June - Department of Defence

SA SOLDIERThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of Defence461013141618From theEditor's deskLetters:to the EditorNews fromabroadAnnual NationalGunners MemorialThe MOD Budget Vote 2010is packaged with milestonesOperation LITCHI10 years down the lineThe SANDF returnsto border controlwww.dod.mil.zaSouth Africa hasAfrica Aerospace20faith in the SANDFand Defence 2010212224282930Deputy Minister endorsesupgrades at PMTCMilitary Veterans honouredfor their contributionMinister improves SANDFservice conditionsSA Air Force participationin Operation KGWELESA Navy is good and readyfor the FIFA World CupSAAF officer trainsUK pilots3233353637384044Young men and womendisplayed allegianceSA National Day celebratedby the SA Embassy inGermanyInfantry School hosts asuccessful boxingtournamentSports stars awardedfor their achievementsSANDF Rugby AssociationRugby Week 201018 anglers qualify forthe SANDF Angling TeamShootingfor goldSTREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIAPOSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: sasoldier@mil.zawebsite: www.sasoldier.mil.za2www.dod.mil.zaCONTRIBUTIONS:Although all possible care is takenwith articles, the editorial staffcannot take any responsibility forlost articles and photographs.EDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini(Chairperson)Brig Gen M.M. VisserCapt (SAN) M.J. JosiasCol S.A. MotswadiraCapt (SAN) Cpln L.W.MsenganaCol S.P. ZeemanMs N. PienaarMaj J.V. du Toit2005 - Winner of the Government Communicator of the Year Award (GCIS).2005 - Winner of the National Ubungcweti Award (GCIS).Cdr C.E. KhumaloLt S.E. SegoneMr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)REPRODUCTION, PRINTING &DISTRIBUTION:Coordinating Concepts cc630 Jamestown StreetElardus Park, Pretoria, 0181Tel: 012 345 6408Fax: 086 515 2185/6/7email:coordinatingconcepts@gmail.comEDITORIAL STAFFEditor:Ms Nelda PienaarDeputy Editor:Editorial Staff:S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0Mr Lufuno NetshirembeMr Kgabo MashamaiteS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaCpl Ally RakomaL Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaText Editor:TranslationConsultant:Distribution:Mr Eugene MullerDirectorate LanguageServicesMr Jim TshabalalaTel: 012 355 6341Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

29Above: A SIMULATED SCENARIO Members of the Maritime ReactionSquadron on their way to the SAS MENDI bridge to rescue the ship.(Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)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 necessarilyrepresent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance andpublication of advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not constituteDOD 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.3FRONT COVER: A member of the Maritime Reaction Squadron on high alertafter a rescue exercise of SAS MENDI during the SA Navy's maritime capabilitydemonstration at the Naval Base Simon's Town on 15 April 2010. The exerciseis in line with the SA Navy's state of readiness for the borderline securityfor the 2010 FIFA World Cup Soccer Tournament. Read all about the exerciseon page 29. (Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,visit our website at: www.sasoldier.mil.zaJ U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

