SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR - dod.mil.zadod.mil.za/sasoldier/2009/SoldAug09.pdf · News from abroad DOD...

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

From the Editor's desk

Letters:to the Editor

An era of hope for women

News fromabroad

DOD 2009 Budget Voteand analysis

SADC Brigade militaryobservers graduate inZimbabwe

Exercise KGWELEmission accomplished

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18 Military womenbuild bridges

First Indian operational officer in the SAAF

Protecting MotherEarth and her beauty

Take a Girl Child to Work Day

Rekindling of friendshipand cultural links

An electrifying football exhibition week

Military OlympicGames

From Dennilton to Turkey

Sports day in ASB Mpumalanga

The 93rd anniversary of theBattle of Delville Wood

"I wanna be"a tank Commander

Establishing a consistentWorking Environment

Excellence beyondexception

Recruitingyouth in Ulundi

African Women's Peace & Security

Army Command Councilbenchmarks with HonoraryColonels

Foundation ManagementDevelopment Programme

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EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Mr Kgabo Mashamaite S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaL Cpl Arnaus Rakoma

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

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EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini (Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. Visser Col S.P. ZeemanCapt (SAN) M.J. Josias

Capt (SAN) Cpln L.W.MsenganaMs N. Pienaar Maj J.V. du ToitCdr P. Tshabalala

Ms J. RenderLt 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 U G U S T 2 0 0 9 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.sasoldier.mil.za

FRONT COVER: The Minister of the Department of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Nonceba Sisulu. SA Soldier gives you an analysis of the2009 budget speech on pages 12 and 13.(Photo: WO2 David Nomtshongwana)

Above: Naval Station Durban hosts Cell C Take a Girl Child to Work Day. Celina Soobromoney and Benzir Manumear from Grosvernor Girls High in frontof the diving tank during the diving demonstration.(Photo supplied by Maj J.M. Mashigo, Acting Public Info Officer)

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From the Editor's desk

ongratulations! You might wonder, rightfullyso, as to why congratulations ... well, congrat-ulations to all the women in South Africa andin the SANDF. I congratulate women especial-ly in this edition because 9 August is a daydedicated to all South African women.

The Editorial team would like to applaudMs Lindiwe Sisulu on her first DOD budget speech asthe Minister of Defence and Military Veterans. On pages12 and 13 we analyse the DOD budget speech and howit affects the Department.

It is therefore proper that in this special month dedi-cated to women that the South African Governmentshould be commended on their efforts to empowerwomen. A significant increase in the numbers of womenin Government is evident for all to see - approximately33% of parliamentarians are women, with at least 43%serving in the Cabinet and an estimated 48% appointedas Deputy Ministers.

The DOD is making its mark in pursuit of genderparity. The SANDF employs approximately 579 women,ranging from Lieutenant Colonels to a Major General.The Department of Defence is continuously makingefforts to increase these numbers. Recently CdrGeevanayagi Moodley, the only Indian female officer tohold the rank of Commander in the SA Navy, successful-ly secured a place to represent South Africa on the King'sCollege London Peace and Security Fellowships forAfrican Women Programme. Read all about this on page28.

We can announce with great pleasure that theSANDF has indeed championed the quest for peace in theregion. In celebration of our 10 years of peace missiondeployments in different African states, SA Soldier willpublish a special edition in September.

On a sad note we bid farewell to Brig Gen KwenaMangope who was the Director of Defence CorporateCommunication. Brig Gen Mangope will be pursuingother interests outside of the SANDF. We wish him suc-cess with all his future endeavours.

Lufuno NetshirembeAssistant Editor

Ce ya le lebogisa! Mohlomongwe le a makala goreng ke lebogisamahlatsi le mahlogonolo go basadi kamoka ba Afrika Borwa (SA), resa lebale basadi ba ba lego go Lekgotla Tshireletso la Sešole sa AfrikaBorwa (SANDF). Ke lelakaletsa mahlatsi le mahlogonolo kgatišongya SA Soldier ya kgwedi ye ya Phato, ka ge ka la 09 Phato e le letšatšileo le beetšwego thoko go hlompha basadi ka moka ba Afrika Borwa.

Barulaganyi ba rata go lebogiša Mohumagadi Lindiwe Sisulu kapolelo ya gagwe ya pele ya peakanyo ya tša matlotlo ele Tona ya tša Tšhireletšo lebo Mahlwaadibona (Minster of Defence and Military Veterans). Ka mo letlakaleng la 12 le la 13 re seka seka polelo ya peakanyo ya matlotlo gore e tla amaLefapha le bjang.

Ke maloka gore ka kgwedi ye bohlokwa ya basadi ke leboga le Mmušo waAfrika Borwa (SA) ka maitapiso a go matlafatša basadi. Sa bohlokwa ke ka paloya basadi mererong ya Mmušo, le ko lekgotla theramelao ya setšhaba (NationalParliament) basadi fihla palo ya 33%, gomme 43% ya basadi ba akareditšwe kagare ga lekgotla la kabinete ya naga, gomme palo ya 48% bas were maemo a bot-latša Tona.

Lefapha la Tšhireletšo le bo Mahlwaadibona le dira mohlala wa kgonthe gotšweletša teka tekano ya bong pele. Lekgotla Tshireletso la Sešole sa Afrika Borwa(SANDF) le thwetše maloko a go fihla go 579 a basadi maemong a go tloga goBatlatša Dikolonele (Lieutenant Colonels) go ya go Bagenerale Bagolwane(Major Generals). Lefapha la Tšhireletšo le bo Mahlwaadibona le šoma ka maat-la go oketsa palo ye.

Mathomong, Mokomandara (Commander) Geevanayagi Moodley, e elgomosadi wa motho yo moso a le tee yo a swerego maeomo a godimo lefapheng latšhireletso ya tša lewatleng (SA Navy), ka mahlatsi a magolo, o kgonne hwetsasekgoba go King's College London Peace and Security Fellowships for AfricanWomen Programme go emela Afrika Borwa. O ka ipalela pego ye e feleletšego let-lakaleng la 28.

Ke ka lethabo le golo go bega gore Lekgotla Tshireletso la Sešole sa AfrikaBorwa ke bona bahlodi ba khutšo mererong ya tša khutšo le toka mo Afrika. Goketekeng mengwaga ye lesome ya toka dinageng tse difapaneng tsa Afrika, SASoldier etlo gatiša kgatiso ya go ikgetha. E tlo gatisa ka bokopana megwaga yelesome ya toka mo Kontinenteng ye ya Afrika.

Ka manyami, Defence Corporate Communication e laelana le Brig GenKwena Mangope, yo ebeng ele molaodi wa tša tlhaeletšano tša Sešole (DefenceCorporate Communication). Go tlogeng gagagwe Brig Gen Mangope o ya gogotšweletša tše dingwe tša dikgahlego tša gagwe ka ntle ga Lefapha le. Re rata gomo molakaletša mahlatsi le mahlogonolo go tšohle tšeo a tlago go di dira.

Lufuno NetshirembeMothosi Morulaganyi

* Translation (Sepedi) by Mr Kgabo Mashamaite.

Gotswa Go Morulaganyi

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WHAT ABOUT GENDER SENSITIVITY?Firstly, let me congratulate the newMinister of Defence (female) for herappointment to this position!

It has been disturbing to me torealise that the Department is able tochange things like uniforms and someparts of policy, but some other thingsremain the same, inter alia the rank

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.

names, especially for lower ranks, forexample, Able Seaman, LeadingSeaman, Rifleman, etc. Just imaginepeople waiting to meet Able SeamanFoster the strong man, only to see asmart female who appears to have justwon a beauty contest! I am not implyingthat female soldiers are softies, but am

simply suggesting neutral rank namesthat do not deny femininity.

Let us celebrate gender equity byshowing respect for our sisters in themilitary because they are here on theirown merits and not by virtue of thepassport of male chauvinism! Jacob Tlhagale (Rev), email

PROUDLY SOUTH AFRICANTo be Proudly South African we needto attend to three very valuable issues.We must cherish and prune our youth,which is our future, we must respectour aged and our veterans and wemust all be of the same heart and mindto be proud South Africans. These threeissues we must steadfastly nurture andwe must embrace the spirit of UBUN-TU at every opportunity. Now manywould say: "nice words", what do wedo and how do we achieve this? Iremember a scene in the movie"Braveheart" when William Wallacemade a speech and he was told, "nicespeech, what do we do next". Heresponded to that remark, saying: "I amgoing to pick a fight". That fight waspicked by icons like, Madiba, OliverTambo and many others, and the resultwas the Hector Petersons, Chris Hanis,etc and our beloved country was liber-ated from the rule of apartheid: we hadovercome the nightmare.

We all have the birthright. This iswhere we belong, so that we can allstand tall, and as South Africans say:"No more fights". The elections werethe highlight of our spirit andbirthright and we queued for hours tomake our mark and we were left with amark on our thumbs that we will not

regret. We made the cross because webelieve in "Working together we can domore". To achieve the slogan we haveleaders that can navigate around cornersand over steep slopes and into theunchartered future to make a difference.We do have highly trained leaders thatcan and do have the ability to unite peo-ple, build camaraderie and promote asense of shared goals that are vital inachieving the above-mentioned slogan.The elections and all the splendour thatgoes with it displayed the trueguardians of our freedom and we readthat the SANDF led from the front. Thenewly elected President reminded usthat this was a moment of renewedhope, social redemption and participa-tion in guarding democracy and risingabove the dust of despair and reaffirm-ing the glory of a nation being born. Isthis not awesome? To unite this diversecoalition from the past to the presentinto the future will definitely demandleading from the front. We all as fellowcountrymen will and must play ourroles to unite and we must refuse to bedeterred by the scale of the challengeswe face as a new nation. I firmly believethat there is no problem of human des-tiny that is beyond human beings load-ed with the energy of goodwill. I am, are

you? We may come from differentplaces, have different stories, and lookdifferent, but we share common hopesand one very big African dream. "Weare all South Africans and it's time wemake that shift in thinking, let's we for-get". We have won the fight!

It's a belief that says if this nationthat is being born was founded on theprinciples of freedom and equality, itcannot sit idly by while millions arestill left behind because of the colour oftheir skin. If we embrace the renewedhope and social redemption, we willhave to shine as a beacon of hope to therest of Africa and the world. We mustbe respected not just for the might ofour military in Africa, and our will tosucceed, but also for the reach of ourideals.

If this nation being born is a nationwhere destiny is not determined by ourethnic groups/birth or circumstances,we have a duty to ensure that all ourpeople and their children have thesame chance in life. That if out of many,we are truly one. Then we must notlimit ourselves to the pursuit of selfishgain, but to that which will help allSouth Africans to rise together. Ourgreatness as a newly born nation isdependent on one another, on a beliefthat we are dependent on our sense ofmutual regard for each other, the ideathat everybody has a stake in the coun-try, that we are all in it together andeverybody's got a shot at opportunity.Let us, a newborn nation, make possi-ble the potential that exists in everySouth African.

We owe our children a betterfuture. We know that this is themoment that will define a generationthat will deliver that better future. We


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Please allow me to dedicate some wordsto our children: To all our military kids.

As I was typing this to share mythoughts with kids aged 10 - 15 years Ithought there are probably many mili-tary kids that do not realise how impor-tant they are in their parents' lives. Thankyou so much for your wonderful maga-zine where our soldiers and families canstay connected. These are a few words ofappreciation to our children.

MILITARY CHILD: YOU AREUNIQUEYou are unique,Take pride in itYou are your parents' strength,

DEDICATED TO OUR MILITARY CHILDRENYour parents' heroesYour uniqueness can only Be appreciated by peopleWho understand what you are going through.We as your parents realise that every momentYou are not unique Because of your parent's rank In the force, because that rank is His/her working environment achievementYou cannot treat each other differently Because of these ranksYou are a soldier's child - a military child A unique generation You are unique becauseEither one or both of your parents Is part of our South African National Defence Force The SANDF that is +/- 70 000

cannot afford to keep doing what we'vebeen doing; allowing some to lagbehind because they are the minority.We owe this to our country and ourfuture as a newborn nation. Let's notbend history to our will because it nat-urally bends towards justice. A sterlingexample is Madiba (The Long Walk toFreedom). As I type these words, knowthat there is a generation of youthgrowing up in the back streets and darkcorners of this country that are slippingaway from us as we read. I grew up inthose forgotten streets, I know theirsense of hopelessness and we talk ofrenewed hope, let's walk it! They arenot Black, White, Coloured or Indian;they are our children. They are ourresponsibility. "We are our brothersand sisters keepers". I know hopeless-ness, but I also know hope. We canmake a difference in the lives of ournewborn nation, future generationsand the life of this country.

We are a nation rich in aged peoplewho fought the struggle againstapartheid, and they are worn out andexhausted. We have war veterans whotalk with pride about what they haveaccomplished in their time of duty allacross the globe, and both these veter-ans are forgotten, neglected and theyroam the streets of a country theyfought for now as bums, "bergies", beg-gars and drunkards. If this is the stan-dard of our morals as a newbornnation, and as a defence force thatprides itself on values that are second

to none, then we are going downhill withour foot on the gas pedal, the "fight wepicked" as said by William Wallace inBraveheart would have been all in vain.This is our chance to end it once and forall, let's unite as South Africans.

Unity is the great need of the time.Unity is how we shall overcome the newfrontier of division that exists. Powerfulbut subtle and insidious currents inces-santly work at undermining the minoritygroups, pinning them down, and every-day is a struggle as those around them,the privileged, aim to limit their space. Ibelieve deeply that we cannot solve thechallenges of our country still so dividedand a National Defence Force that is notfully representative in all ranks, unlesswe solve them together. We do share thesame hopes and we are all Africans.

I do have hope as a South African,but now presently still labelled as a"Coloured" Officer in a transformingSANDF, that the representativity of allposts, ranks and levels will be addressedsoon. I pray that the day will dawn that Iwill not be labelled by the laws ofapartheid, but by my birthright (SouthAfrican).

I proudly serve the Government ofthe day, and I am inspired by SouthAfrica's past. I am filled with hope forSouth Africa's future and very deter-mined to contribute beyond comprehen-sion to our next chapter of history."Working together we can do more."Proudly South African, UBUNTU! Col R.G. Lourens, SA Army

Of +/- 47 million people in South Africa Are you unique or what? We know you areThere might be some of you who lost a parent Due to a deployment We want you to know They did it because they served their country We salute you on behalf of your parentsEither one or both Of your parents were transferredTo different provinces or countriesFor the sake of the work, Studies or our countryYou did adoptYou have proud, True South Africans as parents Either one or both Of your parents are deployedFor the sake of peace Or work in an environmentWhere they have to plan peacekeepingIn some way or anotherYou have a hero of the country As your dad/mom or bothEither one or both Of your parents are working hardIn making sure that our country will be thereFor you one day in a peaceful And safe mannerYou have a dedicated hard worker as a parentEither one or both Of your parents are spending hoursAnd hours in planning, learning, Developing themselvesFor the sake of others, because they believe inThe future, you have a believer on your sideThey believe in a future that is you You, military child - who are unique?As a stronger generation Of positive military children Do you think you can make a difference? We bet you canYou, as a military child with the discipline That your parents are instilling in your livesThat discipline is within your blood You as a military child Are part of the positive forceThat Mr Mandela believed inWhen he spent almost a lifetime in prisonYou, because you with your uniqueness canBy making the right choices Let our country, our community, Our military communityBe the difference to a world that needs us.

