-in ceremony, and said toJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s13

eventsS A S O L D I E Rand a Certificate inDefence Managementfrom the University ofWitwatersrand. He servedthe SANDF as theDirector ManpowerPlanning and later as theDirector ArmyIntegration. He was theDirector PersonnelAcquisition from January1999 to October 2000 afterwhich he was promotedto the rank of MajorGeneral as the Chief ofHuman ResourcesSupport in 2000. In 2004he was promoted to therank of LieutenantGeneral and appointed asthe Chief of the SA Army.After the signing ceremony Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, the outgoing Chief ofthe SANDF (left) congratulates Gen Solly Shoke on his new appointment asChief of the SANDF.Gen Siphiwe Nyanda. He became anoutstanding General who strove tomaintain the integrity of the SANDF.He embodies what it means to be amember of the SANDF today; indeedhe is a man of outstanding discipline.Gen Ngwenya relinquished this poston 30 March 2011 to become theAmbassador of South Africa to Angola.He is married to Ms BusisiweNgwenya and has three children.General Shoke's CurriculumVitaeGen Solly Shoke was born on 15August 1956 in Alexandra Township.He left the country after the uprisingsin 1976 and joined the military wing ofthe African National Congress (ANC)Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) and receivedhis military training in Angola and furthertraining in the then Soviet Union.He served in various capacities in MKboth inside and outside the country. Herose through the ranks to become theCommander of the then TransvaalMachinery. He was part of the undergroundCollective Leadership duringOperation VULA. He was a politicalcommissar and operated internally untilthe unbanning of the liberation movements.He was part of the NationalOrganising Department of the ANCwhose mission was to organise ANCstructures in the country.He was also a member of the committeesthat facilitated the peaceful transition todemocracy in South Africa, includingintegration of the armed forces into theSANDF. He completed his IntermediateStaff Course in 1993/1994 in Zimbabwe.After the ushering in of the new democraticera, he completed the SeniorCommand and Staff Duties Course inSouth Africa and later did the Joint StaffCourse at the SA Army College.Gen Shoke holds a Diploma in HumanResources Management from DamelinThe following are some ofthe highlights of his careeras the Chief of the SAArmy: he introduced theSA Army Vision 2020, along-term vision andstrategic planning processfor the SA Army. Underhis leadership the SAArmy established the Works Regiment,which currently runs the programmefor the maintenance and refurbishmentof the SANDF infrustructure. The SAArmy also resuscitated some of theessential capabilities, such as the airbornecapability, Desert and JungleWarfare and Special Infantry - a capabilitythat deals with border safeguarding.Another memorable highlight ofhis career was his appointment as theSADC Forces' Mission Commander ofOperation BOLEAS in Lesotho in 1998.Gen Shoke is a known disciplinarianwho is committed to a disciplinedNational Defence Force guided bystrict military discipline. He has committedhimself to exemplary leadershipand is an example of living the valuesof the SANDF. His actions are a testimonyof integrity, loyalty and patriotismin an unbiased and non-politicalmanner. He is married to Ms CharlotteShoke and is blessed with fourchildren.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s15

S A S O L D I E Rrand annual showThe SANDF - Best OverallDisplay at the Rand Show“The SANDF is capable ofdefending our territoryand bringing stability tothe country,” saidMinister Lindiwe Sisulu.By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, has described the capabilitydemonstration of theSouth African National DefenceForce (SANDF) at the annualRand Show held between 22 April and 2May 2011 at the Nasrec Expo Centre,south of Johannesburg, as awesome anda spectacular performance.Minister Sisulu was speaking after witnessingyet another breathtaking SANDFcombat airborne readiness display infront of almost 2 000 spectators presentin the main arena, which also includedinfluential business people and membersof different political and civic organisationson 2 May 2011, the last day of theevent. The demonstration comprised,among others, a combat search and rescuesimulation exercise, a casevac exercisewith an Oryx helicopter for thedowned aircrew and a Hawk firepowercapability demonstration that left thecrowds in a state of admiration, especiallyfor the supersonic speed.After Minister Sisulu received the PlatinumAward from the Nasrec Managementfor the Best Overall Display by theSANDF she said: "What we have seenhere is a further proof that the SANDF isMs Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,and Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, the then Acting Chief of theSANDF, listen to the presentation by Lt Palesa Madie from 1 TankRegiment at the Rand Show.capable of defending our territory andbringing stability to the country. Wehope to continue this partnership withthe Rand Show on a regular basis. Whatalso impressed me most are personnelwho have been here for the past 12 daysattending to the public's queries aboutthe military hardware we have here ondisplay. I am also pleased with the presenceof the Young Lions, a voluntaryyouth training project aimed at Grade 9to 11 learners. This project was introducedby the SA Army with the aim ofintroducing them to military culture,buddy aid, personal hygiene, environmentalaspects and field craft."Minister Sisulu also expressed her appreciationto all members who contributedto promoting the image of the organisationby highlighting its role and func-tions during peacetime, in support of allSouth Africans.The event also marked the return of theSANDF to the Rand Show after anabsence of 14 years, and hundreds ofinterested members of the public flockedto the exhibition stands to look at theequipment and to introduce their childrento career paths within the SANDF.Among those in attendance were MrPunki Moeti and Ms Elizabeth Moetifrom Johannesburg who expressed theirappreciation on the return of theNational Defence Force to the RandShow. They said that the exhibition ofthe SANDF equipment provided anopportunity for them to know the corebusiness of the force, apart from theirsecuring the borders and defending the16• J U N E 2 0 1 1

and annual showS A S O L D I E RChildren enjoying the look andfeel of the hardware at theRand Show.An Agusta Westland AW109 helicopterprovides air transport for the "injuredon the battlefield" - a display at theRand Show.country against external aggression.Their children, Lesego andTebogo, were enthralled by thesight of an Agusta WestlandAW109 helicopter on display.At the opening of the Rand Show(Joburg Easter Festival) on 22 April2011, Mr Craig Newman, the CEOof Nasrec, expressed his gratitudeat the return of the SANDF to theRand Show. He hoped that itsreturn would also help to enticethe youth to consider variouscareer options available in theSANDF.Representing the City ofJohannesburg MetropolitanMunicipality, Director ofOperations at the JohannesburgMetro Police Department, MsKenalemang Maribe, paid tributeto the SANDF's presence andwarned those with criminal intentto stop what they were doing assecurity had been beefed up withthe arrival of the SANDF contingentat this year's event.The following were some of themilitary hardware on display:detection system used duringdeployments. Command Ratel, mock operationalroom main signalequipment.SA Air Force The Rooivalk combatHelicopter. The Agusta Westland AW109helicopter. Umlindi radar system andterminal mobile radarantenna. All the above-mentionedequipment was successfullyutilised during the air securityplan for the 2010 SoccerWorld Cup.SA Navy The shallow water route surveysystem for sonar detectionused in the harbours ofCape Town, Port Elizabethand Durban. Diver tank used for trainingSA Navy divers.A girl enjoys watching a navaldiver inside a SA Navy tank atthe Rand Show.SA Army Startstreak missile launcher:Capabilities include the protectionof national key points inSA and airspace security. Tactical intelligence system -state of the art surveillancetechnology, which is the first ofits kind to be commissioned inthe world. A parachute display. Multiple rocket launcher andM5 mortar system. Rooikat Armoured Car. Olifant Mk2 Tank with tanktransporter. Ratel ZT-3. Bridge-laying vehicle andSA Military HealthService A Level 1 chemical and biologicaldefence decontaminationdeployment facility toensure patients are stabilisedbefore being evacuated tomore advanced health carefacilities.Defence ReservesUnit 11 Field Postal Unit is to providean efficient field postalservice to the SANDF, whereverit may be deployed.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 17

