letters to the editor - Department of Defence

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E R

S A S O L D I E Rmessage from the editor1 0 t h a n n i v e r s a r yAs promised, here is the Special Birthday Edition of SA Soldier packed with previously published articles of the past ten years. Asyou walk (read) down memory lane you will realise once again how far we, as the Department of Defence, have come over the pastten years …Not only is SA Soldier celebrating its birthday this month, but our Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, also celebrated her birthday on 10 May. The SA Soldier Team would like to wish her great health, wealth and happiness inthe years to come.The SA Soldier Team also wants to thank you, our loyal readers, for your vote of confidence in your very own magazine - SA Soldier -because without you SA Soldier would not be here today. We hope to enlighten, entertain and inform you regarding military issues for manyyears to come.Viva SA Soldier! Viva!Nelda PienaarEditorCelebratingmilitary10years ofjournalistic excellenceThe SA Soldier Editorial Team, fltr: Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela, Mr Jim Tshabalala, Cpl AllyRakoma, Sgt Elias Mahuma, Ms Nelda Pienaar, Mr Lufuno Netshirembe, Ms Bibi Sibanyoni,Mr Kgabo Mashamaite and S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole. (Photo: WO2 David Nomtshongwana)4• M A Y 2 0 1 1

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E RM A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 9

S A S O L D I E Rmain featureProgress forthe Department of DefenceComments on thesuccesses andchallenges faced by theDepartment.By Manelisi Ndaba, Specialist Writerin the Department of DefencePhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaAs the DOD celebrates ten yearsof its official monthly publication,SA Soldier, it becomesimperative to acknowledgeand appreciate the hard workdone by DOD members intelling military stories of thepast decade in their own words.This anniversary takes place against thebackdrop of the third Budget VoteDebate that was delivered by theMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, to theNational Assembly on 13 April 2011.During her address the Minister sharedthe successes and challenges faced bythe Department and how these werebeing dealt with. The budget vote alsogave the Minister an opportunity toarticulate the way forward and describethe kind of a national defence force weare creating. In this regard a well managedand disciplined national defenceforce is what we are constructing.When she took over the defence portfolio,there were enormous long-standingchallenges that seemed impossible toovercome, but in the three years of herleadership hope has been restored inthe hearts of many in the NationalDefence Force.The first challenge that confronted theMinister was a declining budget inMs Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans.which the Department's domestic obligationswere defined in theConstitution, against the backdrop ofthe DOD's growing internationalresponsibilities, a deteriorating infrastructureand, very importantly, thepressing reality that conditions of servicefor the National Defence Forceneeded immediate attention.In her first budget vote speech 2009,Minister Sisulu boldly stated the needfor a separate dispensation for theDOD that would allow it to deal creativelywith its own needs and thespecificities of its own unique securityrequirements. This was reiterated byPresident Jacob Zuma in September2009 when he said: "The SANDF mayserve the public, but its members arenot public servants. They may receivea salary at the end of every month, butthey are not ordinary workers. Thehigh standard ofbehaviour weexpect from themnecessitates thatspecial attentionbe paid to theirworking conditions,their remuneration,theirpensions and,generally, theirplace in society".The startingpoint was theestablishment ofthe InterimNational DefenceForce ServiceCommission tolook into the conditionsof serviceof the membersof the SANDF.To further advance this effort in 2010,the DOD submitted to parliament anAmendment Bill to the Defence Act of2002. The bill proposed, among others,a separate dispensation for the DODfrom the public service sector, whichwould give it legal standing and a permanentservice commission. This is inthe process of being established andthe names of nominees have alreadybeen submitted for consideration.Furthermore, salary increases rangingfrom 2% to 65% for all members of theSANDF on salary levels 2 to 12 wereeffected as from 1 December 2009. Theincrease was part of the DOD's commitmentto ensure that members of theSANDF are remunerated at levels thatcomplement their responsibility.In order to address the declining stateof defence infrastructure, the DOD is10• M A Y 2 0 1 1

main featureS A S O L D I E Rfinalising the discussions with theDepartment of Public Works on theestablishment of the Defence EstateManagement mechanism which willresult in the DOD progressively exitingfrom the current arrangement onProperty and Facilities Managementby the Department of Public Works.This objective and the rolling out of theDefence Works Capability to maintainand repair defence facilities will beimplemented in this financial year.The DOD has worked tirelessly overthe last few years to eliminate auditqualifications arising from the AuditorGeneral's report. In the year prior tothe appointment of the current leadershipin the DOD, the department facedsix audit qualifications. To fulfil thispromise over the past financial yearthe DOD worked very hard to reducequalifications to one, which raised thepossibility of a clean audit in the nextfinancial year.In the words of a former AmericanPresident, George Washington: "Themorale and strength of the newnation's military forces would bedirectly proportional to how well veteranswho had served and sacrificedfor the country were treated andappreciated".In South Africa these forgotten heroes,who served as soldiers of liberationmovements, were left for years to fendfor themselves. Neither provisions norsupport was available for many who,having served, struggled to integratefully back into civilian life and facedmany socio-economic challenges.The Department of Military Veteranswas proclaimed as a separate andstand-alone department within theministry. This was done in order tocreate a department within governmentwhose sole responsibility was togovern and cater for the affairs of allformer members of military organisationsfrom before the dawn of democracyand those who served in the currentSouth African National DefenceForce (SANDF) after 1994. Now theDepartment of Military Veterans hasbeen realised and as it was promulgatedin 2009. The coming years will thusbe characterised by initiatives to maximisethe functionality of the organs ofState through a reliable and dependableservice delivery focused Department.Indeed, it can be attested that 2010 wasan extraordinary year in terms ofdefence and security requirements. Thisexperience would not have been possiblewithout the efforts and contributionsof our armed forces.As host of the Soccer World Cup, andthe first of its kind on the continent, weset out to ensure that the country providediron-clad security for the durationof the tournament. The preparation, coordinationand management of securityfell under the auspices of both theNational Defence Force and the SouthAfrican Police Service. The SANDFundertook this challenge and deliveredan extraordinary and exceptional servicethat made it the pride of the nation.During the tournament our frigates andsubmarines patrolled our territorialwaters and the approaches to the portswhere soccer was being played, whilethe newly acquired Gripen and Hawkaircraft were flying air combat patrolsover all the stadiums while games werein progress. In addition to the pivotalrole these ships, submarines and aircraftplayed in securing those areas wherenone of the other government departmentshad the required capability, theyformed a magnificent backdrop behindand above our stadiums while the variousmatches were being played, a vindicationof government's decision toacquire the strategic defence packages.During the same period the NationalDefence Force was called to assumeresponsibility during the crippling threeweeknational health workers strike.This required deploying medical personneland taking over 74 abandoned hospitalsin eight provinces. In addition,members of the SANDF provided protectionfor those members who wereprepared and had volunteered to assistin helping other services. The SANDFgladly undertook these responsibilities,"firm in the knowledge that there isnothing so satisfying to the spirit, sodefining of our character, than givingour all to a difficult task. This is the priceand the promise of citizenship".The DOD's National Youth Service(NYS) Programme got off to an excitingstart. The programme aims to build theyouth through civic education andtraining in basic workplace skills whilealso encouraging self-respect, respectfor others, integrity and societal responsibility.The desired outcome is an individualwho is reintegrated into thecommunity and determined to helpbuild his or her community, thus makinga positive contribution to society atlarge.On 17 March 2011, 500 students of theNYS Pilot Programme graduated at DeBrug near Bloemfontein and werehanded over to the Department ofRural Development and Land reformto complete the remainder of their NYSprogramme. This strengthens theDOD's resolve to continue with theprogramme, and partnerships areenvisaged with more governmentdepartments in the near future.In support of the government's foreignpolicy, under the auspices of the UnitedNations (UN) and the African Union(AU), the SANDF continues to supportpeace initiatives on the African continent.Democratic processes have takenplace in states such as Burundi, theDemocratic Republic of the Congo, theSudan and the Central Africa Republic,to mention a few. This has earned theSANDF the accolades of being a credibleand professional peace broker.The work that has been done by theDOD leadership in a short space oftime has been phenomenal. The DODis in a better state than it was threeyears ago, though there is still a longway ahead. This is only the beginningof a new dawn for members of theDOD who have taken a pledge to servethis country and its people with theirlives.The DOD will not tire of seeking waysand means to improve the lives of itsmembers and help them to take theirrightful places in our society, whichthey continue to serve with dignity andhonour. The road has been mapped outfor the wheels of change.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 11

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2001Group 27 scores success in KwaZulu-NatalBy Dennis Hlubi (published inSA Soldier: June 2001, page 34)Photo: Sgt Shelton LawrenceGroup 27 HQ is situated in thenorthern part of KwaZulu-Natal,with its HQ at Eshowe - the traditionalcapital of Zululand. The OfficerCommanding, Col Norman Ludick,and his Second in Command, Lt ColDeon Kruger, have a clear mission: toensure the safety of the people, andto guard territorial sovereignty andinternational borders.It is easy to notice that this Groupis one of those that has a very bigworkload. On a daily basis the Groupperforms area defence and borderprotection operations. The areas thatare covered include the Mozambicanborder, stretching approximately 100km, and the Swaziland border, whichis approximately 120 km long. It isnoteworthy that Group 27 HQ, withlimited manpower and resources,manages to score success after successin these widespread, ruggedmountains of KwaZulu-Natal.Of the three million Zulus residentin the Group 27 area of responsibility,about 60 per cent live in rural areas.These communities engage in subsistencefarming. In some areas familymembers eke out a living by sellingtheir labour in Gauteng due to a lack ofadequate infrastructure. These peopleare frequently affected by violentcrime, faction fighting, and sometimespolitical strife. The urbanised townshipsalso experience a high incidenceof crime. Recently, floods and the outbreakof the cholera epidemic posed aserious problem.On the night of 5 February 2001 ajoint operation was carried out by theBorder Police and the SANDF contingentto search for illegal weapons. Fourhomesteads were targeted. The firstwas at Nxamalala Kwa-Khanyile, enroute to Nkandla.Inside the first homestead, a homemadeshotgun and a small quantity ofdagga were found. At the secondhomestead no weapons were found.Medics treated cholera in KwaZulu-NatalBy Mr Ian Crowther, Vice-Chancellor,Order of St John South Africa(published in SA Soldier: August2001, page 34)Some Order of St John representativeshad been invited to meet LtGen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg,the Surgeon General, to visitKwaZulu-Natal to observe progressin the fight against cholera.The delegation flew fromWaterkloof Air Force Base to Durban.There they were introduced to membersof the Department of Health inKwaZulu-Natal and other membersof the SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) and St John. They thenboarded an Oryx helicopter of 15Squadron for Eshowe.There they were met by ColNorman Ludick, Officer CommandingGroup 27, and Maj Freddie de Witt ofthe SAMHS. The guard turned out forthe General and performed an excellentsalute. The delegation attended aninformative briefing on the work beingdone to eradicate the cholera epidemic.The slides, handouts and lectures wereprofessional. It was obvious that agreat deal of time and energy had beenput into the whole serious business offighting the dreaded Vibrio cholerabacterium.The SAMHS (who provide muchneededtrained personnel, ambulancesand other vital equipment) were workingin partnership with theDepartment of Health (which alonecould not cope with the numbersinvolved) and the Department ofWater Affairs (responsible for theDundee/Glencoe CommandoHQ members prepare todestroy a dagga crop.At the third one, two pistols and onehome-made shotgun were seized andhome-grown dagga was uprootedfrom a garden. At the last house, oneBaby Browning handgun was found.The operation ended at 02:35, afterwhich the forces returned to theirrespective bases at Richards Bay andEshowe.urgent preventative measures underthe amazingly wide title of "healtheducation").No fewer than 98 000 cases havebeen dealt with in the 9 months sincethe epidemic broke in August 2000.At the peak of the disease, 1 000 caseswere treated a day, though by theend of May 2001 the cases were downto 200 a day. At peak there were 70dehydration clinics in operation; nowonly twenty.Because cholera is an internationallynotifiable disease, the UnitedNations World Health Organisation ismonitoring the situation in SouthAfrica. They have communicatedtheir amazement and congratulationsthat only 207 deaths have occurred(0.2%), as the international averageis six per cent.12• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2001S A S O L D I E RKanimambo (thank you)South AfricaBy Nomonde Vuthela(published in SA Soldier: September2001, page 22)Photos: F Sgt Christo CrousAs visuals of the devastatingfloods in Mozambique filledour TV-screens earlier thisyear, we watched with horrorand felt the pain of theMozambican people. But whatreally turned the tragedy around wasthe fact that people were not just sympathetic,they took action and didsomething about it.It was no surprise then that the peopleof Chokwe, a town in Mozambiquethat was worst hit by the floods, wantedto say Kanimambo/thank you to allthose who came to their rescue in theirtime of need. The Department of Defencesubsequently received an invitationfrom the Mozambican Government,which invited the SANDF participantsin the flood rescue mission tothe Kanimambo function hosted by thecommunity of Chokwe on 21 July. Thiswas a great opportunity indeed to celebrateour love for humanity and theability of Africans to help one another.What really turned the tragedy aroundwas the fact that people were not just sympathetic,they took action.the event, praisedAfricans in her speech forsetting precedents andreaching out to one anotherwithout waiting for theoutside world to intervenefirst. She said: "We appreciatevery much the wayin which you assumedyour responsibility." Theguest list also included MsJesse Duarte, SouthAfrica's HighCommissioner toMozambique.Kanimambo is "thank you"in Shangaan and this is,quite simply, what theoccasion was about. Thepeople of Chokwe werethankful for the livessaved and for thegreat interestshown.Col J. van Zyl from Chief Joint Operationsreceives a token of appreciation from MsGraça Machel, wife of former PresidentNelson Mandela, while Ms Jesse Duarte,South Africa's High Commissioner toMozambique looks on.In an interview with SA Soldier, Col J.van Zyl from Chief Joint Operations,who attended the function, said that itwas a very humbling experience. Awooden sculpture and a certificatewere awarded to the SANDF, non-governmentalorganisations and the manyother organisations and individualsthat helped to save lives.Ms Graça Machel, wife of formerPresident Nelson Mandela, who hostedThe Chokwe community came to say thank you to the SANDF.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s13