Thank you military childThank you that you areSo that we can beThank you that you are proudSo that your parents can be proud. Lilla Kobbie, email


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LET US UNITEI hereby wish to share my deepest feel-ings concerning my beloved SANDF.

There is a gap of misunderstandingthat is dividing our National DefenceForce as implemented and practised bythe leaders we voted into Government,which we trusted so much and believedin. They cause that division in the fol-lowing manner:

There is no united SANDF becauseMK, APLA, TBVC and SADF still exist,and this practice is dividing the DODbecause the others are made to believethat they are better than the others andare treated as such when it comes tocourses, promotions and contracts.

The other members formerly known

as SADF are also divided into Africansand Whites, and Whites are treated betterthan their counterparts, as they are theminority.

I therefore wonder why we are notwearing different kinds of combat dress todetermine our differences as it is with ourforce numbers and how long this is goingto go on. I am a born soldier by professionand I will never think of anything elseexcept soldiering. Whoever is responsiblefor doing this, please do not tear or splitour strong SANDF by this acts that causesan African to feel inferior to another!

We love and respect our SANDF, itsleadership and its civil control and wewill love it much more if our leaders can

help unite us so that we stop seeing eachother as MK, SADF and/or APLA.

We are soldiers wearing the sameuniform with an SA flag on our leftshoulders and are aiming for the samegoal in the same country as the first patri-ots and we shall love to wear our UnitasMedals with pride and understanding.We have passed divide and rule longago!

With all respect, we want to live likesoldiers who have values, morale andtradition and much more, who will standup for each other even at the cost of ourlives and not by segregating or discrimi-nating against each other. A concerned soldier

GONE ARE THE HAPPY DAYS OF "CIVILIANS"When I started in the SANDF it was thefirst month of the year in 1982. It wasnice being a civilian. I chose to be one sothat I could help my fellow soldiers withtheir hard work that they are doing forour beautiful country.

As you know we cannot all be sol-diers, Generals, Colonels, LieutenantColonels Majors and Captains. Theremust be someone to look after theirneeds to make ends meet that is the civil-ian. If the office of a General is clean, it isbecause of the civilians; when theColonel drinks water, it is because of thecivilians; when the Lieutenant Coloneldrinks tea or coffee, it is because of thecivilians, and when Majors and Captains

use the restrooms, they must be clean -thanks to the civilians.

We felt the importance of ourselvesback then, but now it is not like that any-more. Some soldiers make us feel we areno longer important, as if we are nothing.We do not even exist. Come time forincreases we "Toi Toi" - they do not, butthey benefit as well, with our strengthafter we have won, but at the end of theday we are nothing.

Furthermore come transport issues,civilian members are not allowed to usemilitary buses; only uniformed membersare allowed this benefit. We are also partof the Department with force numbersand two letters at the end. Thus if we are

involved in a military accident, the civil-ians are not protected and will not becompensated.

I wish this "name" of civilian couldbe changed in the DOD to another namebecause at the end of the day when thesoldiers take off their uniforms they arealso civilians. The soldiers need respectfrom us the civilians and we do respectthem, but they forget that if you needrespect you should earn it, you don't justget it automatically.

I hope and trust this matter will beaddressed and the civilian members willbe given the credit they deserve in theDOD. Ms B.R. Hlongwane, Admin Clerk

TB AWARENESSSANDF COLET always makes sure thatthe arranged Education, Training andDevelopment (ETD) Day is profitable tothe organisation and to society at large.The command of this unit issues a call-up instruction obliging all the membersof the unit to attend and participate inthe planned activities of the day.

On this day a specialist in diseasemanagement in Gauteng, who was alsoa member of the SANDF, shared herknowledge of tuberculosis (TB). Shetouched on almost all the aspects of thisdisease, including the different typesand how it can be cured.

It was exciting and yet a relief tolearn that the bacterium known asbyceleum is not innate. No one is bornwith it hence the possibility that some of

us already have this bacterium in our sys-tem through interaction with the environ-ment. Be that it may, it does not mean thatwe are sick or we have TB because it willlie dormant until such time as ourimmune system is compromised.Brothers and sisters, TB can be cured.Unfortunately, if you are diagnosed withTB and you decide not to continue usingthe medication, you are creating a biggerproblem for yourself as the bacteriumcould become resistant to the medicationand then you could infect the peoplearound you and those you engage withon a daily basis.

I would like to appeal to everyonereading this letter to say: please circulatethis message. Plant a new seed amongour colleagues, brothers and sisters and

the entire society. It is time for aparadigm shift. If you sick, seek help. Ifyou are given treatment, finish it. It istime that people start humanising dis-eases like these so that a proper solutioncan be found. People with this kind ofproblem need to be taught the fellow-ship of being human so that this human-ity becomes part of their being and it isthen that they can start behaving asrequired, simply because they under-stand. People also must stop condemn-ing; rather they must join in to defeat theproblem not to increase it by condemna-tion and criticism.

"For you to be able to lead, you mustfirst learn to follow."

TB can be cured! Ms MolebogengMore, SANDF COLET


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An era of hope for womenBy Maj Gen N. Memela-Motumi,Chief Director TransformationManagementPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

s South Africa commemorates its53rd anniversary of the Women'sMarch to Pretoria, it has the convic-tion that a strong political will existsafter the country's fourth democraticelections to advance the genderequality agenda. There is no doubt inone's mind that this is an era of hope

for women.This commendable political will from the

highest levels gives meaning to the Govern-ment's framework on gender equality, but moreimportantly, it also ensures that the issue oftransformation in general and gender equality inparticular is a national priority. We thereforepride ourselves on our Government's havingagain proved its commitment and political willin putting the issues of gender representationand empowerment squarely on the main agen-da. It is no mean feat that more than half of thePremiers who were inaugurated were women.

Within the military milieu, progress has alsobeen very encouraging. However, there is scopefor improvement, especially with regard towomen's representation in the CommandBodies. When the DOD celebrated InternationalWomen's Day on 8 March 2009, Dr M. Juma, acitizen of the world and an expert in defence andsecurity, spoke of South Africa's vanguard rolein terms of its being the champion of humanrights, the leading role that it plays in the searchfor peace and security in the region, and also thefact that our country today stands as the 13thtroop contributing country in the world, withthe largest women contingent deployed in peacesupport operations.

As we reflect on the DOD's achievementsover the past 15 years, we note the followingachievements: structures to carry the transfor-mation agenda forward have been created, acritical mass of women are being promoted tothe rank of General, a Gender MainstreamingStrategy has been promulgated by the top lead-ership in order to ensure that gender equity ispursued in a coherent and guided manner acrossthe Services and Divisions, mechanisms to mon-itor and evaluate progress have been instituted,for example the Gender Mainstreaming Council

and the annual and regional discussions onwomen in defence, and efforts are also continu-ously being made to increase and deepenawareness within Services and Divisions of theimportance of Constitutional imperatives.

At this juncture, one of the important

lessons learned is that the evolutionary process

by which women are being accepted in defence

cannot be hurried by orders to do so. Much as

the burden of proof remains with the women,

equitable opportunity to demonstrate ability to

do the job must be provided by the organisation

that admitted them in the first place. No amount

of legislation or modernisation will change the

distinguishing and distinctive physical charac-

teristics of men and women. While each sex has

its own innate characteristics, for the most part,

physical strength is a male characteristic. Men

do not have a monopoly on patriotism, physical

ability, and desire for adventure or willingness

to risk their lives. Until both share in the rights

and responsibilities of citizenship, women will

continue to be considered less than fully-

fledged citizens. The defence and protection of

the RSA, its territorial integrity and its people

are no longer a male only preserve.

The United Nations will be commemorat-

ing the 10th Anniversary of Resolution 1325

next year. As a country and as one of its key

state departments, we need to examine our

endeavours in this regard and take policy

implementation to the next level by enhancing

women's involvement in the Peace and Security

Agenda. We need to be bold and continue

breaking new ground in our engagements with

countries emerging from conflict, as well as in

our efforts as an extension of our government's

foreign policy to maintain peace and stability in

the region. One of the key issues to be addressed

is the training of a critical mass of women to

enable them to respond appropriately to gender

based violence. We believe that the deployment

of a Gender Adviser, Lt Col G.J.C. Jansen van

Rensburg, to the SA National Contingent

Commander in the Democratic Republic of the

Congo (DRC) will provide valuable lessons on

the mainstreaming of gender in peace support

operations. Furthermore, in every section of our

organisation we need to raise the awareness lev-

els of every woman in the DOD to regard the

Agender equity campaign as their own individu-

al agenda. This will ensure that this organisa-

tion indeed fulfils its mandate regarding gen-

der issues. The questions to be addressed indi-

vidually and collectively are: how must this

agenda be best advanced? What is my contri-

bution and legacy in this regard? "Ask not what

your country can do for you, ask what you can

do for your country." These inspiring words

were spoken by the 35th President of the

United States, Mr John F. Kennedy, during his

inauguration address. As we think of theses things, we must take

into account the fact that working for the DODis no ordinary job, but a call to serve. Thus far,women's involvement in the SANDF has pro-ceeded smoothly with the full support of themilitary system and male colleagues. Let ustherefore use the Women's Month to reflect andrecommit ourselves to serve with pride. Lastbut not least, as the country and all state entitiescommemorate the Women's Month, note that aDOD Gender Conference will take place from26 - 28 August 2009 in Thaba Tshwane. Thepurpose is to evaluate achievements as well asthe challenges experienced in the implementa-tion of the DOD's Gender MainstreamingAction Plan. The conference theme is: "Inspiredand Empowered to Advance the GenderEquality Agenda". Services and Divisions' dis-cussions will also be held in order to achieveconsensus on how some of the peculiar issuesshould be tackled going forward.

Maj Gen N. Memela-Motumi.


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news from abroad

* This poem is dedicated to all theresponsible fathers:

Father you are the most wonderful person There is non like you That is why you are called Head of the familyWithout you the household is incompleteYou bring dignity, respect, joy, pride And laugher to every home.

You make everyone proudYou are the happiness provider As God is the soul providerI am also strong because I am part of youI am grown up and responsible Because of you

TO ALL DEPLOYED FATHERSAnd the love you provide me withYou co-operated when God asked To use your ribYou never let me sleep nor slumberYour love is as wide as the oceans And as high as the sky

We are proud of you fathers For being so braveYou were there for our moms When they carried usYou kept up with her mood swings, Stress and demandsYou provided whole-heartedly That is why you are being called a father

You are a father because you are responsible

FUN DAY IN MALHA (SUDAN, DARFUR)FROM THE DUSTY SANDS OF THESUDAN. The day was hot and dry asalways. It was the 16th of June 2009. Thescorching heat of the sun did not, how-ever, stop 4 SAI Bn (Charlie Company)celebrating 16 June - Youth Day. The daywas organised in such a way that we felt

That’s why you are given Wonderful and well deserved namesSome call you papa, ubaba, papas, utata

Wonderful man are born once in a while They are rare to find because They have got class, style, Flare, charm, and a great personality They are one of the kind and one in a millionEverybody can be a fatherBut its takes a real man To be a dad.

Happy Father's Day To all the real man out there!Rfn Zanele Nomvula Shiba, currentlydeployed in Malha, Sudan

The modelling team.

I see the top of AfricaI see the blue steel helmetsMoving into the top of AfricaYes they are the angels of peaceThey come from all corners of the worldTo unite separate forcesRepresent their countries as they Are prepared to die for peace in AfricaI see trouble and grief, death and miseryIn every corner of this giant countryOn top of Africa …I talk of women and childrenWho mourn their dead fathers and husbandsYes he died protecting his familyOne died serving his opposing forceA good wife made a widow tonightShe who does what is righteous Speaks the truth from her heartAnd who keeps her oath even when it hurtsAn innocent child that was never at schoolBut have a dream for a better life And country somedayHe an orphan today, stripped with an AK 47The only education he is likely to get Is how to aim and pull the trigger …He is a child from the top of Africa …We may do confidence building patrolsAnd put a smile on the faces of these localsBut after six months we'll be gone homeTo the tip of AfricaWhere many Africans flee to As illegal immigrantsBecause they see it asThe Promised Land …Peacekeeping is not a soldier's workBut only he can do it!

THE TOP OFAFRICA

I salute all those who have lost their livesIn peacekeeping missionsSome peacekeepers will forever be hauntedBy the horrifying sight they sawSome will never stop praying for AfricaSome will have a story to tell their loved onesAnd enjoy the peanuts

They risked their lives forAt the top of Africa!May God bless Sudan and its people!SALAM WALAKO. Rfn M.L. Mqogolwana, 2008 8 SAIBn: MSDS Intake, currently in Sudan,Kutum Base, 4 SAI Bn

at home even while we were in the mis-sion area. The day was filled with a lotof events, ranging from gumboot danc-ing, singing, modelling to scathamiya.Everyone showed his or her talent thatday. Lt V.M. Hlungwani, 4 SAI Bn(currently deployed in Sudan)


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Allow me to comment on the above-mentioned article, which appeared inthe June 2009 edition of SA Soldier onpage 10. I met the five young soldierswhose photos are on page 10 inGrahamstown on 12 August 2008, whilethey were busy with their mission readi-ness training. Among other things theyare a deploying unit being trained asHIV and AIDS peer educators. AsDirector HIV and AIDS Programmes Iwas very keen to see what they had been

FUN DAY IN MISSION AREA (DRC)taught as peer educators and to my excite-ment they had prepared an educationaldrama that portrayed the activities in thedeployment areas that could lead toacquiring HIV and AIDS. I must say thatthe potential that was displayed by theseyoung soldiers was most admirable and Iwas so encouraged to see the quality ofdiscipline and knowledge of HIV andAIDS.

After the demonstration I asked thema few questions about HIV and AIDS. I

could see that they were determined andkeen to teach others as trained peer edu-cators on HIV and AIDS. I want to say tothe Officer Commanding of 6 SAI Bnwho deployed with them and theSAMHS HIV and AIDS Co-ordinators at6 SAI Bn "job well done". Keep it up andmake sure you reach every soldier in thefight against HIV and AIDS within theSANDF. Brig Gen Lulu Linda Siwisa,Director HIV and AIDS Programmes:SANDF SMHS

When the Lord made Heaven and earth,everything was mixed and unlovable,but only for six days; with His onlyhands He made the world what it istoday. That is the remembrance of whatour Father who art in Heaven did for usbecause He cared. He then made theseventh day a day of rest, so all of us toput down our tools and give praise toHis name. The world was clean and lov-able and He put us in the world to takecare of it, as cleanliness is next toGodliness.

He also brought His only Son to diefor our sins, to be crucified on the cross,also for us in South Africa. What do wedo in return? We reject and do not wantto accept Him as our Saviour andProtector. In everything that we do, Heis watching, take note of that.