S A S O L D I E ReventsLaunch of theDefence Works FormationFacilities and wellmaintained infrastructurewere an importantelement of preparing,employing anddeploying forces.By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleOn 20 April 2011 the Departmentof Defence launched theDefence Works Formation bymerging Project LEBAKA, theService Corps, DirectorateFacilities and DirectorateFacilities Support Management underDOD Logistics Division, Maj Gen JusticeNkonyane at the DOD WorksCapability, situated in the then Group 15HQ in Thaba Tshwane.As part of the Department of Defence(DOD) fine-tuning for greater innovation,the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, inher Budget Vote speech on 13 April 2011alluded to the DOD's discussion withthe National Department of PublicWorks on the establishment of theDefence Estate Management mechanismwhich will lead to the National DefenceForce progressively exiting fromProperty and Facility Management. Thisshows that the DOD has undergone astrategic shift in terms of its coredeliverables.She said: "Now that we have laid downthe systems for self-maintenance andmanagement of our properties, theWorks Regiment will intensify the main-The unveiling of the plaque by Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, the thenActing Chief of the SANDF (left), and Brig Gen David Masters, theGeneral Officer Commanding of Defence Works Formation.tenance and upkeep of all properties.We have completed a strategy to establishour own Real Estate Agency tomanage our property portfolio of morethan 430 000 hectares of land, approximately35 000 buildings and more than12 million square metres of surface areawithin buildings that is currently managedby the Department of PublicWorks."Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, the thenActing Chief of the SANDF, said thatfollowing the statement by MinisterSisulu and the Military CommandCouncil, the opportunities of membersof the SANDF to maintain the DODfacilities were considerable for both theRegular Force and the Reserves. Hesaid: "They will be utilised in the followingcapacities: facility maintenance,including repairs and construction thatrequire architects, civil engineers, estatemanagers, quantity surveyors, artisans(electricians, carpenters, bricklayers,mechanics, wall and floor tilers), environmentalmanagers, occupationalhealth and safety managers and all themilitary command and managementskills inherent in the military fraternity."Owing to decentralisation and ongoingstructural reforms over recent years,there has been a growing trend towardsprivatisation of services and activitiesthat traditionally were functions of theDepartment of Public Works and theExpanded Public Works Programme.SA Soldier conversed with a panel ofleading experts who highlighted someof the opportunities of the DefenceWorks Formation at the dawn of a newera. They mentioned that facilities and18• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E Rwell maintained infrastructure were animportant element of preparing,employing and deploying forces.Brig Gen David Masters, GeneralOfficer Commanding Defence WorksFormation, in clarifying the achievementsmentioned that a research into acase study was undertaken and an ideawas planted in the SANDF that anopportunity needed to be granted toour own members to help solve thismassive problem of the 12 billion randsmaintenance backlog which had beenconfirmed by the entity responsible forthe facility management of the DODinfrastructure, but there was no solutionin sight.He said that in order to achieve thisobjective it was necessary to recruitSANDF members guided by our "OneForce Concept" from all our Services(the SA Army, the SA Air Force, the SANavy and the SA Military HealthService) to be trained in differentlabour-based construction and maintenancetrades, site supervising, engineers,technologies and technicians inthe workforce from different rankgroupings, including both men andwomen.Brig Gen Masters said: "Most importantly,in terms of driving this projectwe aligned ourselves with differentindustries in mainstream construction,such as Murray and Roberts, Multi VoltLaden, GDD Irons, Afrit and PelmaTrucks, WBHO and Group 5. It was avitally important and potentiallyrewarding area in detailing a successfulinitiative."He added that the Defence WorksFormation had been mandated to providethe following functions for theDOD: Operational Level FacilityManagement Facility Maintenance and Repair Facility Construction Facility Skills Development Military Integrated EnvironmentalManagement General Support Services, andMaj Abe du Preez, the Training Officer (left) and WO2 LekwanaNyokong, the Training Warrant Officer, provide support and assistancein piloting the training programme for artisans at Murray andRoberts. Research and Development.Brig Gen Michael Mdletye, DirectorOperations (previously Director FacilitySupport Management), pointed out thatperhaps more important was the shift infocus beyond simply addressing thefacility management problem, but infine-tuning our approaches in providinginspiration for greater DOD innovationand creating a sense of collective responsibilityfor some pressing challenges thatface us to achieve concrete outcomes.He added that this kind of a project hadthe added dimension of being able toperform the increasing amount oflabour-intensive work and provide highqualitysolutions to infrastructure developmentand in so doing creating skilledmembers who could compete in theopen market once they left the military,thus strengthening the general communityskills base.Brig Gen Getrude Mngadi, DirectorFacilities (Level 2), said that through thepower of the collective everything waspossible and demonstrated how commitmentand tenacity worked hand in handto realise a vision. She pointed out thekey to the realisation of the Minister'sstated vision in the area of infrastructure,planning, design and constructionmanagement.Brig Gen Kefilwe Mathibe, DirectorSkills Development (former GeneralOfficer Commanding Service Corps),said that as we moved into the 21st century,skills development continued togather pace. She said that another aimwas to impart knowledge and skillstransfer and provide inspiration forthose who wanted to expand theirskills, e.g. Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS) members and Reservesacquiring skills in labour-intensive construction,artisan training in areas suchas electrical maintenance, air-conditioning,painting and carpentry.She concluded that the intensive programmewould boost the organisationalcapacity to keep up with the operationand maintenance requirements of DODassets. This would also assist in continuouslymonitoring the well-being ofour assets so that they did not fall into astate of disrepair.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 19

S A S O L D I E ReventsExpanding SA Air Force'sdynamic air superiorityThe SA Air Force offersreliable systems thatsolve problems of vitalimportance to nationalsecurity.By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Cpl Tebogo KekanaThe SA Air Force continues to useits knowledge to secure SouthAfrica's airspace and to addresschallenges of vital importance tothe sovereignty and territorialintegrity. Thus it offers reliablesystems that solve problems of vitalimportance to national security andbuilds sustainable capacity for a safeSouth Africa.The SA Air Force Rooivalk Mark 1 AH-A Rooivalk combat support helicopter on display during thehanding over ceremony to the SA Air Force at Denel Aviation inKempton Park.2A combat support helicopter wasproudly handed over to the Chief of theSA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, atDenel Aviation in Kempton Park on 1April 2011. The changing role of theSANDF, which is now primarilyengaged in peacekeeping missionsmeans that aircraft systems have to beadapted effectively to meet the newrequirements.Signing the handing over certificate, fltr: Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano,Chief of the SA Air Force, Mr Antonie Visser, Chief of DefenceMatériel, Mr Mike Kgobe, CEO of Denel Aviation (standing, back),Mr Sipho Mkhwanazi, Acting CEO of Armscor, and Mr Talib Sadik,Group CEO of Denel.Speaking at the handover ceremony, MrTalib Sadik, the Group Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Denel, said that it was a historicmoment after decades of work. Hesaid: "We are proud to have beeninvolved through the inception 25 yearsago of this proudly South African,indigenous, world-class and fully-certifiedRooivalk." The first launch of a prototypetook place on 11 February 1990 -the same day former President NelsonMandela was released from prison. In1996 the State owned defence industrialgroup, Denel, was given a productioncontract for the manufacture and deliveryof twelve Rooivalk aircraft to the SAAir Force.Lt Gen Gagiano expressed appreciationto all the role-players. He said that the20• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RSA Air Force'srelationship withDenel would stillcontinue withregard to themaintenance of theaircraft and thatthe Rooivalkwould strengthenthe strategic capability,particularlyin the peacekeepingmissions onthe continent. LtGen Gagianoadded: "Modernsystems were integratedinto the aircraft,and the cannonsystem hasbeen rectified: itsreliability is 100%and other safetyaspects have beenaddressed."Mr Antonie Visser,the Chief ofDefence Matériel,said that the qualificationprocess ofthe fully-certified locally designed andmanufactured combat supportDuring the handing over of theRooivalk helicopter Lt GenCarlo Gagiano, Chief of the SAAir Force (left) received amodel of the Rooivalk from MrTalib Sadik, Group CEO ofDenel.In front of a Rooivalk Mk 1 combat support helicopter during the handing overceremony, fltr: Mr Antonie Visser, Chief of Defence Matériel, Maj Gen TsokuKhumalo, Chief Director Force Preparation, Mr Talib Sadik, Group CEO of Denel,Maj Gen Gerald Malinga, GOC Air Command, Mr Sipho Mkhwanazi, Acting CEOof Armscor, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force, and Mr MikeKgobe, CEO of Denel Aviation.Rooivalk helicopters was an importantdevelopment in a long line of achievementsstretching over more than 25 yearsto meet the needs of South AfricanDefence. He said: "The Rooivalk Projecthas through the years been a very successfulincubator for the rest of the industryand I have no doubt that the lessonslearnt during the quarter of a centuryspent on this development will providedividends for many more years to come."Standing next to the upgraded aircraft LtGen Gagiano said it had been tested atthe SA Air Force's Test FlightDevelopment Centre and that evaluationincluded day and night flight operations,target identification modes and self-protectionadvanced features. He said thatthe first five helicopters would bedeployed at 16 Squadron based inBloemfontein at AFB Bloemspruit andthe remaining six would be completedand ready for deployment later this year.He mentioned that Denel Aviationwould be responsible for the deeperlevelsupport capabilities needed to sustainflying operations, including maintenance,repair and overhaul (MRO) ofthe Rooivalk fleet.Another key benefit of this world-classSouth African helicopter is the considerableimprovements in avionics modernisationenabling the pilot to operatein night-vision goggle flying conditionswith a different rapid terrain databaseto enhance offensive counter-air threats.It is installed with state-of-the-art systemsintegrators for a wide variety ofapplications during tactical missionsand will expand the SA Air Force's missionoperation network and ensure thattraining stays on a par with the newunmatched resources of high-level mission-criticaltraining to meet air combatrequirements in operational theatres.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 21

S A S O L D I E ReventsChinese naval warshipsanchor in DurbanThe main task of the two Chinese vessels is to ensurethe security of Chinese vessels and personnel transitingthe Gulf of Aden and the waters off Somalia andprovide protection for chartered vessels working forinternational organisations.Article and photos by AB N.C. Zulu,Com Admin Clerk Navy HQThe 7th Chinese People's LiberationArmy's Navy, EscortingFlotilla paid a goodwill visit toDurban over the period 4 to 8April 2011. Two Chinese navalwarships - the FFG (MissileGuided Frigates) - the CNS ZHOUSAN(FFG 529) and the CNS XUZHOU (FFG530), arrived at the port of Durban(Passenger Terminal) on 4 April 2011.The two Chinese vessels were the 7thEscort Task Force, which was dispatchedby the Chinese Government lastNovember to perform an escorting missionin the Gulf of Aden and the watersoff Somalia. Their main task was toensure the security of Chinese vesselsand personnel transiting the Gulf ofAden and the waters off Somalia andprovide protection for chartered vesselsworking for international organisations.The visit was the third of its kind. Thelast time a Chinese naval vessel visitedSouth Africa was in August 2000, whentwo Chinese naval missile destroyers,the SHENZHEN and the NANCANG,visited our shores. In October 2008 theSAS SPIOENKOP also docked inShanghai as part of celebrations to commemoratethe 10th anniversary ofdiplomatic relations between China andSouth Africa.The Chief of Naval Staff, R Adm RustyHiggs, had this to say about the Chinesevisit: "The navy in any country is aninstrument of the state. This visitstrengthens the pledge between thenations to assist each other at sea intimes of need. It is both strategic andhistoric."The Commander of the Chinese TaskGroup, R Adm Zhang Huachen, speakingthrough an interpreter, had this tosay about the goodwill visit: "The traditionalfriendship between the two countrieswould be made stronger throughthe interaction, which will foster mutualunderstanding".R Adm Rusty Higgs, the Chief of SA Naval Staff, salutes the Guardof Honour.During their visit to the city of DurbanR Adm Huachen and his entouragemade courtesy calls on the Mayor ofEthekwini Municipality, CouncillorObed Mlaba, and the PoliceCommissioner of KwaZulu-Natal, LtGen Betty Ngobeni. They also hosted areception dinner on boardCNS ZHOUSAN.22• J U N E 2 0 1 1

