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new ministrymessageFrom theEditor'sdeskThe SA Soldier Team would like to welcome the newlyappointed Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>, Mr Charles Nqakula, andthe Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>, Mr Fezile Bhengu, intothe <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>. We hope you will be lookingforward to reading SA Soldier every month.Mr Charles Nqakula,Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>.It is a pleasure to announce the commissioning and <strong>of</strong>ficialhandover <strong>of</strong> the Gripen fighter aircraft at the recently held AfricaAerospace and <strong>Defence</strong> (AAD) Expo 2008 in Cape Town. Read allabout this international expo on pages 20 to 23.Every year on 11 <strong>November</strong> at the 11th hour, military veterans'organisations throughout the world pay homage to the fallen heroes<strong>of</strong> both world wars. The readers <strong>of</strong> SA Soldier are encouraged to paytribute to them on Remembrance Day, 11 <strong>November</strong>.Another worthy campaign is the 16 Days <strong>of</strong> Activism for NoViolence Against Women and Children. Let us support the campaignby wearing the white ribbon during the 16-day period. Let usunite and fight women and child abuse. Don't look the other way. Ifyou are being abused or if you know <strong>of</strong> anyone who needs help -speak out - get help!South Africa's 16 Days <strong>of</strong> Activism for No Violence AgainstWomen and Children campaign is held annually from 25 <strong>November</strong>(International Day <strong>of</strong> No Violence Against Women) to 10December (International Human Rights Day).4We end this edition on a sombre note. We have lost one <strong>of</strong> our colleagues,Lt Col Fundile Siyongwana. He was responsible for theDOD Info Bulletins. Prior to that he was a journalist for SASoldier. We will remember him for his inspirational writing. Mayhis soul rest in peace. Please read the beautiful tribute (poem) writtenby Col Belinda Martin on page 9.Mr Fezile Bhengu,Deputy Minister <strong>of</strong> <strong>Defence</strong>.S A S O L D I E R • NO VEMB ER 2 0 0 8We also have to say goodbye to our Chief Photographer, F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana. He has unfortunately been transferred back to theSA Air Force. But fortunately this is not the last <strong>of</strong> him as he willstill be assisting SA Soldier in future from time to time. Thank youvery much for all your hard work and brilliant photography!Nelda PienaarEditor
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