T - Department of Defence

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