sa soldiersa soldier - minister of defence and … you look forward to reliving the past, as we...

SA SOLDIERSA SOLDIERThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence

From the Editor's desk

Gunner Masango laid to rest with full military honours

Lettersto the Editor

News fromabroad

National Rural Youth Service Corps

Human-centredness of SA and Botswana

SANDF evacuates South Africans from Libya

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16 Four in one change of command parade

Facilitating leadership dialogues

SA Special Forces recruits in Kuruman

Develop your employability skills

Official opening of the submarine museum

Athlete aims for a Comrades green number

SANDF assists in the Midmar Mile

Be a fit soldier walk for fitness

Soldier crowned with glory

Defence in peacetime - a force for good

SADC Naval Chiefs reconvene in Namibia

RSA/Royal Thai intensify military relations

Accelerating value addition for a vital constituency

Allegiance to the cause of the SANDF and SA

Awarding contributors towards members with disabilities

Unveiling the aviation industry via text and photos

Capability development in the SANDF

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: [email protected]: www.dod.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Mr Kgabo Mashamaite S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaCpl Ally Rakoma Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela

CONTRIBUTIONS: Although all possible care is takenwith articles, the editorial staff cannot take any responsibility forlost articles and photographs.

REPRODUCTION, PRINTING &DISTRIBUTION:Shereno Printers10 Atlas Road Dunswart, Boksburg Tel: (011) 894 4150Fax: (011) 894 4153email: [email protected]

Text Editor: Mr Eugene Muller

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Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. Visser Cpln M.P.K. MasemolaCol S.A. Motswadira

Col M.E. PhekoCol S.P. ZeemanCdr C.E. KhumaloLt Col R. LeburuMs N. Pienaar

Lt S.E. Segone Mr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)

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www.dod.mil.za

www.dod.mil.za

2005 - Winner of the Government Communicator of the Year Award (GCIS).2005 - Winner of the National Ubungcweti Award (GCIS).

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SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not neces-sarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance andpublication of advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not con-stitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services thereindescribed. The DOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims madein advertisements.

COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced withoutthe written consent of the Editor.

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A P R I L 2 0 1 1 S A S O L D I E R

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa, visit our website at: www.dod.mil.za

FRONT COVER: Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, Chief of Human Resources, with Ms Selina Hlakane (30) from Sedibeng District, Gauteng, who had undergone training in self-discipline and patriotism. Read all about the National Rural Youth Service Corps on pages 12 to 13. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

ABOVE: Ms Hester Merritt receives a token of appreciation from Maj Gen KeithMokoape, SA Army Foundation General Manager, for her participation and successful finishing of three Comrades Marathons. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)

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From the Editor's desk

his April edition of SA Soldier is packedwith a variety of articles ranging from ser-vice delivery to millions of South Africansliving in rural areas (read the article on thebuilding of bridges on pages 16 and 17) tothe positive attitude change of Departmentof Defence members towards their col-

leagues with disabilities (pages 22 and 23).

On pages 36 and 37 you can read about the importanceof your employability skills and how to develop them.These are critical tools and traits one needs to succeedin the workplace.

Our sport-lovers will enjoy this month's edition thatoverruns with articles on sport. We start off with anathlete who is aiming for her Comrades green number(page 39). This is followed by a husband and wife whodominate in combat rifle shooting (page 40). On page42 you can read about the SANDF 21.1 kmChampionships, which 285 athletes finished. Then it istime to read about the world's largest open waterswimming competition - South Africa's Midmar Mile,including the assistance that the SANDF rendered tothe swimmers (page 43). Let your fingers do the walk-ing to pages 44 and 45 and read about the topendurance-walking event in South Africa - the Dias Endurance Walk …

During April we have many public holidays to cele-brate, starting with Good Friday on 22 April, followedby Family Day on 25 April and Freedom Day on 27April. Let us commemorate these days in the spirit they deserve.

Next month SA Soldier will be celebrating its 10thbirthday. In celebrating a decade of informing you, ourreaders, about military affairs we shall dedicate theMay edition to the highlights of the past ten years. Wehope you look forward to reliving the past, as we shallenjoy compiling the Special Birthday Edition for you.

Until then - happy reading!

Nelda PienaarEditor

Thlelo lwalo Aprili lwamajoni oMzantsi Afrika luzaliswe zintlobo ngentlobozamanqaku, uluhlu ukusuka kunikezelo lwenkonzo kwinkulungwane zabe-mi boMzantsi Afrika abahlala emaphandleni (kwilali ezikude nedolophu)(funda inqaku elingokwakhiwa kwebholoro kwiphepha leshumi eline-sithandathu nakweleshumi elinesixhenxe), ukuya kutshitsho nokubanomoya wokuziphatha kakuhle kwamalungu eSebe lezoKhuselo kumanyeamalungu elisebe aneziphako zomzimba (iphepha lamashumi amabini anesi-bini nelamashumi amabini anesithathu).

Kwiphepha lamashumi amathathu anesithandathu nakwelamashumi amathathu anesix-henxe ungafunda ngokubaluleka kobuchule bokuqesheka kwakho nokuba ungaziphuhlisanjani. Ezi zizixhobo ezinzima nezimo ezimbini ekufuneka umntu eziphumelele kwinda-wo asebenza kuyo.

Abathandi bezemidlalo bethu bazakukonwabela uhlelo lwale nyanga olugqithisa inqakungezemidlalo. Siqala ngembaleki enenjongo ye Combrades green number yayo (iphephalamashumi amathathu anethoba). Oku kulandelwa ngumyeni nenkosikazi yakhe ababal-asele kwimilo yabantu ababini ngokudubula ngemipu (Combat rifle shooting) (iphephalamashumi amane). Kwiphepha lamashumi amane anesibini ungafunda malunganobuntshatsheli be SANDF obumgama ongama 21.1 ekhilomitha (21.1 km), apho imbale-ki ezingamakhulu amabini namashumi asibhozo anesihlanu (285) zithe zawubalekazawugqiba lo mgama. Futhi lixesha lokufunda ngokhuphiswano lomhlaba olukhululokuqubha emanzini akwindawo evulekileyo i (South Africa's Midmar Mile), kuqukauncedo ethe iSANDF yalunikezela kwiindadi (iphepha lamashumi amane anesithathu).Tyhila kwiphepha lamashumi amane anesine nakwelamashumi amane anasihlanuufunde ngesiganeko sonyamezelo lohambo oluphezulu eMzantsi Afrika (The DiasEndurance Walk) …

Ngo Aprili zininzi imini zokuphumla esizakuthi sizibhiyozele ukuqala kulweSihlanuwePasika (Good Friday) ngomhla wamashumi amabini anesibini ku Aprili, kulandeleimini yosapho (Family Day) ngomhla wamashumi amabini anesihlanu ku Aprili, kubesekugqibela imini yenkululeko (Freedom Day) ngomhla wamashumi amabini anesix-henxe ku Aprili. Masizikhumbule ezi mini ngomoya ozifaneleyo.

Kwinyanga ezayo I SA Soldier izakube ibhiyozela ishumi leminyaka izelwe. Ukubhiyozelaishumi leminyaka lokunika ulwazi kubafundi bethu malunga nemicimbi yomkhosiokanye yamajoni sizakunikezela ihlelo lenyanga ka Meyi kumagqabantshintshi eminyakaelishumi edlulileyo. Siyathemba ukuba nijonge phambili ukufumanisa izinto zexeshaeladlulayo, njengoko sizanwabela ukukudibanisela ihlelo elikhethekileyo lokuzalwa.

De kube ngoko - kha wonwabele ukufunda!

Nelda PienaarUMhleli

* Translation (isiXhosa) by Ms N. Radebe.

Ezivela kwidesikaloMhleli

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Gunner Masango laid to rest with full militaryhonoursArticle and photo by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

n 22 February 2011 thenation learnt with greatshock and sadness of thesudden passing of GunnerJabulani David Masango, amember from 10 AirDefence Artillery. The

SANDF, friends and family mournedthe falling of a warrior who hadpassed away under tragic circum-stances following a parachute accidentduring Exercise YOUNG EAGLE, aforce preparation and combat-readyexercise to enhance the capabilities ofairborne forces.

On 5 March 2011 the late GunnerMasango was laid to rest with full mil-itary honours. The service was con-

Oducted at the Emmaus CommunityCentre and he was laid to rest in theNigel Cemetery. He was given ahero's send-off in a colourful militaryfuneral that turned the township ofDuduza in the East Rand into a hive ofactivity.

Family, relatives, childhoodfriends and colleagues who workedwith Gunner Masango attested to thefact that South Africa had lost one ofits greatest assets, an airborne soldier.They described him as one who lovedlife and they celebrated the gentle andhumorous person he was.

Maj Gen Roy Andersen, Chief ofDefence Reserves and General of theGunners, recognised the commitmentof Gunner Masango to serve throughhis selfless dedication to the safety ofthe Republic and the continent, and

Members from 10 Air Defence Artillery paying their last respects to the lateGunner Jabulani David Masango.

his dedication, loyalty and determi-nation to protect vulnerable and inse-cure people. His name will be addedto the Gunner's Memorial Site inPotchefstroom and will be unveiledlater this year during the nationalannual Gunners' Memorial Service,to which his family will be invited.

His coffin was draped with theNational Flag. The significance of thisduring military funerals is to denotethat the deceased has died in the ser-vice of his country. The last postsounded at the cemetery was the"Nunc dimittis" of the deceased. Thehigh note on which it ended wasdesigned to express hope and expec-tation, and this is emphasised, after apause during the Reveille, whichanticipates the resurrection.

The SANDF conducted the funer-al in a sensitive, but militarily correctway. The service was to support andcomfort the family, relatives andfriends of Gunner Masango, whiletaking the military customs and prac-tices into consideration. A militaryfuneral is a specially orchestratedfuneral given by a country's militaryfor a soldier.

Gunner Masango paid the highestsacrifice for his country. He was aproud and fully-fledged member ofthe parachute battalion. He servedhis country and nation with prideand distinction and conducted him-self at all times in the way required ofa paratrooper. He believed in him-self, in his unit and his country andabove all he believed in God (quotefrom the Code of Honour of the para-troopers).

Gunner Jabulani David Masangois survived by his father, Mr BonganiMasango, three sisters and a brother.

Lala ngoxolo Dumako, PhondoLubomvu (May his soul rest in peace).

letters to the editor


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Winning letter

R200-00 prize for the best letterSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to be pub-lished, and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or space limita-tions. Letters should preferably be typewritten and double-spaced. All letters mustinclude the writer's full name, address and home telephone number. The volume ofletters we receive makes individual acknowledgement impossible. Please sendyour letters to: The Editor, SA SOLDIER Letters, Private Bag X158, Pretoria, 0001.Letters may also be faxed to (012) 355-6399 or sent via email to [email protected] would like to hear your comments or ideas, particularly about matters affectingmembers of the Department of Defence. Regrettably, anonymous letters cannot beanswered officially or published - Editor.

EXERCISE STIRRING THE WATERSMany people have asked themselveswhy had they gained so much weightand why they felt so unhealthy. It ismost likely because they have not beenexercising.

I would like to refer to exercise asstirring the water because our bodies areapproximately two-thirds water. Thinkof what happens when water sits for along time in a puddle or pond. It even-tually gets covered with slime and gunkand breeds diseases and becomes toxic.Think of those green, algae coveredponds you see in the country. That pro-cess is similar to what is going on inmany people's bodies. On the otherhand, water moves. Life thrives.Running water is usually fresh water.Rivers and waterfalls are beautiful andinviting-alive. That's a perfect picture ofwhat exercise does. It refreshes yourbody and clears it of toxins and cellulargarbage, sharpens your mind and gives

you strength and energy.Consider again that your body is

mostly water. There are many referencesin the Bible that associate flowing waterwith life and healing. The gospel of Johntells us about the crippled people whowaited at the pool of Bethesda becausethey believed an angel would occasional-ly stir the waters, healing whoever gotinto the pool at that moment. To them themovement of water symbolised life (SeeJohn 5:2-7).

When water moves, things grow andthrive. On the other hand, dead thingsare commonly associated with stagnantbodies of water. It is time to take yourhealth into your own hands and stir thewaters of life with exercise.

Do not park your body; your bodywas designed to move. It needs water,rest, food and exercise; eventually youmay ruin your engine. Many peoplethese days are sick because they have not

stirred their waters with movement andaction. They become cesspools of dis-ease due to stagnation. Soon they willget to the point where they cannot exer-cise because their bodies are brokendown with heart disease, arthritis andother degenerative diseases. "Stirringthe waters" with exercise has manypowerful effects on one's health.

Benefits of regular exercise: adecrease risk of heart disease, stroke andhypertension. It helps to prevent Type2diabetes, osteoporosis, arthritis, colds,flu and certain types of cancer. It helpsmaintain healthy bones and joints, slowsdown the overall aging process and pro-motes restful sleep. It improves themood and reduces symptoms of anxietyand depression. And benefits you prob-ably already know about are that it pro-motes weight loss and decreasesappetite. Lt H. Meyer, SA Irish Regiment

EMPLOYMENT FOR FORMER MSDS MEMBERSEach year a number of Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) membersdo not receive contracts from the DODand must clear out at the end of their con-tract. These members are the earmarkedto join the Reserve Force to rejuvenateour Reserve Force. Most of these youngpeople will be unemployed with only alimited chance of finding employment.

The DOD wants to prevent this situa-tion and endeavours to find sustainableemployment as far as possible. It is one ofthe objectives of Directorate HumanResource Separation to seek employmentfor these members in the private andpublic sector.