Minister orders aclean-up campaignenvironmental mattersS A S O L D I E RBy Cpl ItumelengMakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaThe untidy state foundby the Interim NationalDefence ForceService Commissionwhen it viewed theThaba Tshwane militaryarea compelled theMinister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, to instructthe residents to clean up thearea.The perception of the Commissionindicated in the preliminaryreport about thelack of maintenance for currentfacilities in the DOD. Italso attributed the state ofaffairs to the absence of acomprehensive preventativemaintenance programme.The Minister's insistence that the soldiersclean up the Thaba Tshwane militaryarea came as a first step towardsintroducing a culture of self-reliance inthe maintenance of DOD facilities.On 7 and 8 April 2011 all Services andDivisions took to the streets to musterresources and clean up open areasaccording to the allocated zones.Residents were also to ensure that theirliving quarters were up to the requiredstandard, after which Minister Sisuluwould inspect them.The General Officer Commanding SAArmy Support Formation, Maj GenSteven Marumo, convened the communityat the Thaba Tshwane City Hall topresent the Minister's wishes about thecampaign and to describe the challengesand responsibilities they were going toface as residents.Almost every prominent corner and placein Thaba Tshwane was neat and organisedafter the completion of a three-dayclean-up campaign.Maj Gen Marumo remarked: "When theMinister was here in January she complainedabout the state of ThabaTshwane's residential areas, workplacesand other facilities."He mentioned that 50% of the GeneralSupport Base's budget, which shouldactually be 15%, was being utilised tomaintain facilities due to the highdemand. He added that some memberswere negligent in maintaining theirproperties and would be held accountablefor those.Maj Gen Marumo also alleged that otherswere involved in prohibited activities,such as renting, sub-letting and runningtaverns in their back yards. Hewarned that punitive actions would betaken should such activities continue.He urged members of the ThabaPunitive actions wouldbe taken should activitiessuch as renting, sub-lettingand running tavernsin back yards continue.Tshwane community to undertake theresponsibility of maintaining and fixingthings around their properties and notdepend on the General Support Base.The highly anticipated Minister's inspectiontook place on 10 April 2011 at theThaba Tshwane sports grounds.Minister Sisulu conveyed her gratitudeto the soldiers who packed the grandstandsfor responding when she madethe call to resolve the concern raised bythe Commission and the Chiefs ofServices.It was decided during the work-sessionby Minister Sisulu and the Chiefs ofServices to return Thaba Tshwane to itsoriginal clean state. She mentioned thatthe area was badly in need of repair.Ms Sisulu said: "Thaba Tshwane as amilitary town reflects on us in manyways; and on us as soldiers. So, you arereflected by your environment."The Minister remarked that the placealso promoted family life since therewere living quarters that had to be takencare of. She said that the Defence WorksRegiment would assist with the maintenanceof equipment and facilities ownedby the DOD.Minister Sisulu pledged to commit herselfto improve members' living conditionsin military areas so that they couldreside in a dignified environment thatwould reflect well on the soldiers andtheir reputation.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 23

S A S O L D I E ReventsMilitary partnership withthe local Defence Industry“The New Growth Path seeks to address the core challengesof joblessness, poverty and inequality by knittingtogether the Second Industrial Policy Action Plan.”By Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Department of Defence andMilitary Veterans in conjunctionwith Armscor and theDepartment of Trade andIndustry held its fourth DefenceIndustry Day with the theme:"Political Support for Security, EconomicGains and Creation of Employment" inPretoria on 17 March 2011.The Defence Industry Day aims tostrengthen co-ordination and co-opera-The Secretary for Defence, MsMpumi Mpofu, highlights somekey activities that need to beundertaken to optimise resultsand guide decisions at theDefence Industry Day.tion between Government, the SADefence Industry (SADI) and other relevantstakeholders with the aim ofdeveloping a competitive world-classSA Defence Industry. This event willhelp SADI to understand Government'sintentions on defence matters and positionthemselves for the developmentand enhancement of defence productsthat are relevant to the defenceindustry.During his address the Deputy Ministerof Defence and Military Veterans, MrThabang Makwetla, said thatGovernment recognised and supportedthe defence industry and intended tosee it grow and contribute both locallyand abroad. He added that a newbenchmark had been set and the objectivewas to create solutions. He said:"The Government has in the recent pastpublished its new strategy for economicdevelopment in the form of the NewGrowth Path which seeks to addressthe core challenges of joblessness,poverty and inequality by knittingtogether the Second Industrial PolicyAction Plan."The Secretary for Defence, Ms MpumiMpofu, said that the SA DefenceIndustry's role as an integral part of theSANDF's capabilities was now takingroot in a more meaningful sense andwithin the context of a home market.She emphasised that what was crucialwas that this partnership between theThe Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, MrThabang Makwetla, encouragingsustainable capacity fornational security.military and the local defence industrywas not aimed at obtaining self-sufficiencyin the provision of armaments,but to ensure a degree of self-reliancefor both the SANDF and the SAGovernment. She said: "For this partnershipto succeed, there will have to beenhanced, consistent and transparentcommunication between the SANDFand the Industry."The Defence Industry stakeholders suchas Armscor and Aerospace Maritimeand Defence Industries Association alsoprovided specialist input in terms of thedevelopment of procedures for defencecapability, defence systems modellingand the evaluation of technical conceptsand defence acquisition programmes.24• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsSA Air Force keeps thepassion for flying burningS A S O L D I E RBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: WO2 DavidNomtshongwanaOn 24 March 2011the long-awaitedpilot wings, navigatorand flightengineer insigniawere presented to17 young studentswho successfully completedthe SA Air Force StudentPilot Course 114/10. TheWings Parade took place atAFB Langebaanweg in theWestern Cape and the Chiefof the SA Air Force, Lt GenCarlo Gagiano, awarded theSA Air Force flying badgesto the recipients.The Wings Parade is morethan just a graduation dayfor the graduates: it is a moment ofpride for the SA Air Force, flyinginstructors, mentors, families andfriends. This special occasion was heldfor 13 pupil pilots, one navigator andthree flight engineers. Lt Gen Gagianocommended the Central Flying Schoolfor shaping the products that were seenon parade and acknowledged membersof the SA Air Force's diverse contributions,support and guidance at severallevels. He said that the SA Air Forcewould continue to exercise its mandateof developing aircrew and helping themto realise their military aviation ambitionsand create career pathways in variousmusterings to ensure the flexibilityand mobility of its workforce with aview to maintaining the internationallyacknowledged high standards. Theseare equal to the standards set by the bestair forces in the world.Lt Gen Gagiano reminded the recipientsthat the parade marked only the first ofmany goals that they must reach inThe Wings Parade is a moment of pride for the SA Air Force,flying instructors, mentors, families and friends.Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the SA Air Force (middle) with senior SAAir Force Officers and graduating pupil pilots who successfully completed theSA Air Force Student Pilot Course 114/10.order to become truly proficient in theirvarious musterings, and said all of themwere leaders at different levels. Hestressed that aircrew had always been arather special breed of people andtoday's recipients were members of thefirst course to complete the initial outsourcedab initio phase of flying trainingand would proceed to the MilitaryAcademy for two years of study for aBMil Degree.In conclusion, Lt Gen Gagiano wished allthe recipients the best with their futurecareers in the SA Air Force. He said:"Give your best. Do not ask what yourAir Force can do for you, ask rather whatyou can do for your Air Force." The highestoverall achiever on course was 2LtMichael Richmond who scooped the AirForce Board Floating Trophy and theInkwazi Floating Trophy. 2Lt NkululekoNkabinde was awarded the SA Air ForceAssociation Floating Trophy while 2LtDale Nadasen was awarded the AirCommand Floating Trophy.Speaking to SA Soldier, 2Lt Richmondsaid that he was overjoyed as thissymbolised a milestone achievementand a sacrifice amply rewarded. Headded that the foundation of anygood aviator was his knowledge baseand one needed to stimulate his or herinterest in flying or aviation in general.2Lt Richmond said: "Being a graduatepilot today has led me to discoverwho I am and what life would be ifone has no courage to attempt anything.Some things will not move inyour favour until you make a move."2Lt Nkabinde said: "It's not where youcome from, but where you are headingfor that determines one's destiny."He could not contain his delight andadded that there were three thingsthat made life special: to dream, tobelieve in yourself and to have passion.He added: "You are the only personwho can say what is right for youand you must trust yourself to testyour limits."J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s25