"Love thy neighbour", means wemust care for and help the people wework with, not laugh at them when theydo not know their work, but assist them.Working is what the Lord wants as wemake a living for our families and give10% of our earnings to the congregationin gratitude Him. Do not run away fromyour family. Support your children inthe name of Jesus Christ and do not belike Abram when he chased away hiswife with her child because of the otherwife. But anyway, Abram knew Godwould be with her and Ishmael. You seewhat the Lord does for his people, He

HE IS ALWAYS THEREhelps out. If you ask help from Him, youget it. "He does not beat about the bush",but in return you run away from Him.

Our Father is the best solution to ourproblems and challenges in life. Hebrought us here for impeccable reasons.We were tasked by Him before we wereborne. He is miraculous and the master-mind of everything and answers ourprayers. All He wants is that we should beclean spiritually.

That means we must repent like"Nicodemus" - the well-known priest. Tellyourself that you are working for Him,your life is going to be a blessing, do nothurt other people and work in peace withthem; give yourself peace of mind. Meetwith those who praise Him, for you con-nect spiritually with Him. No one canstand before you if you give yourself toHim. Do not spare your life because if youdo that, that is when you are not sparingit. "Those who sacrifice their life for mewill receive eternal life," said Jesus whenHe was preaching to the people at themountain. Worry about your soul, notyour flesh because there is an expiry dateon "flesh".

Seek God first before you go to war;you will come back alive and do not belike Eli's children who neglected God'scommands. So if you listen attentively toyour commander, you are listening to theLord and you will come out alive from thewar. Think before you do everything; ask

for wisdom like King Solomon, respectyourself and others. Make sure that yourfamily is cared for. God will hear yourprayers every time you call upon Him.

Be like Moses when he led theIsraelites out of Egypt. He did that withpride and passion because he knew thatat the end of the day his reward would beeternity. What I am saying is that it isnow the time to put God first in what youare doing. Do introspection, reach outand connect to Him for success becauseHe is the only way to achieve anything.Without God you are nothing. Be clean ineverything that you come across.

Go to church with a mind to praiseHim; do not be shy because in HeavenHe may also be shy for your soul. Acceptyour mistakes, stop lying and promisingyour subordinates things that you willnot be able to give to them. You are hurt-ing them if you lie; tell them the truthand be clean because He is watchingwhat we are doing to others, and you donot see this. I have been trying to remem-ber where we come from and who is giv-ing us all these blessings, because that isvery important to know. "Tshimlogo yabohlale ke go boifa modimo". That is theonly option that can make one clean ineverything, especially at work and Ihope that people at work will startworking with others in God's way, not inrudeness. L Cpl T.M. Dube, 44 Parachute Regiment

Members of the RSA Contingent sta-tioned at Zam Zam Base at El Fasherwere brought to positive office orders byS Sgt M.E. Dhlamini, the Acting BaseSergeant Major, in front of Lt Col T.P.Gosani on 15 June 2009.

During the office order presentationLt Col Gosani, RSA Commander (4 SAIBn), thanked all the members for their

POSITIVE OFFICE ORDERSperformance on behalf of the RSANational Contingent Commander, ColS.B. Dlamini. He emphasised that thegood efforts done by the members paint agood picture of the SANDF and also pro-mote the good image of SA. TheCommander concluded by persuadingthe RSA members to carry on workingaround the clock for the success of the

UNAMID. In his speech on Youth Day -16 June 2009 - Lt Col Gosani said: "AsSouth Africans who are in the missionarea, we observe a moment. You mean alot to us because of the contribution thatyou, the youth in the SANDF, made. Toall the soldiers, let us contribute to thesuccess of the organisation and thecountry". Sgt K.C. Nkosi (Sudan)

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Analysis of our 2009Budget SpeechBy Robert Wapenaar, Asst Dir Revenue Management

he Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, presentedher first Department ofDefence Budget Vote in theNational Assembly, CapeTown, on 3 July 2009.

With regard to the budget MsSisulu said: "The first challenge thatconfronts us is a declining budgetwhere our domestic obligationsremain defined in the Constitution,against a backdrop of our growinginternational responsibilities and adeteriorating infrastructure and, veryimportantly, against a clear and press-ing reality that conditions of servicefor the National Defence Force needour immediate attention. We have aresponsibility to enhance and main-tain comprehensive defence capabili-ties to ensure that the territorialintegrity of our country and itssovereignty are protected. This is a

constitutional requirement andwe need to keep ourselves in astate of competence, one of con-stant renewed advancement, in astate of readiness, as it is com-monly called here. With a declin-ing budget our competence isseverely hampered, with direconsequences".

She continued by highlight-ing the following issues:

Compile budget for MilitaryVeterans. To execute thedepartment's responsibility, atask team has been estab-lished consisting of membersof the Military VeteransAssociations and representa-tives of various stakeholders.The task team falls under theDeputy Minister. Preliminaryindications are that a separatevote and a separate depart-ment for Military Veteranscould be created. Training for essential skillsby employing MSDS mem-

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The Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu.

bers to other departments. Inrethinking our role in the econo-my, the Department of Defence(DOD) would like to provide train-ing for essential skills in the econo-my. The Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) aimsto provide the SANDF with themilitary human resources requiredby the Defence mandate toempower the youth through train-ing and development opportuni-ties while they serve in the MSDSand to instil sound ethics and val-ues of civic responsibility. We wishto sell this concept of opening upour skills development for govern-ment departments and the privatesector. A very good example of the


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skills that we have been able toprovide over the years is pilottraining. The SAA has one of thehighest standards of aviation safe-ty in the world. We would like toclaim that this is in no small mea-sure due to the bulk of the pilotshaving been trained by theSANDF. This type of trainingallows us to provide continuousservice. For government the list ofpossibilities is endless. What thisdoes is to allow the SANDF to re-skill our youth, energise our econ-omy and provide us with some

needs to remain in the hands ofthe National Defence Force. Thiswill ensure that we can releasethe SAPS to deal with crime inthe country. The first protocolwas signed by the President in2008 and we will be working onthis on an incremental basis.Retention of scarce skills. Thecreation of a dependable, agileand flexible human capital baseremains the minister's focus forthe financial year. The high rateof skills migration and dearth ofscarce skills require the intro-duction of modern approachesto mobilisation and the deploy-ment of human capital to accel-erate the accumulation of spe-cialised skills and the retentionof institutional memory to

revenue from the various depart-ments we are servicing as a ServiceProvider, which means that ourrenewal can be taken care of byour own efforts. Support to SAPS by means ofborderline control. The DODtakes an active role in assisting theSA Police Service (SAPS) to dealwith crime. These are matters thatare under discussion at themoment, against a backdrop ofvery clear legislative mandates.The DOD has agreed in principlethat the defence of our borders

ensure the enhancing of the cultureand doctrine that define our disci-plined military force. The demandfor a well trained, multi-skilled,disciplined and well equippedNational Defence Force as a criticallever of the developmental agendaof Government is a reality that can-not be left to chance. The outflowof skilled technical personnel,engineers and combat personnelfrom the DOD continues to cause areduction in the experience levelsat units. Incentive schemes to miti-gate this challenge have been intro-

duced and are adjust-ed regularly in linewith changing re-quirements. In addi-tion the Department isexploring a strategy toaddress the retentionof scarce skills withinthe Department. Separate dispensa-tion for the DOD. TheDOD is consideringmaking a request for aseparate dispensationfor the Departmentthat would allow theDOD to deal creative-ly with its own needsand the specifics of itsown unique securityrequirements.

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SADC Brigade MilitaryObservers graduate inZimbabweArticle and photo by Lt Col Frans Pale

he Southern African Develop-ment Community (SADC)Regional Peacekeeping Pro-gramme gained more impetusin June 2009 as 46 participantsfrom the defence forces ofSADC member states graduat-

ed from a five-day SADC BrigadeMilitary Observers Course in Harare,Zimbabwe.

Participants, whose ranks rangedfrom Captain and Major to Lieutenant-Colonel were drawn from the defenceforces of Botswana, Lesotho, Malawi,Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa,Swaziland, Tanzania, Zambia andZimbabwe.

The aim of the course was to pro-vide participants with operationalskills, knowledge and the attributesrequired to enable them to functionduring the coming Exercise GOLFIN-HO to be held at the SA Army CombatTraining Centre in Lohatlha in

September 2009. Speaking during acolourful graduation ceremony held on12 June 2009 at the SADC RegionalPeacekeeping Training Centre inHarare, the Chief of Staff Operationsand Plans for the Zimbabwe DefenceForces, Maj Gen Nicholas Dube, calledon participants "to make a contributionto the SADC Standby Brigade whichwill have a bearing on the overall pre-paredness of the subregion to respondto the call for peace and security in theregion and abroad".

"You must all be aware that theSADC Standby Brigade is part of theAfrican Union Standby Force whichbrings together our subregion and othersubregions to develop a commondefence and security policy for theAfrican continent," said Maj Gen Dube.

Asked to comment on the course,participants expressed gratitude andappreciation as they described thecourse as an eye-opener for them inpeacekeeping missions. "After what Ihave gone through in this course, I amnow ready to serve as a military observ-

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Seated: Course Organisers, facilitators and presenters, including a participant (extreme right): fltr: Lt Col S. Ndlovu(Zimbabwe), Col E. Mahachi (Zimbabwe), Col D. Kgomotso (Botswana), Mr S. Bam (South Africa), Col Melanzi (RPTCManager from Tanzania), Lt Col J. Heyns (South Africa) with SADC Brigade Military Observers Course participantsfrom SADC member states.

er anywhere in the world to savehumanity," said Maj AmukwayaDlikonja of the Namibian DefenceForce.

Lt Col Kim Moorcroft of theSANDF said he was pleasantlyimpressed by the experience of attend-ing the SADC Brigade Military Course."I am particularly thankful to theorganisers of the course who were sosuperb in both their administrationand presentation. I personally gained alot from the course and I feel confidentthat I can apply what I was taught."

Exercise GOLFINHO is meant totest the SADC Brigade's readiness tomeet its commitment to the AfricanStandby Force. The first phase of theexercise was the MAP exercise inAngola in February 2009. It was fol-lowed by the Command Post Exerciseheld in Mozambique in April 2009.

The third phase of ExerciseGOLFINHO will be concluded with afield training exercise at the SA ArmyCombat Training Centre in Lohatlha inSeptember 2009.


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By Bibi Morgets

he official opening of the 20/09Executive National Security Pro-

gramme (ENSP) took place at the SANational Defence College in Pretoriaon 14 July 2009. This programme isaimed at the national strategic level toplan, manage and ensure nationalsecurity in a world that places a highpremium on human security andincreasingly addresses multi-nationalsecurity issues.

Members of the SANDF, DOD offi-cials, international military personneland civilians from different govern-

ment departments who attended thisProgramme bore testimony to theindisputable fact that national securityis of concern to everyone and not onlyin the military. Members of interna-tional defence forces who attendedthis course were: Commodore AntonioPondja (Mozambique), Capt ShehuAhmada (Nigeria), Col Hesham Elaziz(Egypt) and Col André Silveira(Brazil).

The ENSP is aligned with therequirements of the South AfricanQualification Authority (SAQA) Act.The General Officer CommandingTraining Formation, Maj Gen Titus

Matlakeng, urged other governmentdepartments, parastatals, non-gov-ernment organisations and privateorganisations to invest in this field ofstudy.

In opening the twenty-one weekprogramme Maj Gen Matlakengwished all 36 candidates successwith the programme and encour-aged them to work hard, play hardand make lasting friendshipsandemphasising that they could achievethe objectives and make it a memo-rable and satisfying programmefrom which both they and theirorganisations would benefit.

Article and photos by Maj CherylEssop, SA Army IntelligenceFormation

he tactical intelligence system of theSA Army is finally becoming a real-

ity. After many years of research, plan-ning and development, the SA ArmyIntelligence Community is eagerlyawaiting the culmination of ProjectCYTOON. The project team fromDirectorate Army Acquisition andArmscor has worked hand in handwith industry since April 2005 for thesuccessful delivery of the tactical intel-ligence system to the SA Army.

Project CYTOON will deliver anintegrated tactical battlefield surveil-lance and intelligence processing capa-bility to the SA Army to support oper-ational commanders with the intelli-gence function during the execution ofmilitary operations. This capabilitywill be delivered to the two BrigadeHeadquarters, 1 Tactical IntelligenceRegiment and the School of TacticalIntelligence.

Project CYTOON has progressedto such an extent that preparationshave been made for the operationaltest and evaluation of a representativesystem in the build-up to the deliveryof the complete Tactical IntelligenceSystem. Instructor and operator train-

Basic Surveillance System.

Project CYTOON on your marks, get set …

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ing are currently being presented at aspecially designed Training Centre sit-uated at the School of TacticalIntelligence. Selected members of theSA Army Intelligence Formation, 43SA Brigade, 46 SA Brigade, the Schoolof Tactical Intelligence and 1 TacticalIntelligence Regiment will be activelyinvolved in the commissioning of thesystem.

Training will be conducted on allthe surveillance, intelligence manage-ment, intelligence planning and pro-cessing systems. The training com-menced in April 2009 and was com-pleted by mid-July 2009, after whichthe operational test and evaluationcommenced.

For many decades the intelligence

cycle was a lengthy process in whichcumbersome equipment was used. Theintelligence process was carried outmanually, and maps had to be pre-pared and continuously updated as thesituation changed. The new TacticalIntelligence System will digitise andautomate the intelligence process, thusenhancing the decision-making pro-cess of operational commanders.

Tactical Intelligence will be con-ducted in a new improved dimensionfor our future generations ofIntelligence Corps members to utiliseand build on. Project CYTOON hasplaced the SA Army Intelligence Corpsin the forefront of technology. This isindeed an important milestone for theSA Army Intelligence Formation.

National security is top priority

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Advanced SurveillanceProduct.

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By Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: S Sgt Lebohang Tlhaole

or every event that has beenplanned diligently success isthe reward, hence "they" saynever fail to plan because ifyou fail to plan, then you haveplanned to fail. The successand excitement experienced

during the Federation of InternationalFootball Association (FIFA) Confeder-ations Cup that was held for threeweeks from 14 to 28 June 2009 here inSouth Africa could be attributed to theapproximately twenty months of plan-ning by the South African NationalDefence Force (SANDF), the SouthAfrican Police Service (SAPS) andother government departments.

The SANDF termed this operationExercise KGWELE. The stakeholdersof the 2009 Confederations Cup cametogether to work at the National JointOperation Centre (NATJOC) in ThabaTshwane, Pretoria. The NATJOC wasestablished to co-ordinate ProvincialJoint Operation Centre (PROVJOC)centrally, which comprised threeprovincial centres in Gauteng, NorthWest and Free State. At the NATJOCall state departments work cohesivelyto reach common objectives. Fourteengovernment departments, includingthe SAPS, the SANDF, the Departmentof Health, Emergency Services, theNational Intelligence Agency and oth-ers participated in the exercise to makesure that South Africa hosted a world-class soccer event.

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Brig Gen Koos Liebenberg, Joint Task ForceCommander, explains the role played bySANDF members during FIFAConfederations Cup.

Exercise KGWELE … mission accomplished

What does the SANDF have todo with soccer?