Airborne Africa 2001By Col H. Schobesberger, SSOCom SA Army (published inSA Soldier: June 2001, page 28)1Parachute Battalion of the SAArmy celebrated its 40th anniversaryon 1 April 2001. The culminationof this event was an internationalairborne combat-readiness competition- Airborne Africa - held from 22March to 3 April 2001. Preparationfor it was done in Bloemfontein,while the actual competition tookplace at the Madimbo Training Areain the Northern Province.Military parachutist teams fromBelgium, Botswana, France, Ghana,Great Britain, Jordan, theNetherlands, South Africa, Tanzaniaand the United States of Americastories from 2001Fltr: WO1 Isaac Salivu (MasterSergeant Major Ghana Army), WO1Sebenzile Teyisi (Sergeant Major GSBBloemfontein) and Capt AwuahMantey (Ghana Army).Meet our first black female pilotBy Capt Fundile Siyongwana (publishedin SA Soldier:August 2001,page 27)Photo: Sgt David NomtshongwanaOn the afternoon of 2 July 2001 SASoldier held an exclusive interviewwith the first black female pilot,2Lt Annabel Macauley (21) atWaterkloof Officers' Mess in Pretoria.2Lt Macauley was born in SierraLeone.She started with her primaryschooling in Sierra Leone and thenmoved to Nigeria, where she stayedfor seven years, completing her primaryeducation. She had to leaveNigeria and headed to Botswana fora very short stay. After she leftBotswana she came to South Africawhere she started Standard five atMmabatho High School, and here shestayed until she completed hermatric.2Lt Macauley worked very hardat school and was in love with aeroplanesfrom a very young age. Shedid not know what she wanted to be.She said that at one point she studiedaccounting, but this bored her. Thentook part in this event - the first of its kindto be held on South African soil.The first South African black femalepilot, 2Lt Annabel Macauley, in apiece of machinery that she has fallenin love with.she realised that she wanted to be a pilot. Shesaid: "Luckily the SA Air Force came to myschool. I applied and went for psychometrictests. That is how I got the job in 1996."S A S O L D I E RYouthFoundationTrainingProgrammeBy Capt FundileSiyongwana (published inSA Soldier: September2001, page 18)The Department ofDefence launched theDOD Youth FoundationTraining Programme at theDenel Training Academy inKempton Park on 20 July2001.The programme underscoresthe Government'scommitment to uplifting thelives of the youth by creatingand providing work opportunities,and thus activelycontributing to social deliveryand advancing the goalsof the African Renaissance.It is a small beginning,with the retraining of some175 formerly disadvantagedstudents, but there is virtuallyan ironclad guarantee thatthis project will grow to beone of the main pillars providingSouth Africa with anew generation of decisionmakers and future leaders.The programme will go along way towards reversingthis situation, and willensure the continued maintenanceof professionalismwithin the SANDF.It was also recognised atthe outset that the enterprisewas not to be conducted bythe DOD alone. It was thereforedecided to outsource theprogramme by entering intoa public-private partnership.After due tender process, theDenel Consortium wasselected as the serviceprovider. The whole projectis co-managed by the JointTraining Formation onbehalf of the DOD and DenelPersonnel Solutions.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s15

S A S O L D I E RRemember thefallen of warBy Col A.M. Eagar (Ret),Chairperson Pretoria MemorialService (published in SA Soldier:December 2001, page 31)The annual remembrance service tocommemorate all the soldiers whodied and were disabled in the ser-Flying into historystories from 2001Sign Language CourseBy Capt Fundile Siyongwana(published in SA Soldier:September 2001, page 20)The Equal Opportunities ChiefDirector, in conjunction with theUniversity of the Witswatersrand,made history recently by presenting asign language course - a first for theDepartment of Defence (DOD).The six-week sign languagecourse, presented in July 2001 andattended by some eleven studentsfrom within the DOD, is unique inthe sense that certain deaf signs hadto be developed especially to complywith defence terms and concepts, egdeaf signs for military insignia.vice of their country was held at theWar Memorial at the UnionBuildings in Pretoria on Sunday, 11The course forms part of theDirectorate's commitment to promotingand protecting the rights of peoplewith disabilities. According toMr M.J. Swart, SO1 Disability, thecourse is divided into two learningphases, namely an experiential andan actualisation phase.The University ofWitswatersrand trains and employsunemployed deaf people to teach thestudents sign language. Mr Swartsaid that the DOD employed some430 people with disabilities. Theskills gained will therefore assist theDOD to understand the needs ofpeople with disabilities within theDepartment.November, and in various other citiesin our country and all over the world.At this Memorial Service variouscommunities and military veterans'associations also remembered thefamilies of those who never returnedand, of course, those men andwomen who were disabled duringtheir service.This day in November is one ofthe major memorial services throughoutthe world. The remembrance serviceis held annually on the Sundaynearest to 11 November (ArmisticeDay) and this is then known asRemembrance Sunday. This year thedate happened to fall on a Sunday.Capt Musa Mbhokota (26) of 2 Squadron made history on 18 July2001 by becoming the first South African black pilot to fly solo in asupersonic Cheetah fighter jet. (Photo: Sgt Albi le Roux; publishedin SA Soldier: September 2001, page 33)16• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2002S A S O L D I E ROur deployed ambassadors"Well, the whole visitwas the culminationof an action whichstarted about sevenmonths ago,"WO1 J.J. Jacobs said.how well such parcels are received.The parcels were received with great delight.By Lt Col Dup Martens (publishedin SA Soldier: April 2002, page 12)Photo: WO1 J.J. JacobsThe lazy hum of flies in thesweltering heat adds to the pictureof dejection and squalor inthe city. Half-built dilapidatedbuildings, with their grime andcracks belie the colonial dreams of aonce thriving and vigorous society.These are the first (and lasting) imagesof Kinshasa - the present headquartersof the SA National Defence Force'sUnited Nations peacekeeping contingentin the Democratic Republic of theCongo (DRC).WO1 J.J. Jacobs, Warrant Officer of theSANDF, recently paid a visit to ourtroops in the DRC and Burundi. SASoldier wanted to know from himwhat the purpose of his visit was andhow our troops had been acclimatisedto the foreign surroundings."Well, the whole visit was the culminationof an action which startedabout seven months ago," he said. "Imade a suggestion to the PlenaryDefence Staff Council (PDSC) thatwe should do something to show ourappreciation for the sterling workour troops were doing there. Youknow, in our military history weonce had a 'dankie sê tannie', whoregularly organised parcels to be sentto our troops on the border.Remembering those days, I know"I asked the Military Councilwhether we could not do likewise,and that I and a few officers wouldthen hand over these parcels to ourtroops in the DRC and Burundi.They said 'yes', and I immediatelystarted a fund-raising campaign. Ourtarget was R30 000. With the goodwillof various sponsors I managedto collect about R27 000. The SAForces Institute (SAFI) sponsored theshortfall and they also made up thepackages containing biltong, sweets,dried fruit and chocolates. Theseparcels we handed over to Gen S.Nyanda, Chief of the Defence Force."Three senior staff members, namelyLt Gen R. van Rensburg, the SurgeonGeneral of the SANDF, Maj Gen L.Pitso, Chief Director Counter-intelligence,Maj Gen (Rev) F.S. Gqiba,Chaplain General, and myself, withour wives and Ms L. Momberg, representingthe Citizen newspaper, lefton 27 December 2001 to hand overthe parcels. We made a stopover inBurundi to offload some personneland left a short while later forKinshasa in the DRC."M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 17