S A S O L D I E Remployee empowermentThe DOD becomes a planningand risk-intelligent departmentBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe Chief Director StrategicManagement, Mr DumisaniDladla, hosted the DODProfessional DevelopmentWorkshop on Planning,Reporting and RiskManagement at the Peace MissionTraining Centre in Thaba Tshwanebetween 4 and 8 April 2011.Providing DOD planners or planning functionaries withthe required skills to ensure proper planning, reportingand the importance of integrating risk managementwith the DOD planning process.The aim of the workshop was to provideDOD planners or planning functionarieswith the required skills to ensure properplanning, reporting and the importanceof integrating risk management with theDOD planning process.The workshop facilitator, Adv NandiNtsaluba, Director Strategic Planning,welcomed the workshop participantsand said that the workshop marked thebeginning of a new era in DODPlanning. She said that Planning was asphere that ought to function like a welloiledmachine, working in close co-operationwith all spheres of the Department,Services and Divisions to achieve thegoals set by the developmental stateagenda.Adv Ntsaluba said: "We are indeed writinga new chapter. Therein lies theincreasing significance of the turnaroundstrategy as a blueprint that will ensuregood governance with the full complianceof our Government RegulatoryFramework."In his opening address the Chief DirectorStrategic Management said that the hostingof the workshop would help refinethe practice of planning, balanced bud-V Adm Johannes Mudimu, Chief of the SA Navy, receives a Certificateof Appreciation from Ms Ellen Netshifhefhe, Assistant DirectorDefence Planning, during the closing ceremony of the workshop.geting, risks, audit control, the performanceexpectations of the organisation,asset management, accountability and balanceddimensions that enhance systems tomonitor and assess progress andreporting.Mr Dladla also reminded the participantsthat the Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, had signedthe delivery agreement of the President.The signing constituted our Minister'scommitment to creating a responsive,accountable, effective and efficient DOD.He said that it was this directive from ourCommander-in-Chief and our Ministerthat made this 2011 planning workshopunique.He added: "We are building a performance-orienteddepartment by improvingplanning, reporting and risk management,as well as monitoring andevaluation. This also involves identifyingthe key outputs and activitiesreguired for the achievement of eachoutcome. It also involves identifyingappropriate indicators to measureprogress and set targets for indicators."Good practice in organisational developmentdictates that the organisationalstructure of a department should bealigned with its strategic objectives. Thisis in line with the Public ServiceRegulation, which stipulates that theorganisational structure of a department26• J U N E 2 0 1 1

employee empowermentS A S O L D I E Rshould be based on theDepartment's strategic plan toensure timely alignment withnew priorities and programmes.Topics such as understandingthe planning, strategy, budgeting,risk management, reportingframeworks and processes werediscussed in depth. The newDOD Enterprise RiskManagement Framework,which was promulgated inDecember 2010, was also discussed.The Directorate RiskManagement presented a standardisedrisk register, whichwill in future be used by allServices and Divisions.ment, sphere of Government and stateagency should therefore have planningcapacity.V Adm Johannes Mudimu, the Chief ofthe SA Navy, said that greater coherencein work between government departmentsand clusters across spheres couldonly be achieved if there was a commonunderstanding in enough detail of thelong-term objectives and direction of ourGovernment and the society it serves.He added: "In the context of the revisedGreen Paper of the GovernmentNational Planning Commission, theGovernment plans to achieve Vision2025. This spells out where we want tobe. As DOD planners, the leadership ofthe DOD/SANDF has great confidencein you, our resources, key institutionsand our employees. Longer term planningprovides longer term certainty, andAttendees of the DOD Professional Development Workshop on Planning,Reporting and Risk Management at the Peace Mission Training Centre inThaba Tshwane.At the closing of the workshop,Dr Mary Ledwaba, ChiefDirector Human Resources, andDr Thobekile Gamede, ChiefDefence Policy Strategy andPlanning, congratulated theworkshop participants andmentioned that Governmentrelied heavily on a matureadministration with a servicedelivery ethic, and each departimprovesthe quality of decision-makingto further facilitate the DOD's fulfilmentof its constitutional mandate and its roleto help strengthen our democracy."Speaking to SA Soldier, Ms Lea Annandale,Chief Risk Officer, mentioned thatthe link between the environmental analysis,planning and risk management wasvery important in understanding theorganisational context and conducting anenvironmental analysis to assist theDepartment in identifying key risk areasand differentiating between the types ofrisks, e.g. risks that are unique to a specificenvironment and transversal risks thatcut across the entire Department. Shebelieves that the workshop providedplanners with the necessary knowledgeand skill to manage and report on theirrisks in a pro-active manner, and toutilise frameworks and tools to turn risksinto opportunities.Ms Annandale continued: "Effectiverisk management allows departments tohave increased confidence that they candeliver desired outcomes, manage risksand threats to an acceptable degree andmake informed decisions about opportunities.It is imperative that top managementand high-level boards of theDOD be presented with information onrisk management that could affect longtermplanning, with the focus on strategicand transversal risks. If this is notdone in a constructive manner, riskassessments and state of the art risk registerswill serve no purpose."Workshop participants were taughthow to identify particular risks relevantto their goals, assess them in terms oflikelihood and impact, determine aresponse strategy and monitor progressto ensure that the DOD becomes a riskintelligentorganisation.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s27

S A S O L D I E RFocus on youthTransforming young dreamsinto streams of prosperitySoldiering is not aboutwhat your country cando for you, but whatyou can do for yourcountry.By Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe DOD/SANDF continues tocommit itself to theGovernment's call for skillsdevelopment with specificemphasis on youth development.The Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, continued a policy ofsupporting continued economic growthand prioritised further interventions onpoverty reduction by intensifying theJoint Initiative on Priority SkillsAcquisition (JIPSA).Best academic performers acknowledged, fltr: Pte Nombulelo Zuma(third place), Pte Christinah Lefifi (second place), Col Petra van derMerwe, Commandant of the Personnel Service School, Maj GenManfred Mabuza, General Officer Commanding Training Command,and Pte Sandile Kambule (first place) during the Military SkillsDevelopment System passing-out parade.and in group context will always be areflection of your background as asoldier."shortage of skills had been recognised asa key challenge to Government's desiredgoal to reduce youth unemployment.On 14 April 2011 the Personnel ServiceSchool in Thaba Tshwane held a passing-outparade for 80 Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) learnerswho completed an intensive senior personnelclerk course. The course was presentedbetween 11 October 2010 and 15April 2011.Maj Gen Manfred Mabuza, the GeneralOfficer Commanding of the TrainingCommand, addressed the young maleand female Human Resource practitionerson parade. He said their role was thekey factor in helping create a betterfuture for the country and the continentas peace ambassadors. He added thatanybody who was ready to enter theunknown was a courageous person. MajGen Mabuza said: "Soldiering is notabout what your country can do for you,but what you can do for your country.Your behaviour both at a personal level,He saluted the learners' decision to jointhe SANDF and said they represented thenation's greatest achievement. Maj GenMabuza said: "The technological advancementand the uncertainty of the internationalsecurity situation necessitates aneed to advance ourselves academicallyin the international and regional securityarena. This morning you are the centre ofattraction; the effort you exerted in yourwork bears testimony to this."SA Soldier conversed with Pte ChristinahLefifi from the Area Military Health UnitMpumalanga, who was the second beststudent on course. She mentioned that theMSDS programme had changed the wayyoung people thought of themselves andit has also changed the way societyregarded soldiers and had gone someway towards dispelling the almost traditionalpessimism with which soldieringhas been regarded. Pte Lefifi said that aPte Lefifi added: "The Private sector isfast becoming wise to the fact that it isfar better to focus on the human capitalit has by investing in skilling and traininginitiatives to cover any anticipatedskills shortages. The MSDS will be ableto meet current and future defenceneeds. She studied Human ResourcesManagement at the Tshwane NorthCollege and joined the SANDF in 2009.Pte Sandile Kambule, the Best OverallStudent on course, who is from 2Military Hospital, said: "The SANDF ismoving into communities to aid theGovernment in its endeavours and hastaken upon itself to recognise the valueof skills development as a key drivingforce for revitalisation of communities,the economy and innovation. I believethat young people will be betterequipped to help themselves and takean active role in their communities."28• J U N E 2 0 1 1

insightS A S O L D I E RSANDF safeguarding bordersfor a better life for allSince the return of the SANDF to the borders,cross-border crime has dropped andcrime syndicates have been dealt a blow.Article and photo by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleAs envisaged by the Constitutionof the Republic of South Africathe role of the SA NationalDefence Force is to protect theterritorial integrity and safeguardthe sovereignty of theRepublic. The SA government took aconscious decision to declare bordersafeguarding a national priority.The SA Police Service (SAPS) is currentlywithdrawing from our country's bordersto concentrate on reducing the highlevels of crime. In line with its constitutionalresponsibility the SANDF hasreturned to the borders with effect fromApril 2010 to ensure that its mandate iscarried out.The return to the borders will be effectedin a five-phase approach over the nextfour years with a total of 22 companies.Currently the SANDF is covering 1 500km of the border. At the end of the fulldeployment it is estimated that theSANDF will cover 4 471 km of the landborder, 2 700 km of the maritime borderand 7 660 km of the air space.Since the return of the SANDF to theborders in April 2010, several successeswere recorded, including in the KrugerNational Park in support of the SouthAfrican National Parks campaignagainst rhino poaching. On 18 May 2011three poachers were fatally wounded inthe Kruger National Park north of theOlifants River in the Houtbosrand areawhen SANDF soldiers came across thesuspected poachers.An AK47 rifle, oneBruno 458 huntingrifle, two axes and twocellphones were foundin their possession.In cases where rhinopoaching manifests asa cross-border crimeactivity, the SANDFacts within the frameworkof its presentmandate as per theDefence Act of 2002section (18)(d).Now South Africa is reaping the benefitsof SANDF deployment. The borders aresecurer, cross-border crime has dropped,crime syndicates have been dealt a blowand communities and farmers feel saferbecause they believe in the SANDF, saidthe Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, during her2011 Budget Vote speech.Phase 1 ended in March 2011 with fourcompanies already deployed in thenorth-east on the Zimbabwean andMozambican borders. Two SA ArmyEngineers troops were already deployedin support to repair border fences. Phase2 started in the new financial year andincluded the deployment of three companiesto the Kruger National Park(Mozambique), Lesotho and Swazilandborders respectively. Phase 3 will seefour additional companies deploy on theZimbabwean, Lesotho and Swazilandborders. During Phase 4 the focus in thisdeployment will be on theSANDF members patrolling the border fencebetween South Africa and Mozambique.Botswana/Namibian borders, but willalso include deployments on theLesotho border. In Phase 5 the deploymentswill be concentrated along theBotswana and Namibian frontiers.Additional deployments will includeSwaziland and Mozambique. By thistime all 22 companies will be deployedand South Africa's land borders will besafeguarded.The SANDF is the lead department inborder safeguarding, but it requires theco-operation of various governmentdepartments, namely Agriculture,Health, Home Affairs, Public Works,State Security and Tourism and theSAPS to ensure success and effectiveness.Safeguarding the land border willbe conducted mainly by SA Army soldierssupported by the SA Air Force andSA Military Health Service elements.These elements will operate in identifiedmission areas and conduct day andnight high mobility operations.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s29