"We should explicitly state that thecore business of the SANDF as adepartment is to secure the sovereign-ty of the South African state anduphold the national security of thecountry. The SANDF was not themain role-player in this FIFA event,but was only giving the SAPS (whichwas the main guardian of internalsecurity) the support that it needed tomaintain safety and security and toassist by providing logistics and other

technical expertise thatneeded to be employed in anevent of this magnitude,"said Brig Gen KoosLiebenberg, Joint Task ForceCommander.

The SANDF gave land-ward (transportation, patroland roadblocks) and air(airspace control and airliftcapabilities), assistance incase of chemical or biologicalradiation incidents and pro-vided interdepartmentalcommand and control whereand when necessary. It alsoprovide maritime assistanceto the SAPS and all the role-players. Air capabilities andairspace control were co-ordinated between the SouthAfrican Air Force (SAAF),the SAPS, civil aviation andthe air traffic navigationsystem.

Col Lucas Delport, Chiefof Staff during Exercise KGWELE, con-firmed that to control airspace theyhad to declare a state of limited andrestricted airspace. "For the duration ofthe Confederations Cup we declared afive nautical miles no-fly zone aroundthe stadium and around the stadium acontrolled or restricted fly zone of fiftynautical miles was in place," said ColDelport. The aircraft that had to flywithin South African borders had tocomply with the rule and regulationsstipulated. Owing to non-compliancesix aircraft had to be forced down, of


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Brig Gen Koos Liebenberg, Joint Task Force Commander, shows Mr Lufuno Netshirembe, the Assistant Editor of SA Soldier, the complex system used to successfully orchestrate an event of international importance.

which one was a foreign aircraft. ColDelport emphasised that the SANDFhad taken action in accordance withthe National Security Strategy andonly to took the lead in rules and regu-lations compliance issues. Once the air-craft had been grounded the SAPS andthe Civil Aviation Authority took overthe reigns.

During the planning stage theNATJOC team met twice a day withthe SAPS National Commissioner andhis deputy. 7 Medical Battalion wasresponsible for medical emergenciesand chemical or biological radiationincidents. Brig Gen Liebenberg andCol Delport pointed out that theSANDF's role was mainly to steeraway or curb any perceived threats."Our role was to be proactive ratherthan reactive," confirmed Col Delport.More than 1 000 inclusive of ReserveForce military members from all overSouth Africa were deployed specifical-ly for this exercise.

Brig Gen Liebenberg and ColDelport were especially thankful to theReserve Force unit for providing mem-bers for Exercise KGWELE. Theyexpressed their gratitude for the waythe Exercise was handled and the dis-

play of the One Force concept. "To allof you who contributed to the successof the Confederations Cup, I wouldlike sincerely to acknowledge yourefforts and the fact that you went theextra mile when the requirement

arose. I thank you for the display ofesprit de corps you have shown andthe extra hours that you put in. This isbefitting of a soldier", said Brig GenLiebenberg in thanking the team hecommanded.

Col Lucas Delport, Chief of Staff during Exercise KGWELE.

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Article and photo by S SgtLebogang Tlhaole

his famous battle was foughtby South African soldiers inFrance during World War I in1916 and is always suitablyremembered and commemo-rated on the Sunday closest tothe 16th of July every year.

This year's memorial service was heldat Burgers Park, Pretoria, on 19 July2009.

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The 93rd anniversary of theBattle of Delville Wood

Wood, adjacent to this village. Theywent in and after heavy fighting duringwhich they were harassed by Germansnipers and subjected to an intenseartillery bombardment, managed torecapture the village, which was bynow reduced to rubble and a few ruins.

They moved into Delville Wood,which was later described by some ofthe survivors as Devil's Wood, wherethey met with fierce resistance andintense bombardment. There was a lackof reinforcements, much suffering, andnumerous acts of bravery, personal sac-rifices and a heavy toll in human life. Itwas in the rainy season and the mudincreased the men's suffering and dis-comfort.

The South African brigade went inwith 3 153 men, 121 officers and 3 032other ranks. On the morning of 17 July1916 only 750 men in total came outalive from the carnage in DelvilleWood. Of these only 143 were relative-ly unscathed; the remainding 607 werewounded. The wood itself with itsdense undergrowth also suffered fromthe heavy shelling and it was reducedto a few stubs and broken branches,half buried in mud.

In 1920, after the war, King GeorgeV visited the war cemeteries in Europeand was viewing the rows of head-stones in a war cemetery when hereferred to the work of the Common-wealth War Graves Commission. Hesaid: "We can truly say that the wholecircuit of the earth is girdled withthe graves of our dead! Never beforein history have a people thus main-tained individual memorials to theirfallen, and in the course of my pil-grimage I have many times askedmyself whether there can be a morepotent advocate of peace upon earththrough the years to come than thismass multitude of silent witnesses tothe desolation of war".

It is important for the country andthe Pretoria Memorial ServicesCouncil, supported by the SANDF, tostage memorial services such astoday's so that the people in the capi-tal city of our country can also remem-ber and respect the brave deeds ofthose who sacrificed their all for thesecurity of the world.

On the evening of 15 July 1916 theSouth African Brigade was calledupon to assist in clearing the village ofLongueval and to capture Delville

Brig Gen Amanda Ruzieke, General Officer Commanding GSB Garrison, laying a wreath on behalf of the SA Army.


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By Bibi MorgetsPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

outh Africa is one countrythat has so much diversity inits different cultures, tradi-tions, ethnic and religiousgroups, but most people findthemselves belonging to thelargest religious group,

which is Christianity. Christianitysymbolises the epitome of our beingand in our country this is mostlysummed up in the first stanza of ourNational Anthem, which clearlyembraces God in our midst.

The DOD includes the chaplaincyunit, which concentrates on the spiri-tual upliftment and guidance of thesoldiers, and annually conferences areheld for these chaplains to reflect ontheir spiritual journeys and to obtain asense of connection to God and to relyon Him for wisdom to carry on with

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Unity in diversitytime so that his pursuit of goodnessshould not be deterred by his failingsas a mortal being. Ms Modisellepraised the chaplains for the splendidjob of their being the pillars of strengthfor the Department. "We know asGovernment that it is you who breaknews to widows, mothers and childrenof members of the Public Service whodied in the line of duty. We know it isyou who tell children that they are noworphaned because of their parents hav-ing committed their lives to the SouthAfrican flag. We also know that it isyou who provide counselling to fellowstaff members, thus making sure thatservice delivery continues. And lastly,we acknowledge that through you ourcountry continues to know God, andyour work does not go unnoticed."

In an interview with her sheaffirmed that the DOD had once againbeen a teacher to other Governmentdepartments. "We should as a provinceconsider the possibility of institutional-ising chaplaincy work at all govern-ment institutions. Our employee assis-tance programme should have chap-laincy work as a key driver to sootheemotions," said Ms Modiselle.

In Lt Gen Shoke's closing remarkshe also emphasised the crucial need forthis unit and reminded the chaplains ofan incident that took place back in 1917when the SS Mendi sank: "When thatship sank there was a chaplain amongthe people and all he could do wasgive courage for the situation theywere in. It is my humblest requestthat the foundation of hope begin bythis division and rise up the spirit ofUBUNTU (humanity) in ourselves,"said Lt Gen Shoke.

The SA Army Chaplains Confer-ence ended with a surprise visit by LtGen Shoke to 10 SA Infantry Battalionto thank the members for the sterlingwork they did in support of the peace-keeping missions and he encouragedthem to continue with the hard workand not to forget to raise standards ofdiscipline in all they did.

the special tasks at hand. This year theNorth West Province in Mafikeng heldthe conference from 22 to 26 June.

Over forty chaplains of the SAArmy came together with a view toachieving better goals for the future.This was highlighted by the theme ofthe conference: "A committed Chaplainfor the future". These chaplains weregraced by the presence of the Chief ofthe SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, andthe Premier of the North West, MsMaureen Modiselle, who were keynotespeakers at the opening event.

Ms Modiselle said the struggle forearthly justice had always been directlyrelated to the struggle for spiritual jus-tice. This statement goes beyond thewritten words on paper: it focuses onthe person's ability to be at peace in allsituations.

This faith-based system recognisesthe fallibility of man and a need for hissoul to be refreshed and renewed over

Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SA Army, presents Ms MaureenModiselle, the Premier of the North West, with a token of appreciation at theSA Army Chaplains Conference.

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"I wanna be"a tank commanderArticle and photos by Capt JessicaPieterse, Com Officer 1 SA TankRegiment

he new TV series "I wanna be"broadcasting on Sundayevenings between 18:00 and19:00 on M-Net, takes ordi-nary South Africans andmakes their dreams cometrue. Dean Hall's biggest

dream was to become a tank comman-der in the SA Armour Corps, for justone day … and that is exactly whathappened!

1 SA Tank Regiment and School ofArmour had the opportunity to assistM-Net and the producers of the "Iwanna be" TV series with two days oftank training and the experience of alifetime.

Dean Hall, a 32-year-old contestantfrom Boksburg on the East Rand(Gauteng), dreamt of being a tank

Tcourses required to qualify as a tankcommander. The courses includedTank Driving and Maintenance, TankGunnery, Tank Crew Commandingand Tank Troop Commanding.

After the introduction Capt PietBuys from 1 SA Tank Regiment pre-sented simulator training on the TankDriving simulators. They completedthe basic exercises and then carried onwith gunnery, crew and troop exercis-es. Dean Hall got the opportunity toget hands-on training on the OlifantMk 2 Tank where he was given theopportunity to drive the vehicle in theunit's 4x4 demonstration range.

After a long day of training DeanHall and the crew got a taste of what itmeans to be a "tanker". They weretreated to an Armour Shot Action. Theterm "Shot Action" is derived from afiring order by the crew of a tank. Theterm is used for the armour piercing(AP) round. From about 1955/56, thestudents and instructors got togetherto celebrate the end of a phase oftraining during a course. Because the

commander, but as he had diabetes,he was not allowed to join theSANDF. He said: "I have always beena military enthusiast and enjoy watch-ing documentaries about battles, thestrategies and tactics used and ofcourse the military hardwareinvolved. The arrival of the tank dur-ing World War I changed the course ofmodern warfare. The feeling of invin-cibility and power experienced by thefirst tank crewmen must have beenamazing". Dean Hall has a keen inter-est in the military and is also intriguedby military history and all the famousGenerals from years gone by.

On their arrival at the unit lines of1 SA Tank Regiment and School ofArmour on 22 June 2009, Ed Jordan,the presenter of the TV series, the M-Net crew and Dean Hall started at theSimulator Centre of the School ofArmour where Lt Col Shaun Carrollgave an introduction to the four main

LEFT: After successful theoreticaland simulator training on theOlifant Mk 2 Tank, Dean Hall gotthe opportunity to experience thepractical part of being a tank com-mander at the De Brug TrainingArea in Bloemfontein. To be thetank commander you must knowthe functions and roles of yourcrew. Dean Hall had the opportuni-ty to be the gunner as well andfired 105 mm main rounds from theOlifant MK 2 Tank, while he wasassisted by Cpl Sibusiso Khoza(loader) and Sgt Elmarie Brand(Tank Crew Commander) from theSchool of Armour.


21

overalls of the students and instructorswere covered with oil, grease, fuel anddust they were not allowed into the barfacility and got together at "Pistol Port",the storage area for the empty bottlesfrom the bar (it also allowed access tothe bar). Armour Shot Action becamethe name for these occasions and todaythis tradition continues. It was on thisoccasion that Dean Hall got his gun-ner's eve and had to drink from a spentcartridge.

On 23 June 2009 the Armour sol-diers took the cast and crew to the"Koeikamp" range. The "Koeikamp"range is an obstacle course wherearmoured vehicles can drive and dopractical demonstrations. It was a verycold day and that made the experience

so much moreintriguing. AfterDean Hall got histurn to be anactual tank com-

tunity to shoot a 105 mm APFSDS-Tround. Dean Hall said: "This was def-initely a dream come true and a once ina lifetime opportunity. I experiencedthe feeling of invincibility and theresponsibility involved in commandingsuch a powerful machine - the OlifantMk 2 Tank."

After a long two days of filming, thecast and crew received souvenirs totake home. All that is left to say is:What do you wanna be?

Sgt Charles Basson (Tank Troop Sergeant) and Trp Vusi Maduma

(Tank Driver) explain to the "I wanna be" presenter, Ed Johnson,

how maintenance of the Olifant MK 2 Tank is done, while the

M-Net crew (right) is filming.

Mr Andrew Butcher (filming crew) preparing the micro-

phone on the headset for Dean Hall, a 32-year-old contes-

tant from Boksburg in the East Rand (Gauteng), who had

a dream of being a tank commander. This was just before

his first driving lesson on the Olifant MK 2 Tank.

Lt Col Raymond Hohls, the Acting Officer Commanding ofthe School of Armour, congratulates Dean Hall on suc-cessfully completing his training to be a tank commanderwhile the camera man, Mr Chris Vermaak, is capturing thison film, a few members who were involved in the successof this day were attending the ceremony, fltr: MWO Andrevan Rensburg, Maj PC de Necker, a M-Net crewmember,WO1 Dennis Green and Tpr Angelinah Mpela.

The presenter of the M-Net series, EdJohnson and the contender on the "Iwanna be" series, Dean Hall, are receivinglectures on the Tank simulators and areintroduced to the world of the "tankers".In the background are the capable Armoursoldiers, fltr: Cpl Charl Basson, TprAngelinah Mpela and L Cpl Eben Greyling.

mander, and the Armour soldiers wereconvinced that he was sufficiently qual-ified, they were taken to the General DeWet Range at De Brug, just outsideBloemfontein, to start with the live fir-ing exercises. Keeping to the motto ofthe "tankers": "We make the rules", thetraining and execution in the field werevery professional. Dean Hall got thechance to shoot 105 mm APFSDS-T andHigh Explosive rounds. The presenter ofthe series, Ed Jordan, also got the oppor-

events


22

Senior officers of the DOD who attended the fourth Military Attaché and Advisory Conference in Pretoria with (frontrow middle) the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Thabang Makwetla.

Establishing a consistentworking environment

By Bibi MorgetsPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

efence Foreign Relationshosted its fourth MilitaryAttaché and AdvisoryConference in Pretoria on 6July 2009.

Senior officers of theDOD came to exchange

their different views and recall theirexperiences in the countries theyserved in. It also provided a platformto engage issues affecting their workenvironments.

It is very important that DefenceAttachés continue to develop goodrelations, which will in turn benefitthe country as far as peace and stabil-

Dity are concerned. This may beexpressed in a memorandum ofunderstanding, an exchange of train-ing programmes and joint militaryexercises.

The Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, in opening the conferenceemphasised the vital role the DODhas began to play in establishing rela-tions with other defence forces.These relations will help promotemutual respect with a view to shar-ing knowledge and skills to improvethe standard of our military person-nel.

He added: "As ambassadors ofthe South Africa National DefenceForce you are the face of this country;

therefore it rests entirely upon yourshoulders to engage one another andshare experiences and, more impor-tantly, to learn of different activitiesthat our country is participating in,and it is your role to understandthose activities be they in politics,trade or economics and to make thenecessary interconnections betweenand among all these activities."