Such an opportunity arose with theupgrading of roads in Gauteng. Theupgrading of the roads includes theimplementation of an electronic toll collec-tion (ETC) system on some of the mainroads in the province. Director HRSeparation approached Omega PeopleSolution who is responsible for recruitingmembers for the project on behalf of ETCin an effort to secure some of these posi-tions for MSDS members who have exitthe DOD.

From November 2010 until January2011, Director HR Separation co-ordinat-ed the selection and interviewing processof 581 MSDS members who were not

offered Core Services System (CSS) con-tracts. The selection process and inter-views were conducted by ETC all overthe country.

Of these members who participatedin the selection process 128 met therequirement profile for employment inthe ETC project as control room opera-tors, supervisors and traffic control offi-cials. These members reported to theirnew employer on 14 January 2011 tocommence with their training. Brig GenB. Leslie, Director HR Separation

OBTAIN AMILITARY DRIVINGLICENCEI want to give some advice to all theMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) members of 2010. This is the timeto get your military driving licencebecause it is going to help you in caseyou do not get a contract. A drivinglicence is vital since our SANDF does notgive all of us contracts. It will help you inyour next career. It is going to be yourPlan B, if Plan A fails. Justy Tacakgale,Artillery Mobile Regiment


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A PRIDE OF LIONSA pride consisting of a lion, lioness andfour cubs on a cloudy autumn afternoonwere in a remote area without a tree orother animal in sight. In other words thepride was looking for a new home. Theenvironment seemed unknown to thepride, as the father was cautious butalert, with a view to securing the areaahead. In this scenario the male portraysthe old ways of human culture in whichthe father is the one who protects thefamily. By walking in front, the maledisplays strength and courage. If lionscould speak, the male would say: "Ifanything should happen to my family,they'll have to go through me first".

The lioness is known for her protec-

tiveness iro her cubs. She walks withthem with pride and the knowledge thatshe is in charge of them. She is facing thefuture, not only hers, but that of her fam-ily. With the knowledge that the cubs arebeside her and her mate (male) is protect-ing them she embarks on the journey,ready to take on any challenge.

The two cubs, one to the left and oneto the right of the lioness, are not onlyembarking on the journey to be protectedby their father, but they are also con-tributing by protecting their mother.Small, yet full of courage, the cubs displaythe characteristics of manhood.

The cub behind the father to the left ofhim displays the character of a lioness.

She moves gently and is focused onwhat is ahead. The second cub appearsto be playful as its tail is raised. It dis-plays the characteristics of a child by itsplayful behaviour; therefore it might bethe youngest of them all. It appears to bemore attracted to its father than to itsmother. It could be a male, and clearly itwants to be like its father.

The pride of lions is like a humanfamily, focused not only on the present,but on the future, which seems excitingfor the kids, challenging for the mother,while for the father there is the necessityto protect his family. Pte I.T. Mamapule, Army Support Base Kimberley

DISCUSSING MORALS AND VALUESFrom 18 to 21 January 2011 MilitarySkills Development System (MSDS)recruits of 1 Special Service Battalionwere blessed with a visit fromChaplains Mokobe, Mandleleni andVan Rooyen, who taught the recruitshow to combat HIV and AIDS throughspiritual and ethical conduct (CHATSEC).

For the duration of this programme,recruits were taught and sensitisedabout various issues that they mighthave came across in their lives, whethergood or bad. They were also taughtvarious ethical ways to approach prob-lems they might have come across in

their everyday lives, whether as soldiersor civilians. The recruits participated inrole-playing and group discussionsabout morals and values, the steps ofdecision-making, self-esteem, positive-ness when encountering challenges,"river of life", responsibility and discipline.

During the programme the recruitsdemonstrated an increased understand-ing and awareness of the importance oftheir own and universal ethical values.They demonstrated, among others, anincrease in knowledge, understandingand the application of ethical decision-making.

"It was found that with simulation(role-play) regarding assertiveness,recruits managed to interact with eachother about the matter (scenario) athand, and showed an understanding ofthe course outcomes, as different emo-tions were exchanged and conveyedwithout any criticism" (an extractionfrom Chaplain Mokobe's report).

The CHATSEC concluded with acandle lighting ceremony, which washeld at 1 Special Service Battalion FilmHall. CO Bongani Mkhwanazi, TroopCommander, B Squadron, 1 SpecialService Battalion

Just a few lines to share my interestinghobby with your readers. I started col-lecting militaria 25 years ago. I have 42uniforms of retired and deceased mili-tary officers and a WO1 of the SANDF -I have Army, Air Force, Medical Corps,Navy and SAPS Commissioners'uniforms. I have the uniforms of twoprevious Chiefs of the Defence Force. Ialso have the collar tab (gorget) of thelate Gen Dan Pienaar (of El Alameinfame).

I enclose a copy of a telegram sentfrom Lt Gen (Sir) Pierre van Ryneveld,Chief of the General Staff, to Maj GenEvered Poole, and (GOC 6th SAArmoured Division in Italy, dated20/04/43).

It reads: Personal"To remind you of my previous injunc-

tion - Think only of being a good soldier. Donot bother about anything else."

This ought to be the first thought anddesire of every man and woman as theyget out of bed each morning. I was amember of 1 SSB in 1972 (NationalService) and thereafter 1st Light HorseRegiment and am now a member of theSouth African Armour Association.

All success with your magazine.Danny Fourie, email

* You really have a passion for your hobby… Enjoy it! Unfortunately the quality of thescanned version of the telegram received wastoo poor for publication purposes - Ed.

WORLD WAR II TELEGRAMAfrica my home, Africa my land You are the beat of my heartbeat Africa!You are my life

Africa! The land of my forefathers The land of prosperity Oh, my beautiful land Africa my home

Listen to the song The song of African bird Arise and shine Africa And let the world see your splendour

Africa my home Africa my land The land of my forefathers. T.J. Mathavhana, Pretoria

AFRICA MY HOME

letters to the editor


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ETHICS IN THE WORKPLACEI am writing this letter as I haveexperienced of unethical behaviouron the part of one member in ourunit. It is not that I have a problemwith the individual concerned, but Iam just trying to highlight some-thing that will prevent unpleasant-ness in our working environment.We tend to forget that when workingwith people we need to be profes-sional and behave ethically.

I want to address ethicalbehaviour in our workplace becausethis situation is quite disturbing.People should know how to workwith clients. It is important to knowthat in your daily routine you will beconfronted by different kinds of cus-tomers and it's your call to knowhow to deal with them. Therefore, inshort, ethics indicates to us what isright or wrong and it determines ourattitude towards work, which wecall work ethics.

Work ethics addresses the broadprinciple of what is considered to beright or wrong, desirable or unac-

ceptable behaviour in the workplaceand interaction with key stakehold-ers. It defines these sets of behavioursand actively communicates them toemployees, new recruits, clients andothers who have an interest in theway one performs.

If you ask big companies ororganisations why they struggle tosurvive, the answer often lies in a pro-found lack of ethics. Remember, atthe heart of work ethics residesintegrity, which means accepting fullresponsibility, communicating clear-ly, and actively avoiding hiddenagendas. It is your duty and responsi-bility as an office worker to help,when asked for help.

Although I say it is not really pos-sible to teach someone to be ethical inhis dealings with the public, work-place ethics training can contributesto successful discussion or even aseminar on the subject of work ethics.Ethical behaviour will help create abetter customer service for yourclient. Cpl S.E. Dlangana, 2 SAI Bn

TEACH ME DISCIPLINEI thought I was born inside itI thought I was grown upI thought there was no need

What is disciplineEvery individual has itWhat is the use to be taught about disciplineWhile I have it from birth

I know how to greet with respectI know how to talk to the elders with respectI know how to shake hands with respectI know how to respond with respect

I was born in the days of apartheidI was born when the days were toughI was born when respect was not importantWhen respect could not open doors for you

Someone must teach me disciplineNot by reading or writingnot by singing or talkingBut by actions

To be disciplined means you must respect yourselfAnd then the person next to youYou must know how to rectify mistakesAnd also allow people to rectify you

Learn to love so that you can be lovedLearn to respect so that someone can respect youLearn to smile then someone will smile backIf you do not do this, who is going to do it for you

A disciplined human being is respected by alla disciplined leader is loved by allDisciplined parents are loved by their childrenA disciplined soldier is respected by people. Pte Mapea Maria Mmaphefo, 1 SAI Bn

NEW OFFICER COMMANDING FORMPUMALANGA SIGNAL UNIT

Maj Barend Pretorius, the newly appointedOfficer Commanding Mpumalanga SignalUnit, and his grandfather, Mr FortuniTrossello, who fought in World War II in Italy.

On 11 February 2011 MajBarend Pretorius official-ly accepted command ofMpumalanga SignalUnit. The unit had beenwithout an OfficerCommanding for twoand a half years, and dur-ing this period LtNatasha Diedericks actedas Officer Commanding.

The Appointment ofCommand Parade wasattended by Officers Com-manding of signal units from allprovinces, including the OfficerCommanding of 2 SignalRegiment, Col Loy de Jager.Col De Jager officially hand-ed over the command ofMpumalanga Signal Unit to MajPretorius.

Also attending the paradewere the parents of MajPretorius and his grandfather,

Mr Fortuni Trossello, who fought inWorld War II in Italy.

In his address Col De Jager said thathe was confident that Maj Pretoriuswould provide good service to theclients as he had the necessary knowl-edge and skills to do so. He also askedthe members of the unit to support theirnew Officer Commanding to enablehim to execute his task with diligenceand professionalism. Lize Pienaar,Com Officer ASB Mpumalanga

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ANNUAL MEMORIAL SERVICEThe Port Elizabeth Branch of the SouthAfrican Legion of Military Veteransonce again held its annual MemorialService at St Paul's Church in PortElizabeth on 20 February 2011. This ser-vice commemorates three disasters atsea, namely the sinking of the SS Mendi(21 February 1917), HMSAS SouthernFloe (11 February 1941) and the SASPresident Kruger (18 February 1982).

This year, during the memoriam,the Candles of Remembrance were litby Capt (SAN) L. Scheckter (Ret) for theSS Mendi, Cdr K.A. Adams (Ret) for theHMSAS Southern Floe and WarrantOfficer (SAN) Y. Tifloen (a survivor ofthe SAS President Kruger's sinking) forthe SAS President Kruger. The servicewas well attended and included a con-tingent of Sea Cadets from the PortElizabeth Unit.

This year there was in fact a twist tothe disaster of the SS Mendi. A letterwas published in the Eastern ProvinceHerald from a Mr Nick Ward ofLittlehampton, Sussex, UK. In that let-ter he said that he, a battlefield tourguide and researcher, had come acrossa grave in the Littlehampton Cemeteryin which three soldiers from the SSMendi were interred! The Common-wealth War Graves Commission hadapparently erected a headstone.However, the condition of the gravemade it obvious that nobody had been


The headstone in Littlehamptoncemetery.

to it for a very long time, if ever.Mr Ward proceeded to lay threepoppies on the grave on 21February.

We were able to make contactwith Mr Ward who has now fur-ther researched the grave and dis-covered from the inquest reportthat "a signal was sent from a shipa mile off Littlehampton statingthat they had picked four menfrom the water and could theyland the bodies in the harbour,and a launch was sent out to meetthe ship and take off four bodies(three black and one white male).The bodies were handed over tothe police along with other articles(unknown, as no mention wasmade of these 'articles')".

A post-mortem was carriedout on the white man and the rea-son given for death was drown-ing. It was said by the coroner thatif required, a post-mortem wouldbe carried out on the three black

shoulder titles as Simon Lingansio, JimMbombiya and Smith Segule.However, the joint grave only listsSmith Segule, the other two are simplyPte Jim and Pte Simon and it is a matterthat needs to be raised with theCommonwealth War-graves Commis-sion as a matter of urgency. The inquestgave no idea as to how these bodiescame to be in the water, but I suspectthe wartime blackout on this sort ofnews prohibited the truth being told.

The site of the sinking of the SSMendi is approx 35 miles fromLittlehampton and according to thedates the men had been in the sea for 8-9 days, no mention is given of whetherthey were found separate or on a raft orother floating object, but it does seemodd to me that a letter has survived solong if it had been submerged for thisperiod.

The inquest stated that the threeblack men seemed of a young age. Wewill be approaching the SA LegionNational Office in Johannesburg tofind a way of trying to locate the rela-tives of these three men so that the fam-ilies can bring closure to their lives andknow where their brothers or fathersare buried. W.M. Bartie, BranchTreasurer

Fltr: Capt (SAN) L. Scheckter (Ret), Cdr K.A. Adams (Ret) and Warrant Officer(SAN) Y. Tifloen, a survivor of the SAS President Kruger's sinking, lit theCandles of Remembrance at the Memorial Service.

men, but it was not felt necessary asdeath was obviously due to the samecause.

Identification of the white man wasmade by a letter in his pocket from hismother in Bootle, Liverpool, and he wasidentified as W. Cooper, the ship's baker.The three black men in uniform wereidentified from their ID tags and metal


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news from abroad

Yes, how can I keep quiet if I see a beautiful desert becoming a war zoneWhen will Freedom Day be I want to knowOur fathers fought for this day but no sign of peaceYes, is this fighting caused by the oil in your soil?Is your soil rich because of fallen heroes who we are fighting for freedom?Give your hand, I will pull you and lead you to the promised landAre you treating me as a helper or a strangerHow can I help if you don't give me co-operation: we try togetherI know that I'm a foreigner but my aim is to bring Freedom Day nearerLet us unite in bringing peace and stability to the land of our forefathers I want to know when Freedom Day will come. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn,Malha Base: Sudan

FREEDOM DAY

A - absence of love during warB - battle readiness at all timesC - commitment by soldiers in war zoneD - death that might come their wayE - ever ready when whistle blowsF - fear none but GodG - guns that bring painsH - happiness after victoryI - identify the main targetJ - jointness of all armsK - knowledge of task given unto themL - love of their LordM - mastering his tour of dutyN - no retroO - options to overcome their opponentP - plan A and plan BQ - question after the battleR - reorganisation when mission is accomplishedS - small things that matter mostT - time necessity is the investment of speedU - understanding of current situationV - victory at hand whilst fightingW - winning is gaining experienceX - crossfire as their effective fireY - yearning for those who countedZ - Zulu vehiches that must be camouflaged at all

times. Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn, Malha Base: Sudan

THE ABC OF A SOLDIER

DOCTOR ON DEPLOYMENT

Let me return my mind to the presenta-tion at DOD Mobilisation Centre, whenthey were talking about Pinga Base.Everyone's heart was just black likecoke. Asking each other who will besent there.