S A S O L D I E RtrainingSA Navy Officer graduatesin HonoluluBy Michael E. Daniels, Deputy ChiefPublic Affairs Office: APCSSPhoto: APCSS Photo/VisualInformationThe course is designed to build relationships betweenthe United States and other countries.Cdr Mfanelo Bongco (SA Navy)graduated from the Asia-Pacific Center for SecurityStudies' ComprehensiveSecurity Responses toTerrorism Course in Honoluluon 24 March 2011. He received his diplomafrom the Dean of Academics of theAsia-Pacific Center for Security Studies,Ms Lauren Kahea Moriarty.Cdr Bongco joined 85 other military andcivilian participants who attended thefour-week course. They came from 46locations, primarily the Asia-Pacificregion, but including the rest of theworld. There were representatives fromAfghanistan, Australia, the Bahamas,Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia,China, Colombia, El Salvador, Fiji,Germany, Ghana, Guatemala, HongKong, India, Indonesia, Jordan,Kazakhstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia,Maldives, Mauritius, Mongolia, Nepal,New Zealand, Pakistan, Papua NewGuinea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda,Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Islands,South Africa, Sri Lanka, Swaziland,Taiwan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Turkey, Tuvalu, the United Statesand Vietnam.The Course provides key states in theAsia-Pacific region and other designatedcountries with the operational and strategic-levelskills necessary to enhance theirability to combat terrorism and to cooperatewith each other. The course isdesigned to build relationships betweenCdr Mfanelo Bongco from the SA Navy (left) receives his graduationcertificate from the Dean of Academics of the Asia-PacificCenter for Security Studies, Ms Lauren Kahea Moriarty.the United States and other countriesand provide current and future counterterrorismpractitioners with the trustand confidence necessary for increasedinformation sharing, and to identifyways to reduce obstacles to co-operationin the international struggle againstthose who use terror to promote theirgoals.The Asia-Pacific Center for SecurityStudies is a Department of Defense academicinstitute that addresses regionaland global security issues. Military andcivilian representatives of the US andthe Asia-Pacific nations participate in itscomprehensive programme of executiveeducation, professional exchanges andoutreach events, both in Hawaii andthroughout the region. The mission ofthe Asia-Pacific Center for SecurityStudies is to educate, connect andempower security practitioners toadvance security in the Asia-Pacificregion.Since its opening in 1995 the Asia-PacificCenter for Security Studies has had 55639 alumni representing 99 countries andterritories attend courses at the Center.30• J U N E 2 0 1 1

stories from 2006S A S O L D I E RJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s31

S A S O L D I E ReventsThe SA Navy 89 yearsand still going strongBy Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe 2011 SA Navy Festival officiallybegan on 1 April 2011 withthe Right of Entry Parade inSimon's Town and came to amomentous end with a RetreatParade on 3 April 2011. The SANavy was established on 1 April1922, and the SA Navy Festival wasorganised to begin on 1 April to coincidewith its 89th birthday celebrations.The SA Navy Festival has in a special and unique waybecome very dear to the hearts of Capetonians.To celebrate the two events, it has beendecided that the SA Navy Festival willhenceforth officially commence on 1 Aprilevery year. By any standard 89 years is aseasoned and remarkable age, and at thisage if one has to personify the SA Navyone could point to the years of successesand some minor challenges. The SA Navyhas gained the astuteness to discern whatreally works and what does not in the executionof its constitutional mandate: henceit is passionately referred to as the Navy ofthe People.The SA Navy Festival has in a special andunique way become very dear to thehearts of Capetonians and the whole ofSimon's Town comes to standstill as peopleconverge on Naval Base Simon'sTown to enjoy one of the biggest eventson the SA Navy's calendar. The festivalbegan with the Right of Entry Parade bythe "sailors". This parade is meant to symbolisehistorically the trust that the peopleof Simon's Town have bestowed on the"Sea Warriors" who are given the right tomarch through their town with navalequipment.The then Executive Mayor of the CapeTown Metropolitan, Mr Dan Plato, officiallyopened the SA Navy Festival. In hisSea Cadet Precision Drill was one of the many activities during the2011 SA Navy Festival.speech he thanked the SA Navy for itsefforts to empower the communitywhile maintaining its constitutionalmandate. The Chief of the SA Navy, VAdm Johannes Mudimu, next highlightedthe successes the SA Navy hadenjoyed lately. According to V AdmMudimu some of the successes the SANavy has enjoyed have been the pivotalrole it played when South Africa hostedthe 2010 Soccer World Cup event andthe numerous exercises it has participatedin, such as Exercise ATLASUR VII inwhich the SAS CHARLOTTE MAXEKEparticipated without any hiccups, aswell as Exercise GOOD HOPE andExercise IBSAMAR II.The Chief of the SA Navy went on tothank the Simon's Town community fortheir excellent support and co-operationin beautifying the town and publicspaces through Project STATCO and theyouth involvement through the32• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RISIVUNGUVUNGU Programme of sailingand music training and their assistancein the feeding scheme for the lessprivileged in "Uncle Mags" crèche.During an exclusive interview with SASoldier shortly after his speech he mentionedthat he was indeed proud of theSA Navy's 89th birthday as this indicatedthat the SA Navy had come of age.He mentioned that he was particularlyhappy with the successes of the SANavy: "The success that the SA NavyThe new recruits of the SA Navy Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) intake displayedtheir skills in the Gun Run.The then Executive Mayor of the Cape TownMetropolitan, Mr Dan Plato, and the Chief of theSA Navy, V Adm Johannes Mudimu, observethe parade during the Right of Entry Parade inSimon's Town, which marked the official openingof the 2011 SA Navy Festival.has enjoyed thus far can be attributed tothe dedication of the sailors, and indeedthe successes were a true reflection ofthe SA Navy's undeniable combat-readiness".Of note during the 2011 SA NavyFestival was the unveiling of the SSMendi Memorial Plaque at JubileeSquare by the Flag Officer Fleet, R AdmPhilip Schoultz. The inclusion of theBikers Association added a specialtouch: "The SANDF Bikers Associationwas founded by the SA Navy, and ismainly comprised of SANDF membersand their families. This associationassists every year in reaching out to lessprivileged children by collecting toysand distributingthem", said RAdm (JG) KoosLouw, FlagOfficerCommandingNaval BaseSimon's Town.Other activitiesduring the 2011SA Navy Festivalincluded the Sea Cadet Precision Drill,the Gun Run in which the new SANavy Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS) intake displayed theirskills in quickly and efficiently disassemblingthe canon in order to crossobstacles and reassemble it with ease.Another activity was the FiremanCompetition in which the SA Navy FireBrigade displayed their fire extinguishingcapabilities. The Lynx (helicopter)air-sea search and rescue display andthe dry dock flooding demonstrationwas particularly interesting; the dockwas deliberately flooded with sea waterto demonstrate what would happenwhen the ship was repaired on dryland. Another item on the programmewas a dog show, followed by theMaritime Reaction Squadron displayingits ability to keep pirates at bay.The public were treated to boat ridesand given the opportunity to board thesubmarine and other SA Navy shipsand frigates. The SA Navy Festival ofcourse would not have been completewithout local business people coming todisplay their products, ranging fromfood, toys and tattooing to new cars.Those who love speed and enhancedcar audio were treated to the display ofcars that had engines specially modifiedto increase their speed beyond the manufacturers'specifications. Decorativeaccessory kits and audio enhancementwere on display and for sale too.The 2011 SA Navy Festival ended witha Retreat Ceremony, which was meantto symbolise the retreat of the navalforces after they had been given theright to march in town. Capetonians,especially the Simon's Town community,are already looking forward to nextyear's fun-filled event, which hasbecome an integral part of the cultureof Simon's Town.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s33

S A S O L D I E Rfocus on youthThe DOD clarifies the NationalRural Youth Service CorpsThe aim is to developand impart skills amongyouth in rural areas whowill provide communityservice in various ways.By Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Spokesperson for theMinister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, MrNdivhuwo Mabaya, met withrepresentatives of AfriForumYouth and the media to clarifyrecruitment issues regardingthe National Rural Youth Service CorpsProgramme at Defence Headquarters inPretoria on 3 May 2011.Mr Mabaya mentioned that improvingthe lives of rural communities remainedhigh on the Government's agenda asunemployment and lack of employmentopportunities, continued to be amajor challenge facing rural communitiesparticularly the youth. He said thatthe Department of Rural Developmentand Land Reform had embarked on aprogramme known as the NationalRural Youth Service Corps to uplift therural youth by providing opportunitiesthat would enable them to be employablethrough skills development.He said: "The National Rural YouthService Corps is an initiative of theDepartment of Rural Development andLand Reform, its aim being to developand impart skills among youth between18 and 35 years in rural areas who willprovide community service in variousways. Job creation is a critical compo-Mr Ndivhuwo Mabaya, Spokesperson for the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans (right) clarifies concerns over the NationalRural Youth Service Corps to Mr Charl Oberholzer, theChairperson of AfriForum Youth.nent; they will receive training for technicalcareers, e.g. as bricklayers, plumbers,carpenters, roofers, welders, electriciansand farmers."Mr Mabaya mentioned that the DOD asa responsive and responsible organ ofGovernment worked together with othertiers of Government (national, provincialand local), parastatals, the council ofstakeholders and civil society in a participatoryapproach to ensure sustainablelivelihood for the youth by transformingthem from being job seekers to being jobcreators with a view to breaking the cycleof poverty.He continued: "As the DOD we have animpact on the lives of the South Africanyouth as the agents of change. Somerural areas remain extremely disadvantagedand underdeveloped economicallyand socially. Since the inception of theNational Rural Youth Service CorpsProgramme, the DOD has embarked ona journey to pave the way for youthdevelopment, for example the 500youths from the country's provinceswho were recruited by the Departmentof Rural Development and Land Reformseconded to the DOD for a seven-weekfoundational phase of pilot training inmulti-disciplinary skills, for example lifeskills, mentoring, self-discipline, etiquette,caring for others, self-control,respect, civic education, civic participation(voluntarism) and patriotism."Mr Mabaya added that the other focusof the programme was the creation of anenabling environment to train the youththrough Further Education and TrainingProgrammes linked to identified developmentalcommunity projects to supportrural development and investmentsin infrastructure programmes to bridgethe poverty gap and increase employmentintensive growth.34• J U N E 2 0 1 1

stories from 2007S A S O L D I E RJ U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 35