As Mr Makwetla declared theconference officially open he urgedthe military attachés to serve thecountry with commitment and loyal-ty and wished them everything ofthe best with the deliberations andhe trustsed that the engagementwould be translated into visibleimplementation.

23


The members of the SANDF and the National Ceremonial Guard participatingat Church Square in Pretoria celebrating Madiba's 91st birthday.

Madiba's 91st birthdayBy Kgomotso Seruba Photos: WO2 Robert Goliath

he world celebrated the birth-day of a man who is arguablythe most famous, and not justfamous, but a hero too, anicon of freedom - Dr NelsonRolihlahla Mandela - the firstblack president of South

Africa. The SANDF joined in not onlyto celebrate, but also to remember DrNelson Mandela who once was itsCommander-in-Chief.

On 17 July 2009 Church Square inPretoria was chosen as the venue tocelebrate the "67 minutes" which sym-bolises Madiba's 67 years of uninter-rupted and selfless service to the peo-ple of SA and the world. The NationalCeremonial Guard took part in thecelebrations. Lt Col JabulaniMagubane sang and played the trum-pet to celebrate the life of this greathero who in all respects has shown theworld the power of forgiving.

In an interview with Maj GenRobert Mandita, General OfficerCommanding of the SA ArmySupport Formation, he said: "Thewhole world should dedicate this dayto community work and uplift social-ly disadvantaged communities".

Ms Chrestina Magubane fromPretoria, who was celebrating the "67

T

minutes", said: "Dr Nelson Mandelahas done so many things for the coun-try and I am very proud of him. Ourchildren should learn from him."

The following day, 18 July, theChief of the SA Navy, V AdmJohannes Mudimu, the SA PoliceService Divisional Commissioner ofthe Supply Chain Management, MrSiwundla Matthew, the DOD Head ofCommunication, Mr Siphiwe Dlamini,and the Minister of Public Enterprise,Ms Barbara Hogan, and the SA Navystaff heeded the call to observe the "67minutes" to show UBUNTU to thoseless fortunate. The entourage visited

Fltr: the Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm Johannes Mudimu, the Minister ofPublic Enterprise, Ms Barbara Hogan, the Founder of the Kingdom LifeChildren's Centre in Atteridgeville, Ms Sylvia Magoba, the SAPS DivisionalCommissioner of the Supply Chain Management, Mr Siwudla Matthew, andthe Navy Staff presenting gifts to the Centre.

the Kingdom Life Children's Centre inAtteridgeville to wish Madiba, thefather of our nation, a happy andblessed 91st birthday. The SA Navydonated food, computers and blan-kets to the centre to help the children.

Ms Sylvia Magoba founded theCentre in 2000 with 6 children. Todaythe Centre accommodates 38 abusedor orphaned children. Talking to SASoldier Ms Magoba said: "As a motherI felt the pain of these children and Iopened the Centre to help them. TheSANDF was the first to assist theCentre. I thank the SANDF for thegreat effort".

In his speech V Adm Mudimusaid: "Yes, we can turn hopelessnessinto a dream, a dream such as thatwhich Dr Nelson Mandela dedicat-ed his life towards, so that the doorsof learning, growth and prosperitymight be opened for all. The great-est birthday gift we are able to giveto Ubaba (our father) is not to docrime, is not to do drugs. Let usensure that our children are at school.It would be a moment of great hap-piness and in recognition of his life ifin January 2010 members of thisCentre could join the SA Navy in serv-ing the nation by entering our Milit-ary Skills Development System inSAS SALDANHA".

insight


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Article and photos by Lt SelloSegone, Acting Editor Milmed

n 22 June 2009 Public Sect-or doctors across the coun-try embarked on a nationalstrike for nearly two weekswhich led to approximat-ely 400 doctors in Kwa-Zulu-Natal eventually

being dismissed.In less than two hours of the news

breaking of the doctors' strike a teamfrom the Area Military Health UnitKwaZulu-Natal (AMHU KZN) underthe leadership of their OfficerCommanding, Col Sam Baloyi, weresent to the affected hospitals. An oper-ational room was hurriedly set up andmedical assistance officially got underway. This operational room was tomonitor the situation at the differenthospitals, allocate personnel and con-trol movements and other medicaland health related aspects. As requestsfrom different affected hospitals camein, more medical personnel weredeployed to the five hospitals aroundDurban. The dedication and service ofthe SA Military Health Service(SAMHS) to the country saw medicalpersonnel working twelve hour shiftswithout complaint and they gave theirall to remedy the situation.

Milmed visited King Edward VIIIHospital and some of the affected hos-pitals where some of the military doc-tors were deployed. Capt SamanthaMokoena explained that the casualtysection was still receiving patients,which made the situation not as bad asthey thought it would be. She, likeother doctors, conducted emergencyprocedures. She said that she was

Owarmly welcomed when she reportedat the hospitals. "I drew my inspira-tion from the patients who reallyappreciated the service I rendered,"remarked Capt Mokoena.

There were no incidents of intimi-dation reported during OperationITHEMBA 1.

On 7 June 2009 a delegation fromthe SAMHS Command Council led byMaj Gen Abraham Landman, accom-panied by the Chief Warrant Officer ofthe SAMHS, WO1 Moses Sebone, BrigGen Piet Oelofse and the Chief of Staffin the Surgeon General's Office, ColAnsie Venter, visited the AMHU KZNHQ in Durban to assess the situation.

"Excellence beyond expectation"

Capt Samantha Mokoena at King Edward VIII Hospital.

Meeting the Community Faith Organization representatives who came to pray for


25

the patients.

On arrival, Col Baloyi and Col ChrisBlunden told them about the statusthen obtaining. The briefing was fol-lowed by a visit to the MahatmaGandhi Memorial Hospital. On thistour the entourage met the CommunityFaith Organisation that visited hospi-tals to offer their support and pray fordivine intervention.

The spokesperson for striking doc-tors in KZN and a Surgeon Registrar atKing Edward VIII Hospital, DrShailendra Sham, said that they had tosuspend the strike for ethical reasons."Patients' lives were at risk. When

more people got dismissed, few wereallowed to go into hospitals. This leftpatients unsupervised. From thatpoint of view we were forced to sus-pend the strike," said Dr ShailendraSham.

After the decision to suspend thestrike, a parade was held on 5 July2009. The MEC for Health in KZN, iethe General Officer Commanding(GOC) of Phidisa, Dr SibongiseniDhlomo, attended the parade to thankthe SAMHS on behalf of theDepartment of Health. "You excelledwell beyond our expectations and

reduced our fears. You came pre-pared to work 12 hour shifts, but inmost cases you went beyond that,"he said.

The Mission Commander ofOperation ITHEMBA, Brig Gen PietOelofse (GOC Mobile MilitaryHealth Formation), confirmed that alarge number of personnel weresent to KwaZulu-Natal to assist atfive hospitals. Other provinces,namely Mpumalanga, Free State,Gauteng, Eastern Cape, North Westand Limpopo also received assis-tance as per individual request.

Article and photo by Lt SelloSegone, Acting Editor Milmed

ay 21 saw the world take sometime off and celebrate International

Nurses Day. The SA Military HealthService (SAMHS) likewise celebratedthis day. As SAMHS forms part of amilitary institution its nurses celebrat-ed the day in military style, ie bymeans of a parade.

This unique annual occasion tookplace at the SAMHS Training Forma-tion in Thaba Tshwane. Qualifiednurses and student nurses under theleadership of the Director Nursing,Brig Gen Nompumelelo Madlala-Msimango, formed up on the parade

Reaffirming their dedication - members of the NursingCollege taking a pledge.

Honouring our nurses on their day

M

training in nursing theory and practice. Shewas a great advocate of the power of facts,calling statistics the most important sciencein the world. Florence believed nursing toinvolve dedication, devotion and discipline,but it was also to be a skilled profession,"said Brig Gen Madlala-Msimango.

She further challenged all the militarynurses to fulfil a leadership role in nursingand play a critical role in research to sup-port health care in the country.

As a symbol of their loyalty to the pro-fession, all the nurses read the nursingpledge in a bid to reaffirm their dedicationas professional nurses.

ground. Addressing those gathered, Brig Gen Madlala-Msimango paid homage to Florence Nightingale, aremarkable woman who played a major role in estab-lishing nursing as the respected profession it is today.

The Florence Nightingale Museum Trust 1999 saidthis of her: "Florence Nightingale was more than aromantic heroine. Her far-sighted reforms have in-fluenced the nature of modern health care and herwritings continue to be a resource for nurses, healthmanagers and planners …"

"Blessed with determined motivation, FlorenceNightingale was a stern, starchy, but gifted organiser.Her success in elevating nursing owed much to herinsistence in her Notes on Nursing (1859) on therequirement for nurse recruits to receive a thorough

events


26

Power of partnership

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

ow wonderful it is that nobodyneeds to wait a single momentbefore starting to improve theworld" - Anne Frank.

HIV and AIDS is themost devastating disease tohave emerged in recent his-

tory and it has spread across social andeconomic boundaries. A yardstick bywhich we measure a society's respectfor humanity and human rights is toevaluate the level of its maturity andgenerosity by looking at the statusthat it accords those members of soci-ety who are infected by and are mostvulnerable to HIV and AIDS.

On 25 June 2009 the US Charge d'Affaires, Ms Helen la Lime from theEmbassy of the USA, handed over theVoluntary Testing and CounsellingCentre to the SA Military Health

Service (Area Military Health UnitGauteng) at the "Old" CommunityCentre in Thaba Tshwane.

In his address Maj Gen AbieLandman, the Chief Director MilitaryHealth Force Preparation, reiteratedthe fact that the HIV and AIDS pan-demic posed a challenge to theSANDF and the nation at large. "TheVoluntary Counselling and Testing(VCT) facility is an ideal environmentfor members to receive comprehen-sive health care, including VCT as anentry point to HIV management," saidMaj Gen Landman.

He further challenged the GeneralOfficer Commanding Area MilitaryHealth Formation, Brig Gen Moremi,and the Director HIV and AIDS, BrigGen Lulu Siwisa, to make sure that thefacility is maximally utilised to pro-vide health services for members ofthe SANDF and their dependants.

Brig Gen Siwisa, Dr Dhesi Achary,

H

Maj Gen Abie Landman, the Chief Director Military Health Force Preparation(left), and the US Charge d' Affaires, Ms Helen la Lime from the Embassy ofthe USA, during the handing over ceremony of the Voluntary Counsellingand Testing Centre.

Deputy Director (SSO MedicalService), and professionals involved inthe Masibambisane and PhidisaProjects were present to offer hope,comfort and courage to those affected.

The DOD support the SA MilitaryHealth Service generated momentumthrough partnership with the USPresident's Emergency Plan for AIDSRelief (PEPFAR). PEPFAR has devel-oped a comprehensive approach toproviding the best care to curb the dev-astating effect of the pandemic. Thisapproach forms the basis for interven-tion to tackle the challenges posed byHIV and AIDS and incorporates allactivities related to HIV. Support pro-grammes were established for theeffective management and preventionof HIV infection, including preventionof mother to child transmission, moni-toring of disease progression, treat-ment and management of opportunis-tic infections. In her address, Ms LaLime said that this was a partnershipand strategic collaboration between theUS and the SA DOD with the growingunderstanding of HIV as not just ahealth issue, but also one that negative-ly impacted on development.

"I cannot emphasise enough theimportance of counselling and testing.South Africa has a highly generalisedHIV epidemic with a prevalence of18% among sexually active adults.Since 2000 the National Department ofHealth (NDOH) has supportedwidespread implementation of anational programme for voluntary test-ing and counselling. Counselling andtesting centres are to provide caring,high quality, uniform and equitableservices. The centres aim to improvecounselling and testing. The USGovernment and PEPFAR continue tosupport the NDOH, and thus theSANDF, in ensuring that these goalsare met," she concluded.

“


27

Recruiting youth in Ulundi

Article and photo by WO1 MannyGounden, PRO Naval StationDurban

SA Navy team consisting ofOfficer Commanding NavalStation Durban, Cdr SifisoMkhwanazi, Cdr PrinceTshabalala, Media andMarketing CommunicationOfficer from Navy HQ, and

Lt George Longo also from the NavyHeadquarters travelled to Ulundi on17 June 2009.

The aim of their visit was to marketand recruit deserving and qualifyingyouth to join the SANDF MilitarySkills Development System (MSDS).The DOD is to spend R200 millionrands during the financial year2009/10 to increase the number ofMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) recruits to 10 000 for theJanuary 2010 intake.

The MSDS is an important way ofattracting and identifying the rightquality and quantity of skilled orpotential employees that are requiredto meet the Department's strategic andoperational objectives.

The Navy team met with theMayor of Ulundi, his Worship

Councillor Mvuseni Luthuli, CouncillorGerty Magwaza, businessmen S'buZulu and Lindiwe Mbatha. CdrTshabalala explained to the assembledleadership that the SANDF had overthe years developed a system of entryinto the organisation, viz the voluntary2-year MSDS. The leadership of thetown has fully endorsed their supportand pointed the Navy team in the rightdirection to commence marketing andrecruiting for the MSDS.

Three schools, Maghinsendoda,Zwelonke and Masibumbane High,were visited. The team presented them-selves in a clear concise manner inexplaining the MSDS. Lt Longa leftapplication forms at each of the schoolsvisited.

The learners were surprised whenCdr Mhkwanazi was introduced as asea-going combat officer serving as theExecutive Office on board the SASDRAKENSBERG.

In his presentation Cdr Mkhwanazisaid: "The SA Navy, which is responsi-ble for our maritime safety and securi-ty, has acquired new submarines andfrigates (warships). This naval equip-ment requires young men and womento operate them and the SA Navy trainscombat officers to command the Navy's

A

Cdr Prince Tshabalala addresses learners from Maghinsendoda High School.

ships and submarines at sea. In addi-tion we require radar operators, com-munications ratings, gunners, divers,mine countermeasure operators, a mar-itime reaction squadron and opera-tional boat squadron operators. In thetechnical field, engineers and technicalofficers are vital to the SA Navy".

The learners had an opportunity toask him questions about a career at seaand the places that he has seen.

Cdr Mkhwanazi posed a questionto the learners on completion of hispresentation: "What prevents or keepsa ship at sea from sinking". That ques-tion really got them guessing, but aGrade 12 learner finally answered cor-rectly.

What was really interesting was thequestions that were asked after the pre-sentations, which drew roars of laugh-ter, applause and varied answers. CdrTshabalala and Lt Longa presented SANavy T-shirts when the learnersanswered correctly.

Nomalungelo Biyela, a Grade 12learner who hails from Jozini, said inher vote of thanks in English andisiZulu: "In today's presentation I havelearnt so much and so have my fellowclassmates. I never knew that we had anavy. To the naval officers I want to saythank you for all that has been saidhere today. You spoke with deep sin-cerity and from what I heard heretoday you take your job very seriously.You have brought a new dimension tothe school in our career choices. I wishyou well".