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2002Ensuring the smooth runningof the World SummitThe SANDF played anintegral part in thewhole process, rightfrom the start.By Lt Col J. Zietsman, SANDFMedia Spokesperson at the WSSD(published in SA Soldier: October2002, page 12)Photo: Sgt David NomtshongwanaFrom 26 August to 4 September2002 South Africa played hostto more than 40 000 delegatesfrom around the world, all ofthem participants in theWorld Summit on SustainableDevelopment (WSSD). More than 105Heads of State took part in the discussions,which in years to come couldimprove the lives of millions of peoplearound the globe.With the eyes of the world focused onJohannesburg for the duration of thisevent, it meant that nothing could beleft to chance. There was no room forerror, especially as far as the safety ofthe thousands of delegates was concerned.That there were no seriousincidents involving safety aspects duringthe Summit says a lot for the dedicationand commitment of all thesecurity forces involved.The SANDF played an integral part inthe whole process, right from the start.All in all the SANDF deployed 1 500people in various roles to ensure thesmooth running of the World Summit.From all over South Africa liaison officerswere appointed to the variousdelegations to ensure that the chiefdelegates were well looked after. ThisA soldier on his way to guard the SandtonConvention Centre area during the World Summiton Sustainable Development.meant that they had to be availableday and night for the duration of theSummit.Each and every accredited visitor tothe Sandton Convention Centre wasescorted on a daily basis by motorbike.The men from 12 SA InfantryBattalion did a splendid job, eachmotorbike rider travelling up to 350km a day. Apart from having toknow the various routes by heart,they also had to contend with thenotorious peak hour traffic inGauteng. That all the delegationsarrived safely and on time says a lotfor the dedication of these soldiers.Members of 21 Battalion and 121Battalion were deployed for the durationof the Summit on the outerperimeters of Gauteng. Their maintask was to assistthe SA PoliceService (SAPS)with cordon andsearch operations,as well asroadblocks. Theywere alsoutilised for theprotection ofbridges on thehighways. Againthey did a splendidjob. Themembers from2 SA InfantryBattalion weredeployed,among otherduties, duringone of thebiggest marchesin recent years inthe Alexandraand Sandton areas. Their presence,together with that of the SAPS, meantthat no incidents of violence occurredat all.The SA Air Force and medical personnelplayed just as vital a role. TwoOryx helicopters assisted with thetrooping of SANDF and SAPS membersto set up roadblocks in theGauteng area, and were also on standbyto assist with any emergency tasks.A fixed-wing aircraft was also availablefor daily reconnaissance tasks.SANDF medical personnel weredeployed at all the headquarters'hotels to look after the well-being ofthe foreign delegates. The service thatthey rendered was excellent. 7Medical Battalion was deployed todeal with any potential biological orchemical threat.18• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2002S A S O L D I E RCompeting in the first Africa Military GamesBy Lt Col Louis Kirstein, SO1Media Liaison DOD (published inSA Soldier: April 2002, page 38)They came from all over Africa,2 000 soldiers from 26 countries,to fight it out on the sports field.But it was no ordinary sports event; itwas the first-ever Africa MilitaryGames in Nairobi, Kenya, and washeld over the period 15 to 26 April2002. The goal of the Africa MilitaryGames was to provide accrediteddefence forces from all the overAfrican continent an opportunity tocompete with each other on thesports field in order to reinforcefriendship ties and to ensure thedream of peace and stability in thecontinent.Col Hamad Kalkaba Malboum,President of the Organisation ofMilitary Sports in Africa, with thetorch for the Military Games.The SANDF Men’s Hockey Team after winning the silver medal.Women crossed another bridgeBy Lt Colleen Ferreira (publishedin SA Soldier: November 2002,page 22)12SA Infantry Battalion, SpecialistCentre of Excellence, IndiaCompany, presented the VisualTracking Course in 2002. The durationof the course was seven weeks, and itwas presented at the MadimboTraining Area along the LimpopoRiver.The course commenced on 9 April2002 and continued until 24 May 2002.What made this course different wasthat it was the first time that womenwere accepted as students on thecourse. After the selection processthree women, Lt Colleen Ferreira, RfnLt Colleen Ferreira at her selfmadeshelter.Roxanne Slabber and Rfn LikaHartzenberg, were identified and nominatedfor the course. They were placedamong the men so that no section consistedof more than one woman.The pre-course preparation for theupcoming visual tracking course consistedof different routes of approximately8 km. These were within thecut-off times, and the participants hadto run in complete battle dress andovercome certain problems, for exampleserious blisters, stress factors andphysical and mental fatigue.A real morale booster for thewomen was that Rfn Hartzenbergcame first overall on the course.Another bridge had been crossed forwomen in the SANDF.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 19

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2003Celebrating 40 yearsof solidarityIt was a celebration ofthe rebirth and renewalof the African continent.By Nomonde Vuthela (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:July 2003, page 14)Photo: Sgt David NomtshongwanaUnited we stand, divided wefall! Viva Africa! The 40thanniversary of theOrganisation of African Unity(OAU), now known as theAfrican Union (AU), at theJohannesburg Stadium on 25 May 2003was a celebration of the rebirth andrenewal of the African continent.The AU represents an equal partnershipof the 53 African States orGovernments that make up the organisation.In order for Africans to face thefuture with renewed vigour in a worldthat is increasingly changing technologicallyand otherwise, PresidentThabo Mbeki announced: "We havetransformed the Organisation ofAfrican Unity into the African Union".Through the AU the President hassworn that the slaughter of oneAfrican by another will be stopped."We will do our best to end this senselesskilling," said President Mbeki. Hecontinued: "Tutsi and Hutu areAfrican, Hausa and Yoruba areAfrican."As Chairperson of the AU, PresidentMbeki also stated that the organisationMembers of the SANDF making us proud.would continue to assist war plaguedcountries, such as the Central AfricanRepublic and the Côte d' Ivoire toreturn to democracy. The Presidentalso touched on the Burundi PeaceAgreement and the Sudan, andapplauded the ongoing talks betweenthe Sudanese Government and theSudanese People's LiberationMovement.At President Mbeki's request amoment's silence was observed inremembrance of the two thousandpeople killed in the recent earthquakein Algeria. The Commander-in-Chiefof theSANDF then made mention of the factthat the SANDF would deploy troopsin Algeria in an endeavour to assist.The SANDF is second to none anddoes us so proud! Not only does theNational Defence Force protect ourborders and beyond, but it has alsosuccessfully adapted to the versatilerole of being a service provider and ashow-stopper.Members of the SANDF brought lifeto the stadium long before the publicpoured in. In the biting cold, so typicalof a "Jo'burg" winter morning,members took to song to fend off thechill. Carrying all 53 flags of the AUmember countries the NationalCeremonial Guard paraded indetailed precision around the field tothe rhythm of the bands of the SAArmy, the SA Air Force, the SA Navyand the SA Military Health Service,which maddened the crowd withexcitement.20• M A Y 2 0 1 1

Life in a Congo villageBy Capt Mohau Modise (an extractof what was published in SASoldier: October 2003, page 15)On the arrival of the commandgroup on 22 April 2003 Kinduwas a ghost town with a handfulof people. This was because many ofits inhabitants were living in thebushes nearby in fear of the rebelgroup, known as the Rally forCongolese Democracy (RCD) -GOMA. The RCD rebels are mostlychildren ranging in age from tenupwards, who have been supportedby the Rwandan Army during thefour years of war in an attempt tooverthrow former President LaurentKabila.After Kabila's assassination inJanuary 2001 his son Joseph took overand to date he is trying hard to pushstories from 2003Capt Mohau Modise, SO2 InfoOPS (MONUC III), at one of theschools during Project QUIPS.S A S O L D I E Rfor peace and an interim governmenthas been sworn in.The town is war-torn and itsbuildings are dilapidated.Unemployment is the order of theday due to a lack of good governance.Although mineral resourcesare abundant, the people see this as acurse rather than a blessing, becausethey believe that these resources, eggold and diamonds, lead to livesbeing lost, and suffering and torturebeing inflicted by the rebel groups, asthese have a vested interest in theseminerals.It is amazing that in the midst ofhunger and poverty the Congoleseare still very keen to utilise theirremaining resources. They are veryintelligent despite being disadvantagedby having to attend school inwar conditions.South Africa plays a role in the peace processBy Lt Col Annelize Rademeyer, SO1Public Liaison AMIB (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:October 2003, page 14)One could easily wonder whatSouth Africa's forces have to doin Burundi, close to the equator,far away from the southern tip ofAfrica. Our former President, MrNelson Mandela, played a leading rolein negotiations to establish fertileground for the peace process in thisrelatively small country in the GreatLakes region. Although Mr Mandelais not part of the process anymore,South Africa still plays a role in it.The SANDF started OperationFIBRE in Burundi in November 2000with the main objective of safeguardingpoliticians returning to the country.Following the Arusha Peace andReconciliation Agreement in August2000, the deployment of the SouthAfrican Protection and SupportDetachment (SAPSD), and furtherregional initiatives, the signing of twoceasefire agreements on 7 October and2 December 2002 took place. TheAfrican Mission was established inBurundi.The mission is to oversee the implementationand verification of the ceasefireagreements, and to assist in disarmament,demobilisation and reintegration(DDR) programmes.On 3 February 2003 South Africawas appointed by the African Union(AU) as Lead Nation to plan andimplement the African Union Missionin Burundi (AUMIB). Other countriescontributing soldiers are Mozambiqueand Ethiopia. Elements from thesecountries with the main force arealready deployed at the AMIB HQ.The Mission will be conducted infive phases, namely pre-deployment(planning and preparations), establishingthe mission (HQ deployed andtransition of SAPSD), (phased) deploymentof main force elements andpreparation of cantonment areas, disarmament,demobilisation and reintegration(DDR) and subsequent operationsthat include the possibility of beingrelieved by a UN mission.Negotiations are still taking placebetween the various role-players onhow exactly the DDR process shouldbe conducted. Currently there is onecantonment area, which is almost 30km north-east of Bujumbura (the capitalof Burundi) in the province ofBubanza. Other regions for the establishmentof cantonment areas areunder investigation.Current key posts are the AMIBForce Commander (Maj Gen S.Z.Binda - RSA), the AMIB DeputyForce Commander (Brig Gen GebratAyelle - Ethiopia), the AMIB Chief ofStaff (W. Very - RSA) and the RSANational Contingent Commander(Col N.J.K. Mabilu).M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 21

