letters to the editor - Department of Defence

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