After two days in Ulundi Council-lor Gerty Magwaza finally had this tosay to the team: "Thank you very muchfor your stay here in Ulundi. The twodays that you have spent here havereally been enriching to our learners.Now these learners can see what a dif-ference the SANDF is making in chang-ing the lives of the young people ofSouth Africa. Please come back andfurther enrich the lives of our youngpeople. Go well Navy and God bless".

focus on women


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By Cdr Geeva Moodley, SO1 Senior Training

t was an honour and achievementfor Cdr Geeva Moodley to havesuccessfully secured a place onthe King's College LondonConflict, Security, DevelopmentGroup's Peace and SecurityFellowships for African Women

Programme and so to represent SouthAfrica as well as being the SADC can-didate. After she submitted her port-folio of evidence as well as a 5 000word research paper, she was invitedfor an interview in Kenya. It was withgreat delight and excitement that forthe first time a military woman wasaccepted for the King's CollegeLondon Fellowship Programme aftera long and tedious selection process.

In addition, Cdr Moodley is theonly Indian female officer to hold therank of Commander in the SA Navy.She said: "It is not only a success forme but for every women out there try-ing to progress and break down thebarriers and stereotypes that has beenembedded in our society. I am astrong believer in competence, skillsand knowledge. And with a positiveattitude, nothing is unattainable, nomatter what obstacles we are facedwith. Our time has come and we arenow given the opportunities that wehave longed for in the past."

Conflict, Security, DevelopmentGroup's Peace and SecurityFellowships for African WomenProgramme, now in its fourth year, ispart of the Conflict, Security andDevelopment Group knowledgebuilding and mentoring programme.It brings together African women at

I

African Women's Peaceand Security Fellowships

Commander Geeva Moodley.

different stages of their careers toundertake a carefully designed train-ing programme in conflict, securityand development at King's CollegeLondon. This training will then be fol-lowed by their being attached to anAfrican regional organisation or a cen-tre of excellence to acquire practicalexperience. Ultimately, the project willtrain African women to develop abetter understanding of African peaceand security issues in order to increasetheir participation in conflict man-agement processes and other areasof security concern for all Africans,especially women.

The Fellowship Programme isdesigned to expose professionalAfrican women to the complexities ofconflict, security and developmentand equip them for careers in thisfield. The Fellowship Programme was

conceived against a number of back-ground factors. First is the compara-tively low level of women involved inpeace and security issues, especially ascompared with those involved in themilitary, human rights and develop-ment issues. Second is the need toassist African women to meet thedemands of the Beijing process and,more recently, the UN Security CouncilResolution 1325 that calls for the inclu-sion of women at all decision-makinglevels in "all national, regional andinternational institutions and mecha-nisms for the prevention, managementand resolution of conflicts". ThisFellowship is aimed at challenging theexisting tendency that seems to rein-force the male dominant discourse onconflict and security related matters. Itwill also develop the network ofAfrican women scholars working inthe field while linking them with thepeace and security mechanisms of theregional institutions.

The Fellowships is divided intotwo phases. The first phase is based atKing's College London where theFellows attend specifically designedcourses on conflict, security and devel-opment. Cdr Moodley visited variousUK institutions working in the field ofconflict management, including theInternational Institute for StrategicStudies and the UK Parliament andEuropean institutions, including theEuropean Union Parliament,Commission, Council of Ministers,International Crisis Group, Brusselsand the Geneva Centre for SecurityPolicy. This phase ended with a simu-lation seminar during which a mockconflict management situation was>> on page 31


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Army Command Councilbenchmarks withHonorary ColonelsCompiled by Bibi MorgetsPhoto: Courtesy of Maj Gen RoyAndersen

he SA Army honoured itsHonorary Colonels at the SAArmy College in ThabaTshwane, Pretoria, with a for-mal dinner on 17 July 2009.The aim was to revive therelationships and also to

induct them with the SA Army dinnertraditions. Lt Gen Solly Shoke, Chief ofthe SA Army, among other SA Army

generals graced the occasion with theirpresence all dressed in the SA Armymess dress.

These Honorary Colonels acceptedthe honour of being ambassadors ofthe SA Army to the larger communityand also pledged to tackle their dutieswith respect, dignity and zeal, and tosafeguard the image of the SA Armyand the country in all they do.

The appointment of adoptingHonorary Colonels is a tradition with-in the DOD. Year in and year out theorganisation honours certain esteemedleaders in the country by bestowingthe rank of Honorary Colonel on themin various units of the organisation.The mandate to appoint HonoraryColonels in units is derived from theDefence Act, and is confirmed in thecorrect Act promulgated in 2002.

This appointment places muchresponsibility on the shoulders of theperson being appointed because notonly is he/she summoned to his/hernormal day-to-day chores, but he/sheis also accountable to the DOD, egwhen called up to perform specifictasks by the unit in which he/sheserves.

Honorary Colonels may beappointed to each Regular or ReserveUnit. Their main responsibility is toassist in maintaining unit traditions,namely to foster esprit de corps, com-radeship, unit pride and high morale,and to represent the unit's interests.These responsibilities may include fos-tering civilian, local and regional con-nections, goodwill and support.

With such prominent people oftenhonoured, and others having morethan one title, one may wonder whichform of address to use when address-ing them. According to the DefenceAct, 1957, an Honorary Colonel is

T

Maj Gen Roy Andersen, the ChiefDefence Reserves, is the HonoraryColonel of Transvaal Horse ArtilleryRegiment.

always addressed as Colonel and onlythis title may be used in officialSANDF, and unit related correspon-dence. Although the appointment ofan Honorary Colonel is titular, theprescribed compliments must be paidto him/her during official activities.

SA Soldier had a one-on-one inter-view with Maj Gen Roy Andersen, theChief Defence Reserves, who has alsobeen an Honorary Colonel for nearly20 years in the Transvaal HorseArtillery Regiment in Johannesburg.According to Maj Gen Andersen,Honorary Colonels act as role modelsin projecting the image of the unit incommunities, demonstrating supportfor the SANDF and by being a valu-able sounding board for the com-manding officer of the unit concerned.

In the April 2009 approvedRegulations for the Reserves, as envis-aged in the Defence Act, the appoint-ment of Honorary Colonels confers nomilitary status or power of commandon the holder thereof, but entitles theholder to wear the uniform of theunit or establishment concerned onoccasions as determined by theChief of the relevant Service or whenqualifying for Defence medals anddecorations.

While I was interviewing the ChiefDefence Reserves, one last questioncame to mind: was the SA Navyobliged to have Honorary Captains inits units? He answered in the affirma-tive, and quoted a paragraph from theregulation concerned, which reads:"The Chief of the relevant Servicemay, with the approval of theMinister, appoint an HonoraryColonel, Captain (SAN), LieutenantColonel, or Commander (SAN) to aReserve unit or structural componentof the Defence Force.

training for PSAP


30


By Ms T. Hornimann, SeniorPersonnel Practitioner PSAP ETDPhoto: Cpl W. van der Westhuizen

hief Directorate Human Re-sources Development Pub-lic Service Act PersonnelEducation Training andDevelopment (PSAP ETD)through the Public Admin-istration Leadership and

Management Academy (PALAMA)presented a Foundation ManagementDevelopment Programme to PSAP atsalary levels 3 - 5.

BackgroundOne of the important challenges

South Africa faces as a developmentalstate is the establishment of a newcadre of public service leaders andmanagers that are able to develop and

improve the skills and knowledge nec-essary to meet the challenges of ser-vice delivery improvement, povertyalleviation and building a develop-mental state. The Integrated Man-agement Development Programme isa strategic intervention to achieve thisgoal, and as such it is one of the mostsignificant and comprehensive prod-uct ranges offered by the PALAMAsince its reinvention as a Centre of

C

Attendees of the Foundation Management Development Programme.


31

Excellence. The Integrated Manage-ment Development Programme(IMDP) consists of four programmes,namely:

Foundation ManagementDevelopment Programme(FMDP).Emerging ManagementDevelopment Programme(EMDP).Advanced ManagementDevelopment Programme(AMDP).Executive DevelopmentProgramme (EDP).


Eleven employees from differentworking environments attended theFMDP presented in two blocks overthe periods 4 - 8 May 2009 and 8 - 12June 2009 respectively at theManhattan Hotel and at PALAMA inPretoria. The programme covered thebasic principles of management withthe objective of introducing soundmanagement practices to first line

supervisors and aspiring supervisorsin order to "grow" good managers forthe future.

The FMDP is an accredited train-ing opportunity and was presentedover ten working days. It consisted oftwo blocks of five days each. Block 1focussed on gaining understanding ofoneself and the team, while Block 2focussed on supervision. Trainingmodules included, among others, SelfManagement, Working in Teams andManagement functions.

Feedback from participantsMore than 90% of the learners

rated the overall programme with thecontent, logistics and the facilitator asa programme of high quality. All par-ticipants were delighted at beingafforded the opportunity to attend aprofessionally designed programmethat allowed networking and provid-ed information of great value.

Way forwardChief Directorate Human

Resources Development (CD HRD)

acknowledges the dire need for thedevelopment of PSAP as first linesupervisors and aspiring supervisorsat salary levels 3 to 5. The FMDP willbe presented annually, with the nextFMDP scheduled for 24 - 28 August2009 and 28 September - 2 October2009.

GeneralThe enthusiasm and participation

exhibited by learners throughout theProgramme constitute evidence of thesuccess of the FMDP. Learners sharedideas and common interests in waysthat helped improve their own andgroup performance. It henceaddressed developmental areas with-in their personal development. TheProgramme has contributed to fillingthe gap in management of PSAP in theDOD.

CD HRD acknowledges the effortsof Services and Divisions in nominat-ing PSAP for the FMDP, thus con-tributing to CD HRD's commitment topromoting the continuous develop-ment of PSAP in the Department.

practised. The second phase is anattachment of Fellows to an Africanregional organisation or centre ofexcellence to undertake practical workin the field of peace and security,including peace and conflict manage-ment processes. Cdr Moodley is cur-rently detached to the Peace MissionTraining Centre where she is servingher field phase of this Fellowship. Sheis currently acting in the post of SO1Senior Training.

This lifetime learning opportunityand achievement would not have beenpossible without the drive and deter-mination of Chief DirectorTransformation Management, Maj

Gen N.E. Memela-Motumi, whofaced many obstacles but perseveredto ensure that this opportunity wasnot missed. Cdr Moodley said:"Thank you General for paving theway and affording opportunities towomen in the SANDF!"

Sincere appreciation and thanksare due to the Chief of the SA Navy,V Adm Johannes Mudimu, who hasalso supported this lifetime learningopportunity. The SA Navy provides aplatform in support of transforma-tion and change management pro-cesses. The SA Navy prides itself onhaving highly qualified and skilledofficers who serve as their ambas-sadors in various arenas. Many

thanks and much appreciation is dueto the British Peace Support TeamSouth Africa (Col J. Simms and histeam) who played an instrumentalrole in ensuring the attainment of thislifetime opportunity.

Cdr Moodley holds a Bachelorsdegree and has qualifications inEducation, Training and Develop-ment NQF 6, Organisation and Workstudy (M+3). She is a qualified andtrained Disarmament, Demobi-lisation, Reintegration Officer; aPeace Mission Staff Officer; as well asa Conflict Negotiator and MilitaryObserver. She has also deployedexternally on Peace Support Operations.

>> from page 28

African Women’s Peace and Security Fellowships

focus on women


32

Military women build bridgesArticle and photos by Lt M.V.Khoza, Communication Officer 2 Field Engineer Regiment

August is a special day as itcommemorates 9 August 1956,when women participated in anational march against thepass laws (the legislation thatrequired Africans to carry adocument on them to prove

that they were allowed to enter ademarcated areas meant for specificracial groups).

In order to honour these women2 Field Engineer Regiment has estab-lished a female bridge-building team

9Regiment filled with hope anddreams of obtaining excellent resultsfor their unit. SAEC women have thesame military career opportunities asthe men as they undergo the samecorps training and are treated equal-ly. This is the reason why women of 2Field Engineer Regiment are buildingthe bridge on their own, without"men power".

Normally 10 members constructthe 5-bay single storey MediumGirder Bridge. Most parts are veryheavy, eg the top panel weighs 175 kgand the bank seat beam weighs 258kg and most of these parts take fourmen to carry. We all know that menare stronger than women and theyhave built a bridge in less than 6 min-utes. Women have not yet beaten thistime, but the fact is women are pas-sionate enough to compete againstmen.

The team consists of formerMilitary Skills Development System(MSDS) members, the majority fromthe 2005 intake and the others fromthe 2006 intake who completed theirbasic military training at 3 SAInfantry Battalion. They are happy tobe in the SAEC, especially at 2 FieldEngineer Regiment, the home of thefield sappers. The team is here to stayand to make a mark for their unit.Nothing will stand in their way ofachieving their objectives.

To all women of SAEC, let usstand and ensure that we are ready totake over our rightful places in ourorganisation. This is the right time toequip ourselves with the knowledgewe need in our posts and to advance,because in a few years when thetables are turned, they are going toask us: "Where were you at the timeyour organisation was empoweringwomen".

to participate in various events withinthe organisation. It is the first femalebridge-building team to competeagainst men in the annual WarrantOfficers (WOs) and Non-commis-sioned Officers (NCOs) Competition ofthe SA Engineer Corps (SAEC) in July2009. Traditionally the bridge-buildingcompetition between all the units of SAArmy Engineer Formation concludesthe competition.

In the old days Engineering waslabelled as a man's world. Womenwere believed to belong at home in thekitchen and taking care of children, butnot anymore. Here are dedicatedyoung women of 2 Field Engineer

Back, fltr: Spr M.J. Nwamba, Spr M.F. Masete, Spr B. Sibiloane, Spr N.M. Sebopa. Front, fltr: Spr S.M. Tsitsi, Spr N.P. Mpambane, Spr C.L. Mohlala, Spr N. Masala and Lt M.V. Khosa.


33

focus on people


34

Article and photo by F Sgt Warren Wiggill, Acting PRO Officer AFB Durban

ieutenant Perumal KistayaNaidoo grew up inUmkomaas, a little townsouth of Durban. His interestin aircraft was unimaginable.His junior schooling was com-pleted in Umkomaas, after

which he went to Pietermaritzburgwhere he completed his senior school-ing, including his matric at HeatherHigh School in 1990. His workingcareer started at Belgotex Carpets,after which he worked for MRSInsurance Brokers.

In January 1997 he applied to theSA Air Force. His application was suc-cessful and he joined the SA Air ForceSecurity Squadron (508 Squadron) on1 March 1997. Airman Naidoo startedBasic Military Training at the AirForce Gymnasium in March 1997.Thereafter he completed the EntranceController Course at Humanskraalfrom June to August 1997. Upon com-pletion of the course he was a quali-fied Entrance Controller, and wasstaffed at 508 Squadron.

In 1998 he was promoted to LanceCorporal and in 1999 to Corporal. Heserved four years in the SecuritySquadron. In 2000 he applied to theCommand and Control musteringand was a successful candidate. Hethen completed the GroundCommand and Control Systems andAbio Course, which was held over athree-month period in Pretoria. Hewas staffed and promoted to the rank

L

Course, which ended in August 2009at Air Force Base Hoedspruit. On 14November 2008 he was commissionedas a Lieutenant. Lt Naidoo was trans-ferred to 15 Squadron at Air ForceBase Durban, where he has been anOperational Officer.