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2003Commandant appointed as Professor ExtraordinaryBy Maj Arina Hanekom,Communication Officer MilitaryAcademy (an extract of what waspublished in SA Soldier: July 2003,page 17)The University of StellenboschBusiness School has appointedthe Commandant of the MilitaryAcademy, Brig Gen L.S. Mollo, asProfessor Extraordinary for the period1 July 2003 to 30 June 2006. TheBrig Gen L.S. Mollo.Learners displaying the spirit of SiyandizaUniversity of Stellenbosch createdthis category of appointments to giverecognition to individuals for theirproven specialised expertise, and/ortheir eminence in their professionand field of study, and to involvethem in the academic programmes ofthe relevant department or school.This appointment will also strengthenthe relationship between theMilitary Academy and the Universityof Stellenbosch Business School.By PO Dennis Ndaba (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:October 2003, page 35)Photo: F Sgt Tania KettlesThe Schools Aerospace Challengewas held in the United Kingdomover the period 14 to 28 August2003. This was a joint venture by theCranfield University (a worldrenownedaerospace teaching facility),the Royal Air Force and aviationindustry partners in the UK. It is anannual event in the UK that aims toattract top achievers to further educationand ultimately a career inaerospace.This was the third year that variousschools and Air Training Corpssquadrons in the UK competed forthe coveted top prize of £5000.00. Totop it all the SA Air Force via theAir Adviser in London was invitedto enter a team consisting of fivemembers. The SA team was the firstoutside the UK ever to participate inthis event, which turned it into aninternational event, and the fully representativeteam was selected fromthe Aviation Academy at theWaterkloof High School. TheAviation Academy paid the expensesof the team, which did not participatedirectly in the competition this yearSoaring like eagles, the learners displaying the spirit of Siyandiza.Standing, fltr: Waldemar Truter, Tshepo van Roos, Kabelo Makuwaand Nelmari Smit (Leader). Flying: Cynthia Ramoleta.as their entry was not processed intime. This meant that the SA teamwas automatically short-listed withoutprior evaluation of their competitionpaper.This competitive mechanism wasused to stimulate the youth in thefield of aerospace sciences in order tosecure our own aeronautical/aviationfuture. The venture holds mutual benefitsfor our country, defence industries,the education fraternity and theSA Air Force, not to mention theimpact on the youth of South Africa.The visit was also used to kickstarta process of broad-based SouthAfrican participation in future, with aview to creating awareness among theyouth and to encourage the pursuit ofa career in aeronautical engineering inthe SA Air Force. It will also addmuch value to the plan to ensure thatthere are enough engineers in the SAAir Force in the future.22• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2003S A S O L D I E RFirst black Reserve Force military judge sworn inBy Capt (SAN) E. van der Walt (Ret)(an extract of what was publishedin SA Soldier: July 2003, page 21)Photo: Sgt David NomtshongwanaCol Victor Sibeko (50), an advocatefrom Brakpan on the East Rand,was one of the first legal practitionersto apply for appointment as aReserve Force officer in the SANDF.Because of his seniority he was giventhe rank of Colonel.After his appointment Col Sibekohad to undergo an induction programmeon military culture. This hadto be done in his spare time. He firstcompleted a military orientationcourse after which he was schooled inmilitary legal subjects, such as militarylaw, the law of armed conflict,operational law, law of evidence andcriminal law. He passed his examinationswith flying colours.Before he could be sworn in asjudge he had to sit under instructionto familiarise himself with themilitary justice system.On 6 May 2003 Col Sibeko wassworn in as military judge by Brig GenAnnemarie Myburgh, DirectorMilitary Judges, in one of the courtroomsin Thaba Tshwane. He was tobegin his duties with immediate effectand he said he was ready and willingto play his role in the SANDF.Col Sibeko will preside as a seniormilitary judge when and whererequired, especially in cases involvingsenior SANDF members from the rankof major upwards, but he would alsobe able to handle disciplinary casesinvolving junior members.The scope of Col Sibeko's dutieswill include having to preside overcases involving SANDF members inother countries, such as Burundi andthe Democratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) whenever such a need arises.In 1979 Col Sibeko obtained his BALaw degree and in 1981 his LLBdegree at the National University ofLesotho. Thereafter he was admittedas advocate in Lesotho in 1981.During his career as a legal practitionerhe worked, inter alia, as a negotiatorfor Mobil and was an adjudicatorfor the Gauteng Housing TransferBureau where he later served on theappeal panel. In 1993 he opened hisown legal consultancy.The French and our soldiers learn from each otherBy Capt (SAN) Stan Slogrove,SSO Maritime Capabilities at JointOperations Division (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:July 2003, page 18)Photo: PO Gustav OosthysenThe early Saturday morning tranquilityof Naval Island at RichardsBay was shattered by the powerfulroar of outboard engines, as two inflatableboats carrying French Marinesraced up onto the beach. The soldiersquickly dispersed as they rapidlysecured the beachhead and then therest of the island. Soon the grey bulk ofthe French Batral-type landing ship,FNS La Grandiére, bore down on thebeach, her bow doors opening like themandibles of some giant mantis.Personnel, vehicles and cargo weredischarged onto the beach, and sobegan the Field Training Exercisephase of Exercise RAINBOW TREK.Planning staffs of the SANDF andFASZOI (French Forces in the IndianOcean Zone) under the command ofthe Task Force Commander, Col JohanBlaauw, and his French counterpart,Capitaine de Vaisseau (Navy Captain)Francois Cloup-Mandavialle, had metearlier in the week, as March turned intoApril, at the underground military facilityon Durban's Bluff, to conduct aCommand Post Exercise (CPX).The aim of the theoretical phase ofthis Peace Support exercise was to validateand harmonise the doctrines andCol Victor Sibeko.Personnel, vehicles and cargo were dischargedonto the beach after FNS La Grandiére bore downon the beach.tactics that would be used in the practicalphase. Language difficulties wereovercome and the two force componentssized each other up as they ranthrough the various activities of thescenario.On completion of the CPX, theplanning staffs moved up the coast toRichards Bay and occupied the tentedcamp that had been set up in advance.The cargo fromFNS LaGrandiére soonbecame anevacuationcontrol centremanned byFrench andSouth Africanmedical andadministrativepersonnel. Forthe first time,members of theSouth AfricanRed CrossSociety werealso involved.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 23

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2004Our ambassadors abroadserving unselfishlyThe United Nations hadagreed to lead themission in Burundi.Article and photos by Sgt DavidNomtshongwana (an extract of whatwas published in SA Soldier: May2004, page 14)As the aircrew were busy concentratingon a safe landing inBujumbura, you could seethrough the window that thestage had been set to welcomethe Chief of the SANDF, GenSiphiwe Nyanda.The Chief's entourage included theChief of Joint Operations, Lt GenGodfrey Ngwenya, and other seniorleaders in the DOD. The Chief's visitcoincided with the announcement thatthe United Nations had agreed to leadthe mission in Burundi. One of the tangibleachievements of the DOD duringthe ten years' celebration of freedomwas the deployment of soldiersabroad.The aim of the Chief's visit over theperiod 23 to 26 March 2004 was to bebriefed about the situation in Burundi,the progress of the African Mission inBurundi (AMIB), to meet with the relevantrepresentatives, to acquaint himselfwith the political situation, andmost importantly to hear from the soldierson the ground.The South African Ambassador inUnited Nations soldiers (includingour soldiers) welcomingGen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chiefof the SANDF, at the Kindu airportin the Democratic Republicof the Congo.Burundi, Mr Welile Nhlapo, told thedelegation about Burundian politicalprogress and that the Burundian peopleappreciated the extra mile takenby the soldiers of the AMIB. GenNyanda and his delegation visited theChief of Staff of the Burundi ArmedForces, Maj Gen GermainNiyoyankana, who praised the AMIB.Maj Gen Sipho Binda, the ForceCommander of the AMIB, and othersenior officers briefed Gen Nyanda onthe latest progress made and mentionedthat the soldiers had settled invery well regardless of the circumstancesthey found themselves in.Their role is to facilitate the implementationof the ceasefire agreementsin Burundi. No one can forget the VIPprotectors working day and night toOur soldiers patrol the streets inGoma in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo.ensure the safety of the BurundianVIPs.Looking at our South African soldierswho are deployed outside our countrytells a story of its own - commitment,discipline and going the extramile to perform their duties - it istruly amazing! (It does not mean thatthey are lazy when they are at home.)The situation in Burundi taught oursoldiers something, namely that theBurundian people use every availableresource in order to survive.24• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2004S A S O L D I E RParliamentarians visitedour soldiers abroadArticle and photo by Sgt DavidNomtshongwana (an extract of whatwas published in SA Soldier:January 2004, page 22)The visit is a clear indication of their support andaugurs well for the morale of the soldiers.The recent visit by the PortfolioCommittee on Defence and theJoint Standing Committee onDefence to the soldiersdeployed in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo (DRC)and Burundi over the period 28to 30 October 2003 is a clear indicationof support and augurs well for themorale of the soldiers.The parliamentarians were led by MsThandi Modise, Chairperson of bothcommittees, which consisted of membersfrom different political parties,while V Adm Martyn Trainor,Chief of Corporate Staff, led the SANDFdelegation. Before their departure fromWaterkloof Air Force Base Maj GenMbuyiselo Mgwebi, the General OfficerCommanding Joint Operational HQ atChief Joint Operational Division,briefed the delegation and the membersof the media on the situation inthe DRC and Burundi. The first stop ofthe visit was Kindu, and after a briefingthe group left for Bujumbura.In Bujumbura they were welcomed byMaj Gen Sipho Binda, theForce Commander of the AfricanMission in Burundi (AMIB), and hiscontingent. Also present wasAmbassador Mamadou Bah, the specialrepresentative of the AfricanUnion, who was the Chairperson andthe Head of Mission of AMIB.He informed the delegation aboutprogress in Burundi, especially interms of disarmament, demobilisationand repatriation. Ms Modise urged theMs Thandi Modise, Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee onDefence and the Joint Standing Committee on Defence (middle),and the female soldiers deployed in Burundi stationed at theDemobilisation Centre Area 1 with Col Liz van der Post, ActingPSO to V Adm Martyn Trainor, and Maj Madeleine Harmse, theLiaison Officer, at the back.ambassador not to forget that womenand children were part and parcel of thewhole procedure to be implemented.The ambassador emphasised that it wasin their best interests not to leave othersbehind or to fail to acknowledge theircontribution. The inclusion of womenand children who had participated inthe struggle for a transitional governmentwas very important because itwas their right to be involved in theprocess. Although political, it is a majorchallenge to realise those requirements,but there is still hope because ofprogress on some agreements.The delegation also visited the offices ofthe United Nations (UN) in Burundiwhere they met Mr Ayité J-C KPAKPO,the Senior UN Adviser for theBurundi Peace ProcessImplementation MonitoringCommittee. The parliamentarianswanted to know when the UN wasgoing to be involved in taking over thedeployment of the soldiers in Burundi.Even though the members of thePortfolio Committee on Defence wereengaged in other commitments inBurundi, their mission was to visit thesoldiers and to see if they had beenproperly resourced and were performingtheir duties as expected. The visitby the members of the PortfolioCommittee on Defence also helpsParliament to decide what the requirementor the challenges are that facethe AMIB.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s25

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2004Women soldiers back fromdeployment in BurundiArticle and photo courtesy womenwho were deployed in Burundi (anextract of what was published inSA Soldier: October 2004, page 24)Ibelieve one can only reflect on asituation once you are not "in it"any longer. After deployment tothe African Mission in Burundi(AMIB) for a six-month period -from August 2003 to February2004 - and now back for four months,it is perhaps a good time for reflection.Did all the other women and myselfmake a difference in serving the PeaceMission in Burundi? Nowadays whenI watch the news and I hear the wordBurundi, I tend to give my full attention.Every time the peace processseems to stumble, my heart aches.Every time it goes ahead full steam Ifeel like dancing.Some twenty women spent six monthsat the Demobilisation Centre, some 30km north-east of the capital city ofBujumbura, and only came to "town"and the "Palace Base" once everymonth for four or five days at a time.They certainly earned the respect oftheir male counterparts. I do believetheir input to safeguarding some 200ex-combatants did make a differenceto the Mission.Within the VIP Protectors and theStatic Guards there were almost thirtywomen. Being a VIP Protector has itsown kind of challenges, but thewomen proved that they could performthis specialised job without hav-Every time the peace process seems to stumble,my heart aches. Every time it goes ahead full steamI feel like dancing.Capt Harriët Joseph and an Ethiopian soldier.ing to stand back for any man. I dobelieve that each one of them made adifference in serving the Mission.At the Airport Base some eight womenserved the Mission inter alia as logisticiansand some even in the ArtilleryBattery. The Medical and Air Forcepersonnel rotated more frequently thanthe Army personnel, but without theirmedical care Burundi would not havebeen the same. As any soldier knows,good support contributes enormouslyto morale.At AMIB HQ some twenty womenheld posts varying from photographer,"manning SAFI", a civilian lady (ABSA'Blief Tannie) in the pay office, to CMIservices, etc - Ibelieve eachand everyoneof them made adifference inthe supporttasks they performed.What motivatesa woman tovolunteer todeploy for aperiod of sixmonths? Thesame questioncan be asked ofall the men who voluntarily deploy.One would be dishonest if one saidthat the money involved did notcount. There are, however, other reasonsas well. Reasons such as "wanderlust"and the gaining of experiencein one's specific area of specialisationwithin the peacekeeping environment- experience that nobody can takeaway from you.If I now look at photos and try toshare the wonderful experience withfriends and family, I realise to my dismaythat they cannot be as excited as Iam. Unfortunately, only those whohave shared in the hardships, but alsothe highlights, can really share in theexcitement.26• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2005S A S O L D I E RA final compliment toa General for lifeGen Siphiwe Nyandabowed out as oneof the country's finestofficers.By CPO Dennis Ndaba (published inSA Soldier: July 2005, page 10)Photo: F Sgt Amelda StrydomGen Siphiwe Nyanda bowedout as the Chief of theSANDF in a parade befittinga true leader and one of thecountry's finest officers, whilethe Chief of the SANDF gavethe baton to Gen GodfreyNgwenya to steer the SANDF togreater heights.Military professionalism at its best as Gen Siphiwe Nyandaacknowledges a salute from the fly-past, a 17-gun salute and abrigade under the command of R Adm (JG) Rusty Higgs while GenGodfrey Ngwenya (left) looks on.On the morning of 30 May 2005 theThaba Tshwane Military SportsGround was under siege as a paradecharacterised by military professionalismat its best and in the form of thebrigade in review took place, in additionto a fly-past, and a 17-gun salute,serenaded by a sweet duet by theNational Ceremonial Guards singerswith the Italian version of "Time to saygoodbye", followed by a standing ovationfor Gen Nyanda on an illustriouscareer and devotion to duty thatspanned over 30 years.When Gen Nyanda took over commandof the SANDF in May 1998, hehad a dream: "That the NationalDefence Force of the future will reflectthe demographics of the country. AllSouth Africans should be welcomed init. All should be able to rise to thehighest position of responsibility, irrespectiveof race, religion, gender orcreed". His appointment was made ata time of great challenges and adversi-ty for the SANDF. The unprecedentedintegration of seven different forceswas a painful affair; the defence budgetwas plummeting downwards asthough out of control and with no endin sight. There were serious concernsabout block obsolescence in theSANDF, particularly in the SA Navy,which had largely been overlooked inthe acquisition of main equipment inthe former SADF.Gen Nyanda said: "Today the humanresource component is graduallytransforming. There can be no laxityor compromise with regard to it.Deviations from discipline must bedealt with firmly, promptly, fairly andimpartially. Crime and the health ofour soldiers, particularly regarding thescourge of HIV and AIDS, continue toreceive the attention of the SANDFand the DOD in general in order tolimit their impact on the deployabilityof our soldiers. The crime and wellbeingstrategies need continuous monitoringand re-evaluation for them toremain effective."Paying tribute to his predecessor, GenNgwenya said that the seven yearsthat Gen Nyanda was in command asthe Chief of the SANDF were mostchallenging, but he undertook to servehis country with loyalty, courage, dignityand honour. He performed hisduties and carried out his responsibilitieswith zeal and diligence. GenNgwenya added that the SANDF wasfaced with bigger national issues totackle, such as to raise readiness to therequired level, to be ready to meet thedemands of the situation and to tacklethe headache imposed on us by thethorny health problem.Gen Ngwenya concluded: "I am certainwe shall emerge victorious,because you are leaving behind acapable administration consisting ofcommitted and dedicated men andwomen."M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s27