S A S O L D I E Revents1 Parachute Battalion stillsecond to none after 50 yearsArticle and photos byS Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole“ They fought on land and in the air,gallant in their obligation, theirone and only care, to keep free ourgreat nation. We walk the streetsfree from strife, with freedom ofspeech and thought, because theypaid the ultimate price in battles that theyfought." These words were written byTony Channing and are well known tothe paratroopers.1 Parachute Battalion is a fully functional andinternationally recognised unit and the only RegularForce parachute battalion in the SANDF.1 Parachute Battalion celebrated their50th anniversary on 1 April 2011 at theTempe Military Base in Bloemfonteinwith a series of ceremonies, including amock attack by Pathfinders, a troopingof the colours parade in slow and quicktime and a static display by the airborneforces.1 Parachute Battalion is a fully functionaland internationally recognised unitand the only Regular parachute battalionin the SANDF. Currently theBattalion falls under 44 ParachuteRegiment, which serves as its higherheadquarters. The Battalion forms partof the Chief of the SANDF StrategicReserve and is at all times combatready for rapid deployment anywherein sub-Saharan Africa.OriginsThe origin of the Battalion goes back to1960 when a group of 15 volunteerswent to England for parachute trainingas well as parachute related training,such as rigger and pilot proceduraltraining at the Royal Air Force in1 Parachute Battalion celebrated their 50th anniversary with aseries of ceremonies, such as a trooping of the colours parade inslow and quick time.Abingdon in the United Kingdom.These members were also trained asparachute instructors to train SouthAfrican paratroopers. Upon their returnto South Africa, 1 Parachute Battalionwas established on 1 April 1961. Astime went on 2 Parachute Battalion and3 Parachute Battalion were establishedto accommodate Citizen Force paratroopers.In 1971 the South African Special Forceswas established. The founding memberswere also members of 1 ParachuteBattalion. This battalion is thus regardedas the organisation from which allthe South African airborne forces originate.With the establishment of the newGovernment on 27 April 1994 all theparachute forces of the SA DefenceForce, the Transkei Defence Force, theBophuthatswana Defence Force and theCiskei Defence Force were integrated36• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E Rinto the structures of 1Parachute Battalion.Although tremendous challengeswere experiencedwith integration, the espritde corps associated withwings and the maroon beretcontributed to binding thenewly formed 1 ParachuteBattalion together into afighting machine parexcellence.Since 1998, 1 ParachuteBattalion has participated innumerous multinationalexercises with different foreignarmies, both in SouthAfrica and abroad. Themembers of 1 ParachuteBattalion took part inOperation BOLEAS inLesotho as part of a SouthernAfrican DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) force.Several members were lostin this operation.1 Parachute Battalion is a fully functional and internationally recognisedunit and the only Regular parachute battalion in the SANDF.In 1999 they were the veryfirst members to be deployedto Burundi as part ofOperation FIBRE and theyagain contributed in ensuringthat the Comoros heldfree and fair elections in2006. In 2009 they participatedin the first multi-forceSADC Brigade Exercise,Exercise GOLFINO that tookplace at the SA ArmyCombat Training Centre atLohatlha. One company ofthe Battalion is at presentdeployed in the Sudan with5 SA Infantry Battalion.The members of 1 ParachuteBattalion pledge to sacrificethemselves for their country as isexpected of them and they are themembers of a unit which is second tonone in the world. They are proud andMaj Gen Themba Nkabinde, General Officer Commanding SA ArmyInfantry Formation, had a special word of acknowledgement for SergeantMajor Odendal as the member of the very first group of paratroopers whoreceived training in the United Kingdom.fully-fledged members of the parachutebattalion. They serve this country andnation with pride and distinction andconduct themselves well at all times asis required of a paratrooper. Theybelieve in themselves, in their unit andtheir country and above all they believein God.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 37

S A S O L D I E ReventsNew reins for the Institute of Aviation MedicineBy Pte Tshegofatso Rakoma,journalist of MilmedPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleAhanding over of command paradewas held for the outgoing OfficerCommanding of the Institute ofAviation Medicine, Col Noel Ndhlovu,and the incoming OfficerCommanding, Col Debbie Tempelhoff,at 7 Medical Battalion Group inPretoria on 18 March 2011.The parade was attended by highrankingofficials of the SANDF, invitedguests and a platoon that stood talland proud in their neat camouflageuniforms as they paid respect to theoutgoing and incoming leaders.In his outgoing remarks ColNdhlovu said: "I have been fortunateto have had excellent footsteps to follow.I would not have been able to seethe footsteps if I had not been able tosee the light, and realise that being acommander is more than being a manageror a leader." The improvement ofthe Institute of Aviation Medicine(IAM) was one of his successes in histerm as leader.Col Ndhlovu expressed his appreciationto everyone who had supportedhim during his term of office. Healso challenged everyone to continuein the same spirit and support the newcommander in order to take the IAMto greater heights.Col Ndhlovu, known as an outgoingand open person, can trace hiscareer back to his days as an activecommitted medical student at theMedical University of South Africa inPretoria from 1984 to 1989.Consumed by the spirit of UBUN-TU, he opened a private practice in theAtteridgeville West InformalSettlement in 1991. His communityinvolvement led to his being electedthe Chairperson of the AtteridgevilleWest Development Committee and thelocal branch of the South AfricanNational Civic Association.Believing that a little bit of knowledgewith respect to projects andThe outgoing Officer Commanding of the Institute of AviationMedicine, Col Noel Ndhlovu, and the incoming Officer Commanding,Col Debbie Tempelhoff.financial management would advancehim and the community, he graduatedfrom Unisa with B Com and B ComHonours degrees. He is currently busy,having completing the course work, anda mini-dissertation as part of theMasters in Public Health at Unisa.Upon integration in 1999 he was initiallyplaced at 1 Military Hospital. Hisposting afforded him the opportunity toparticipate in many exercises and operations,including as one of the first sixSouth Africans to deploy on a UnitedNations peacekeeping mission. ColNdhlovu continued his self-empowermentby completing all formal militarycourses, including the ExecutiveNational Security Programme in 2006.He then took over the helm of the IAMin 2010. Col Ndhlovu was transferredfrom the SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) to his new post as DirectorSpecial Medical Ruling at the Office ofthe Chief of Joint Operations.Incoming Officer CommandingOn the other hand the incomingOfficer Commanding, Col Tempelhoff,is a woman who has been charged withthe mammoth task of carrying the IAMto even greater heights. She started hercareer as an intern at 1 MilitaryHospital in January 1992. Upon integration,her initial staffing placed her at1 Military Hospital in the Departmentof Paediatrics as a Medical Officer, inwhich post she has served untill 1999.Her position enabled her to be deployedas part of the support elementsto Operation BOLEAS. She then furtheredher qualifications by attendingthe Senior Command and Staff Courseat the SAMHS Training Formation.From 2001, having been staffed at theDirectorate of Medicine, she returnedto 1 Military Hospital where she wasappointed as the Senior Staff Officer(SSO) Force Preparation and later tookthe position at the Tertiary MilitaryHealth Formation HQ as the SSOMedical. In 2009 Col Tempelhoff wasde-ployed on a peacekeeping missionto the Central African Republic.On herreturn she completed the ExecutiveNational Security Programme at theSA National Defence College. In 2010she was appointed as the CommandingOfficer of the SAMHS contingent andwas deployed to Soccer City duringthe Soccer World Cup as part ofOperation PROSPER.38• J U N E 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RAn impressive displayof rejoicingMarching columns paraded through the cityas a token of trust placed in the SANDF bythe City of Heidelberg.try and within the SANDF in 2010 and recognitionwould be given to those achievementsand she thanked the members for theirefforts.The Executive Mayor said: "The country hosteda successful 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup.The SANDF set out to ensure iron-clad securityfor the duration of the tournament. TheSANDF was also called upon to assume furtherresponsibility during the crippling threeweeknational health workers strike. Youresponded to a request from Cabinet todeploy personnel by taking over 74 abandonedhospitals in the Provinces. The SANDFgladly undertook these responsibilities, firmin the knowledge that there was nothing sosatisfying to the spirit, so defining of yourcharacter, than undertaking a difficult task."Members of the SA MilitaryHealth Service salute during theRight of Entry parade.Compiled by Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Maj P.P. Xaba andS Sgt D. BaloyiThe SA Army Gymnasium inHeidelberg was granted theFreedom of Entry intoHeidelberg on 7 May 2011.Members of the public and civicdignitaries witnessed theimpressive display of rejoicing as membersof the SANDF took to the streetswith flying colours. Marching columnsparaded through the city as a token oftrust placed in the SANDF by the City ofHeidelberg. The colourful militaryparade comprising both men andwomen was enthusiastically received bythe locals.The Executive Mayor, CouncillorBusisiwe Modisakeng (standing infront), taking the salute from memberson parade, while Col LawrenceMbatha, the Officer Commanding ofthe SA Army Gymnasium, looks on.Ms Modisakeng also applaudedthe SANDF for havingreturned to patrol SouthAfrica's borders. She said:"Currently about 1 500 km ofthe border are secure, crossbordercrimes have been dealtwith and communities andfarmers feel safer because theybelieve in the SANDF."She proudly added that thesuccesses were consistent withthe SANDF's sterling performanceon external missions.She concluded: "On the continentalfront, we are one of thebiggest contributors of peacekeepingforces. I am pleased tostate with pride that you servewith distinction and you havebeen internationally acclaimedfor the work done. You haveExpressing her gratitude the ExecutiveMayor, Councillor Busisiwe Modisakeng,said that this historic parade symbolisedmany things that happened in our counfreelyand willingly committed yourselvesto a profession that requires youto put the country first. You are highlyappreciated and respected by us."J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 39

