November - Department of Defence

More documents

Recommendations

Info

historyDiversified SANDFunites on Heritage Day36By Itumeleng MakhubelaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaIt was a day when every ethnicgroup came together to showcasetheir culture's uniqueness throughart and dance. Heritage Day at theDOD Logistic Division on 19September was a meaningful culturalinteraction in the SANDF.Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane, Chief ofLogistic Division, said the essence ofthe day was to celebrate the diversecultural spectrum that God had givento the people."We are assembled here today in arich and impressive tapestry of colour,custom and tradition to mark nationalHeritage Day under the theme'Celebrating Dance, Our Heritage',"said Col Vuyisile Thafeni of the DODLogistic Division in his keynoteaddress. He said that the word heritagehad a number of meanings, butmore importantly, heritage referred totraditions, customs and practicesinherited from our ancestors. "FlowingTraditional Zulu dancers performing.S A S O L D I E R • NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8Colonel Vuyisile Thafeni giving hiskeynote address at the DODLogistic Division Heritage Day.from this definition, dance is animportant part of our intangible heritagefrom our ancestors."He emphasised the issues of SouthAfrican's low self-esteem and not takingpride in our rich cultural diversity.South Africans are a self-criticalnation. "We are always hard on our-selves." He strongly condemned the tendencyof seeking affirmation from peopleoutside the country about thingsconcerning South Africans and encouragedpeople to appreciate and embracetheir heritage and cultural diversity."Let me be bold and say, outsidersand/or strangers, whoever they may be,cannot be entrusted with the task ofdefining who we are or of telling ourstory to the world. We are the only peoplewho can tell our story to the worldwith the necessary eloquence and effectiveness,"Col Thafeni said.The other challenge was to addressHuman Resource policies with regard tocultural diversity and practices. This isbecause some of the policies do notaccommodate cultural beliefs, which,however, may affect a person's wellbeing.Col Thafeni cited an example ofmembers not being able to get leave as aresult of utilising the services of a traditionalhealer or having a calling tobecome a traditional healer."As we speak, we have a WO1 whohas gone for training as a traditionaldoctor. She could not be booked off sickbecause current policy does not view'calling' or 'Ukuthwasa' as an illness forwhich a person can be booked off. Shehas not been receiving her pay for thepast two months now, with the attendantsuffering. I think the sooner werealise and perhaps accept that theSANDF and indeed South Africa is partof central or western Europe, the betterit would be for all of us. We do not needto preach diversity, we need to genuinelyembrace diversity."The day was followed by rhythmicdances of an artistic nature from the participantsof different ethnic groups,including competition and displays.People expressed their true devotion tothe love they possessed for their beliefsand values that serve as a day-to-dayguide in their everyday lives.
from page 23cheque to improve the education andlearning environment of these learners.What stood out the most about thisyear's event was the visit from the shelterkids of the Western Cape CityCouncil who were also presented withthe opportunity to feel special andgiven hope that they could also contributetowards a better future forthemselves. Children for the Reach fora Dream came to make their dreams aliving reality by flying airplanes oncomputers and touching the hands ofpilots.This marks an incredible journeyfor the AAD Youth DevelopmentProgramme and shows that there isstill room to empower the SouthAfrican youth in the years to come. Inclosing, Col Keller said: "This unit isserved by volunteers; these are peopleclose to my heart as we share the samevision and are rewarded by the smileswe see on the faces of the children aftermaking that small difference in theirlives".NAVY AT AADChildren were excited to climb onto theNamacurra at the AAD.AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE EXPO 2008: To communicate the maritimecapabilities of the South African National Defence Force, one frigate and asubmarine berthed at V&A Waterfront in Cape Town for guests to view. Guestswere taken on tour on board the vessels while crewmembers explained andanswered questions to the visitors.Financial well-being is an integral part of a healthy lifestyle; therefore Absa is looking forward to helping the employees ofthe Department of Defence achieve their financial freedom. In achieving financial freedom, it is important and beneficialfor you as a valued customer, to start saving. As a member of Workplace Banking from Absa, you already enjoy a rangeof exclusive benefits designed to add value to your life. Your benefits include Home Loan and Vehicle Finance concessionsand a concession on Loans.Workplace Banking from Absa not only offers you the convenience of banking at your place of employment but also offersyou customer education which ultimately empowers the employees of the Department of Defence to making the right decisionon banking products that best suit their needs. As a responsible lender Absa offers an additional benefit at no cost tothe customer, Customer Education and Training is a value add which educates customers on basic banking and financialplanning.37Negative debt situation often adds significantly to the workload of the payroll department in organisations that are taskedwith managing Garnishee Order repayments and emolument attachment orders on employee salaries.Through the provisionof employee debt control services these debt-related issues can be resolved. Absa has partnered with Debt ControlManagement (DCM), a leading debt rehabilitation and counselling provider, to offer employees access to appropriate debtmanagementsolutions that will lessen the workload on the organisation's payroll department.For more information please email workplacebanking@absa.co.za or visit your nearest Absa branch.NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 • S A S O L D I E R
Page 2: SA SOLDIERThe official monthly maga
Page 5 and 6: A P R I L 2 0 0 7 • S A S O L D I
Page 7 and 8: AFRICA AEROSPACE AND DEFENCE 2008As
Page 9 and 10: POSITIVE THINKINGWhatever comes int
Page 11 and 12: In memory ofan honorable manBy Lt C
Page 13 and 14: WOMEN IN PEACEKEEPINGThe UNAMID hyb
Page 15 and 16: DOD trains inspectorsof the Angolan
Page 17 and 18: Reaction Force concept.Speaking to
Page 19 and 20: Mr Paul Myeza, Managing Director of
Page 21 and 22: Gripen commissioningushers peace an
Page 23 and 24: Enriching young mindsbecause our yo
Page 25 and 26: Preliminary languageorientation cou
Page 27 and 28: Going beyondthe extra mileBy Bibi M
Page 29 and 30: Best Sergeant in the SA Army:Sgt P.
Page 31 and 32: NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 • S A S O L D
Page 33 and 34: SANDF membersundergoing conversiont
Page 35: During the singing of the National
Page 39 and 40: A career ofcommitment at seaBy Lt G
Page 43 and 44: Robert Mandita. He thanked peoplefo
Page 45 and 46: Survivor Day withthe SignallersBy C
Page 47: NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8 • S A S O L D

November - Department of Defence

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

Delete template?

Save as template?