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2005First black person appointedas the Chief of the SA NavyThe SA Navywill continueto grow anddevelop underhis leadership.By PO Dennis Ndaba(published in SASoldier: April 2005,page 11)Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwanaThe SA NavalMess was abuzzwith dignitarieson 28 February2005. They borewitness to theformer Chief of the SANavy, V Adm JohanRetief, swallowing the anchor andstepping ashore for his well-deservedretirement. This was a milestone in thehistory of the SA Navy, as V AdmJohannes Mudimu became the firstblack person to be appointed as theChief of the SA Navy.In paying tribute to the former Chiefof the SA Navy, Gen Nyanda said thatwhat had impressed him most aboutV Adm Retief at the outset was hissoft-spoken approach and his disarmingsense of humour. Gen Nyandasaid: "He is a clear communicator withgreat clarity of mind. He is a veryarticulate leader. The Navy Reviewwas his immediate, tangible contribu-Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of the SANDF, officiating as V Adm JohanRetief "hands over the watch" to V Adm Johannes Mudimu.tion. In spite of severe budget anyconstraints he was not a person tocomplain about the situation, butone who sought answers to theproblems."Gen Nyanda added that V AdmRetief had the gift of being able tomake complex issues seem straightforward,which allowed him to confrontand address these issues withease. He was also known for hisstrong views on training and theimportance of producing a balancedService in terms of gender and race.In terms of the Strategic DefencePackages, V Adm Retief had takenthe running of two navies in hisstride; his legacy is that it can be done.He added: "I welcome V AdmMudimu as the new Chief of the SANavy; he brings his own experienceand expertise to this vital office. I amsure the SA Navy will continue togrow and develop under the leadershipof V Adm Mudimu." GenNyanda added that the new Navyincluded four magnificent new ValourClass corvettes, three brand new Class209 submarines, and many new facilitiesthat will ensure a better quality oflife for our sailors. He said: "I knowthat the SA Navy will do well underthe guidance and leadership ofAdmiral Mudimu."28• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2005Saluting our Chiefs of the SA Air ForceBy PO Dennis Ndaba (published inSA Soldier: April 2005, page 10)Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwanaThe SA Air Force was united in itsresolve to salute their formerChief, Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, anofficer par excellence, on a distinguishedcareer that spanned fortyyears of commitment and dedicationto duty. By the same token it welcomedtheir new Chief, Lt Gen CarloGagiano, to the helm.In his address at the change ofcommand parade at Bay's Hill inPretoria on 25 February 2005, Lt GenBeukes said that the fly-past and airdisplay brought back fond memoriesand he was really grateful for andproud of having been a former memberof the Silver Falcons, as well asOfficer Commanding of theCheetahs.Lt Gen Beukes said: "Over the lastten years I have seen the SA AirForce evolving from a force whichalmost exclusively operated insidethe country in support of the SAPolice Services, and humanitarianand disaster relief operations duringthe early nineties, to one which todayis required to deploy to all parts ofthe continent and beyond."Against the background ofGovernment initiatives to improvethe lives of the people of South Africaand its neighbours, the peacefulapplication of air power has becomea priority.Examples of such initiatives areLt Gen Roelf Beukes takes final compliments as theChief of the SA Air Force, while the new Chief of theSA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, looks on.South African Gripen makes its debutArticle courtesy www.gripen.com(published in SA Soldier: December2005, page 12)South Africa's first completedGripen fighter was unveiled on 28October 2005 in Linköping,Sweden, during a roll-out ceremonyas it left the production line. The aircraft,which will be the first of 28Gripens to be delivered to the SA AirForce from 2008, will now be preparedfor a rigorous and thorough flight testthe present deployments in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) and Burundi, and the repeateddiplomatic initiatives, supported bythe SA Air Force, to promote peaceand stability across the continent."New Chief of the SA Air ForceLt Gen Gagiano joined the SA AirForce in 1968 and qualified as a piloton the Air Macchi 326M in December1969. During his career he flew theHarvard, Pilatus PC 7, Vampire, F86Sabre, Mirage 111, FICZ, as well as theCheetah D and E aircraft. He wasappointed as the Officer Commanding3 Squadron, which operated F1CZ aircraft.In 1989 he was appointed as theOfficer Commanding 89 CombatFlying School, which was equippedwith Cheetah D aircraft. He occupiedprogramme to integrate South Africa'scustomised avionics and missions systems.Speaking on behalf of the SAGovernment at the roll-out ceremonyin Linköping, Sweden, South Africa'sMinister of Public Enterprises, Mr AlecErwin, highlighted the strategic significanceof South Africa's Gripen acquisitionand its role as a catalyst for broadindustrial, trade and economic developmentin South Africa.Sweden's Minister of Defence, MsS A S O L D I E Rthe post ofmilitaryattaché inIsrael from1991 until hisreturn toSouth Africain January1994. He completedtheSANDF's JointStaff Course inNovember1994 and wasthen transferredtoCentral FlyingSchoolLangebaan-weg as the Officer Commanding.After a four-year tour at Langebaanweg,he was transferred to theAir Force Office in December 1998,promoted to Brigadier General andappointed as the Inspector Generalof the SA Air Force. On 1 November2000 he was promoted to MajorGeneral and appointed as the ChiefDirector Operations Development atthe Joint Operations Divisionresponsible for defence capabilities,joint force employment strategy,joint command and control and jointdoctrine. Lt Gen Gagiano was transferredback to the SA Air Force asChief Director Air Policy and Plansresponsible for Air Force policy,capabilities, strategy and resourceallocation. He was appointed as theChief of the SA Air Force on 1March 2005.Leni Björklund, said Sweden wouldcontinue to develop further itsalready strong strategic, political,defence, industrial and economiclinks with South Africa:"The relations between our twocountries can only be described asexcellent. I would like to take thisopportunity to underline and manifestthe Swedish Government's desireto further develop and expand thesemuch appreciated relations," saidMs Leni BjörklundM A Y 2 0 1 1 • s29

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2006Saluting our former andnew Surgeon GeneralsBy Lebohang Letaoana (published inSA Soldier: September 2005,page 16)Photo: F Sgt David NomtshongwanaThe SA Military Health Service community experiencedmixed feelings of pride, excitement and sadnessHe came, he saw and he conquered.After a span of 35years in the military Lt GenRinus Jansen van Rensburghanded over the reins ofSurgeon General to Lt GenVejaynand Ramlakan during a changeof command parade held at the ThabaTshwane Military Sports Grounds on 1August 2005. The SA Military HealthService community came in numbers towitness this special occasion at whichthey experienced mixed feelings ofpride, excitement and sadness.Lt Gen Jansen van Rensburg said: "I do,however, have to admit that it is withsadness that I take leave of the SAMilitary Health Service (SAMHS). Ithas been a privilege to be at the helm ofthe SAMHS for the past four plusyears. It has been an enriching experience,which I would not change foranything."There have been many developmentsand changes in the SAMHS over thepast few years under the formerSurgeon General, for example: The establishment and developmentof five formations, and their units,as well as that of the GSB ThabaTshwane. Existing directorates were expandedand staffed, but additional directorateswere also established, namelythe Directorate Physical Training,Sport and Recreation, theLt Gen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg (left) handed over the reins ofSurgeon General to Lt Gen Vejaynand Ramlakan.Directorate Occupational Healthand Safety and the DirectorateReserve Force. The introduction of the BATLSand BARTS Courses at theMilitary Health TrainingFormation. Another area of training,which has been expanded, isDisaster Management. During therecent earthquake in Algiers, aDisaster Management Team,including instructors from theMilitary Health TrainingFormation, were able to test theirskills in a real-life situation. The establishment of theUniversity Reserve Training Unit.This training unit will enable medicalstudents from the various tertiaryinstitutions to join the ReserveForce and undergo military trainingwith a view to their becoming medicalofficers within the Reserves.The outgoing Surgeon General concluded:"However, the successesachieved would not have been possible,if I had not had the support of capable,dedicated and focused chief directors,commanders, directors and staff officers.I was always able to rely on theirassistance and advice."30• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2006S A S O L D I E RThe Force Commanderin Burundi speaks outArticle and photo by F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:September 2006, page 15)We are making sure that our mission is a success asfar as media coverage in Burundi is concerned.The first Commander of theAfrican Mission in Burundi(AMIB) was Maj Gen SiphoBinda. His successor, MajGen Derick Mgwebi, tookover from him under theAfrican Union (AU) flag in April2004. On 1 June 2005 AMIB changedto the United Nations Operation inBurundi (ONUB).SA Soldier and Defence TV, under thesupervision of Col Daan Boshoff andMaj Ellouis Janse van Rensburg fromChief Joint Operations, are makingsure that our mission is a success asfar as media coverage in Burundi isconcerned. Together we visited theUnited Nations HQ in Bujumbura tointerview the ONUB ForceCommander, Maj Gen Mgwebi,father of the mission.Maj Gen Derick Mgwebi, the ONUB Force Commander, salutesduring the RSA Battalion medal parade at the Modderfontein Basein Bujumbura.Maj Gen Mgwebi is a tall, silent andwell-built senior officer. He is a realsoldier and a role model of what asenior officer should be. This is whathe had to say about how it all started,the current situation, the challenges,and of course his experiences.Maj Gen Mgwebi said: "South Africaplayed a most important role in thepeace process of Burundi throughfacilitation, as requested by theregion. The former President, MrNelson Mandela, took over from thelate Dr Julius Nyerere, the formerPresident of Tanzania. He gave the roleto former Deputy President JacobZuma to continue with the processuntil it was given to the Minister ofSafety and Security, Mr CharlesNqakula."He added: "The SANDF created asecure environment for this process togo ahead, an environment in whichmutual confidence had been builtbetween the role-players in this process.Our presence has allowed politicalleaders in exile to return and startimplementing the Arusha Peace andReconciliation Agreement forBurundi. Our soldiers acted as VIPprotectors to provide a secure environmentfor those who were in exile."South Africa has played a vital role interms of confidence building as far ascombatants are concerned so that theycould go to the assembly areas wherethey agreed to be disarmed becausethey were given protection by theSANDF. The combatants were willingto be disarmed because of the trustand confidence that they had in theSouth African soldiers."M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s31