S A S O L D I E Rpilot programme for PSAPDepartmental Induction andReorientation ProgrammeIt was an eye-openerfor me and I wish thatall employees could begiven a chance toattend the programme.By Ms K. Swart, Asst Dir PSAP ETDand Mr S.K. Ntozinkulu, Sr PersPractitioner PSAP ETDPhoto: Mr C. BezuidenhoutAwell-defined formal inductionprocess has been recognised asone of the cornerstones oforganisational investment inhuman capital. The purpose ofa Departmental Induction andReorientation Programme forPublic Service Act Personnel (PSAP) onsalary levels 1 - 7 is to provide new andcurrent employees on salary levels 1 - 7with a basic knowledge and understandingof the DOD.Pilot programmesOver the period 15 - 24 February 2011,two pilot programmes were deliveredto PSAP on salary levels 1 - 4 and 5 - 7respectively in Cape Town and Pretoria.Altogether 55 employees, with experienceranging from six months to 30years in the DOD, attended the pilotprogrammes.From the moment the learners walkedin there was excitement in the air. Thelearners were delighted that they werechosen as the pilot group to attend theprogramme. The facilitators fromTraining Command (Core CompetenceDevelopment Training) ensured that theprogramme was delivered in a livelyand interactive manner; hence the learnerswere kept interested throughout theprogramme. The learners received basicPublic Service Act Personnel who attended the CompulsoryDepartmental Induction and Reorientation Programmein Pretoria.knowledge and understanding of theDOD as the facilitators focussed on thestructure of the DOD, the Services andthe different Divisions, the facilitatorsmaking use of posters, pamphlets, DVDsand board games.At the end of the programme the learnerswere requested to evaluate their experienceson an evaluation sheet and throughverbal feedback. Feedback from some ofthe participants was as follows:Mr W. Mokwena, a Senior AdministrationClerk from Quartermaster SA EngineeringFormation, said: "I have been inthe DOD for more than 22 years and in allthese years it is the first time that I havebeen given a chance as part of the firstgroup to attend such a programme. Itwas an eye-opener for me and I wish thatall employees could be given a chance toattend the programme. I enjoyed the programmeand it has enlightened me concerningthe core business of the DOD.Our Department is so big and confusing,therefore the induction and re-orientationprogramme will allow everybody tounderstand the day-to-day running of theDOD. For me, the highlights of the programmewere the presentations on antifraudand corruption, the Services andthe Finance Division."Mr F. Tjaro, a Personnel Officer fromAFB Waterkloof, commented: "Todaywe learned about the four Services ofthe SANDF and the other Divisions.The course was well presented in aclear manner and now we havegained outstanding knowledge and abetter understanding of the DOD andits different functions. I was given anexcellent overview, especially of theorganisational structure, HumanResources and the core business of allthe Services and Divisions. I wouldlike to thank the facilitators for alltheir efforts and the professionalismdisplayed throughout the programme."Ms E. Thetjeng, a Senior AccountingClerk from the Finance Division, hadthis to say about the programme: "Iwas really honoured to be selected asone of the learners to attend the programme.It was a valuable experienceand now I know how special andimportant the Services and Divisionsare and how the PSAP support theircore business. I also learnt that eachperson in the DOD is very important,irrespective of whether he or she is aPSAP or a uniformed member. I thinkthis programme is suitable for newemployees like me."40• J U N E 2 0 1 1

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S A S O L D I E RhistorySir Pierre van RyneveldhonouredBy Capt Leon Steyn,Curator of the SA Navy MuseumAmemorial service of special significancewas held on 19February 2011 at the SA AirForce Memorial at Bays Hill inThaba Tshwane. The beautifuland tranquil surroundings ofthe Wall of Remembrance painted thebackdrop to the occasion, during whichthe casket containing the ashes of the lateSir Pierre and Lady Betty van Ryneveldwere placed in a newly dedicated nicheinside the Wall of Remembrance.Van Ryneveld, the founding father of theSA Air Force, died in 1972. He was crematedand his ashes together with thoseof his wife were placed in a casket at theKoedoespoort Memorial. This memorial,erected close to the actual landing site,commemorated the epic pioneeringflight of Van Ryneveld and Brand acrossAfrica from England in March 1920.In recent years the memorial has sufferedneglect and the casket containing theashes were subsequently removed andThe niche of Sir Pierre van Ryneveld andhis wife, Lady Betty van Ryneveld.The Wall of Remembrance at the SA Air ForceMemorial honoures those who had served inthe SA Air Force.kept in safe custody at Chief of theAir Force's office at Air Command.Through the efforts of Director AirForce Heritage, Brig Gen DerrickPage, and the SA Air Force Association,plans were set afoot to "reintern"the ashes in a more appropriateand safe environment, whichat the same time would be moreaccessible to family and friends.The Wall of Remembrance at theSA Air Force Memorial was theobvious choice as it honoured thosewho had served in the SA AirForce.In view of the importance of theevent the Memorial Service wasattended by the Chief of the SA AirForce, several Air Force Boardmembers, and a former Chief of theSA Air Force, Lt Gen Dennis Earp.Padre DonWatson, in his eulogy,highlighted themany achievementsof Sir Pierre vanRyneveld and thebig investment hemade in the establishmentof the SAAir Force ninetyyears ago.Many proud membersof both the VanRyneveld and Brandfamilies attended thememorial service.Sir Pierre van Ryneveld.The granddaughter of Sir Pierre, MsLinda van Ryneveld, thanked Chief ofthe SA Air Force for the effort to save,not just the ashes, but also the memoryand heritage of Sir Pierre and LadyBetty van Ryneveld. In his address MrTony van Ryneveld, a nephew of SirPierre, made mention of his uncle'ssteely determination and fighting character,how he triumphed over severalobstacles to establish the SA Air Forceand of his tenure as Chief of GeneralStaff of the Union Defence Force andthe turbulent times of World War II.After the placing of the casket, a lone42• J U N E 2 0 1 1

historyS A S O L D I E Rtrumpeter sounded the Last Post andReveille, the niche was closed and aDakota and Harvard from the SA AirForce Museum flew past in a fittingsalute to the founding father of our SAAir Force.The Father of the SA AirForceHelperus Andreas Van Ryneveld wasborn in Senekal on 2 May 1891. He waseducated at Grey College inBloemfontein and obtained a BA degreefrom the University of the Cape of GoodHope (today known as Unisa). Shortlybefore the outbreak of World War I hegraduated with a BSc degree from theUniversity of London.At the outbreak of World War I, VanRyneveld initially joined the RoyalNorth Lancashire Regiment, but wastransferred to the Royal Air Force in1915 as a pilot. He attained the rank of LtCol and Officer Commanding of 11thArmy Wing within four years of serviceand earned the Distinguished ServiceOrder and Military Cross. His brotherJohn, also a pilot, was killed during thewar.Van Ryneveld and Quinton Brand werethe first persons to fly from England toSouth Africa, and were thus pioneers inestablishing an air route across theAfrican continent. Between 4 Februaryand 20 March 1920, they flew in a VickersVimy called "Silver Queen", accompaniedby a second Vimy dubbed "Silver QueenII" and eventually arrived in South Africain a De Havilland DH-9 aircraft called"Voortrekker". Both Van Ryneveld andBrand were knighted for this feat.At the same time he was commissionedby Gen Jan Smuts to organise the establishmentof the SA Air Force with Kennyvan der Spuy as his deputy in 1920.Van Ryneveld was appointed as DirectorAir Services (today known as Chief of theAir Force) from 1920 to 1933 and with hisstrong personality and practical approachwas instrumental in the establishmentof a well-trained and equipped AirForce. He served as Director AirServices for thirteen years. Today it iscommon practice for the Chief of theAir Force to serve in this capacity forfive years.A true pioneer and aviator, VanRyneveld became the first person tofly from Pretoria to Cape Town nonstopin 1927 and was also the firstperson in South Africa to jump out ofan aircraft with a parachute.Van Ryneveld was appointed Chief ofGeneral Staff (today known as Chiefof the SANDF) in 1937 and led the SAAir Force's war effort during WorldWar II. He retired in May 1949.After retirement he settled on hisfarm Spitzkop in the Bronkhorstspruitarea. He died on 2 December 1972 atthe age of 81. He had one son, Johnvan Ryneveld (also an SA Air Forcepilot).Dedication tothe causeBy Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaWarrant Officers of the SA Armyhave taken upon themselves theresponsibility to work for a spiritualrevival among SANDF members byestablishing an annual momentarychurch service.The dedication service that tookplace on 6 May 2011 at the ThabaTshwane City Hall has been initiated asan annual countrywide SA Army eventto afford Warrant Officers an opportunityto thank their Creator for all the blessingsgiven to them and also to receivespiritual strength.The SA Army Signal FormationChoir along with the NationalCeremonial Guard Band provided themusic for the event.Fltr: SCWO Mothusi Kgaladi, Warrant Officer of the SA Army, WO2Alwin van Eck of the Netherlands Embassy, Assistant NetherlandsDefence Attaché, and WO1 Patric Deblauwe of the BelgianEmbassy and the Belgian Defence Attaché Office attended thededication service.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s43

