letters to the editor - Department of Defence

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