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2006SA Soldier sweepsGovernment AwardsBy Sgt Lebohang Letaoana (anextract of what was published in SASoldier: January 2006, page 16)Photo: courtesy GCISSA Soldier, the official monthlymagazine of the Department ofDefence, had the opportunityto participate in the annualprestigious GovernmentCommunicators' Awards,which were held at GallagherEstates in Midrand on 2 December2005.On that beautiful evening SA Soldierswept two awards - the NationalUbungcweti Award and the biggest ofthem all - the Government Communicatorof the Year Award. "Ubungcweti"is the IsiZulu word for excellence, andthis award recognises excellence inwriting, editorial content, layout anddesign. It also caters for photography,broadcasting and for contestants fromthe new media, such as the Intranetand Internet. The main award - theGovernment Communicator of the YearAward - recognises excellence in allareas of Government communication.The winner was chosen from among allthe finalists in the other categories. DrEssop Pahad, Minister in thePresidency, initiated these awards in2002. He wanted to recognise andreward top Government communicatorswho went beyond the call of dutyin delivering their mandate to communicatethe work of the Government. Theawards were for improved delivery,innovation and excellence in theGovernment communications profession- and to encourage communicatorsto work hard. Mr Manelisi Wolela,Deputy Commissioner ofThe Government Awards were initiated to recogniseand reward top Government communicators whowent beyond the call of duty in delivering their mandateto communicate the work of the Government.The SA Soldier team won the Government Communicator of theYear Award and the National Ubungcweti Award, fltr: Sgt LebohangLetaoana, Nomonde Vuthela, Werner van der Westhuizen, CPODennis Ndaba, F Sgt David Nomtshongwana, Mr Dali Mpofu, CEOSABC, Nelda Pienaar and Dr Essop Pahad, Minister in thePresidency.Communications of the Department ofCorrectional Services, won theNational Bua Award. Bua means "tospeak" in Setswana. This award categorycaters for ministerial liaison officers,departmental spokespersons and individualcommunicators who displaycourage, commitment, dedication anddiscipline in their work.Another member of the SANDF whomade the organisation proud was ColMarthie Visser, SSO DefenceCorporate Communication Strategy,Policy and Planning, who won theTop Student Award for ProfessionalCertificate in GovernmentCommunications and Marketing(PCGCM). The PCGCM aims to providean overview of the theory andpractice of public sector management,with specific focus on communicationsand marketing in a developingcountry context.32• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2007S A S O L D I E R33M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s33

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2006Securing the electionsin the ComorosThe elections are heldevery four years, withthe office rotatingbetween the threeislands.By Lebohang Letaoana (an extractof what was published in SASoldier: July 2006, page 14)Photo: Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleLocated a little more than 10degrees below the equator inthe western Indian Ocean, thedifferent islands of theComoros, namely Nzwani(Anjouan), Mwali (Moheli)and the Ngazidja (Grande Comoros)have a maritime tropical climate.SA Soldier got the opportunity to gothere and provide media coveragefor the presidential elections in theUnion of the Comoros from 11 to 19May 2006 as part of Operation TRI-TON 4. The elections are held everyfour years, with the office rotatingbetween the three islands.On 11 October 2005 the Governmentof the Union of the Comoros requestedthe African Union (AU) to monitorthe elections in the Comoros. Inresponse to this request the AUestablished an AU Mission toSupport the Elections in the Comoros(AMISEC). This mission was composedof military and civilianofficers.Election Day: Comorians queuing to cast their votes while anSANDF member is on guard.The duties of AMISEC were exclusivelyinternational and its personnelcarried out their duties and conductedthemselves in such a way as topromote the interests of AMISEC.The mandate of AMISEC includedthe following: To create a secure environmentfor the holding of free, fair andtransparent elections in theComoros. To monitor, observe and reporton the situation in the islands tothe Chairperson of theCommission. To ensure that during the electoralprocess the Comorian securityforces, ie the Union of theComoros' security forces andthose of the autonomous islandsand their equipment were confinedto barracks. However,unarmed local police were responsiblefor routine law enforcementnot related to the electoral process.Control mechanisms were establishedto monitor such policeactivities.South Africa as the leading nationunder the authority and control of theAfrican Union sent a considerablenumber of soldiers on this mission. LtCol Oscar Viljoen, the Chief of Staff,said the SANDF had 460 soldiersdeployed on the three islands and anadditional 675 were deployed for fivedays to secure the elections. The ideawas to deploy soldiers at everypolling station, of which there wereabout 550.34• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2007S A S O L D I E RSANDF reached out toMozambique flood victimsArticle and photo by F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana (published in SASoldier: May 2007, page 14)Floodwater from heavy rainfallin Mozambique flowed intoCahora Bassa Dam andcaused it to overflow. To easethe pressure on the dam, thesluice gates had to be opened.The decision to open thesluices resulted in floods in southernMozambique. People in areas such asCaia village were stranded.Most of the people affected by thefloods were those who had built theirhouses on the banks of the ZambeziRiver. The Mozambican Governmentrequested the South AfricanDepartment of Foreign Affairs, andProvincial and Local Government toassist in humanitarian aid provision tothe affected people of Mozambique.The South African aid was neededafter tropical cyclone Favio floodedsome parts of southern Mozambiquein late February 2007.The mission was to speed up the process of deliveringfood, as well as to assess the situation and provideclean water to people in the flooded areas.The resettlement camp of the people on higher ground. Behind it isthe subsiding Zambezi River.It was the second rescue operationsince the big floods in 2000 followedby those of 2004 and 2007, which wasmonitored by the Institute of NationalGovernment for Disaster Management(INGC). The SANDF Joint Task Force,under the command of Col RonnieJonsson, was deployed to assist theaffected people. Its mission was tospeed up the process of deliveringfood, as well as to assess the situationand provide clean water to people inthe flooded areas.Two Oryx helicopters, an Augusta 109helicopter and a Casa 212 transportaircraft from the SA Air Force, andtwo Water Buffel water purificationplants from the SA Army engineersand SANDF personnel were providedto support the mission. Although theWorld Food Programme and theINGC agencies were already busy providingfood, shelter and water to theaffected people, the arrival of the JointTask Force came at the right time whenfood and water were most needed forthe people affected by the floods.The SA Air Force distributed 523,5metric tons of food to the various identifiedresettlement centres by air transportand the engineers provided 2 411000 litres of purified water during theperiod 6 March to 10 April 2007. TheWorld Food Programme had distributedmore than 1 000 metric tons of foodto 120 000 displaced people as of 13February 2007.Col Jonsson told SA Soldier that thetime frame for the mission was tooshort for proper logistical preparation.People previously deployed, such asWO1 Johan Botha, assisted a greatdeal on this mission. As a logisticexpert WO1 Botha made sure that allthe important equipment was loaded.Because of the experience he hadgained from the previous deploymentsbetween Beira and Caia in 2004he knew exactly what to expect.Col Jonsson concluded by saying thatwith supporting personnel and equipmentOperation LITCHI II was successful.Talking to members of the media theRegional Director of INGC, Mr JoseDambira, said that the situationwould be monitored and the datakept for future reference. The informationgathered would be useful whenand if disaster struck again, whichwould improve the handling of suchsituations.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 35

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2007Protecting Human RightsBy Nomonde Vuthela (published inSA Soldier: July 2007, page 18)Photo: Cpl Elias MahumaProviding media coverage onSANDF members deployed atthe Chris Hani BaragwanathHospital, affectionately knownas "Bara" to most SouthAfricans, has got to be one ofmy most intense experiences yet. "Bara"Hospital is the largest hospital in Africawith about 88 patient wards, but theunforeseen and unpredictable publicservice national strike brought the enormousinstitute to a virtual standstill.The wage dispute between the"Government" and "workers" who putdown tools and went on protest marchesmeant that all things stopped moving.Heeding the call to provide damagecontrol the South African MilitaryHealth Service (SAMHS) deployedmost of its members to public hospitalswhere the sick were left in dire straits.The visit of SA Soldier on 19 June 2007to 8 Medical Battalion Unit erectedinside the "Bara" Hospital grounds inresponse to the state of emergency isprobably the closest I will ever come toa scenario overflowing with casualties,like the battlefield makeshift hospitals Ihave seen so often in movies.The Officer Commanding 8 MedicalBattalion, Col Gustave Erlank, told theSA Soldier team that on an average daythe hospital has around 2 000 bedpatients. On the day that we visited, thenumber had dropped to 1 100. "Thematernity ward was the busiest sectionThe unforeseen and unpredictable public servicenational strike brought the largest hospital in Africawith about 88 patient wards, to a virtual standstill.Military Skills Development System (MSDS) members from theSAMHS Training Formation in Pretoria prepare for a day's workbefore leaving the women's sleeping ward.all along," according to the Officer inCharge, who added that the maternityand gynaecology wards were thebiggest in terms of space, volume anddemand, with almost 50 "normal" birthsa day, excluding the caesarean sectionpatients.8 Medical Battalion had already seentwo weeks of deployment by 19 June2007, with a total of 117 staff membersworking two twelve-hour shifts, aroundthe clock. He added: "We are handlingthis as a military operation even thoughwe are giving health support to the hospital.We have an Operations Roomwhere we receive requirements fromthe hospital on what personnel andmedical assistance is needed in thewards."The unit members also transported thedead from the ward to the morgue. ColErlank continued: "Most of the work isconcerned with casualties. There wasalso a big need for the laundry to getdone and a lot of effort was also putinto the kitchens. The medical healthcore function is to look after peopleand to see to it that people's well-beingis taken care of, but we have also gotpsychologists and social workers towork with my members on a dailybasis."36• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2007S A S O L D I E RThe launch of the SADCBRIGADE in LusakaBy Tebogo Dube, Defence TV (publishedin SA Soldier: September2007, page 20)Photo: Mampi Musweu, ZNBC TVThe recent SADC Summit washeld in Lusaka, Zambia, from15 to 17 August 2007. Thehighlight during the Summitwas the launch of the SADCBRIGADE. The SADCBRIGADE was officially launched bythe President of Zambia, Mr LevyPatrick Mwanawasa, in Lusaka on 17August.This brigade forms part of the AfricanStandby Force. The deterioration ofsecurity in Africa led to the formationof the African Standby Force. Africanheads of state realised that the scourgeof conflicts in Africa constituted a majorimpediment to the socio-economicdevelopment of the continent and thatthey needed to promote peace, securityand stability as a prerequisite forAfrica's development and integration.The Policy Framework Document forthe establishment of the AfricanStandby Force was approved by theAfrican heads of state in Addis Ababain July 2004. The launch of the SADCBRIGADE signified that the troopswere to be deployed on the continentwhen needed. The brigade is made upof resources pledged by SADC memberstates according to a standby arrangementand comprises the military, thepolice and a civilian component.The only permanent structure theSADC has is the Planning ElementThe deteriorationof security in Africaled to the formationof the AfricanStandby Force.(PLANELM), which is located atthe SADC Headquarters inGaborone and consists of themilitary, the police and a civiliancomponent. The PLANELM isguided by the SADC Chiefs ofDefence Staff Committee and theCommittee of SADC PoliceChiefs.The Brigade will perform observationand monitoring missions,peace support missions, interventionsfor peace and securityrestoration in grave circumstancesat the request of a memberstate, and prevent thespreading to neighbouring areasor states of conflicts or the resurgenceof violence after agreementshave been reached, asenvisaged in the African Union'sMandate with regard to peaceand security.In his speech at the ceremonyPresident Mwanawasa, who isalso the SADC Chairperson,said: "I wish to commend thehard and laborious work doneby the SADC Organ on Politics,Defence and Security Co-operationfor the realisation of this historicoccasion today". He award-The parade on the day of the launchof the SADC BRIGADE.ed medals to officers who had served in thePLANELM for more than three months.A plaque with the flags of all the SADCmember states was also unveiled at theparade.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 37