S A S O L D I E RsportDefence athletes race in theTwo Oceans MarathonBy Col Zirk Lourens (with acknowledgementto the Two OceansMarathon Association)Photos courtesy of Action Photoofficial photographersThe first Two Oceans Marathonwas held in 1970 and saw 26runners line up to face theunknown challenge, and only15 finished. Since then, the racehas become a national institutionand a firm favourite withlocal, upcountry, and international athletes.The breathtaking views of bothoceans, along with the spectacular stretchalong Chapman's Peak, is why the TwoOceans is known as the world's mostbeautiful marathon.The Two Oceans is known as theworld's most beautiful marathon.become a landmark on the calendar ofendurance athletes, as it embodies thespirit that is emerging in our country andthe DOD at this time: a spirit where theelements of togetherness, common purpose,perseverance and endurance are allcomplemented at the end by a sense ofpersonal achievement and sweetfulfilment.A great performance byDOD runnersA total of 23 064 athletes completed the21 km and 56 km races. Altogether 206runners from the Department ofDefence completed the race (of whom 20were women and 25 athletes of theDefence Reserves who were all fromParticipants could choose between variousdistances - the scenic 56 km ultramarathonor popular 21 km halfmarathon,10 km and 20 km trail runs, 5km or 2.5 km fun runs, as well as a 56 mNappy Dash (up to age 3). Owing to thelarge international participation an"International Friendship Fun Run" wasalso presented at the V & A Waterfrontin Cape Town. (These events attractedclose to 27 000 participants for all thedistances.)RegistrationThe Expo and Registration took place atthe Good Hope Centre in Cape Town.The half marathon started at 06:00 andthe ultra-marathon at 06:25, both in MainRoad, Newlands. The cut-off time for the21 km is 3 hours and for the 56 km7 hours.The latest event on 23 April 2011 representedthe 42nd Two Oceans Marathonin Cape Town. This prestigious event hasSgt MJ Phamola was the first SANDF runner.44• J U N E 2 0 1 1

sportS A S O L D I E RL Cpl Edward Sibanda was the second SANDFrunner and the second overall in the MasterDivision.Natal Carbineers Marathon Club).In the 56 km race, the first SANDF athleteto cross the finishing line was SgtMJ Phamola from the SANDF NorthWest Club. His overall position out of7 300 competitors was 76th in a time of03:40:10 - an excellent achievement.In the second position was L CplEdward Sibanda (a master) from theSANDF Limpopo Marathon Club. Hisoverall position was 129th in a time of03:50:40. He also took 2nd overall positionin the Master Division 50 to 59years. S Sgt Isaac Mokhobo fromSANDF Free State Marathon Club wasthe third SANDF athlete to finish in atime of 04:05:11 and an overall 268thposition.The first woman runningfor the SANDFwas WO2 Sandy deBeer from SANDFKwaZulu-NatalAthletic Club with a time of 04:44:42 in837th overall position. S Sgt SucillePieters from SANDF Free StateMarathon Club was the secondwoman to finish the race in a timeof 05:13:34.In the 21 km race, the first SANDF athleteto cross the finishing line was CaptRupert Hendricks from the SANDFWestern Province Marathon Club. Hisoverall position out of 10 900 athleteswas 254th in a time of 01:31:04. Thefirst woman for the SANDF was WO2Gail Jacobs also of the SANDF WesternWO2 Sandy de Beer was the first SANDFfemale runner.Province Marathon Club with a time of01:45:58 in 967th overall position.Col Zirk Lourens, PRO for the TwoOceans Marathon, completed his 12thTwo Oceans at this year's event. ColLourens was interviewed on televisionbefore the start of the race with regardto the DOD/SANDF involvement andparticipation in this road race and otherrace fixtures held throughout the RSA.The DOD/SANDF displayed bannersat the University of Cape Town in thefinishing area where all SANDF athletesand their families gathered.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s 45

S A S O L D I E RmessageSteadfast convictionCan you follow throughon the basic ethicaltenets that govern lifeand your relationshipswith others?By Col (Dr) Sybrand van Niekerk,SSO HRHow strong is your faith?What will it take to make youdeny your beliefs?How much pressure can yourfaith withstand?Will you make compromises?The depth of our convictions oftendetermines whether or not we arestanding tall in this life. A person ismeasured by his or her conviction. Areyou willing to stand up for what youbelieve in, no matter what? Can youfollow through on the basic ethicaltenets that govern life and your relationshipswith others? Or are youinclined to waver, even crack, at theslightest challenge to your beliefs?A case in point is an edict issued by theRoman Emperor Lucinius. In the winterof 320 AD he ordered all Romansoldiers to renounce Christianity andoffer a sacrifice to the Roman gods.Those who did not obey werepersecuted.When the instruction reached theThundering Legion at Sabaste, 40Christian legionaries refused torenounce Christ. They withstood beatings,threats and torture. They werethen marched on to a frozen lake, andordered to remove their armour anduniforms. They were to remain on thefrozen lake until they either recantedtheir faith, or froze to death.Col (Dr) Sybrand van Niekerk.The legion lit a large fire on shore and preparedfood to tempt the Christians torenounce their faith and make a sacrifice tothe Roman gods.The Christian legionnaires replied: "Youcan have our armour and even our bodies,but our hearts' allegiance belongs to JesusChrist." They then began to pray: "Lord, weare forty who are engaged in this combat;grant that we may be forty crowned, andthat not one be wanting to this sacred number".They sang hymns of praise to God.The mother of the youngest legionnairewas present, and she enticed her son toabandon his faith. He marched off thefrozen lake to the officer in charge,Centurion Sempronius, and renounced hisfaith. He was granted permission to rejointhe legion.Centurion Sempronius was so impressedby the conduct of the remaining39 Christians that he confessedhis faith in Jesus Christ, took offhis armour and his uniform, andjoined the other Christians on thefrozen lake. There he prayed andsang hymns with the others.The next morning the FortyMartyrs of Sabaste were foundfrozen on the ice of the lake.Men and women who live byconviction are rapidly becominga rare commodity in today's society,a society that often paintssuch persons as bigots, evenzealots for not accepting theviewpoints of others despite thefact that these viewpoints conflictwith the principles they holddear. We are rapidly becoming asociety governed by compromise,as opposed to conviction.Standing tall is fine as long asyou don't cast a shadow onanother person's space.We live in a society that is captivatedwith the idea of choices. We upholdthe freedom of choice. Convictions areoften seen as old fashioned since theywill not conform to change or compromise,and limit choice.We need to remember that the Biblesays that a double-minded person isunstable in all his ways (James 1:8). Solet us be bold and courageous. Let usstand up for what is right. Let usalways be ethical in our conduct. Letus hold on to our convictions!Remember, convictions are in theheart. Should they be assailed andlost, sin is apparent, not choice."The mother of the youngest legionnairewas present, and she enticed her son toabandon his faith." - CenturionSempronius.46• J U N E 2 0 1 1

ook reviewS A S O L D I E RA memoir, Phokeng to Medunsato Ellis ParkBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleCapt (Dr) Zakes Kagiso Motene,a medical practitioner at 1Military Hospital in Pretoria,achieved a milestone when helaunched a book titled "TheJourney" at the SA ArmyFoundation Head Office inClubview on 11 April 2011. The booktells the story of South African soccer'sworst sporting disaster, the death of 43soccer fans who died in the Ellis ParkStadium ten years ago in a stampede on11 April 2001, when Kaizer Chiefs tookon Orlando Pirates in the popularSoweto derby.Introducing the book Capt (Dr) Motenesaid that the book was a memorial andheartfelt tribute to the 43 soccer fans wholost their lives. On this day fathers, mothers,brothers, sisters and children fromGauteng and the various provinces ofour country shared their passion for soccerwhen they viewed the game betweenKaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.Capt (Dr) Motene described his experienceinside the tunnel at the stadiumduring the stampede. He said a man anda woman were pressed against his chestand he struggled to breathe as theymade their way through the tunnel -many people had forced him to face theexit against the oncoming mass. Heexplained: "At the time I was a final-yearmedical student at Medunsa. Thewoman took her final breath as I waslooking into her eyes and I saw her lookingat me, probably asking me for help. Itried to wriggle my hands out to helpher, but I could not and that pierced meright to the core. I saw her roll her eyes; Ibasically watched her die. A few minuteslater, the man who was pushed upagainst me died too."After the match was stopped and helpcame, he realised he could move, and gotto work helping to stabilise the victimsand taking the injured to waiting ambulancesand performing CPR.Reading equips one with the skill and confidence toparticipate meaningfully in community life.He said: "The story ofthat awful night is atragedy. What shouldhave been a night ofjoy and laughterturned out to be thecountry's worst sportingdisaster. It affected43 families. This is thestory I felt that I owethe South Africannation."In the years that havefollowed the tragedy,he has suffered frompost-traumatic stressdisorder and survivor'sguilt, as seven peoplewho were trappedaround him lost theirlives. Since the incidenthe has found it toughto talk about it anddecided to write thebook, which waspublished last year.Maj Gen KeithMokoape, the General Manager of the SAArmy Foundation, congratulated Capt(Dr) Motene and said that The Journeywas a collectable book that had requiredintense dedication and hard work. Thecontent reflects the success story of Capt(Dr) Motene from his humble beginnings.Maj Gen Mokoape added that it is also anamazing account of history through ayoung man's eyes and a celebration of ayoung life, a call to activism and most ofall a call for professionals to rise up andtake their rightful place in society as positiverole models, particularly to theyouth.Mr Angel Ramphele, the MarketingDirector of the SA Army Foundation,said that the objectives set by Capt (Dr)Motene were a cause for celebration. MrMaj Gen Keith Mokoape, the GeneralManager of the SA Army Foundation (middle),congratulates Capt (Dr) Zakes Kagiso Motene(left), the author of "The Journey", for a jobwell done in launching his book, while MrAngel Ramphele, the Marketing Director of theSA Army Foundation, looks on.Ramphele said: "Today he has showcasedhis work; the SA ArmyFoundation wants to expose membersof the SANDF, young and old, to informationthrough reading the book as acatalyst for growth."He said: "We encourage members tostart reading clubs at their units.Reading equips one with the skill andconfidence to participate meaningfullyin community life and the SA ArmyFoundation is taking a step towardspromote literacy among members of theSANDF and Public Service ActPersonnel."* The book can be purchased at ExclusiveBooks in Brooklyn (Pretoria) @ R180.00per copy.J U N E 2 0 1 1 • s47