November - Department of Defence

Reaction Force concept.Speaking to the soldiers on parade and guests,Minister Nqakula emphasised that South Africawould honour its obligations and that the changesin South Africa would not affect the agreementmade previously. He emphasised that peace and stabilitywere the only way to have a better continent.The South African Government did not believe inresolving different issues militarily. He said thatthrough negotiations we could achieve the desiredoutcome. With a smile on his face he looked at his DRCcounterpart, and said: "Dear colleague, we see you asan instrument for peace. The elimination of povertyand underdevelopment needed a conducive environmentto operate in, of which the South AfricanGovernment will help make our region and continenta better place for its people". Minister Nqakula concludedby handing over the shield to DefenceMinister Diemu and said that it was the symbol thatthe Battalion belonged to the people of the DRC andits government.In his response, the Minister of Defence of theDRC said that one's best friend was the one whocame when one was in trouble. "We did not forgetwhat the South African Government did during thedemocratic elections in 2006; convey my gratitudeto your people." He added that South Africa hadshown that when you give a man a fish the nextday he will be hungry again, but show him how tofish and he would be able to sustain himself infuture. "This was shown by South Africa's sendingmembers of the SANDF to train our soldiers. Thisday means a lot to us," said Defence MinisterDiemu. He agreed with Minister Nqakula that nodevelopment without peace was possible. Hethanked Col Sereko for his commitment and histeam. I know it was tough, but the results were sweetas honey. We know that the battalion will be fruitful,"concluded Minister Diemu.During the handing-over parade, the certificatesand awards were given to the members who hadexcelled in different categories. One of the female soldiersreceived an award for the soldier who displayedthe most perseverance during the training. After theparade there was a demonstration, inter alia, of a 120mm mortar being fired and a simulation attack wasstaged for the attendees.SA Soldier spoke to the members who wereinvolved in the training of the DRC troops. They wereexcited about the achievement and the opportunitygiven to them of making a difference to other fellowsoldiers. At first they thought it would be difficult toachieve the aim the mission, but through co-operationthey made it! WO2 David Hlalele, one of themembers who assisted with the training, said that hewas happy that the morale of the soldiers on paradewas high. We need to look at the issue of languagein South Africa so that we are able to assist othercountries better," concluded WO2 Hlalele.Soldiers from the Republic of the Congo firingmortars during the demonstrationat Mura Base.Front, fltr: the Chief of the SA Army,Lt Gen Solly Shoke, theRepublic of theCongo Ministerof Defence andWar Veterans,Mr Chikez Diemu,the Commanderof Mission Thebe,Col Piet Sereko,and the RSAMinister of Defence,Mr Charles Nqakula,inspecting thesoldiers during thehanding-over parade.Soldiers from the Republic of the Congo firing mortars duringthe demonstration under supervision of SouthAfrican soldiers at Mura Base.Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, the RSA DOD: Head ofCommunication, posing with the soldiers of the Republicof the Congo after the attack simulation.NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 • S A S O L D I E R17