The General, Emanuel, Ke Man-yanyata, Commander Mushana, butmyself I call him born Commander.When he heard his company was goingto Pinga, he took it easy, knowing thatit was his porridge and meat.

He had high morale. In his firstweek he was the President of Pingabecause the community was proud ofhis work for them. Our motto was to

TWO DAYS LEFT - WITH HIM WE CAN MAKE ITwin the minds and hearts of the commu-nity. It took us a week to do this becauseof our commander.

We ended up calling this place aplace of holiness and peace because wechanged it from red to green. Membersof the community are now movingfreely, whether by day or night. But allof this is because of this man -Commander Mushana - the General of 7SA Infantry Battalion Bravo Company,Operation MISTRAL XVI, including hisCompany Sergeant Major, WO2 EdgarMavungu, and his second in command,Capt Vanneel, and his officers: LtMakola, Lt Legodi and Lt Ntwampe.

Two days left was our slogan. Wewere taking six months, as if it was twodays because of the support that wewere receiving from our Commanderand our Sergeant Major. Thanks forbeing with you our fathers; youshowed us a lot; without you we werechickens without a mother. We thoughtthat we would help our brothers andsisters in the future. Shine the Generalshine! Let God expand your mind sothat the young officers can copy a lotfrom you and imprint in their mindsthat they can also excel in future. L CplR.B. Mkhonto, Bravo Company 7 SAIBn, Pinga Base (Op MISTRAL XVI)

FROM THE SUDANTO PEACEKEEPERSYou fixed my broken heart; You dried my tears;You stopped my nightmares; You brought happiness into my life

You made me forget the past; You brought joy to meYou made me forget the pains of the pastYou made me treat other people fairly

Please stay forever. Thanks for your sacrificeIf you can, make our country your home.Cpl M. Guduza, 5 SAI Bn, Malha Base

Maj (Dr) Solly Tselane, anAviation Medical Evacuation

Team (AMET) Medical Officer,stationed at Munigi Base inthe Democratic Republic of

the Congo. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang

Tlhaole)


11

25 January 2011 was a day toremember for some of us. It was thehanding and taking over parade forthe National Contingent Comman-ders of Operation MISTRAL XVIbetween the outgoing Commander,Col M. Ngculu, and the incomingCommander, Col R.A. Makgae.

To attend a parade of such anature in the Democratic Republicof the Congo (DRC) was a memo-rable experience, far away fromhome. It was a very good display ofthe discipline in the SANDF. Let thetradition live long. Among us werealso members of the Canadian andUruguayan Defence Forces to wit-

CHANGE OF COMMAND IN THE CONGO

MEDICAL ALERTSA ARMY ACCOMPLISHES ITS MISSION IN THE CONGOThe South African Ambassador to theDemocratic Republic of the Congo(DRC), Mr N. Mashimbye, formallyhanded over 42 and 43 Rapid ReactionForce Battalions to Brig Gen Mbuayana,Director of Logistics of the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo Armed Forces(FARDC) during a parade held in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo,Katanga Province, Mura Training Centrenear Likasi on 25 February 2011.

The two battalions were trained bymembers of the SA Army (MissionTHEBE) as part of an agreementbetween the RSA and the DRC signed inAugust 2007. The agreement stipulatedthat South Africa would assist theFARDC in training two or three battal-

lowed by Platoon Wea-pons, Individual Train-ing, Motorised Training,Infantry Support Train-ing, Artillery Training,Military Police Training,Financial Training, Heli-copter Assault Training,Battalion and SignallersTraining, and culminat-ed with IntegratedTraining of the abovespecialist fields.

During his address,Mr Mashimbye stressedthe importance of co-operation between thetwo countries. He statedthat the SA Governmentwas proud of theirinvolvement in thetraining of the FARDC

ness the discipline of theSANDF, which started withdrill.

Col Ngculu ended hissuccessful tour of duty after12 months in the deploy-ment area. His message tothe members of OperationMISTRAL XVI was: "GreatSouth Africans, give a help-ing hand to our fellowAfricans and portray a goodimage of the SANDF. Let usbe successful in establishingpeace in this country for thepeople in the DRC". Sgt Colin Witbooi, email

Col M. Ngculu, the outgoing National ContingentCommander Op MISTRAL XVI (left) congratulatesthe incoming Commander, Col R.A. Makgae, onhis new appointment.

Capt (Dr) Sicelo Bangani, Medical Officer, and CplMalesela Matshitshila, driver of the ambulance, onduty at Munigi Base in the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

Fltr: The South African Ambassador to theDemocratic Republic of the Congo, Mr N. Mashimbye,the Director of Logistics of the Democratic Republicof the Congo Armed Forces, Brig Gen Mbuayana, andthe Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke.

and congratulated the SA ArmyGenerals who were present at the paradeon a "mission accomplished". He said:"According to the agreement, we havefulfilled our undertaking to train at leastthree battalions." He thanked the SAArmy instructors for realising thisdream.

Mr Mashimbye added that nothingwas impossible. He said: "Today I amproud to see these men and women inuniform on parade. It is your task toimplement what you have learned." Hethen reminded all the Congolese ArmedForces' Commanders: "it is possible".

During the parade, Mr Mashimbyehanded over the colours to both battal-ions. Brig Gen Mbuayana handed overcertificates and awards to the best stu-dents in the various categories. Theparade concluded with a march-past bythe newly graduated soldiers who sangas they marched. Lt Col Mafi Mgobozi,SO1 SA Army Corp Com

ions of the RapidReaction Force. In 2008the then Minister ofDefence, Mr CharlesNqakula, handed overthe first battalion, 41Rapid Reaction ForceBattalion, to theFARDC.

The two battalionswere trained under thecommand of Lt ColM.L. Moraba. Thetraining started on 24May 2010 with 1 771members of theFARDC who reported for training. Itbegan with Basic Military Training fol-

focus on youth

12


Article and photos by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

n support of the Government'sdrive to achieve more with less,more partnerships are pursuedwith other organs of state to assistin the delivery of justifiable socio-economic needs of rural areas andat local level.

The vision of the Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, to establish a NationalYouth Service was further enhancedwhen 500 youths from the country'seight provinces received their certifi-cates at a function held at theDepartment of Defence MobilisationCentre at De Brug near Bloemfonteinon 17 March 2011. The ceremony washonoured by the Minister of Rural

I

Heeding the President'scall for job creation

National Rural Youth Service Corps members singing, dancing and cheeringafter receiving their certificates for undergoing training in self-discipline andpatriotism.

Development and LandReform, Mr Gugile Nkwinti,the Chief of HumanResources, Lt Gen DerickMgwebi, and other seniorofficials from the Departmentof Defence and theDepartment of RuralDevelopment and LandReform.

The youth were recruitedby the Department of RuralDevelopment and LandReform and seconded to theDepartment of Defence for aseven-week foundation phaseof pilot training. This special-ly designed foundationaltraining of a non-militarynature was intended to trainthe youth in, among others,self-discipline, patriotism,civic education and civic par-

Mr Gugile Nkwinti, Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, accompanied byLt Gen Derick Mgwebi, Chief of Human Resources, congratulating the first group ofthe National Rural Youth Service Corps who have successfully completed theircourse.


13

ticipation (voluntarism). This pro-gramme is called the National RuralYouth Service Corps (NARYSEC), the

main goal of which is to recruit anddevelop a National Rural Youth Serv-ice Corps of members aged between

18 and 35 years to be trained to per-form community service in their owncommunities.

The NARYSEC is a Governmenteffort to curb migration to urban areaswith a view to dealing with the esca-lating levels of service delivery protestaction and high levels of unemploy-ment that are prevalent among theyouth and people in rural areas and toreskill young citizens. It is thereforeanother opportunity for economic par-ticipation through maintenance ofexisting infrastructure.

The focus of the programme isyouth development in the rural areasand the need to address challenges ofa lack of skills and unemployment.

One objective of the programme isto train the youth through FurtherEducation and Training programmeslinked to identified developmentalcommunity projects in rural areas.Another is to develop youth withmulti-disciplinary skills through civiceducation, equipping them with basicconcepts, methods, techniques andpractical applications based on identi-fied needs, and to provide them withknowledge and skills. In addidion, tocapacitate youth to retain knowledgeand technical skills and to ensure thatrural communities receive support fortheir self-development through theComprehensive Rural DevelopmentProgramme.

During her Budget Vote speech on4 May 2010, the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans announced herintention to introduce a bill thatwould provide the necessary legalframework for the creation of aNational Youth Service. In this regardthe DOD has embarked on a publicconsultative process to solicit inputsfrom various defence stakeholders,particularly youth formations.

Once established, the NationalYouth Service will, among others, seekto address the challenges of youthunemployment. This will be done byensuring that all youth are introducedto the Department of Defence's facili-ties where they will be offered skills tobuild on.

Mr Anton van Staden, the National Rural Youth Service Corps ProgrammeManager, congratulating one of the graduates with her certificate. (He saidthe chosen candidates should be grateful for the opportunity to participatein the programme because they were chosen from about 7 600 candidates.)

R Adm (JG) Khanyisile Litchfield Tshabalala (Ret), Head of the Secretary forDefence's National Youth Service Task Team (right) awarding a graduate hercertificate.

events

14


After signing the agreement Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, Acting Chief of the SANDF(right) exchanged the terms of reference with Lt Gen Tebogo Masire, Commander of the Botswana Defence Force (left) while Lt Col Deon de Vos, SO1 SADC, and Lt Col Milly Moletsane, SO1 Protocol, look on.

Human-centredness of SA and BotswanaBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he SANDF's improved stand-ing on the world stage enablesit to attempt new ways ofdoing things, based onhuman-centredness in build-ing a better life for all citizens,both those of our region and

the world.On 2 March 2011 the Acting Chief

of the SANDF, Lt Gen TembaMatanzima, his counterpart, theCommander of the Botswana DefenceForce, Lt Gen Tebogo Masire, co-signedthe technical arrangement regulatingthe transfer and treatment of patientsbetween the SANDF and the BotswanaDefence Force as a follow-up on mat-ters arising from the Joint PermanentCommission on Defence and Security(JPCDS) at Defence Headquarters inPretoria.

During the signing ceremony bothparties welcomed the progress made inthe implementation of the joint actionplan of the strategic partnership cover-ing co-operation in the field of militaryhealth.

Welcoming the Botswana delega-tion, Lt Gen Matanzima said that thisagreement laid a firm foundation forthe two allies to support each other inproviding quality health care to soldiersand making health facilities and spe-cialised military health disciplinesavailable to provide optimum medicalsupport.

He pointed out that the agreementalso gave expression to expectationsaround future institutional capacitydevelopment. Lt Gen Matanzima said:"As one of the outcomes of the meetingwe will continue to engage on theregional front for support for the mutu-ally beneficial agreement."

In response, the Commander of the

Botswana Defence Force said that theagreement addressed the desire to takeservice delivery of our military healthservices to another level. He said thatcollaboration between the two armedforces would allow for greater access tomilitary institutions and the DefenceForce would be able to refer patients tomilitary hospitals and also take respon-sibility for associated health care costs.He pointed out the challenge of limitedspecialised military health care facilitiesin Botswana which made it difficult formembers at times to access health care.

Lt Gen Masire said: "The agreementis a major milestone and footprint thatfurther enhance strategic partnership,particularly the tangible outcomeswhich support the achievement ofdevelopmental objectives of both ourcountries and armed forces."

The Surgeon General of theSANDF, Lt Gen Vejaynand Ramlakan,who also attended the signing agree-

T

ment later spoke to the membersof the media. He said that the mil-itary health service of the SANDFsupported the South AfricanGovernment's message of "beingof service to others" and it wouldcontinue to provide health careand world-class clinical service.

Lt Gen Ramlakan said: "Theagreement will have positiveresults and the SA MilitaryHealth Service has a cohesiveworking relationship with otherSouthern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) MilitaryHealth Services and we supporteach other wherever possiblein the provision of health careservices." He also mentionedthat the event was a telling in-stance of a deliberate strategicdecision between the two allies tocollaborate in establishing thiscapability.

15


The Deputy Minister of DIRCO, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim, and Acting Chief of the SANDF, Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, welcoming South Africans and SADCcitizens on their arrival from Tripoli at AFB Waterkloof.

SANDF successfully evacuates South Africansfrom LibyaArticle and photo by S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he SA National Defence Forceis the spear and the shield ofthe nation. It is the ultimatearsenal when it comes to thesecurity of this country, itspeople and its borders and ourdemocracy", said President

Jacob Zuma as he addressed the crowdat the 10 Years Peace Mission Parade inBloemfontein last year.

Libya has been in a state of armedchaos since a massive revolt erupted on15 February 2011. After careful assess-ment of the security situation on theground in Tripoli, the South AfricanGovernment decided that all SouthAfrican diplomatic personnel andstranded nationals would be evacuatedand they would only return to Libyaonce conditions had returned to normal.