Lieutenant Naidoo is the firstIndian Operational Officer in the SAAir Force. He expresses gratitude tohis wife Bashi and children, Aleesha,Demi and Abigale, for supportinghim in his career. Lt Naidoo believesthat the sky is not the limit in the SAAir Force: what you put in is what youget out.

Lieutenant Perumal Naidoo.

of Sergeant at the Base Command Postat Air Force Base Durban. In 2004 hewas promoted to a Flight Sergeant. In2006 Flight Sergeant Naidoo wasdeployed to the Comoros Island forthree months to assist with the localelections. He has been deployed tovarious places within the borders ofSouth Africa on internal operations.

In 2008 F Sgt Naidoo applied to goon the Officers' Course and was foundcompetent after many intensive tests.He began the course in February 2008and completed it in June 2008. Afterthe Officers' Course he had to com-plete the Command Post Officers

First Indian operationalofficer in the SA Air Force


35

By Mapule RaphelaPhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma

fter matric many young peo-ple are baffled about whichcareer path to follow. As oneof the Government's aims is toempower the youth, it is greatto know that the SANDF isplaying its part through

career exhibitions to enlighten them onwhat is available in the working world.

The 60 learners from Alfred B.Makapan High School in Mokopanein Limpopo converged on ThabaTshwane thirsty for knowledge aboutthe SANDF. They were in Grade 12and as they were studying maths andscience it was fitting that the firststop of their visit was to the SAArmy Engineering Formation wherethey were taught mainly about map-reading.

Mr Malesela Tsatsi, the Principal ofthe school, was thrilled that his learnershad been given the opportunity to visitPretoria and learn more about SANDF."The trip originated in a visit to the SAAir Force on 30 January 2009 where Iwas given a lot of information that Ibelieve will be beneficial to my learn-ers, so I hope they will spread the wordwhen they get back home," he said.Most of the learners had no idea whatthe SANDF had to offer in terms ofcareers. They believed soldiers weretaught only to shoot and kill. One of thelearners, Sipho Masopoga (21),remarked: "I want to join the SANDFbecause it will enhance my choice ofstudying engineering, and I know I willhave a permanent job that will help meto provide for my family."

The South African Military HealthService (SAMHS) welcomed the learn-ers warmly. They were encouraged tojoin the SANDF so that they couldutilise the opportunities offered. "We

A

port services and combat support ser-vices. "It is great that all of you aremaths and science learners becausethere is a need in engineering and thetechnical field," said Cdr Tshabalala.

After two days of learning and funthe learners had to head back forLimpopo. They gave the assurancethat they would join the SANDF. "I amgoing to apply for the Military SkillsDevelopment System when I pass myGrade 12, no matter how hard thetraining I want to fulfil my dream ofbeing an engineer," said ThompsonMakwetla (18).

A vote of thanks was given byLevy Mkhafola (19): "Thanks all of youwho took the time to come and tell usabout the careers offered by the mili-tary. We will stay devoted to our stud-ies, and also thanks for the Mahala(free) T-shirts from the SA Navy".

Lt Col Priscilla Lengoasa, SO1 Corp Com Military Health Training Formation,addressing the learners about the career opportunities at the SA MilitaryHealth Service.

want hard workers, not lazy people inthe SAMHS. People died for you tohave these opportunities, so pleasecome and rejuvenate the DOD," saidLt Col Priscilla Lengoasa, SO1 CorpCom Military Health TrainingFormation. Their next career exhibi-tion destination was the SA Air ForceMuseum, where most of the learnerswere delighted to see the aircraft dis-played there. Some even wanted topursue a career path in the aviationenvironment as pilots.

The learners we also taken to theCentre for Advanced Training, wherethey were given a presentation by CdrPrince Tshabalala, Media andMarketing Communication Officerfrom Navy HQ. He talked about pos-sible careers in the SANDF after theycomplete their basic military training.These included combat services, sup-

Learning curve for learners of Limpopo

environment


36

Protecting Mother Earthand her beauty

By L Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

limate change and the threatof pollution, including thedumping of waste materials,have serious implications forour environment. The pro-tection of Mother Earth hasbecome a major objective in

the DOD.On 1 July 2009 the DOD hosted its

annual Environmental Awards cere-mony at ASB Potchefstroom to recog-nise outstanding achievements ofunits, military bases, individuals andteams that stood out through theirenvironmental performances and con-tributions to environmental services inthe military.

Applauding the principal achiev-

ing increasingly important to ensurethat our planet and our country will beable to sustain life into the future. Thisresponsibility, similar to security andhealth, rests on the shoulders of eachand every member of the DOD."

Winners Rand Water Award for WaterEfficiency: AFB LangebaanwegNational Energy EfficiencyCampaign Award for EnergyEfficiency: ASB KwaZulu-NatalKeep eThekwini Beautiful Awardfor Integrated Waste Management:ASB PotchefstroomEndangered Wildlife TrustFloating Trophy for EcologicalManagement: SAS SALDANHACaltex Floating Trophy for BaseEnvironmental Management:

C

Fltr: Maj Gen Thulile Nkonyane, General Officer Commanding DOD Logistics Division,Capt Johnny Thoka, the Acting Officer Commanding of 21 Signal Unit: Boekenhoutskloof,Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SA Army, and WO1 Jacobus Kruger, theEnvironmental Officer of Boekenhoutskloof Training Area, receiving the Conservamus inEnvironmental Services certificates.

ers, runners-up and other recipients inthe eight categories, Lt Gen SollyShoke, the Chief of the SA Army, saidthat human security was promotedand threatened by a variety of eco-nomic, cultural, political and environ-mental factors. "With a firm founda-tion of best practice models for mili-tary integrated environmental man-agement developed over thirty years,we are continually equipping ourNational Defence Force to manage theinterface between the military and theenvironment through the approach to'Green Soldiering'," said Lt Gen Shoke.

Maj Gen Thulile Nkonyane, theGeneral Officer Commanding DODLogistics Division, said: "We are mov-ing into an era where environmentalissues and minimising the militaryimpact on the environment are becom-

AFB OverbergProf Kristo PienaarFloating Trophy forEnvironmentalEducation andAwareness Training:Naval Base Simon'sTownSA National ParksFloating Trophy forMilitary IntegratedEnvironmentalManagementSystems:AFB OverbergConservamusFloating Trophy forEnvironmentalServices: RegionalFacilities InterfaceManagement Office inCape Town


37

empowerment


38

Take a Girl Childto Work DayArticle and photo by WO1 MannyGounden, PRO NS DBN

omen are playing variousimportant roles in societyand holding senior posi-tions in government andthe corporate world. Itwas fitting once again forNaval Station Durban (NSDBN) to host and support

the Cell C Take a Girl Child to WorkDay. The SA Navy fully endorses andsupports gender equality.

The 2009 Take a Girl Child to WorkDay took place on 28 May. The themeunderlining this year's campaign was"Change your world". It emphasises togirl children the importance of seekingand using available opportunities, egin the Take a Girl Child to Work Daythey can empower themselves withinformation, knowledge, experienceand understanding to enable them tomake changes that will pave the way toa brighter and successful future.

NS DBN hosted four learners fromthe Grosvenor Girls Secondary Schooland three from Avonford Secondary

WSchool. The learners were welcomed byLt Cdr Bonjovie Ratlhogo. WO1 MannyGounden, the Public Relations Officer(PRO) for NS DBN, gave a presentationon the following topics:

The role and function of the SA Navy. The acquisition of frigates andsubmarines.Location of the SA Navy in SouthAfrica, namely Navy HQ inPretoria, Naval Base in Simon'sTown, Naval Station Durban andNaval Station Port Elizabeth.Vision and mission of the SA Navy.Diplomatic role of the SA Navy.Maritime responsibility.Career opportunities, withemphasis on the Military SkillDevelopment Programme.A visit to Operational Diving Centre

where WO1 Jannie Engelbrecht and hisdivers explained the requirements,training and the operational duties of anavy diver. A practical demonstrationwas given in the dive tank and buddybreathing was displayed.

The highlight of their visit was theSAS TEKWANE, which is an inshore

Officer Commanding SAS TEKWANE, Lt Latha Sterling, with (fltr) YvonneReddy, Kimeshni Chetty, Hassina Khan, Celina Soobromoney, CassidyMarimuthu and Jasmin Narayansami.

patrol vessel. They were welcomed byLt Latha Starling, the first woman tocaptain an operational vessel of the SA Navy.

"Let's go forrard (forward), let's goaft," she said, and the girls were gleam-ing with enthusiasm as SAS TEK-WANE made her way to the channelentrance and headed out to sea. Tosome of the learners this was their firstexperience of the sea. On board, SLtJune Ndimande, the OperationsOfficer, conducted a tour and tookthem below decks and into the engineroom. Important landmarks and mar-itime features were pointed out andexplained. Lt Starling explained thatSAS TEKWANE was fully operationaland manned by male and female mem-bers of the SA Navy. The learners expe-rienced a naval vessel first hand.

Mercia Maserumule, ManagerCorporate Social Investment for Cell C,said: "To these girls the 'world of work'has marked a turning point in theirlives as they experienced first hand themodern day career options available tothem. Armed with a world of suchoptions to consider, these girl childrenwill have the opportunity to makeinformed career choices that will shapetheir future and change their world forthe better."

Cell C Career Choice Expo targetsGrade 9 to 12 learners from schools inthe rural parts of our country and pro-vides them with the opportunity tointeract with companies and organisa-tions from various parts of the countryabout their career options. The 2009Career Choice Expo is scheduled forAugust and Cell C urges all its partnersin Take a Girl Child to Work Day tojoin the SA Navy as it makes careerinformation available to learners in ourrural communities. At the end of theday, heartfelt thanks were receivedfrom all the girls as certificates and LtCdr Bonjovie Ratlhogo presented pro-motional items from Cell C to them.


By L Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Cpl Riaan Calitz

he DOD School of Catering hosteda first of its kind event - a Supplier's

Day - at the DOD School of Catering inThaba Tshwane on 23 June 2009. Thisspecial event intended to showcase theSchool of Catering's role in the defenceand to introduce various suppliersused by the SANDF in the CateringCorps.

Lt Jackie Sape, Chairperson of theNon-public Fund (NPF) andProgramme Director, said that differ-ent hospitality service providers dis-played their services to the CateringCorps. The NPF members wereresponsible of raising funds for theunit to host various functions thatuplift morale in their business, whichinclude pub lunches, hobo eveningsand host suppliers in recognition oftheir services.

About eleven external suppliersformed part of the event with theircolourful products décor. Serviceproviders included Famous Brands,Lancewood Cheese, Business CateringEquipment, ICS Cleaning and Safetyand many more. They displayed arange of exclusive products, such as

Members of the Non-public Fund at the DOD School of Catering.

Caterers hold a Supplier's Day

T

wet and dry rations, crockery's, cut-leries and other sophisticated cookingequipment.

The Officer Commanding of theCatering School, Lt Col F. Shaik Latiff,said that the Supplier's Day introducedvarious companies registered on theDOD's service provider database.These service providers displayedproducts they were promoting andmarketing. Lt Col Shaik Latiff believesthat this occasion could put theCatering School on the map, as a recog-nisable entity within the Department.

She was grateful of the effortsfrom units and suppliers that madethe day a success and cautionedthem of challenges they had saying:"We have challenges with old andoutdated equipment and dilapidatedbuildings that are hindering theprogress and good work we aredoing". She expressed her wish tohave a higher Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) intakein the Catering Corps in future. Thisyear the School of Catering took 140MSDS members.

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39

To advertise in the South African SoldierClassifieds, please write your advert in fewer than200 characters and send it together with your con-tact details and force number to: SA Soldier, Advertisements, Private Bag X158,Pretoria, 0001, or email: [email protected], orFax: (012) 355 6399. The Editor reserves the rightto withhold any inappropriate material.Publication of adverts may take up to fourmonths. SA Soldier does not accept any responsi-bility for any losses suffered or damages incurredas a result of any published classifieds.

events


40

Rekindling of friendshipand cultural linksBy L Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

n 3 July 2009 the SANDFSpouses Forum chaired byMs Busisiwe Ngwenya inconjunction with DefenceForeign Relations with MsMaite Lengolo, SO2Protocol, took the Defence

Attachés' spouses on a journey of dis-covery to Gaabo Motho CulturalVillage in Mabopane to forge socialcohesion and cultural links.

The aim of the event was to for-mally welcome the new DefenceAttachés' spouses and bid farewell tothose who had completed their tour ofduty in South Africa. Fascinatingly,

the day was seen as the rekindling offriendship and links of cultural signif-icance with reference to UBUNTU.

Extending a warm welcome, MsNgwenya said that being in SouthAfrica on a tour of duty strengthenedthe long-standing relations and deep-ened cultural exchanges among ourpeople. "As women, we realise thatliving in a foreign country can be awonderful, but also challenging expe-rience. You must never feel isolated oreven lonely, as together we can makea difference. As a Chinese saying goes,'amity between people holds the keyto sound relations between states',"said Ms Ngwenya.

Ms Lilly Mokoene, owner ofGaabo Motho Cultural Village, took

the visitors on a journey to discoverthe African symbols of spiritualityand the heritage representing differ-ent cultures.

Speaking to SA Soldier, Capt (USNavy) Patricia Jackson, NavalAttaché from the Embassy of theUSA, said that the day was not onlyabout the spouses' tea, but to interactand experience African culture manyof them never knew existed. "It was ajourney worth taking and an amazingexperience, especially the hospitalityof the SANDF Spouses Forum and thewelcoming reception that greeted usat each site that we visited.

Few get to experience this privi-lege in their lifetime," said Capt (USNavy) Jackson.

O

Together enjoying the awesome adventure of African culture.


41

Historical trophies forcombat rifle shootingArticle and photos by Maj MerleMeyer, Com Officer SA ArmyInfantry Formation

he General Officer Command-ing of SA Army InfantryFormation, Maj Gen ThembaNkabinde, awarded two his-torical trophies at the recentInfantry Command CadreConference held at the Infantry

School in Oudtshoorn in May 2009.

General Hertzog TrophyThe first trophy was the General

Hertzog Trophy made of solid silver bythe Royal Mint in England in 1938. Itwas made to encourage marksmanshipin the Union Defence Force.

This trophy was always awarded tounits in the Free State and was donatedto the SA Army Infantry Formation byCol Grobbies Grobbelaar from Group24 in 2007.

It was presented to the OfficerCommanding of 44 ParachuteRegiment, Col Andy Mhatu, for the BestInfantry Musketry Unit. (44 ParachuteRegiment received the highest score ofthe SA Army Infantry Formation unitsat the recent SA Army Combat RifleChampionships.)

Schumacher TrophyThe second trophy was the

Schumacher Cup, which was donatedby Capt Schumacher in 1902. CaptSchumacher was a member of theCitizen Force and an officer ofWitwatersrand Rifles. This trophy wasdonated specifically as the ColonialChallenge Trophy for shooting. CaptSchumacher was later appointed as theHonorary Colonel of WitwatersrandRifles.