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2008Advancing the noble cause of democracyBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:June 2008, page 20)Photo: Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleAs our country took its first stepsin advancing the noble cause ofdemocracy in 1994, the emphasiswas placed on the Reconstruction andDevelopment Programme (RDP) andsocio-economic priorities.As we celebrate unity in buildinga better South Africa, Freedom Daycelebrations in our country mark theculmination of a long and hard wonstruggle that has seen countlessheroes and heroines make the ultimatesacrifice, and living the life ofselflessness for freedom anddemocracy.The Landsdown Stadium in CapeTown was the place to be on 27 April2008 as the SANDF, otherGovernment departments and thepeople of the Western Cape assembledto celebrate the 14th anniversaryof freedom. The theme of the celebrationswas "Business Unusual: AllHands on Deck to Speed up Change".So what does Freedom Day meanto the youth? SA Soldier talked to someyoung people to find out whatFreedom Day really meant to them.Oupa Japhta (23) voiced his opinion asfollows: "As we celebrate the 14thanniversary of our democracy, SouthAfrica has built a sense of nationalunity and Freedom Day highlights theachievement of our Government's inservicedelivery, social goals and thecreation of solidarity in the rainbownation and a better life for all."Bringing festive cheer to our deployed soldiersBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma and PteItumeleng Makhubela (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:November 2008, page 18)Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwanaTMembers of the National Ceremonial Guard lined up to form theGuard of Honour and the SA Army Band Western Cape capturedthe hearts of those present with their soulful repertoire.he SANDF Spouses Forum andMassmart Holdings Limited hosteda breakfast briefing in Pretoriaon 22 August 2008. The aim of theoccasion was to reaffirm and expressappreciation for the SANDF's vitalrole in helping to bring peace to thecontinent. Gen Godfrey Ngwenya,Chief of the SANDF, welcomed theguests and mentioned that theSANDF was the shield of the nationand belonged to the people of SouthAfrica.SA Soldier conversed with MrGraham Rebello, Massmart ChannelExecutive: Massmart HoldingsLimited, who mentioned thatMassmart had adopted the leadingrole in facilitating the building of relationshipsbetween sponsors, valuedsuppliers and the SANDF.Mr Rebello said: "As sponsors wereally appreciate our soldiers'unselfish service, self-giving and supportof their fellow brothers and sisterson our continent and in advancingpeace. We appreciate the SANDF'sworkforce that continues to carry thebaton and flag of peace within ourMr Paul Myeza, Managing Director of Sanlam,receives a certificate from the Chief of theSANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya.borders and beyond on our continent.We hope in some small way that thegesture of receiving the goodwillparcels over the festive period will gosome way to putting a smile on thefaces of our members and their lovedones at home to show that we care forthem."At the Gala evening held at the StGeorge's Hotel in Pretoria, theGoodwill ParcelProject yet againprovided proof ofthe selflessness ofpeople supportingpeace and prosperity.On 12 September2008 high-profilemembers of theSANDF and the privatesector wereinvited to pledgetheir support to thedeployed soldiersas a way of upliftingtheir morale.38• M A Y 2 0 1 1

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E RM A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 39

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2008Multimillion rand facelift andupgrade of AFB WaterkloofBy L Cpl Ally Rakoma (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:December 2008, page 14)Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole“The Air Force will not settle for second best, but perseveredespite our challenges,” Lt Gen Gagiano.On 13 November2008 the Chief ofthe SA Air Force,Lt Gen CarloGagiano, hosteda media briefingat AFB WaterkloofOfficers Mess for membersof the media on the stateof the SA Air Force(SAAF) and to give anupdate of the multimillionrand facelift and upgradeof AFB Waterkloof runways,taxiways and strategicairlift facilities. Thesewill result from the constructionof maintenancehangars for aircraft andspecialised facilities able toaccommodate the SAAF's soon to beacquired A400M heavy lift aircraft.Admitting that the SAAF was facingserious challenges, particularly theretention of skilled personnel, theChief of the SAAF said that internationalsources were scouting theSAAF's expertise. Lt Gen Gagianosaid: "The SAAF cannot competeagainst the large remuneration packagesluring our personnel off to newchallenges. The areas most affectedare flying crew, command and control,air traffic controllers and technicians,specifically in the avionicenvironment."Construction work taking place at AFB Waterkloof.He added that the SAAF and DODneeded to increase contact withGovernment and its stakeholders toexplain to them what the SAAF neededto operate and deliver its mandatein a more cost-effective manner.Regarding the SAAF's plan to consolidateits maintenance facilities with themaintenance staff from Denel Aviation,Lt Gen Gagiano said that a new supportvision had been created withDenel Aviation to achieve specific servicedelivery outcomes.He also mentioned that the SAAF hadmet various aviation authorities,including the South African Airways(SAA) with their pilots, air trafficcontrollers and widespread expertisein the avionic environment in theReserve Force, to see if these couldhelp alleviate the problem.Lt Gen Gagiano concluded: "We willnot settle for second best, but perseveredespite our challenges. Strivingfor air power is after all our goal:that is what airmanship is all about."It is expected that the upgrades willbe completed by the year 2011. Thebriefing was concluded with an aerialtour of AFB Waterkloof, whichwas an eye-opening experience formembers of the media.40• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2009S A S O L D I E RCommander-in-Chief honoursSouth African peacekeepersSouth Africa is a pioneer in peace missions for thesake of securing a better life for all.By Lufuno Netshirembe (an extractof what was published in SA Soldier:November 2009, page 13) Photo: SSgt Lebogang TlhaoleSouth Africa does not live inisolation. If it has to enjoy itshard earned democracy then ithas the responsibility to keepthe African continent stable,politically and economically.Considering that South Africaemphasises the principles of UBUNTU,which is about putting people first, it isnot surprising that South Africa is apioneer in peace missions for the sakeof securing a better life for all in linewith these UBUNTU principles.The SANDF Commander-in-Chief and President of SouthAfrica, Mr Jacob Zuma, wasinvited to attend and to honourour tireless and fearless peacewarriors. The Commander-in-Chief laid a wreath in memoryof those who lost their lives duringpeace missions.In his speech the Commanderin-Chiefcommended the soldiers:"Members on parade, youhave been excellent ambassadorsof our country in the quest forpeace. In difficult circumstancesyou have earned yourselves aplace in the hearts of many".The Commander-in-Chief, PresidentJacob Zuma, awarded WO2 DickShadrack Mkhonto with the Star forBravery Gold Medal for performinggreat deeds of exceptional braveryby putting his life in danger duringMK military operations.The involvement of South Africans inpeace missions has brought hope to disillusionedpeople in the various conflictstricken countries. Peace missionsinclude preventative diplomacy, peacemaking,peacekeeping, peace enforcement,peace building, humanitarianassistance and intervention. TheSANDF has spent a decade participatingin peace missions. To celebrate thisworthy activity by our soldiers on 16October, the SANDF brigade paradeunder the command of Brig Gen AshtonSibango and CWO Joachim Pretoriuswas held in Bloemfontein in honourof our peace "angels". This paradewas held in AFB Bloemspruit and theBloemfontein City Hall. On 15 and 16October the streets surrounding the cityhall were closed from approximately11:00 to 13:30.President Zuma urged the nation toinvest in our National Defence Force."Investing in the SANDF means we areinvesting in the creation of conditionsfor democracy, the strengthening ofdemocracy and defending democracy,"said the President. He indicated thatthe perception that intensifying democracyreduced the security threat wasincorrect; what reduced the threat wasinvesting in the defence of our democraticstate.The members on parade representedall the Services and Divisions of theSANDF that participated in peace missions,and the colour company consistedof Service and Regimental coloursof Services and Units that participatedin peace missions. The mass band comprisedfour service bands under thedirection of Lt Col Matthys Pienaar,Director of Music of the SAAF Band.Two Augusta 109 helicopters from 87Helicopter Flying School based inAFB Bloemspruit performed theflight salute. The SA Army ArtilleryMobilisation Regiment performedthe 21-gun salute under the commandof Maj Frans van Niekerk,while the SA Navy performed precisiondrill.In view of the fact that our countrydoes not live in isolation, its economicdevelopment and security arelinked to Africa's stability. In pursuitof a better life for all the SANDF willcontinue to be deployed on variouspeace missions and thus render political,economic and humanitarian aidto various African states.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s41

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2009Exercise GOLFINHOBy L Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela (anextract of what was published inSA Soldier: October 2009, page 11)Photo: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleExercise GOLFINHO is a multinationalpeacekeeping operationwith over 6 000 participantsfrom different securityforces and support elements.This unique approach topeace support missions has taken theSouthern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) region by stormthrough its complexity and execution.The SADC Standby Force was establishedas agreed upon by the AfricanUnion timeline of 2010 with the aim ofparticipating in peace support missions.Its main objective was to prepareelements of the SADC StandbyForce for a multidimensional peacesupport operation in line with theAfrican Union (AU) standby forceroad map.Briefing the media about ExerciseGOLFINHO, Brig Gen LawrenceSmith, the Force Commander, saidthey had selected scenario six of theprescribed AU training structure, anintervention that posed difficulties interms of interoperability. He describedit as a way of testing impossibilities byputting together people of differentgroupings and backgrounds. The compositionof the SADC Standby Forceconsisted of the Mission Headquarters,a civilian component, a police componentand the military component thatmade an immense contribution by providingpersonnel.Exercise GOLFINHO was structuredin three phases. The first was theIt is a multinational peacekeeping operation withparticipants from different security forces andsupport elements.MAPEX, which was the initialpart of the exercise and entailedmapping and operational planning.This was followed by theCPX command post exercise,and lastly the training exerciseFTX, a month-long field trainingexercise at the SA ArmyTraining Combat Centre inLohatlha that took place from 1to 28 September 2009. Thisinvolved the execution part ofthe exercise and mobilisedforces in member states. It alsocomprised intervention by airborneforces and marrying updrills by integrating SADCstates and their different forces.Brig Gen Smith said each componenthad a sector commanderto oversee its engagementand successfully interactedwith other components despiteminor obstacles. Of the 15countries that form the SADC,only three: Mauritius,Seychelles and Madagascarwere non-participants in theexercise. Each SADC state hadto provide for their own forces. TheNaval Joint Maritime Task Force atWalvis Bay in Namibia also ran anexercise concurrently with the one inLohatlha.A simulated hostile take-over of rebelmilitants on armaments vehicles wasstaged during a demonstration. TheSoldiers lowering flags during thedecommissioning parade.scene depicted how a well-integratedSADC force would handle such incidents.The objective of the exercisewas to test the interoperability andcompatibility of the mission components.Unlike the military and policecomponents, the civilian componenthad to provide assistance in humanitarianrelief operation.42• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2009S A S O L D I E RDefence TV wins top awardat international film festivalDefence TV, is responsiblefor all audio-visualcommunication withinthe Department ofDefence.By Col Robert Zeelie, DefenceAttaché Rome, Italy (an extract ofwhat was published in SA Soldier:December 2009, page 32)Photo: WO2 Riaan van ZylLike most other defence forcesacross the globe, the SouthAfrican National Defence Force(SANDF) has its own televisionunit. This section, Defence TV, isresponsible for all audio-visualcommunication within theDepartment of Defence (DOD). Andlike its counterparts from all over theworld this section sometimes enterssome of its work for the InternationalMilitary Film Festival, namely "Esercitie Popoli", which is hosted annually inNovember in Italy.Defence TV has been participating inthis festival since 2001 and had previouslywon two awards in this competition.This year Defence TV entered twodocumentaries in two different categoriesin the competition.It once again stood its ground on foreignsoil by winning first prize in thecategory "Military Operations,Safeguard of Peace and HumanRights", a much-coveted award, sincethe competition is especially tough inthis category, which focuses on thepeacetime role of defence forces all overthe world. This year, the 20thThe Defence TV crew - "Eye of the Forces" - fltr: Mr John Adler,Ms Cindy Ludick, Mr Tebogo Dube, Mr Ronnet Kgaphola, Mr EnockMkhwanazi, Mr Pule Tsoai, Mr Bongani Khuzwayo. In front: MrKarel van der Merwe, freelance writer and producer.International Military Film Festival onceagain took place in Bracciano, Italy. Thispicturesque little town is located on theshores of Lake Bracciano. As always,the festival offered a platform for thevarious armed forces to showcase theirrole and function in present-day society.The main categories of the competitionwere well represented in the followingareas: institutional information, history,training, environmental protection, promotion,teaching and operational activities.Special emphasis was placed onrecent and relevant themes, such ashumanitarian and peacekeeping missions,first aid support in case of naturaldisasters and the fight against terrorism.Freelance producer, Mr Karel van derMerwe, an ex-SANDF member himselfwith 17 years' experience in militaryfilm production, directed Advocates ofAfrican Peace, the award-winning documentary,for the SANDF. This documentarytakes an in-depth look at thevarious peacekeeping missions that theSANDF has been involved in duringthe past ten years.The documentary is dedicated to theSANDF's ten-year involvement ininternational peace missions. The 1 200guests who attended the luncheon inthe Bloemfontein City Hall that formedpart of the official ten-year celebrationson 16 October, viewed the premiereduring this event. The Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF, President JacobZuma, the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,and various other high-profile stakeholderswere among the guests whoviewed this documentary.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s43