Through intra-governmental co-

operation between the Department ofInternational Relations and Co-opera-tion (DIRCO) of the Republic of SA andthe Department of Defence, thirtySouth Africans were evacuated fromLibya and returned to safety in SouthAfrica. The Government also assistedfellow Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) countries by evac-uating nine SADC citizens fromBotswana, Swaziland, Lesotho andMozambique and one UK citizen.

The people evacuated from Libyalanded at Air Force Base Waterkloof inPretoria on 27 February 2011 and werewelcomed by the Deputy Minister ofDIRCO, Mr Ebrahim Ebrahim, theActing Chief of the SANDF, Lt GenTemba Matanzima, their families andfriends. The chartered Boeing 767 leftSouth Africa with the rescue team fromthe SANDF and DIRCO on 26 February2011 for Malta and landed in Tripoli toevacuate the South Africans stranded

in Libya.In welcoming these people, the

Deputy Minister of DIRCO, expressedthe Government's satisfaction at the suc-cessful evacuation mission undertakento Libya under the leadership of DIRCOand the DOD. He extended his appreci-ation to the South African Missionsacross the continent that assisted in thesuccessful execution of the evacuation,while commending the efforts of theAmbassador of Tripoli, Mr MuhamadDangor, and his staff, who underextremely difficult circumstances hadensured the safe return of our citizensand those of fellow SADC countries.

Mr Ebrahim said: "As the situation inLibya continues to deteriorate we wouldlike to reiterate our support for the callmade by the African Union Peace andSecurity Council for an end to the indis-criminate and excessive use of forceagainst demonstrators. Furthermore weurge the Libyan Government to abide bythe United Nations Security CouncilResolution 1970, ensure the safety of for-eign nationals and their assets, and facil-itate the departure of those wishing toleave the country, as well as the safe pas-sage of humanitarian and medical sup-plies, humanitarian agencies and work-ers into Libya in order to assist theLibyan people.

"The South African Government willcontinue to monitor the situation inLibya and remains committed to provid-ing assistance upon request from theLibyan people to ensure a smooth tran-sition to democratic rule."

Cabinet congratulated the SANDFon successfully evacuating South Afri-can citizens stranded in Libya. The totalnumber of people evacuated was forty.Cabinet also reiterated that the respon-sibility of the SANDF was to assistSouth Africans in distress, both locallyand abroad (Statement on the Cabinetmeeting held on 2 March 2011).

T“

social responsibility

16


Defence in peacetime - a force for good

Article and photos by S SgtLebogang Tlhaole

he SA Department of Defencehas the ability to provide col-lateral utility as and whenrequired both within SouthAfrica and beyond her bor-ders. Much of the collateralutility is in the form of support

to the South African people. The Department has the obligation

to support the people of South Africain operations and activities other thanwar, in disasters, emergencies andcases of humanitarian need, when the

T

Lt Gen TembaMatanzima,

Acting Chief ofthe SANDF, and

Ms GwenMahlangu-

Nkabinde, theMinister of

Public Works,officially

launched Phase2 of the projectduring the sod-

turning ceremo-ny at Nququ,

Cofimvaba, inthe Eastern

Cape.

responsible Government departmentsdo not have adequate capacity to do so.

The recent rains and floods in SouthAfrica resulted in numerous bridgesand roads in rural areas being damagedand/or washed away. In this regardthe Department of Public Worksformally approached the SANDF torender assistance in re-establishingmobility in priority areas as deter-mined by it.

There will be four crossing points,namely, one at Nququ, two at Mthathaand one at Hammanskraal. The deliver-ables required for the areas will befour pedestrian and vehicle crossing

points. The construction project, whichis driven by the Department of PublicWorks and the SANDF, is part of theExpanded Public Works Programme(EPWP) aimed at bringing servicedelivery to millions of South Africansliving in rural areas, many of whomare cut off from schools, clinics andtowns during the rainy season.

The EPWP is a national programmeco-ordinated by the Department ofPublic Works. The mandate of theEPWP is to implement Government'sobjective of alleviating poverty, pro-viding income, work experience andskills development through the cre-

17


ation of work opportunities. The EPWP involves creating tem-

porary and ongoing work opportuni-ties for the unemployed, using publicsector funds. Its fundamental objec-tives are to increase employmentopportunities so that able bodied indi-

viduals who cannot find work and donot have access to social grants canearn an income and gain experienceand skills through productive work.

Ms Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde,the Minister of Public Works, and LtGen Temba Matanzima, Acting Chief

Lt Gen Temba Matanzima,Acting Chief of theSANDF, and Ms GwenMahlangu-Nkabinde, theMinister of Public Works,sing along with the com-munity. These communitymembers will be part ofthe Expanded PublicWorks Programme whosemandate is to implementGovernment's objectiveof alleviating poverty, pro-viding income, workexperience and skillsdevelopment through thecreation of work opportu-nities.

Women sing at the launching of Phase 2 of the project that will see SA ArmyEngineers building bridges for the people of Nququ, Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape.

of the SANDF, launched Phase 2 of theproject during the sod-turning cere-mony on 8 March 2011 at Nququ,Cofimvaba, in the Eastern Cape. TheSA Army Engineers are buildingbridges that will link remote commu-nities to established infrastructure.

A number of people wereswept away following floodsand heavy rains. Drowningshad occurred in floodedrivers in the impoverishedrural communities of SouthAfrica, involving toddlers,young children, teenagersand adults. These incidentsare largely caused by a lackof proper infrastructure,such as bridges, with whichto cross the perilous rivers inthese rural areas.

The SANDF once againwill show the nation that ithas a National Defence Forcethat it can be proud of. TheSANDF can be counted onand can make a difference.The SANDF has in recentyears positioned itself as areliable partner in the cre-ation of stability, peace, secu-rity and prosperity in thecountry and the continent.The skilled, disciplined andtechnologically advancedNational Defence Forceremains committed to beinga force for good.

18


events

SADC Naval Chiefs reconvene in NamibiaBy PO Dineo Maleka, Senior Internal Com Clerk, Naval Base Simon's TownPhoto: CPO Johannes Mbiza

he Standing Maritime Com-mittee of the Interstate Defenceand Security Committee recon-vened for their annual meetingat Swakopmund in Namibiafrom 23 to 25 February 2011.The committee comprises

Naval Chiefs and related defence repre-sentatives that share mutual maritimeinterests in terms of development,capability and capacity, particularly inthe Southern African DevelopmentCommunity (SADC) region. The meet-ing was chaired and hosted by

T

The Naval Chiefs and Defence representatives of the different countries at the 17th Standing Maritime Committee.Front, fltr: Col M. Kgope (Botswana), Maj Gen S.S. Omar (Tanzania), R Adm P.H. Vilho (Namibia), V Adm J. Mudimu(South Africa), V Adm Francisco José (Angola). Back, fltr: Maj Gen V.M. Mukanda (Zambia), Brig Gen S. Bhebe(Zimbabwe: incoming), R Adm P.C. Yotamu (Mozambique) and Maj Gen S.S. Khumalo (Zimbabwe: outgoing).

Namibia. Eight member states were pre-sent, namely Angola, Botswana,Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa,Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Two presentations, namely, "Mari-time Domain Awareness in the Gulf ofGuinea, its Impact on the SADC andLessons Learnt" and "Naval Chal-lengesin the 21st Century and their Impact onthe SADC and a Strategy to Deal withthese Challenges" were presented byAngola and Mozambique respectively(as topics of maritime interest and infor-mation value).

The meeting also focused on deliber-ations and resolutions in relation to theminutes of the previous meeting, whichincluded items such as the completionof the maritime strategy, the doctrine,

concept of operations and standardoperating procedures, maritimepledges, establishing memorandums ofunderstanding (MOUs) between mem-ber states, expanding regional maritimeinteroperability and information shar-ing mechanisms, and joint trainingopportunities and exercises.

New items introduced includedinvitations to the Sea Power for AfricaSymposium and the Indian OceanNavies Symposium, which provide aplatform for discussions on matters ofmutual maritime interest, the signing ofMOUs and jurisdiction to facilitate theprocess of co-operation between coun-tries, and piracy as a threat to the SADCand socio-economic development.

The Namibian Naval Commander,

RSA/Royal Thai intensifymilitary relationsBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he Acting Chief of the SANDF,Lt Gen Temba Matanzima,hosted the Chief of the RoyalThai Defence Forces, GenSongkitti Jaggabatara, and hisdelegation at Defence Head-quarters in Pretoria on 14

March 2011. They visited South Africa over the

period 14 to 18 March 2011. GenJaggabatara was also formally intro-duced to the Services Chiefs during thecourtesy meeting. The aim of this visitwas to show goodwill, strengthen mili-tary relations and affirm mutual under-standing between the two defenceforces.

South Africa views the Royal ThaiDefence Forces as a strategic partnerand the relationship between the twocountries is underpinned by a commondesire to promote the aspirations ofdeveloping countries with a view toensuring a better world.

T

The Acting Chief of the SANDF, Lt Gen Temba Matanzima (right) and theChief of the Royal Thai Defence Forces, Gen Songkitti Jaggabatara, acknowledging the salute from members on parade.


19

R Adm P.H. Vilho, said: "Activitiessuch as illegal fishing, piracy, drug-trafficking and pollution have a detri-mental effect on our economies.However, these problems cannot betackled by individual countries, theyrequire the concerted effort of all coun-tries in the region. It is only at forumssuch as these that this co-operation canbe achieved."

The current unprecedented spreadof piracy, which has become an issue ofmaritime concern, necessitates thatmember states of the region preparethemselves effectively for any eventu-ality. As a result, the committee decid-ed that a large SADC driven exercise(search and rescue, combined with adiving exercise) should be held inTanzania during September/October

2011. Extensive media coverage will beplanned to promote the visibility ofSADC countries and thus demons-trate the region's readiness to combatpiracy. The exercise will also be anopportunity to identify all the gaps interms of the capabilities of all memberstates.

The Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm J.Mudimu, said: "As piracy spreadssouthward, it presents both a challengeand an opportunity to the members ofthe SADC Standing MaritimeCommittee. This is our moment toshine. We as a collective have to beready to present solutions and optionsto our respective governments, theregion and the continent. Piracy can nolonger be viewed from under a micro-scope as something distant; it is here

and requires speedy action from all ofus. We are the hope of our people andthe people of the continent, we mustnot fail them as history will surelyjudge us."

The meeting concluded with theofficial signing of the 17th StandingMaritime Committee minutes by allmember states and the handover of thechairmanship by Namibia's R AdmVilho to South Africa's V AdmMudimu.

The next Standing MaritimeCommittee (SMC) Annual Meetingwill be held in Durban and will be pro-grammed as follows: the SMC WorkSession (20-21 February 2012), SMCMaritime Conference (22 February2012) and the SMC Meeting (23-24February 2012).

focus on military veterans

20


By Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

n 11 March 2011 at the SAMilitary Health ServiceHeadquarters, the DeputyMinister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Mr Tha-bang Makwetla, accompa-nied by Mr Tsepe Motumi,

the Director-General in the Depart-ment of Military Veterans, held ameeting with the Ministerial TaskTeam on Military Veterans to deliber-ate on the Military Veterans Bill andexplored how best various mattersthat had been raised in the bill couldbe achieved. The Bill provides a num-

O

Accelerating value for a vital constituency

Mr Tsepe Motumi, the Director-General in the Department of Military Veterans (left), and Mr Thabang Makwetla, theDeputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, discussing the Military Veterans Bill.

ber of social benefits, including pen-sions, housing, health care, disability,education, business opportunitiesand employment for military veter-ans.

Mr Makwetla said that researchhad shown that it was important forcountries that had emerged from con-flict to take care of their former sol-diers, including military veterans. Hementioned some of the military veter-ans critical challenges resulting frominadequate pensions, improper andinsufficient housing, unsuccessfulreintegration, re-skilling pro-grammes, inappropriate honour anddeteriorating health care. He warnedthat it would be immoral to abandon

military veterans, as many of themdid not have other skills to fall backon.

Also briefing the task team wasMr Motumi who mentioned that dur-ing a parliamentary presentation onthe financial impact of the militaryveterans bill the Portfolio Committeeon Defence and Military Veteransdemanded a full costing of the bill fora range of proposed benefits.

To establish benchmarks, repre-sentatives from the line function gov-ernment departments and AlexanderForbes were present to engage withthe Deputy Minister and the TaskTeam in an effort to explore how bestto proceed in regard to the matter.

21


LEFT: Worthy medal recipientsawaiting the arrival of the Chief ofthe SA Army during the SA ArmyMedal Parade.

Allegiance to the cause of the SANDF and SABy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

rders, decorations andmedals are awarded by thePresident of the Republic ofSouth Africa to deservingmembers for bravery andgallantry, and for distin-guished, meritorious or

devoted service.

On 9 March 2011 the Chief of theSA Army held a medal parade at theSA Army HQ to honour members ofthe SA Army who had displayed trueallegiance to the cause of the SANDFand had rendered exceptional serviceto the nation.

The Chief of the SA Army, Lt GenSolly Shoke, officiated at the paradeand presented the medals. In convey-ing his appreciation and congratulat-

ing the recipients, he said that theirdedication and loyalty, and never fail-ing South Africa, had been noted andtoday they were being recognised fortheir outstanding contributions.

Lt Gen Shoke said: "Cognisancemust be taken of the core objective ofthe SA Army and our persistent andpurposeful actions to make a differ-ence wherever we serve and our con-tribution to peace support operationsbeyond our borders. The image ofSouth Africa is projected in the inter-national community through yourmilitary professionalism. You makethe world a better place: that should beseen as a symbol of hope."

O

Salute by members of the National CeremonialGuard.

Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SA Army, presents BrigGen Norman Yengeni, the General Officer Commanding of theSA Army Intelligence Formation, with the Operational Medalfor Southern Africa and the Tshumelo Ikatelaho Medal.

events


22

Awarding contributorstowards members withdisabilitiesBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he attitude of the members ofthe Department of Defencetowards their colleagues withdisabilities is gradually chang-ing. That was the view of MajGen Ntsiki Memela-Motumi,Chief Director Transformation

Management, when she delivered heraddress at the 2010 Disability Unit ofthe Year Awards ceremony in ThabaTshwane on 18 February 2011.

She was paying tribute to units anddivisions that went the extra mile toaccommodate people with disabilitiesas per the DOD's strong moral and con-stitutional commitment to respect theequalisation of opportunities for peoplewith disabilities.

Maj Gen Memela-Motumi said:"Since the introduction of the awards in2006, the DOD's able-bodied staff havecame to appreciate working with theircolleagues with disabilities. There is agradual reality that it is only a mindsetof individuals to suggest that peoplewith disabilities cannot perform tasksthat their able-bodied counterparts can.Those individuals with a hardened atti-tude towards people with disabilitiesshould bear in mind that an accidentcan happen to them and they mightsustain permanent injuries renderingthem incapable of performing dailywork as they were used to do.Colleagues should also acknowledgethe fact that being a person with dis-abilities does not preclude one frommaking meaningful contributions tothe country."

Maj Gen Memela-Motumi addedthat since 2006, in order to motivate

TRepresentatives of the divisions and units who went the extra mile in creat-ing conducive working environments for SANDF members with disabilities,fltr: Ms Johanna Burger (Joint Tactical HQ Northern Cape), Col JakobusJanse van Rensburg (SA Air Force College), Cpl Pearl Molale (Joint TacticalHQ Northern Cape), Maj Gen Ntsiki Memela-Motumi (Chief DirectorTransformation Management), Brig Gen Andries de Wit (Directorate CareerManagement) and R Adm (JG) Emely Masanabo from Navy HQ who repre-sents Naval Base Simon's Town.

units to remove the barriers thatimpact negatively on people with dis-abilities, a Disability Equity Unit of theYear Award was introduced to enablepeople with disabilities to reach theirfull potential and to contribute equallywith fellow DOD officials. The Schoolof Signals at Wonderboom MilitaryBase became the first recipient, fol-lowed by Air Force BaseLangebaanweg in 2007, Army SupportBase Bloemfontein in 2008 and in 2009again Air Force Base Langebaanweg.She added that apart from theDisability Equity Unit Award, the unitscan also compete for other awards onoffer, such as the Most Improved

Disability Equity Unit of the YearAward, the Most Accessible DisabilityUnit Award and the UBUNTUDisability Equity Unit Award.

According to Chaplain Ben vander Walt from the SA Air Force col-leagues with disabilities should standup and be counted, and also shouldnot let their disability prevent themfrom realising their goals. ChaplainVan der Walt also gave examples,such as Ludwig van Beethoven, arenowned classical music artist, whocould not hear the masterpieces heproduced.

The main aim of the awards was topay tribute to units and divisions that


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New reins for JointOperational HeadquartersBy L Cpl Mapule RaphelaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang Thlaole

he Joint Operational Headquarters held its changeof command parade between the outgoing GeneralOfficer Commanding, Maj Gen BarneyHlatshwayo, and the incoming General OfficerCommanding, Maj Gen Dumisani Mdutyana, atTek Base Logistic Support Formation in Pretoria on4 March 2011.

In his farewell speech Maj Gen Hlatshwayo emphasisedthe major role the SANDF has played in bringing stability toAfrica. He said: "The fluidity of our operation can be attest-ed by the success of the election held and peacekeeping mis-sions in Burundi."

Maj Gen Hlatshwayo has been with the unit for fiveyears and said he has learned that emergency and fluiditywere the name of the game and teamwork was vital inreaching the goals of the unit. He added: "Fluidity shouldallow a degree of understanding and does not mean youtake advantage."

Maj Gen Mdutyana, who is taking over the reins of JointOperational Headquarters, is ready to face the challengesahead with enthusiasm. He said: "I entertain no illusionsthat the way ahead will be smooth sailing or a bed of roses.However, let us be prepared for hard and rocky times withchallenges and obstacles; then our road might be smoother,and I appreciate the fact that no man is an island. We relyand depend heavily on the support of all Services andDivisions for the success of our common objectives."

He expressed the importance of discipline as an impor-tant aspect when it came to good soldering. Maj GenMdutyana said: "To my fellow countrymen in uniform, Iwant to stress that discipline is the mother of all victories

T

and as such there will always be zero tolerance of ill-disciplineat all levels and all times. We will not compromise on this. It isthe alpha and omega of good soldiering and the achievement ofthe best results."

In his speech Maj Gen Mdutyana gave a vote of thanks andcongratulated his predecessor, Maj Gen Hlatshwayo, for thetremendous work he had done with dedication, loyalty and pas-sion and he promised that their ship would never sink and thathe would seek his advice whenever in doubt.

Maj Gen Dumisani Mdutyana, the newly appointedGeneral Officer Commanding Joint OperationalHeadquarters, holding the Sword of Command.

create a conducive working environ-ment, promotion, skills developmentand empowerment for people with dis-abilities within the Department.

AWARD WINNERSThe Most Improved Disability

Equity Unit Award was awarded to theunit that made the most progress withregard to the promotion of environmen-tal accessibility in the unit by utilisingtheir own creativity resources. This year

the award went to Naval Base Simon'sTown.

The Most Accessible DisabilityEquity Unit Award went to the JointTactical Headquarters Northern Capefor excelling in the removal of structuralbarriers preventing people with disabil-ities from enjoying equal access to thebuilt-up environment.

The UBUNTU Disability EquityUnit Award went to Directorate CareerManagement for reasonably accommo-

dating people with disabilities, thusenabling them to compete equallyalongside their fellow able-bodied col-leagues.

The Disability Equity Unit Awardfor 2010 was presented to the SA AirForce College for promoting disabilityequity by removing structural, institu-tional and attitudinal barriers from theworking environment. This has led tothe equal enjoyment of opportunitiesfor people with disabilities.

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By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

n order to entice the youth to con-sider various career opportunitiesin the aviation industry and tointroduce the public to the roleand the function of the SA AirForce the Chief of the SA AirForce, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, with

Denel Aviation Chief ExecutiveOfficer, Mr Mike Kgobe, launched acoffee-table book entitled "Per AsperaAd Astra - Through adversity to the

I

Unveiling the aviationindustry through text and photos

The Denel Aviation CEO, Mr Mike Kgobe (left) and Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the SA Air Force, unveil the banner that represents the front cover of the newly launched coffee-table book.

Stars" at Denel Aviation Park inKempton Park on 2 March 2011.

This book takes an in-depth lookat the journey of SA Air Force person-nel from their initial recruitment rightthrough to when they take to theskies. This is done through a selectedset of incredible photos that capturethe various platforms used by the SAAir Force, including the operationalsupport of these aircraft by both in-house (SA Air Force) engineers andthose of the Denel Aviation.

In his address at the book launch,

Lt Gen Gagiano said that the SA AirForce and Denel Aviation through this2011 edition were looking to stir theimaginations of the learners to moti-vate them to work hard at maths andscience to be able to pursue a career inaviation.

Lt Gen Gagiano added: "The publi-cation presents an in-depth, amplifiedphotographic chronicle of the role andwork of the SA Air Force. It takes areader along the journeys of membersof the SA Air Force through their cho-sen careers, from the time of their


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recruitment through to the achieve-ment of their qualification and then onto their participation in operationalmissions. It also presents the interwo-ven resources, activities and air assetsof the SA Air Force, thereby enhancingan understanding of the SA Air Forcein the minds of all who read it.

"A parallel intention is to get theyouth to love the Aviation Industryand create awareness of it, its valueand the great diversity of opportuni-ties it offers. The book also containsthe highlights of Operation KGWELE,the securing of the national airspaceduring the 2010 Soccer World Cup. SAAir Force assets such as the mobileradars and ground support systems,and aircraft such as the Gripen, HawkMK 120, Super Lynx Mk 64, Oryx,Augusta A109, C130BZ Hercules,C47TP Dakota, Cessna Caravan andthe CASA 212 all played a part and allthe highlights of these operations arebrilliantly recorded in the book."

According to Mr Kgobe from thecompany responsible for the mainte-nance, repair and overhaul of militaryaircraft and test equipment, the book isa culmination of a project that hasinspired the SA Air Force and DenelAviation, and has captured our collec-tive imagination over the past coupleof months.

Mr Kgobe said: "What you areholding in your hands this evening canprobably best be described as a labourof love - a legacy - for South Africanaviation. This is so much more thanjust a book! Working on it remindedeach of us of the privileged position inwhich we find ourselves every day,namely that of working with flyingmachines. In flipping through thesepages, you will be reminded - just aswe were - of the beauty and eleganceof these aircraft, of the feat of engi-neering and ingenuity they represent,of how man has conquered the barriersto flight and embarked on a journey to

the stars." He added that the book also show-

cased the vast array of career optionsavailable, and painted a picture ofindividual contributions that havemade the SA Air Force what it istoday. As such, we believe it to be acritical awareness-building and edu-cational tool that will expose thiscountry's children and their parents toa new world of possibilities in the avi-ation industry, and will empower thenext generation to take both of ourorganisations to even greater heights.

Meanwhile an auction was heldand guests were invited to bid forbeautiful pictures of aircraft.Altogether R7 800 was raised and theproceeds went towards the SA AirForce Benevolent Fund. A lucky read-er, Mr Dean Harmse, also won him-self a copy of the newly launched cof-fee-table book after updating hisdetails on the SA Air Force website inDecember 2010.

Mr Ismail Docrat, CEO Denel SAAB Aerostructures (right) hands over a portrait of the Gripen C (single seater) and D (Dual seater) fighter jets to Mr Menno Parsons, which he bid for at the auction when he donated R2 700 towards the SA Air Force Benevolent Fund at the coffee-table book launch.

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Capability development in the SANDF

By Lesley-Ann Jacobs, DefenceDecision Support Institute

rganisations created to fightthe last war better, are notgoing to win the next one!"Lt Gen Gavin (US ArmyParatrooper 1907 - 1990).

The SANDF annuallyspends large sums of

money on equipment, which may take10 to 15 years to acquire and could bein service for 40 - 50 years. A problemoriginates when the needs of the entireSANDF must be met from limitedfunds. All expenditure should be care-fully considered and weighed upagainst many factors. These difficultdecisions may impact on the SANDF

O

Diagramme to illustrate the Capability Development Approach.

for many years into the future. In 2002 the Secretary for Defence

tasked the Chief of the SANDF tochange the DOD processes and prac-tices for acquiring equipment in orderto identify requirements properly andensure accountable methods for spec-ification and selection of defenceequipment. Research showed that thebest way to do this was to viewdefence needs as "Capabilities". Thuswas the Capability DevelopmentProgramme born.

A capability is the ability to exe-cute a task to achieve a desired effectin battle space.

The aim of Capability Develop-ment is to develop effective andaffordable joint capability to execute

approved missions. The Programme isintended to enable SANDF comman-ders to take complex decisions.

Teams from the SANDF, primarilythe Directorate Capability Develop-ment (from the Joint OperationsDivision), and selected scientists havecollaborated on the Programme. Theintention of Joint Operations Divisionis to involve the Services andDivisions achieving an SANDFapproach.

Capability Development uses pro-cesses, tools and techniques to identifyand describe capabilities required bythe SANDF to meet the full spectrumof Government's expectations.Although the future cannot be predict-ed, possible futures that the SANDF is

“

likely to operate in aredetermined. This providesthe context within whichthe capabilities will beemployed.

The most importantbenefit of Capability Dev-elopment is that it reducesduplication of acquisitionprojects across Servicesand Divisions and obtainsintegrated joint systems.The funds available aretherefore used more efficiently.

Achievements to dateinclude a set of tools, tech-niques, methodologiesand processes; the JointWarfare Publication 139:African Battle Space; and aset of scenarios withwhich to set the context forthe work. Several resultshave been obtained withinthe wider SANDF.

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Four in one change of command parade

The new Officers Commanding with the Officer Commanding AFB Makhado, fltr: Lt Col Kevin Ogden (85 CombatFlying School), Lt Col Iris Joan Owen (515 Squadron), Brig Gen Chris Delport (Officer Commanding AFB Makhado),Col Silumko Vaaiboom (3 Air Servicing Unit), and Lt Col Musa Mbhokota (2 Squadron).

as the first black pilot to assume com-mand of 2 Squadron which is home tothe country's Gripen fighter jets.

Col Silumko Vaaiboom, Lt ColKevin Ogden and Lt Col Iris Joan Owenalso assumed command of 3 AirServicing Unit, 85 Combat FlyingSchool and 515 Squadron respectively.85 Combat Flying School is primarilyresponsible for training aircrew forGripens and Hawks while the 3 AirServicing Unit and 515 Squadron dealwith technical support and protectionservices respectively.

The core business of AFB Makhadois to ensure the provisioning of a spe-

cialised platform for air combat opera-tions. It is the SA Air Force's prime fight-er base, which boasts state of the artfacilities to sustain the Government'spriority of ensuring that the people ofSouth Africa are and feel safe. The SAAir Force has entrusted this mammothresponsibility to the above-mentionedofficers as drivers of this endeavour.

Lt Col Mbhokota said that this wasnot something to be taken lightly as itwas a massive challenge that came withhuge responsibilities. He added that itwas not about himself, but about ensur-ing the Squadron was the best it could be.

Article and photo by S SgtLebogang Tlhaole

n 25 February 2011 the SAAir Force hosted a four inone change of commandparade at Air Force BaseMakhado for four differentSA Air Force units, namely2 Squadron, 85 Combat

Flying School, 3 Air Servicing Unit and515 Squadron.