The trophy was presented to theOfficer Commanding of NatalCarbineers, Lt Col Kenny Lowe, for theSA Army Infantry Formation Reserve

Unit that received the highest score atthe recent SA Army Combat RifleChampionships.

These trophies will encourage com-

bat rifle shooting in the SA ArmyInfantry Formation. Next year theInfantry units hope to take the firstprize at the SA Army Competition.

T

Fltr: MWO Shaun Louw, Lt Col Doug Mziki, Col Andy Mhatu and MWO Mike Mushayi with the General Hertzog Trophy.

Maj Gen Themba Nkabinde, GOC SA Army Infantry Formation (left), and Lt Col Kenny Lowe, OC Natal Carbineers, with the Schumacher Trophy.

sport


42

By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma

he Gauteng Province FootballAssociation has set a newrecord by being crowned thenew South African NationalDefence Force FootballAssociation (SANDFFA) 2009Champions in two categories,

after beating both the Western Capeand the Northern Cape respectively, atthe SAS SALDANHA military sportsground on 4 July 2009. (Altogether 20teams from 10 regions competed in the2009 SANDFFA Championships.)

The highlight of the week-longtournament was the men's footballfinals at Sports Field A, where thefavourites - Western Province - werepitted against Gauteng Province. Thefixture produced a six-minute thriller,which kept the spectators on the edges

T

An electrifying footballexhibition week

of their seats for the entire 120 minutes.It was the Western Province that

drew first blood 25 minutes into thefirst half through Private Jiane, after hetook a pass from the right. The

Gauteng Province equalised throughLance Corporal Khumalo after a goal-mouth scramble by the WesternProvince defence.

The Western Cape again extended

Players in action during the ladies' finals between Gauteng and NorthernCape on the SAS SALDANHA sports field. (Gauteng won 2-0.)

LEFT: The player of the tournament,L Cpl Ishmail Khumalo, harassingthe Western Province's defence during the men's finals at SAS SALDANHA. (Gauteng won 3-2on penalties.)

their lead after the break throughLeading Seaman Buthelezi, who fireda stunner that left the GautengProvince goalkeeper firmly rootedbetween his goalposts. GautengProvince then launched a come-backand equalised after mesmerising theWestern Province's defence. Thematch ended with the teams dead-locked 2-2.

Hardly five minutes into the extra


43

Gauteng Province players celebrating their victory after being crownedSANDFFA 2009 Champions in both the men’s and ladies' categories.

time, Gauteng Province extended theirlead after Corporal Ramfate dribbledpast the Western Province's defencefrom the left and delivered home acurling shot, which silenced the homecrowd. The Gauteng Province's cele-brations were, however, short-livedafter a lapse of concentration in theireighteen areas, as they left LeadingSeaman Ngesman to score in an opennet.

The final score after extra time was3-3 and the game had to be decided onpenalty kicks, in which GautengProvince beat Western Cape 4-2 to becrowned SANDFFA 2009 Champions.

At the other final fixture earlier,the SANDFFA 2009 Championshipsladies final was also an exhilaratingevent, as the Gauteng Province andthe Northern Cape Province hadlocked horns earlier.

The Gauteng Province ladies tookthe lead before the first half whenLeading Seaman Masoga, after break-ing from the Northern Cape's ratherleaky defence, registered the lead. TheGauteng Province then increased theirlead in the second half followinganother defensive blunder by theNorthern Cape's defence, allowingLance Corporal Mudzhanani acres of

spaces to manoeuvre and fire a pow-erful shot, leaving Sgt Riet stunned.The game ended 2-0 with the GautengProvince ladies emerging as theSANDFFA 2009 Champions.

For the first time in the history ofthe SANDFFA Championships therehave been four leading goal scorers inthe ladies category. They were: PettyOfficer Y. Williams (WesternProvince), Leading Seaman S. Masilela(Western Province), Corporal T.Mathobela (Gauteng Province) andCorporal M. Motingwe (GautengProvince).

The leading goal scorer in themen's category was Private S.K.Afrika (South Eastern Cape) with sixgoals.

The goalkeepers of the tournamentin the ladies and men's categoriesrespectively were Major D. Mkhize(Gauteng Province) and LanceCorporal N.E. Makhubule (LimpopoProvince).

Private K. Marumo (GautengProvince) was the player of the tour-nament (ladies) with Lance CorporalI.J.C. Khumalo (Gauteng Province) thesame in the men's category. The refer-ee of the tournament was Major W.Moema.

Other SpecialAwards Wooden Spoon Award: MpumalangaProvince (ladies) and LimpopoProvince (men). The awards are aimedat encouraging participating teams notto be outperformed by all participants.Chairperson's Award: KwaZulu-Natalhas demonstrated significant improve-ment since the last tournament interms of technical development on thefield of play, general management,general appearance and discipline onand off the field.Team of the Tournament: LimpopoProvince. The team was recognised fordisplaying fair play consistentlythroughout the tournament.Third Places: Western Province (ladies)and North West Province (men).

In his closing remarks Maj Gen DanMofokeng, the Chief Defence ForeignRelations, expressed his gratitudetowards the footballers and all roleplayers in the tournament.

"I am certainly impressed by theskills exhibited by our men andwomen in the field of play, whichshowed a dramatic improvement inour soccer within the four Services. Thespirit of friendship also displayed byfans with vuvuzelas during the gameswas encouraging and added to thealready electric atmosphere. The quali-

ty play was corroborat-ed by the fine goalsscored in today's games.I would also like to con-gratulate the winningteam and the individualplayers on their hardwork during the prepa-rations. Your hard workand dedication gave youthe competitive edge,"Maj Gen Mofokeng said,signalling the end of theSANDFFA 2009 Championships.

The event was alsoattended by CouncillorFrank Mbanze, theSaldanha Bay ExecutiveDeputy Mayor, and MrGerald Don, the SouthAfrican Football Asso-ciation (SAFA) WestCoast President.

sport


44

Military Olympic GamesBy Kgabo Mashamaite andKgomotso SerubaPhotos: Cpl Riaan Calitz

reparations are underwayfor the second MilitaryOlympic Games to be held inAbuja, Nigeria, fromSeptember 21 to 1 October2009. Members of theSANDF Pretoria Shooting

Club are hard at training, polishing upon their shooting skills at the SANDFShooting Range Complex alongEeufees Road in Thaba Tshwane.

At stake is the esteemed best conti-nental shottist award, the highest hon-our in recognition of the best shottist inthe event. Men and ladies' athletes willcompete in the Pistol Shooting Groupevent, divided into sporting cate-gories, such as the Centre Fire, MilitaryRapid Fire and Sport Pistol using a 2.2calibre pistol.

According to WO1 AllanMacDonald, the team coordinator, the

peted internationally, included are twoAfrican Champions and medal win-ners from the African ContinentalChampionships held in the past. Thecomposition of the group consists ofmen from the SAAF and women fromthe SAMHS," said WO1 McDonald.

The upcoming Championships arebased on the standards of theInternational Military Sports Council -the Conseil International du SportMilitaire (CISM) - with all safety pre-cautions taken into full consideration.

WO1 McDonald has urged anySANDF member interested in militarypistol shooting to:

Contact his/her unit sport officerand enquire about the availabilityof a military club offering a target-shooting course in the area.Join a local military sport club ifthere is any offering the sportingcode.Members who are interested

should:Have very good eyesight and the

Psporting categories are subdivided intosections to test accuracy and the agilityof an athlete in order to be consideredcompetent.

"There are various subdivisionssuch as precision fire/shooting andsnap shoot," said WO1 MacDonald.

There is also a Military Rapid Fireevent, which is divided into three cate-gories where an athlete needs to firefive shots within 10 seconds on one tar-get, fire five shots within eight secondson one target and six seconds on onetarget.

Countries expected to compete areNamibia, Swaziland, Kenya, Egypt,Senegal and Nigeria as the host. Ofthese countries, Egypt has reputablemedal winners in their squad.

However, the Egyptian reputationwill come to naught to the SANDF del-egations as some of the members havebeen actively shooting since 1972 andmany of the athletes have receivedseveral continental awards.

"Many of our members have com-

WO1 Allan McDonald (front row, middle) with members of the Pretoria Shooting Club who will represent the SANDF in the second Military Olympic Games in Abuja, Nigeria, in September 2009.

ability to hold a pis-tol very steady, as itis the biggest factorin accuracy shooting.Have a specialisedweapon or a servicepistol (preferably 9mm) for practice ses-sions. (Once a personhas proved him/her-self competent, themember can thenapply for a sportingpistol.)Be aged between 16and 60 years toutilise a firearm inaccordance with thefirearm legislation. WO1 McDonald has

also encouraged all theathletes with disabilitiesto seize the opportunityto participate in thisexciting sporting code.


45

From Dennilton to TurkeyBy Amn Nwabisa Dlevu, Ad AstraPhoto: Courtesy CO ZachariahDitshego

akwe Zachariah Ditshego(27) was born in the dustyarea of Dennilton,Mpumalanga. He is theepitome of perseveranceand his hunger for a pros-perous future has not only

led him to where he is today, but hasshaped his character too.

Through trying times he managedto push boundaries and get where hewished to be. He is the second child ofGeorge and Linah Ditshego and hasfour children himself. He matriculatedin Mpumalanga and later pursued fur-ther studies at the Pretoria WestCollege, where he studied MechanicalEngineering, achieving an N6(National Technical Certificate).

"In 2006 I decided to join the SAAir Force as a Reserve Force member,"said Candidate Officer (CO) Ditshego.On completion of Basic MilitaryTraining he was deployed to Air ForceMobile Deployment Wing at theRadar Mechanical Section as aTechnical Assistant.

"My dream is to become a techni-cian, but owing to financial constraintsthis dream has not yet come true," saidCO Ditshego. He longs for an oppor-tunity to do practical training at 68 AirSchool one day. His passion for sports,particularly soccer, has opened moredoors than he could imagine.

One day, while playing soccer in2007, a letter arrived inviting memberswho wanted to take part in the sportof military pentathlon, which consistsof five challenges: obstacle course,swimming, orienteering, Law ofArmed Conflict (LOAC) practicals"first aid", rifle shooting and 9 mmshooting. This took place inBloemfontein where participants wereselected to represent the SANDF. Hedecided to enter.

The following year an invitation

Presently CO Ditshego is lookingforward to the results of the 2009selections, which took place lastmonth. Altogether 86 members partic-ipated and he was the best overall.This year the internationals will takeplace in Bulgaria during the first weekof August.

His support system is his proudfamily in Mpumalanga. The Chief ofDefence Reserves, Maj Gen RoyAndersen, and his coach, Col WimAlbert, SSO Strategy Defence ReserveDivision, and the OfficerCommanding of Mobile Deploymentin Waterkloof, Col Anthony Jacobs,who motivated him. His WorkshopManager, WO1 Mike Amos, alsoshowed great support. CO Ditshego isa proud father of twin girls,Onkutlwile and Onthatile. He seeshimself as a qualified technician in thefuture.

Marrived for the second round of selec-tions. Out of eight participants fromthe SA Air Force, CO Ditshego was theonly one who made it. He then wentfor training to Potchefstroom. Thistook place over a period of twomonths. Later they were invited to theNetherlands for training sessions thatwould fully prepare them for theInternationals in Turkey.

After seven days spent in theNetherlands, he received an achieve-ment certificate, together with fellowplayer and coach - Col Wim Albert.On their departure to Turkey, CODitshego noted that the Turkish riflewas different to ours; it was lighter,but the technique used in firing it waswas the same. About 36 countries par-ticipated in the Internationals inTurkey, where he received anothercertificate. The SANDF achieved 26thplace out of 54 teams that participated.

Lt Hanse van Domeneen from the Netherlands and CO Zachariah Ditshegoreceived the Best Overall Trophies.

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46

The value of honesty and integrity

By Chaplain N.W. Nkosi, SAMHS Pastoral Services

he month of August is most-ly known as Women'sMonth in South Africa. Letme remind all women of thevalue of integrity; some-thing that has been lost bymany people, whether of

high or low rank. The word integri-ty in the Oxford Dictionary isdefined as: "the quality of beinghonest and having strong moralprinciple; the quality of being soundin construction".Talking of honesty, I am reminded

of a supervisor who instructed hersecretary to alter some questionablefinancial records. When the secre-tary refused, the supervisor asked:"Don't you ever lie?"

For many people honesty is anabsolute virtue - a moral remnant ofbygone days. Truly speaking, hon-esty and integrity are more thansimply refusing to lie. Integritymeans living a life that is consistentin belief and behaviour. Honesty inyour speech, words and actions. Thequality of being sound in construc-

T

tion means your no is no, and noteasily bent to doing a wrong thing.

Integrity means speaking out,when remaining silent would con-vey the wrong impression, and itmeans doing what's best for others,even if it might cause you harm.More often it will never harm you. Agood example comes from the Bookof Esther: "Then Esther told them to

reply to Mordecai, 'Go,assemble all the Jews whoare found in Susa, and fastfor me, … and thus I will goin to the king, which is notaccording to the law, and if Iperish, I perish" (Esth4:15&16). She stood up forthe good of her people, andshe was honest, and did notperish. She rose to the occa-sion with heroic resolve: "If Iperish, I perish". Let us standup and seize the moment aswomen in SA, for the good ofour people.

Remember, history is fullof remarkable women - Joanof Arc, Florence Nightingale,Mother Teresa - courageouswomen, full of fight and for-

Chaplain N.W. Nkosi.

titude, vision and virtue, grace andtruth. Let us use our femininecourage and character positivelyand fight immorality, gossip andjealousy. Let us embrace one anoth-er and lift our country in prayer toGod. If we are honest and walk inintegrity, our future generations willbe secure in the success God willgive us. Be blessed.

47

Article and photos by Lize Pienaar

SB Mpumalanga presented asports day on 19 June 2009for the different units atNelspruit. The members hadthe chance to participate indifferent items. The aim wasto involve as many members

as possible to enhance team spirit andto motivate members.

The event included soccer, touchrugby, tug-of-war, a class competitionand a Fittest Soldier competition. Tofurther brighten up the day, a "boere-sport" item was added, which provedto be great fun. Members had thechance to do egg throwing, a three-legged race and a "who is the fastestorange eater" - competition.

The winners Soccer: Signal Unit MpumalangaTouch rugby: ASB Mpumalanga HQClass Competition: ASBMpumalanga Supply Support Service CentreFittest soldier: Cpl Steven Zitha

A

Sports day inMpumalanga

The ASB Mpumalanga HQ tug-of-war team preparing for action.

WO1 Martie Niemandand Ms Anne-MarieOllewagen during thethree-legged race.

Ms Melanie de Vries, WO1 Martin Terblanche and

WO1 Martie Niemand throwing eggs.

Tug-of-war: ProtectionServices and PersonnelSection (ASB Mpumalanga) Fastest orange eater:Ms Elena MarogaBest egg throwers: MsAnne-Marie Ollewagen andWO1 Martie Niemand

ASB Mpumalanga Supply Support Service Centre during the class competition.

Fastest orange eater: Ms Elena Maroga.


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