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2010DOD closes gapson service deliveryBy L Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela (anextract of what was published in SASoldier: May 2010, page 16)Photos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Department of Defence, inconjunction with theDepartment of Public Works,has completed the constructionof three bridges in theEastern Cape villages ofLefukufuku near Tsomo, Ntafufu atPort St Johns and Daluhlanga nearMount Ayliff. 16 March 2010 saw theopening of the newly constructedbridges by the Deputy Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans, MrThabang Makwetla, accompanied bythe Minister of Public Works, Mr GeoffDoidge, and the MEC of Roads andTransport in the Eastern Cape, MsPemmy Majodina. Mr Makwetla indicatedthat this project was a pilot projectfor the SANDF aimed at testingthe capacity and capability to lendassistance to other government departmentsin support of the people.The SANDF aimed at testing the capacity and capabilityto lend assistance to other government departmentsin support of the people.the expertise, manpower andequipment for the constructionof the bridges.The MEC of Roads andTransport in the Eastern Capeexpressed her gratitude to allthe stakeholders that hadworked together to realise thegoal. Along with the ministers,she affirmed that this wouldnot end here, but would beextended to other areas in need.Soldiers from 1 ConstructionRegiment busy at work constructinga bridge.He further stated that this interventionby the DOD came after a request bythe Department of Public Works toassist following concerns expressed bythe communities in these areas thatduring floods they would be cut offrom services and children would beunable to go to school.Many municipalities in these ruralareas do not have sufficient funds andexpertise to provide services to thesecommunities, which has led to a hugebacklog in the delivery of services. TheDOD intervention was the provision ofJubilant learners crossing the bridge over the Daluhlanga River.44• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2010Operation LITCHI 10 years down the lineBy Kgabo Mashamaite (an extractof what was published in SASoldier: June 2010, page 16)Photo: Sgt Elias MahumaRosita Mabuiango (10) and hermother, Ms Sofia Chiure, werethe guests of honour at theMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans' budget vote on 4 May 2010in Parliament, Cape Town, whereMinister Lindiwe Sisulu announcedthat the SANDF had formally adoptedRosita, and would be contributingtowards her educational costs andother costs related to her upbringing.On 1 March 2000 the villagers inGaza Province in Mozambique wokeup to a flood that endangered notonly their village, but also other nearbyvillages as well. Torrential rainhad resulted in the river overflowingits banks and inundating the surroundingarea.Owing to a lack of capacity andresources to rescue stranded villagers,Mozambique requested humanitarianassistance from the South AfricanGovernment. The rescue mission,called Operation LITCHI, was undertakenin response to this request.The decision to send SANDFmembers to the distressed villages inGaza Province had a positive impacton the people being evacuated fromthe deadly floods. When this missionwas broadcast and published on internationalmedia the world witnessedthe bravery, humanity and empathythat the SANDF had for the less fortunatein times of difficulty. An Oryxhelicopter of the SA Air Force, one ofthe four deployed on the OperationLITCHI rescue mission, was seen hoveringover a tree to rescue a newbornbaby and her mother.That tiny little bundle is today aS A S O L D I E RThe family met withthe 2000 rescue team members: Lt Col(Ret) Jaco Klopper (Task ForceMission Commander), Capt (Ret)Chris Berlyn (Pilot) and WO2Tshifiwa Nengovhela (a SAMHSMedic) for the first time on 4 May2010. The occasion was televised duringthe annual Defence budget vote.The other members who participatedin the rescue mission were Lt (Ret)Dave Talbot (Co-pilot), Sgt (Ret)Neville Jeanes (Flight Engineer) andSgt (Ret) Stuart Buck (RescuePersonnel) who were not present.SA Air Force boasts first female Gripen pilotBy Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela (anextract of what was published in SASoldier: November 2010, page 17)Photo: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe SA Air Force can boast of havingproduced the first femaleGripen fighter jet pilot in the world- Maj Catherine Labuschagne.With over 12 years of service in theSA Air Force Maj Labuschagne hasapproximately 1 900 flying hours to hercredit of which 1 000 are in militaryjets. "This is fantastic for me, and I amexcited," remarked Maj Labuschagne."It's amazing what you can do with theaircraft, but you need to be persistentand work hard."In 2004, after joining 85 CombatFlying School in Hoedspruit, MajLabuschagne had an opportunity tobecome the first female fighter pilot inFltr: WO2 Tshifiwa Nengovhela (a SAMHSMedic), Rosita Mabuiango (10-year-old),Ms Lindiwe Sisulu (Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans), and Lt Gen CarloGagiano (Chief of the SA Air Force) duringthe 2010 Minister's Budget Vote.the world to fly in the backseat of the Swedish builtGripen fighter jet at theopening of the AfricanAerospace and DefenceExhibition. In 2010 she nowflies solo in a Gripen.Three male Gripen fighterpilots qualified with MajLabuschagne at Air ForceBase Makhado. The four ofthem completed their OperationalConversion Coursein which they flew solo inGripens on 7 October 2010.Maj Labuschagne, MajLance Mathebula, Lt KevinChetty and Lt Col Gys vander Walt will form a pool offighter pilots who havepaved the way for up-andcomingaviators.bright 10 year-old, RositaMabuiango, whose 33-year-old mother, MsSofia Chiure, made headlinesafter giving birth ina tree during the rangingfloods.During the announcementin her budget vote,Minister Sisulu said thatRosita represented somethinguniquely goodabout the SANDF,including its humanity,bravery, skilful techniquesand the valuesinculcated in the membersof the SANDF.Maj Catherine Labuschagne is the firstfemale Gripen fighter jet pilot in theworld.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s 45

S A S O L D I E Rstories from 2010The SANDF returnsto border controlThe SANDF is currentlyfinalising an operationalplan to ensure that iteffectively secures theborders.By Manelisi K. Ndaba, DCC:Specialist writer (an extract of whatwas published in SA Soldier: June2010, page 18)Photo: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe SANDF recently returnedto safeguard the country's borders,and the general publichas received the return of theSANDF to borderline control,known as Operation CORO-NA, positively, particularly the communitiesclosest to these borders. Thiswas evident during the PortfolioCommittee on Defence's visit duringwhich they wanted to examine theconditions under which the SANDFwas redeploying on South Africa'sborders.Led by the Chairperson, MrMnyamezeli Shedrack Booi, thePortfolio Committee took road tripsalong the borders at Zimbabwe-Musina (Limpopo), Mozambique-Macadamia (Mpumalanga), andMozambique-Muzi (KwaZulu-Natal).During the road trips it became clearthat the decision to return responsibilityfor borderline control to the SANDFwas of crucial importance and necessaryfor national security.The Portfolio Committee membersSouth African soldiers patrolling the borderline fence betweenSouth Africa and Zimbabwe in the Musina area.were confronted by the challenges thatlay ahead in the SANDF's return toborderline control. The facilitiesaround the borders are in a dire state.The fence is currently riddled withholes as a result of forced entry by illegalimmigrants. Deployment quartersin some areas need to be renovated,and the limited amount of patrolequipment is another area of concernfor the SANDF as it resumes this duty.The Portfolio Committee on Defencewas joined by the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, on the second day. Ms Sisulureiterated: "This is a major programme.The infrastructure is not thebest it can be, the fence is not in agood state, we have over 2 000 km ofborders to look after and that requiresboth financial technology and humanresources, but we are up to the taskand I am confident that many SouthAfricans are happy that their troopsare back on the border."The SANDF is currently finalising anoperational plan to ensure that iteffectively secures the borders. Thisplan will be rolled out in phases dueto budgetary constraints.46• M A Y 2 0 1 1

stories from 2010S A S O L D I E RSA Air Force welcomesinternational leadersFeel it, it is here! As ahost country, we had tobe prepared to accommodateour visitors andsafeguard our stadiums.By Cpl Tebogo Kekana, Ad Astra (anextract of what was published in SASoldier: July 2010, page 18)Photo: WO2 David NomtshongwanaFourteen African heads of stateand other foreign dignitaries,including the Secretary-General of the United Nations,Mr Ban Ki-moon, arrived atAir Force Base Waterkloof inPretoria between 10 and 13 June 2010.The key aim of their visit was to attendthe opening ceremony of the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup held at Soccer City Stadiumin Johannesburg. The ChiefAdministrator of the United Nationswas welcomed at the air force base bythe Deputy Director General of theDepartment of International Relationsand Co-operation, Ambassador SontoKudjoe.Ambassador Kudjoe said: "Feel it, it ishere! As a host country, we had to beprepared to accommodate our visitorsand safeguard our stadiums. TheSANDF has done well and I amimpressed with the Waterkloof militarybase. South Africa has indeed set agood example for the rest of the continent."The base is home to transport aircraft,The President of Congo Brazzaville, Mr Dennis Sassou-Nguesso,at Air Force Base Waterkloof on 10 June 2010. He is accompaniedby Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, the Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans.and is at present hosting two types offighter aircraft of Air Force BaseMakhado, namely the Gripen and theHawk. The two squadrons flew in tobe centrally positioned during theFIFA World Cup. The base will beused for both air transport and airdefence over this period.The SA Air Force will safeguard stadiumsand airspace in support of thePolice, the Department of Agricultureand the South African RevenueServices during this history-makingevent. The Government has given itthe mandate to ensure the safest andmost memorable FIFA World Cupever.The Officer Commanding Air ForceBase Waterkloof, Brig Gen TebogoMadumane, said he was proud to beentrusted with the task and directlyinvolved in making the World Cup asuccess. He proudly told Ad Astrathat he was glad to be alive at a timelike this, because it might neverhappen again.M A Y 2 0 1 1 • s47