Transformation in the SA Air Forcehas come full circle as one of SouthAfrica's top fighter pilots, Lt Col Musa"Midnight" Mbhokota, was appointed

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Facilitating leadership dialoguesBy Maj Gen N. Memela-Motumi,Chief Defence TransformationManagement

ne of the strategic objectivesof Chief Directorate Trans-formation Management isthe development of profes-sional and transformationalleaders to ensure that thebehaviour, attitude and

mindset exhibited by the DOD leader-ship is in line with the values enshrinedin the country's Constitution.

Taking a cue from our currentGovernment that we must implementthe outcomes based approach in themanner in which we execute our dailyconstitutional and legislative mandate,Chief Defence Transformation Man-agement has deemed it appropriate tofacilitate leadership dialogues forOfficers Commanding and theirWarrant Officers.

The purpose of these dialogues is togenerate critical discourse around perti-nent issues affecting our organisation inorder to solicit a commitment to the fol-lowing: An appreciation of the need for

Oa Delivery State in which non-racialismand non-sexism are two of the core val-ues of our organisation and society; thedevelopment of and commitment to theDelivery State; the development of andcommitment to measurable and mean-ingful outcomes to best serve the DODMandate in times of peace in a develop-mental state.

These constructive engagementsacross Services have fostered individualand collective ownership of the currentstate of affairs within our organisationand what needs to be done differently inorder to ensure the effective fulfilment ofthe Defence Mandate.

Officers Commanding and theirWarrant Officers also reflected onendeavours pursued through the reviewof legislation and policy to ensure thatDefence as a Constitutional injunctionwas indeed a well structured and disci-plined organisation. Issues around thepromotion of a culture of good gover-nance prescripts, and the realisation of aqualifications free audit within the DODwere also alluded to. The fact of the mat-ter is that transformation should ideallystart at a personal level when we choose

Officers Commanding and Warrant Officers' Delivery State Dialogues.

to adopt a progressive paradigm shiftthat is responsive to our times. At theend of day two, participants committedthemselves to doing things differently inpursuit of world-class military servicesin support of the government's priori-ties by utilising inherent Defence capabilities.

It is important to note that threemonths after the Gauteng and WesternCape dialogues were conducted, follow-up Impact Assessment Workshops wereconducted. The priority for the work-shops was to review progress on theintegration and implementation of dif-ferent, but effective methods of pursu-ing our mandate. But most importantly,participants also reflected on and exam-ined the commitment and pledges thatthey undertook at the initial dialogue,the competencies required to serve asagents of change, thus entrenchingaccountability and ownership and creat-ing a working environment to unleasheveryone's full potential and deliver aworld-class military service in aDevelopmental State. Feedback on theworkshops will be presented at theMilitary Command Council and

Plenary Defence Staff Council. In conclusion, I quote from

the ruling party's Strategy andTactics document, which statesthat: "Our strategy is the cre-ation of a united, non-racial,non-sexist and democratic soci-ety. In pursuit of this objective,we shall, at each givenmoment, creatively adopt tac-tics that advance the objective.Our fundamental point ofdeparture is that SouthAfricans have it in their power,as a people and as part of pro-gressive humankind, to contin-uously change the environ-ment in which we operate inthe interest of a better future".

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Brig Gen David Schoeman, the outgoing Commandant of the SA NationalDefence College, hands over the Sword of Command to R Adm (JG) Lauravan Vuuren.

Handing over theSword of CommandBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

Change of Office ceremonybetween the outgoingCommandant of the SANational Defence College,Brig Gen David Schoeman,and his successor, R Adm (JG)Laura van Vuuren, was held

at the SA Air Force College paradegrounds in Thaba Tshwane on 17February 2011.

Addressing guests and memberson parade Brig Gen Schoeman, the out-going Commandant, said that the SANational Defence College was the flag-ship training unit of the SANDF andthat it played a significant role inpreparing senior officers and officialsfrom other government departmentsto operate at the strategic level. Headded that it was not what you have inyour life, but who you have in your lifethat counts and you should learn not tocompare yourself to the best others can

ABridge Watching Course. From 1981 until2000 she was involved in Maritime ForcePreparation and Maritime ForceEmployment at COMNAVOP in CapeTown, Naval Headquarters and at theChief of Joint Operations. In 2001 she suc-cessfully completed the SA Army SeniorStaff Course. From 2002 to 2005 R Adm(JG) Van Vuuren held the appointment ofSSO Naval Foreign Relations.

In 2005 she completed the ExecutiveNational Security Programme. She waspromoted to the rank of Rear Admiral(Junior Grade) in September 2006 andappointed as the Director Equity at theDirectorate Transformation Managementuntil her current appointment as theCommandant of the SA National DefenceCollege on 3 January 2011. She is marriedto Lou van Vuuren and is blessed withtwo sons, Robin (26) and Paul (18).

The outgoing CommandantBrig Gen David Schoeman started his

military career in January 1984 in the SAAir Force. He completed his OfficerFormative Course in 1986 and attainedthe rank of Lieutenant. He completed allthe relevant functional and developmen-tal military courses, after which he wasappointed the Officer Commanding ofthe SA Air Force College. He was pro-moted to the rank of Brigadier General on1 January 2005 and served as the DirectorBase Support Systems within the SA AirForce Headquarters. He was appointedas the Commandant of the SA NationalDefence College on 1 July 2007.

Brig Gen Schoeman has now beenappointed as the Director Logistics Man-agement in the Logistics Division. Heholds various qualifications: Costs andManagement Accountant, Certificate inLogistics, Senior Management Program-me, Masters Certificate in Project Man-agement, and he completed a thesis inMasters Philosophy in Security Man-agement. He is married to Anthea and blessed with three sons and a daughter.

do, but to the best you can do.In congratulating his successor, Brig

Gen Schoeman said: "It feels good whenone becomes part of history andgroundbreaking. I was the first personof colour to occupy the post and it feelsgood to hand over to the first female.May you continue to excel in addingvalue and raising the baseline".

The new CommandantR Adm (JG) Laura van Vuuren, for-

mer Director Equity Strategic Direction,is one of the SANDF's remarkablewomen with the will and desire to makea change. She is passionate about SouthAfrica, and serves as a role model tomany women in the SANDF. She enlist-ed in the SA Navy as a Non-commis-sioned Officer in April 1977. After com-pleting her Basic Military Training, shepractised as a Communicator for twoyears in the Communications Centre atSilvermine.

In 1979 she completed her Officerscourse and in 1980 completed her

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SA Special Forces recruits in Kuruman

Article by Lt Col Angela-LeeHuman, SO1 Corp Com SA Special ForcesPhotos: WO2 Henning Gouws

he youth is our tomorrow thatneeds to be equipped with thenecessary skills to be appliedin areas such as Defence andour efforts should be focusedon attracting quality people tothe National Defence Force."

These were the sentiments expressedby the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,during the first intake of the MilitarySkills Development System 2011.

The SA Special Forces took thesewords to heart by scheduling a team-building camp for the Senior RugbyTeam of the Kalahari High School inKuruman as part of the SA SpecialForces 2011 Recruitment Plan. Thecamp was based partly on a request

Treceived from the principal and rugbycoach of the Kalahari High School anda need to recruit candidates from theNorthern Cape region.

For the SA Special Forces to recruitthe calibre of candidates that theyrequired they needed to widen theirscope of recruitment and so over theperiod 18 to 20 February 2011 the SASpecial Forces' Force PreparationRecruitment Team departed forKuruman as planned. Upon arrival atthe Kalahari High School the recruit-ment team was welcomed enthusiasti-cally. It was clear that the learners hadbeen waiting for this moment in greatanticipation. First they watched theSpecial Forces Recruitment DVD,which was followed by a comprehen-sive briefing led by WO1 J.J. Teitgewho aroused their curiosity about theunique career opportunities that theSA Special Forces could offer.

This was a short introduction to

what was yet to come. The rugby teamearmarked for the team-building campvaried in age between 15 and 18 yearsand a total of 38 boys reported and gath-ered to be transported by bus to thecampsite, ready and in high spirits, notknowing what awaited them. The camp-site was situated on a nearby farmowned by Mr Ross Chapman a few kilo-metres outside of Kuruman.

Upon their arrival the boys looked alittle hesitant about what to do, butquickly formed up when the whistleblew and were told what to load andwhat to carry. Initially this proved to bea challenge as they did not know whatthe programme entailed, and theylacked experience. However, the boysformed up and marched with their kitfor 1.3 km to the identified campsitewithout breaking a sweat. Once there,they immediately identified where theywould be pitching their tents, but beforethey could start pitching them theywere told to form up in threes, weregiven their "calling names" and weretold to wait for further instructions.

The first activity was to camouflageeach other with the camouflage paintprovided, an activity which some tookfull advantage of by painting theirbuddy's entire face. With this activitycompleted the base building com-menced and just as they were comfort-able and satisfied with their achieve-ment, the whistle blew and they weretold the camp was not to the liking ofthe recruitment staff. In a short space oftime they were required to disassembletheir tents, kill the fire, form up andcarry the large iron pot, food, tents andbags and march for a further 3 km towhere the actual base would be. This

Arrival at first campsite and briefing by the SA Special Forces' recruitment staff.

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did not dampen their spirits and inrecord time they were on their way totheir new campsite. At the new camp-site clearings were made and the tentswere pitched, this time with more con-sideration of the most favourable loca-tion, guided by the immediate envi-ronment and its resources.

The second activity, namedExercise 4x4, involved the planting ofthree poles at different spots, thenassembling various sized tyres stackedin no particular order, and by means ofstrategic planning placing them in aparticular order according to the strictrules that applied in this exercise. Thisexercise was conducted in pouringrain, but this did not hamper the boys'efforts and they completed this activitywith ease. This was followed by adebriefing session where certain weak

points were identified and the boyswere introduced to a concept communi-cated by the facilitator, Mr F. du Toit,called the five-point plan in which eachof the five fingers on their hands repre-sented an item, eg support and co-oper-ation, communication, energy, trust andsensitivity, and together forming a fistthat represented a team. This conceptwas introduced as a practical tool to useduring all their planning activities.

Next followed Exercise Lucky Packetwhere the labels on tins were removedand each boy had to choose a tin as hismeal for the evening. There were norules for this exercise since the aim wasto observe how the boys wouldapproach it. What followed showed thatthey were not inclined to share, and onlyafter vehement protests did they allplace their tinned food into the big pot

to make more for all. This proved to bea valuable lesson in teamwork andhow it applied to their rugby game.The rest of the evening programmeinvolved a seizure type exercise wheresome had to stand guard while the oth-ers had to seize some items. This exer-cise showed that they did not have acollective approach to planning, butrather an individualised one. After sev-eral attempts the Warrant Officer pro-vided some insights into deceptiontechniques that could be of value inthis exercise.

This was followed by a navigationlecture on how to use the elements tonavigate at night. Even nature co-oper-ated when the clouds lifted and theboys could see the Southern Cross andwere shown stellar navigation tech-niques; then the clouds returned andcovered the sky again.

At the conclusion of the evening'sprogramme the boys were allowed toretire to their tents, but while asleepthey were awakened again at 02:00 andtold to break down their camp in rapidtime and move it to the initial location.Their faces spoke a thousand wordsand not with all the motivation in theworld could the recruitment team getthe boys to react with speed. They wereeventually allowed to go back to sleep.

The next morning they were awak-ened by gunshots in the hills - theirmorning alarm - but it did not solicit arapid reaction at all. In true militarystyle they started the second day withphysical training and, as they were

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Camouflage session.

Exercise Long Foot.

Pack up and move to actual campsite.

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rugby players, fitness was not a prob-lem. This session was followed byExercise Spider Web in which theywere divided into two groups, eachgroup having to co-operate to moveone member at a time through a spi-der web like rope structure accordingto certain rules to increase the difficul-ty of the exercise and to test thegroups' planning and communica-tions skills. Various facets came to thefore. At first there was jubilation atthe successful movement of one teammember to the other side, but a fewmishaps followed and rules were bro-ken, which complicated matters. Itwas clear that it was a test in whichthey had to trust that their team mem-bers would not let them fall. Theywere reminded of the five-point planand how it was to be applied in theexercise. Of note was the reference torugby, when they were reminded thatif the captain was injured in the firstfive minutes of the game, they had todecide how the team would continue.

Manoeuvring through the spider web.

learned to complement and accommo-date each other's strong and weakpoints.

At long last it was time for ExerciseSurprise, the big finale that the boyswere waiting for in anticipation. Andwas it a welcome surprise! Each boywas given the opportunity to shoot anumber of rounds with a rifle, a taskthat they managed with ease andwithout fear. Judging from the expres-sions on their faces it was the perfectending.

When all was said and done it wastime to return to the school to getcleaned up and assemble for theevening reception with their parents.The main attraction of the eveningprogramme was the inspirational talkdelivered by WO2 Jappie Klopper(Ret), the most decorated SA SpecialForces Operator. He had been injuredduring operations, and as a result wasboth deaf and blind.

WO2 Klopper provided a briefbackground to his life and times in the

They were taught that one should havemore than one plan and involve theteam in each plan, and not think thingswould change if they kept doing thesame thing.

With that said, Exercise Long Footfollowed, a 5 km CASEVAC exercise,which involved three teams each hav-ing a stretcher with one "casualty".From the start it was evident that thelessons learned during the previousexercises had been taken to heart andincorporated in their planning.Without difficulty they assembledtheir stretchers loaded their "casualty"and started the march without hesita-tion. They marched ahead with greatspeed, quickly switching sides, assist-ed one another and reached thehalfway mark in double time, one teamnot even stopping for a water break.The march was completed by all threeteams within a time of one hour and 10minutes - earlier than the expected twohours. This exercise clearly showedtheir teamwork and how they had

SA Special Forces and used asmall three-legged iron pot byway of illustration, to convey hismessage that trust, responsibili-ty and respect are the three pil-lars of life needed to achievesuccess. It was an emotionalevent in which stories were toldand heartfelt appreciationexpressed.

The next morning the boyseach received a certificate to cer-tify that they had successfullycompleted the team-buildingcamp and were bade farewell bythe SA Special Forces recruit-ment staff, with the partingwords "Let your GreaterCompass guide you".

Footnote: "A positive attitudeis a powerful force… it can't bestopped." This was proved when thesenior rugby team of the KalahariHigh School beat Bloemhof HighSchool for the first time ever with afinal score of 35-0.

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Develop your employability skills

By Motshodi (Tsholo) Ngwepe,Personnel Practitioner (DCM:Career Services)Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma

mployability skills are skillsthat can be transferred fromone work environment toanother. They are the basicskills necessary for getting,keeping and doing well in ajob. Employers often refer to

them as job readiness skills that helpemployees fit into, and remain in thework environment.

Employability skills can begrouped into the following categories:

Communication skillsProblem-solvingTeamwork skillsOrganising and planning skillsInitiative and enterprise skillsSelf-management Learning skillsTechnology skills

The importance of employability skills

The world of work is changingand it is less likely that you will havea job for life. Most employers willexpect you to train and continue toimprove your skills, and sometimesalso your qualifications, while you areworking. Employees should be life-long learners in order to possess theseemployability skills. To be a lifelonglearner requires that as an employeeyou should be constantly developingyourself by studying towards a formalqualification such as a degree ordiploma, or undergoing informaltraining such as attending short cours-

E

Motshodi (Tsholo) Ngwepe.

es, rotating in a different division inyour workplace and volunteering.

More jobs need employees whohave the skills and ability to use num-bers, computers, telephones and thewritten word to get things done. Aboutten years ago, for example, it may havebeen possible to do a basic practicaljob, using job-specific practical skillslearnt at work, without using any read-ing or writing skills. Increasingly, all

workers doing practical jobs now haveto use literacy skills to keep recordsand follow instructions (Hansen, 2009).This emphasises the importance of life-long learning.

What employers want and how you can give them whatthey want

Every employer is looking for aspecific set of skills from job seekers


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that match the skills necessary to perform a par-ticular job. But beyond these job-specific technicalskills, for example, knowledge of operating clean-ing equipment for a cleaner, certain skills, such ascomputer literacy and interpersonal skills, arenearly universally sought by employers foradministrative personnel. Most employees pos-sess these skills to some extent. Employees withweaknesses in these areas can improve their skillsthrough training, professional development, orobtaining coaching/mentoring from someonewho understands these skills (Hansen, 2009).

Most employees are concerned about earninga reasonable salary, and that is possible providedthey acquire the skills necessary for the specificjob. You can grow and develop to reach your tar-get level. It is like climbing a ladder to reach thetop, but for you to reach the top you must start atthe bottom.

Personal values that employers seek inemployees

Honesty/Integrity/Morality Adaptability/FlexibilityDedication/Hard Work/Work Ethic/ TenacityDependability /Reliability/Responsibility Loyalty Positive Attitude/Motivation/Energy/Passion ProfessionalismSelf-confidence Self-motivated/Ability to work with little orno supervisionWillingness to learnEmployability skills and personal values are

the critical tools and traits you need to succeed inthe workplace, and they are all elements that youcan learn, cultivate, develop, and maintain overyour lifetime. Once you have identified thesought-after skills and values and assessed thedegree to which you possess them, remember todocument them and market them.

The role of Directorate CareerManagement

Directorate Career Management (DCM) hasan assessment tool called the Career Mentor thatcan be used to assist with self-exploration to giveyou an indication of your career interest. Thisassessment tool, for example, also provide for ajob-fit analysis, which determines the suitability

of the individual for the work that he or she is currently doing.The Career Resource Centre (located at DCM) has books on career

development, planning and management that can assist with informa-tion that employees need in this regard. The Internet is also availablefor further research. Furthermore, the information brochures from dif-ferent academic institutions are also available when needed. The per-sonnel of DCM can also be contacted to find the career information youwant.

ReferencesPACE Career Center: Job hunting directory. 3rd EditionRobinson J.P. (2000): The Workplace: What are employability Skills?

(Volume 1, Issue 3). Alabama Cooperative Extension System.http://www.quintcareers.com/job_skills_values.htmlHansen (2009) What do employers really want? Top skills and values

employers seek from job seekers.

38


RIGHT: The Chief of the SA Navy, VAdm Johannes Mudimu, delivering his

speech on the submarine museum -SAS ASSEGAAI.

history

ideal venue for school outings.SAS ASSEGAAI is currently a float-

ing exhibit outside the Simon's TownDockyard and accessible by ferry fromthe town jetty. She is open daily for con-ducted tours with ferries departing from10:00 until 15:00 daily, weather permitting.

This unique submarine museumserves as a reminder of the country's richnaval professionalism and heritage.

Official opening of thesubmarine museum - SAS ASSEGAAI Article and photos by SeamanDimakatso Khoza, Junior InternalCommunication Clerk, Navy PR

he official opening of the firstsubmarine museum in Africa,SAS ASSEGAAI, was held inSimon's Town on 1 March2011. The Chief of the SANavy, V Adm JohannesMudimu, carried out the offi-

cial opening with R Adm (JG) TheoHoniball (Ret), the first OfficerCommanding of the submarine, the SASASSEGAAI, being the guest of honour.

R Adm (JG) P. Keene (Ret), R Adm(JG) A. Soderlund (Ret) and a number ofserving and retired members formed acommittee some seven years ago to"save our submarine" and they havecampaigned since then to raise funds topreserve the SAS ASSEGAAI and pre-vent her from being broken up.

The SAS ASSEGAAI, formerly theSAS JOHANNA VAN DER MERWE,the third of the three Daphne Class sub-marines built in France for the SA Navy,was commissioned in 1971. She servedher country well, and after the acquisi-tion of three new Type 209 submarines,was decommissioned in November2003. Unlike her two sisters, which werecut up for scrap, she has been retainedfor preservation as a museum exhibit ofthe SA Naval Museum.

The submarine as an exhibit hasdone extremely well since her trial open-ing on 22 December 2010 and hasattracted more than 2 000 visitors, bothlocal and international, in the first twomonths. One of the aims of the subma-rine exhibit with its vast array of tech-nologies aboard is to promote the sci-ences among the youth, and it is thus an

T

The Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm Johannes Mudimu, and some of the gueststaking the first tour of the submarine museum - SAS ASSEGAAI - during herofficial opening.


39

Athlete aims for aComrades green number

By Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

s Hester Merritt (50) is hardat work preparing for theupcoming 2011 ComradesMarathon. It will be thefourth time she has run thisrace since 2007, the greatestrace on the South African

sports calendar, which attracts big inter-national names worldwide.

In keeping with the tradition, the2011 marathon will be an up-race, withthe 89 km run from Durban toPietermaritzburg.

The topography along the route willbe an inspiration to Ms Merritt, an ardentroad-runner, who has already embarkedon a programme to keep her in tip-topshape come 29 May 2011, the day of theevent. Her preparations include dailyjogging of about 10 km and she coversdistances of between 18 km and 32 km onweekends.

According to Don Oliver's WesternProvince Training Programme for theup-run in 2011, as many as 6 000 noviceshave won finishers medals on their veryfirst attempt and they attributed this suc-cess on a gradual, graded increase in thedistance run in training and races - a phi-losophy which conforms to Merritt'sform of training. Her training regimeagrees with Oliver's Programme that foroptimal results an athlete should committo run about 1 200 km from January tothe end of May, which should alsoinclude two standard marathons of 42km and three ultra marathons of between50 km and 56 km.

Ms Merritt, a member of the IreneRoad Running Club, said: "Preparing fora Comrades Marathon is not an easytask, especially when it is an up-runevent like this year which requires a lot oftechnique and skill. It helps to be part ofa road-running club, not only because

MMs Hester Merritt proudly displays someof the medals she has won during herparticipation in major road-runningevents.

this is a requirement for entry intothe Comrades Marathon, but alsofor the camaraderie and support.

"Finishing the ComradesMarathon requires dedication anddiscipline and an overriding self-motivation to finish within the spec-ified time. To help me prepare forthe stretch of the hills, I practise run-ning up to Fort Klapperkop forstamina which will help me pullthrough some rigorous 47 or so kilo-metres uphill." When her feet arenot doing some talking on the road,Ms Merritt can be found at the SAArmy Foundation National Head-quarters in Centurion, Pretoria,where she is currently a GroupSchemes Death Claims administra-tor, a post she has held for almost 21years. She said the support shereceives from her colleagues andmanagers at the workplace is over-whelming, especially when she has toprepare herself for big races, such as theComrades and Two Oceans events.

During the interview at the offices ofthe SA Army Foundation, Maj Gen KeithMokoape, the SA Army FoundationGeneral Manager, said that Ms Merritt'sachievements in road-running and finish-ing the Comrades Marathon were praise-worthy. Maj Gen Mokoape said: "TheFoundation is extremely proud andimpressed with her involvement in sportsand we are committed to providing herwith any running equipment and supportshe might need. The SA ArmyFoundation will also continue to providethe necessary technical support in theform of sponsorships to sports-relatedcauses, as it has already done with soccer,netball and boxing, among others."

Since embarking on a road-runningcareer in 1999 after being introduced tothe sport by her sister, Ms ChristineJeneker, a fellow road-runner, Ms Merritthas participated in other contests. These

include the acclaimed Forever ResortsLoskop Ultra Marathon in Mpumalanga,the Two Oceans Marathon in 2004 and2005, and the 50 km Loskop Marathonand the Dawn to Dusk Marathon (a 12-hour circuit race for which she receivedher permanent number). Her ultimategoal is to receive a permanent number forthe Comrades Marathon. Ms Merritt hasalso received numerous medals and acco-lades for her participation in the sport.

In 2007 she helped organise a fun runchallenge for the SA Army Foundation topromote a healthy lifestyle among hercolleagues and she hopes to get the com-munity involved in a similar project thisyear. Ms Merritt is proud of the continu-ous support from her husband Charles,also a fellow road-runner, and her son,Christiaan.

* Additional information on the ComradesMarathon obtained from http://www.clubdo-conline.com/news/pressrelease/2011-com-rades-marathon-attracts-thousands-of-entrants/

sport


40

Husband and wife dominateshooting championship

Article and photo by CO KatlegoThobejane, A/SO2 Corp Com, SA Army Signal Formation

he 33rd annual GautengNorth Combat Rifle ShootingChampionship was presentedat the General Piet JoubertShooting Range atBoekenhoutskloof, north ofPretoria, from 17 to 19

February 2011. Approximately 100shottists from Gauteng North andSouth, North West, Mpumalanga andFree State Provinces attended this pres-tigious shooting competition.

The competition kicked off with an

Tpetitions he won two gold, two silverand two bronze medals. He was alsoselected to represent Gauteng North"A" at the Interprovincial Competitionon 19 February 2010.

Maj Nerino Gouws from SA ArmySignal Formation HQ (the wife of LtCol Gouws) who only started to partic-ipating actively in combat rifle shoot-ing in January 2011 was crowned as the2011 Gauteng North Closed LadiesChampion. She achieved a third placein the Overall Ladies Category and athird place in the Overall B-ClassDivision. During the various individu-al competitions she won a gold andtwo bronze medals. She was selected to

Lt Col Bieb Gouws and his wife, Maj Nerino Gouws, with their winning trophies.

represent Gauteng North "B" at theInterprovincial Competition on 19February.

The organisers are to be commend-ed on this successful championship,especially Lt Col Fritz du Plessis fromPretoria Military Combat RifleShooting Club and Col Anton Dreyerfrom the SA Police Service, who is alsothe Chairperson Gauteng NorthCombat Rifle Association.

Combat rifle shooting contributestowards SANDF Force Preparation andany member interested in participatingin this SANDF sporting category, with-in the Pretoria area, can contact Lt ColFritz du Plessis at (012) 428 2807.

individual night shoot on 17February. The next daytwelve individual competi-tions were shot respectivelyat 100 m, 200 m and 300 m. A400 m sustained shoot con-cluded the individual compe-tition on 19 February, fol-lowed by two Unit Teammatches at 300 m and threeProvincial Team competi-tions, also at 300 m.

Individual results (husband and wife)

Lt Col Bieb Gouws fromDefence Intelligence achievedthe highest score during theindividual competition andtook overall first place. Hewas crowned the champion ofthe 2011 Gauteng North OpenChampionship and was alsothe Gauteng North ClosedChampion for 2011. Duringthe various individual com-


41

sport


42

SANDF 21.1 kmChampionships

By Col Zirk Lourens, PRO Athletics SANDF Photo: Pretoria Military Marathon Club

ANDF athletes from all overSouth Africa descended onASB Bloemfontein for theSANDF 21.1 km Champion-ships on 12 February 2011. Inattendance were 120 maleand female athletes, officials

and executive committee membersrepresenting teams from the FreeState, Gauteng, Limpopo,Mpumalanga, Northern Cape, NorthWest and Western Cape. (KwaZulu-

SThe first SANDF athlete to cross thefinishing line was Pte I. Ambraal fromAthletics Club Gauteng (21 Battalionin Johannesburg). His overall positionout of the 285 runners who finishedwas third in a time of 71 minutes and11 seconds. In the second position wasAble Seaman M. Mathomane fromAthletics Club Western Province in atime of 74 minutes and 01 second, anoverall position of fourth. The firstSANDF Veteran was Sgt P.I. Mokhobofrom Athletics Club Free State in atime of 77 minutes and 50 seconds, anoverall position of 9th. These runnersobtained their silver medals for run-ning under the one and half hour cut-

Runners from the different provinces.

off time (90 minutes). The first SANDF woman was PO

C.A. Fortuin from Athletics ClubWestern Province (Naval Base Simon'sTown) in a time of 01:39:09, an overallposition of 76th and the second femaleathlete to cross the finishing line. S SgtSusan Maree from ASB Mapuma-langa, a head committee member,won the Master category in the openrace.

Members of the SANDF and DODare invited to become members of theroad-running or walking clubs bysigning up at the various SANDFroad-running/walking clubs in eachprovince.

Natal and EasternProvince could notattend.)

Entries were finalisedat the meeting of theteam managers, whichwas held at theBloemfontein MilitarySports Club on 11February 2011. (Bloem-fontein Military SportsClub hosted the event.)

The SANDF 21.1 kmChampionships formedpart of the Kloppers/Adidas Festival ofRunning event, whichwas an open race overdistances of 10 km, 21 kmand 42 km. The eventwas presented byNedbank BloemfonteinAchilles over a very chal-lenging course.

A total of 285 athletesfinished the 21.1 km race.


43

SANDF assists in the Midmar Mile

Article and photos by LS TumiSehloho, Public Relations Clerk:Navy Office

outh Africa's Midmar Mile isthe world's largest openwater swimming competi-tion, and has taken placesince 1973. It is held at theMidmar Dam near Howick.The Midmar Mile started

with 153 entrants in 1973 and now thatnumber has escalated to approximate-ly 19 000 entries this year.

This year the KwaZulu-NatalMilitary Sports Club entered 68SANDF members from various unitsin different categories. The main roleof the SANDF was to assist with thesafety regulations in the water. TheMidmar Mile Office called upon 19Field Engineering Regiment to supplyflat bottomed boats (Ribhs) and the SANavy Durban Base was asked to sup-ply the Harbour Patrol Boat to ensurethe swimmers’ safety during the event.

Together with the SA Navy divers,the boats patrolled the waters of theMidmar Dam to help the lifeguardsand paramedics in case of an injury orif one of the swimmers needed assistance.

They also helped convey swim-mers back to the start if they wanted toparticipate in other categories. Agroup of harbour divers who hadrecently qualified at Naval StationDurban were also there to give sup-port on the Ribhs and they also par-tic-ipated in the race. The SANDF certainly made a difference where safety was concerned at the Midmar Mile 2011.

SHarbour divers of Naval Station Durban.

A naval harbour diver keeping a watchful eye on the swimmers.

sport

44


Article and photos by Col E.O.Step, Chairperson SANDF WalkingAssociation

hat the ComradesMarathon is to runners,the Dias Endurance Walkis to endurance walkers -it is the top endurance-walking event in SouthAfrica. On 24 and 25

February 2011 over 600 walkers gath-ered in Mossel Bay to participate inthe 2011 SA National EnduranceWalking Championship, also knownas the Dias Vasbyt 2011.

The Dias Vasbyt was presented bythe Mossel Bay Correctional Servicesin co-operation with the SouthWestern Districts Endurance Walking

Bloemfontein Cheetahs - Men's Veterans.

Be a fit soldier - walk for fitness

WUnion under the auspices of theEndurance Walking Association ofSouth Africa. The SANDF enteredsome of its best walkers to participateofficially in the Championship in var-ious team categories, while some mil-itary individual walkers and teamsalso participated at own expense.Besides civilian walkers from corpo-rate entities, many teams from theCorrectional Services and the SAPolice Service also participated.

The Endurance Walk took placeover a total distance of 70 km to becovered in two days at 40 km on dayone followed by the remainder on daytwo. The route presented the ultimatechallenge to all walkers as it includedsome difficult terrain with a multi-tude of extremely steep hills in Mossel

Bay, rocky hiking paths and enormousstretches of beach sand. Walkers alsoexperienced very hot temperatures,which during the day soared well intothe thirties.

Despite the harsh terrain, climaticvariations and the pain, the walkersthoroughly enjoyed the beautifulcoastal surroundings and spiritsremained at a high level as team mem-bers encouraged and helped each otheras could only be the case in a sportsuch as endurance walking.

The SANDF walkers who partici-pated flew the SANDF flag high andproved that they were among thefittest by winning three of the SAChampionship categories. TheBloemfontein Cheetahs, consisting of SSgt W. Jaftha, Sgt V.J. Mkololo, Sgt M.J.

45


Golden Oldies - Mixed Masters.

Western Cape Team - Mixed Veterans.

Kgosiemang, Sgt B.M. Mokgoetsi, SgtK. Nantselo and Cpl Z. Nyati, whocompeted in the Men's Veterans cate-gory, lived up to their name of beingthe fastest by obtaining a first place ina time of 9 hours and 6 minutes. TheWestern Cape team, consisting of MajR.A. Boshomane, WO2 G.A. Jacobs, F

Sgt K.E. de Long, CPO T. Hendricks, SSgt C. Smith and Sgt M.M. Williams,snatched gold medals from the othercompetitors in the Mixed Veterans cate-gory and finished in a time of 8 hoursand 18 minutes. The Golden Oldies, acombined Pretoria/Potchefstroom/Bloemfontein Military Walking Club

team, consisting of Col C. Nortman,Col E.O. Step, Lt Col C.J. Coetzee,Capt G. van Heerden, WO1 A. Victor,and S Sgt D.V. Gomana, proved that"over fifties" soldiers could still becombat-ready by taking honours inthe Mixed Masters category in a timeof 9 hours and 43 minutes.

Other military teams that excelledwere the following: in second place -Western Cape Men's Veterans catego-ry and 9 SA Infantry Battalion in theSenior Men's category. Third place -Bloemfontein in the Senior Men's cate-gory; 4 Special Forces in the MixedSenior category and Northern Cape (3SA Infantry Battalion) Team A inSenior Men's Social category.

Once again this event has provedthat walking is not only about reach-ing the finishing line, obtainingmedals or winning the SAChampionship, although one cannothide one's delight and sense ofachievement if one completes such adistance, but it is more about the jour-ney, the creation of unity betweenteam members, building esprit decorps, forging friendships, promotingties between military and civiliansporting communities, the testing of

fitness and ultimately thesportsmanship experienced dur-ing the race. It is for the abovereasons that walking is one ofthe Force Preparation sportingcodes in the SANDF. Walking isthe one sport that offers anopportunity to participate to allmembers of the DOD who areable to walk. This promotes andenhances fitness and contributesto force preparation, combat-readiness and ultimately mis-sion readiness.

Endurance Walking, i.e.walking long distances, is onlyone facet of walking. Walkingalso includes setting your ownstandards of distance andendurance, whether it is 5 km or75 km. Start now by joining awalking club or a group offriends and walk every day for akilometre or so, and before youknow it you will be a much fittersoldier and be able to participatein an event such as the DiasVasbyt.

message


46

By Col (Rev) M.A. Mothopeng, SSO Reserves Chaplains Services

e live in times wherethings are just aroundand about us. We are soclosed up and occupiedby our own burdens thatwe do not even see orrealise when our col-

leagues need our support. We are soswamped that we do not even havethe courage to carry our brothers/sis-ters' burdens. Sometimes we are self-ish and do not want to assist or carrytheir burdens with them. While situa-tions are like that, Paul says weshould carry each other's burdens,because in that way we would be ful-filling the law of Christ.

What does this mean for us today?What are the burdens that we need tocarry for one another, and how possi-ble will that be because we also haveour own burdens? If we carry otherpeople's burdens, how are we goingto carry ours?

Paul was not only talking of phys-ical things, but of emotional thingsalso. Things that drain our energy,things that make us weary and makeus feel negative. Therefore in thiscase, we can talk of things such asanxieties, disappointments, sadness,weakness, sickness and many otherthings that drain our energy and cancause us not to perform or deliver asexpected.

Most of the time we are soswamped that we are unable to realisewhen our colleagues are drowning intheir problems because of the above-mentioned energy drainers. Sometimewe are aware, but do not help,because we do not care or want toshine alone or receive glory from thedownfall of others. Paul says if we

Col (Rev) M.A. Mothopeng.

"Carry each other's burdens" - Galatians 6:2

W

we were about to perish because onour own we could not make it and wewere not going to make it. Christ car-ried our burdens of sin so that wecould have eternal life and be enabledto carry each other as He carried us.What is then expected of us is to dolikewise, to have the spirit of caringand assisting each other. We areexpected as an organisation not topush our own agendas, but the agendaof the organisation, which compels usto work as a team and carry eachother. Also remember that as a team, ifone fails, the whole team is failing.Then for us to be on top, togethernessis the way we need to follow, carryingeach other's burdens is the strength tolead us to the top. For in this way, wefulfil the law of Christ.

ple's weaknesses.As an organisation, I strongly

believe that we are not individuals, buta team. We are expected therefore as ateam to work together, to pursue theinterests and achieve the goals andobjectives of the organisation and notour individual desires. As a team weare expected to carry each otherthrough thick and thin, so that at theend of the day we deliver as expectedof us. We have a responsibility as ateam to play our different roles andremember that we are not individuals.Also remember that TEAM stands for:

TogetherEachAchieveMoreChrist carried our burdens when

carry each other's bur-dens, in that way we willbe fulfilling the law ofChrist. The law of Christis that we should love oneanother as we love our-selves. If we love, then wehave accomplished whatis expected of us. If welove one another as welove ourselves, we will beable to carry each other'sburdens because as muchas we do not want to beburdened, we will alsonot like to see our brotherburdened. Therefore if wedo not care or do not wantto carry each other's bur-dens and want to shinewhile others are sinkingbecause of the burdensthey have, you will not befulfilling the law ofChrist, but the law of self-glorification and passionof excelling on other peo-

47


DOD; she also shines like a diamond withother unique qualities that very few knowof.

Maj Van Niekerk is a bundle of joyand wherever she goes, she captures thehearts of those around her. She has a pas-sion for the arts and has an acting talentthat came to the fore when she played therole of a state prosecutor in 7de Laan in2010. She truly made us proud, but waitthere is more. In 2010 she was nominatedfor the Lady Gracious pageant and wasselected as one of the eleven finalists. LadyGracious (www.lady-gracious.co.za) isnot your normal beauty pageant, butfocuses on taking women through aseven-month journey to discover whothey really are, their role in life and theimpact they can make in their community.

From the beginning, her giving heartand altruistic personality proved that shehad the gift of giving, never asking any-thing for herself. As a mother of threelovely boys and a loving wife and friend

Soldier crowned with glory

to her husband, Paul, Maj Van Niekerkstole the hearts of her fellow participantsand became one of the favourites to win.

In an extravagant ball gown designedby the Chamber of Couture, Maj VanNiekerk charmed everyone at the LadyGracious Gala event on 29 October 2010.The moment of glory came when all thewomen were standing in the front lookingspectacular, waiting in anticipation andexcitement for the announcement of thewinner. So as all of them were looking ateach other with pride and holding hands,it was announced that Maj Van Niekerkhad been chosen as Lady Gracious 2010.Not only was she crowned the winner, shealso walked away with the 1st prize asMrs Personality and Mrs Photogenic.What a moment, what an experience, astears of joy ran down her face in unbeliefthat God had chosen her to carry thecrown for Him in the year that lay ahead.

Asked to say something about herself,Maj Van Niekerk said that her life's mottowas derived from Psalm 27:4 - "My onlydesire is to dwell in His presence, marvelin His goodness and live in His guid-ance"." During 2011, Maj van Niekerk willcontinue with her passion to uplift thecommunity where she works and lives.She is very active in marriage counselling,the Military Christian Fellowship andwomen's camps. Furthermore, she writesarticles for the Jesus to my Rescue website(www.jesustomyrescue.com) and assistswith professional voice-overs on DVDsdesigned for DOD projects.

Maj Van Niekerk, now a soldiercrowned with glory, will no longer standin the back of the row, because GodHimself pulled her out and crowned herfor His purposes. This He did, not to puther on a pedestal, but so that others cansee that God takes ordinary people andcrowns them with glory when they stepout in faith to make a difference in thelives of others.

Maj Van Niekerk, the DOD is proud tocall you one of our own. Not only do westand behind you! We salute you!

By Ms Karin Swart, Asst Dir PSAPETD, 1st Princess: Mrs ModernWoman 2008/2009, Lady GraciousIntercessor and Judge 2010

he mission of the Department ofDefence (DOD) is effectivedefence for a democratic SouthAfrica. To provide effectivedefence the Department isreliant on many factors, one ofwhich is to have professional,

credible, unselfish soldiers who committheir hearts and lives to the DOD and ulti-mately to all South African citizens. MajEsmarie van Niekerk is one of these sol-diers. She worked for several regiments,namely the South African Corps ofSignals, the School of Infantry, DefenceLegal Services Division and JointOperations Division, and is currently inthe planning office of Defence Corpo-rate Communication. Not only is shecommitted to the core business of the

T

Maj Esmarie van Niekerk, Lady Gracious 2010.


Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrikaMaluphakanyisw' uphondo lwayo,Yizwa imithandazo yethu,Nkosi sikelela, thina lusapho lwayo.

Morena boloka setjhaba sa heso,O fedise dintwa le matshwenyeho,O se boloke, O se boloke setjhaba sa heso,Setjhaba sa South Afrika - South Afrika.

Uit die blou van onse hemel,Uit die diepte van ons see,Oor ons ewige gebergtes,Waar die kranse antwoord gee.

Sounds the call to come together,And united we shall stand,Let us live and strive for freedom,In South Africa our land.









National Anthem ofSouth AfricaNational Anthem ofSouth AfricaNational Anthem ofSouth Africa

sa soldiersa soldier - minister of defence and … you look forward to reliving the past, as we...

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