messageFrom theEditor's deskVan die Redakteurse lessenaar4Ke Nako! - It's time! The long wait is over. It is FIFAWorld Cup Soccer time! Let us blow our vuvuzelas incelebration. Allow soccer fever to take over and kick outany flu, influenza or winter blues!The SANDF is more than ready for the FIFA World CupSoccer Tournament. Our soldiers will showcase theirstate of readiness in providing security and stability forall South Africans and our visitors during the FIFA World Cup.Read on page 28 about the role the SA Air Force will play to ensuresafety and security during the Soccer World Cup.On page 29 the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, emphasises the SA Navy's ready to ensure thesafety of our long coastline for the World Cup.In celebration of World Cup Soccer month and youth month thisedition of SA Soldier is also packed with a variety of articles onsport, ranging from boxing (page 36) to angling (page 40) andmany others. Enjoy indulging yourself with our sporting delights:pages 36 to 45.Read the inspirational story about Rosita Mabuiango who is now10 years old. Her mother, Ms Sofia Chiure, made headlines whenshe gave birth to Rosita in a tree during the Mozambican floods in2000 (pages 16 - 17).Another young man who is an inspiration to our youth is CaptWillem Jacobus Engelbrecht, a fighter pilot. Read all about histraining (pages 30 - 31) of pilots in Britain.The youth development programme of the Africa Aerospace andDefence 2010 aims to attract learners from an early age to considercareers in aerospace and defence. Read all about this worthyprogramme on page 32.On page 33 read about the graduation of young soldiers at theSchool of Engineers in Kroonstad.Enjoy the read and experience Africa's humanity!Viva Bafana Bafana!Nelda PienaarEditorS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0Ke Nako! Die tyd het gekom! Die lang wag is verby. Dis FIFAWêreldbeker-sokkertyd! Laat ons ons vuvuzelas blaas om dit tevier. Laat die sokkerkoors oorneem, en weg met enige verkoue,griep of winterneerslagtigheid!Die SANW is meer as gereed vir die FIFA Wêreldbeker-sokkertoernooi.Ons soldate sal hulle stand van gereedheid omsekerheid en stabiliteit te bied aan all Suid-Afrikaners en onsbesoekers gedurende die FIFA Wêreldbeker demonstreer.Lees op bladsy 28 oor die rol wat die SA Lugmag sal speel om veiligheid ensekerheid gedurende die Sokker Wêreldbeker te verseker.Op bladsy 29 beklemtoon die Minister van Verdediging en MilitêreVeterane, me Lindiwe Sisulu, die SA Vloot se gereedheid om die veiligheidvan ons kuslyn vir die Wêreldbeker te verseker.Om Wêreldbeker-sokkermaand én jeugmaand te vier is hierdie uitgawe vanSA Soldier propvol sportartikels. Dit sluit in boks (bl 36), hengel (bl 40) ennog vele ander. Geniet die sportartikels: bladsye 36 tot 45.Lees ook gerus die inspirerende storie van Rosita Mabuiango wie nou 10jaar oud is. Haar ma, me Sofia Chiure, was in die nuus toe sy in 'n boomaan Rosita geboorte gegee het tydens die vloede in Mosambiek in 2000(bladsye 16 - 17).'n Jong man wat ook 'n inspirasie vir ons jeug is, is Kapt Willem JacobusEngelbrecht, 'n vegvlieënier. Lees gerus oor hoe hy vlieëniers in Brittanjeoplei (bladsye 30 - 31).Die jeugontwikkelingsprogram van die Africa Aerospace and Defence 2010(Afrika Lugruim en Verdediging 2010) het ten doel om leerders vanaf 'nvroeë ouderdom te lok om loopbane in die lugruim en verdediging te oorweeg.Lees alles omtrent hierdie verdienstelike program op bladsy 32.Lees op bladsy 33 oor die graadverwerwing van jong soldate by dieIngenieurskool in Kroonstad.Geniet die tydskrif en ervaar Afrika se medemenslikheid!Viva Bafana Bafana!Nelda PienaarRedakteur* Translation (Afrikaans) by Eugene Muller.

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letters to the editorI AM AN EXTRAORDINARY CHILD OF THE SANDFChildren are like a blank page; wewrite on them, and whatever we writemust be beneficial.They are like seedlings that requirehealthy and regular care to be realplants that can produce healthy andfresh fruits.Truly they are our future so wemust handle them with care, but theyare clueless in many areas of life, so wemust not hesitate to guide them if theygo astray.I, a child of the SANDF, say youdeserve a garland for what you wroteWinning letterabout me, because today I am who Iam because of what you wrote aboutme, and it is a fact you wrote to meabout perseverance, respect, patriotism,soldiering and leadership.So I, a child of the SANDF, saluteyou. Keep it up! emailA TRUE EXAMPLEMay I firstly salute the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Dr Lindiwe Sisulu.To her I want to say: You are the best thing ever to have happened to the members ofthe DOD. To them you are a panacea. You are all they have been waiting for, for manyyears. You are a true example of what is meant by service delivery. Through yourcommitment you have benchmarked what other departments should be doing. Youlead, others follow! May God Almighty bless you with many more years of service toDOD members! Jacob Jappie Tlhagale (Rev), emailGOODBYE SERGEANT MAJORI refer to the letter "Goodbye SergeantMajor" (SA Soldier April 2010).As a Warrant Officer Class 1 (a la SANavy) I concur with the writer regardingthe demise of this form of address.Having spent 30 years in the SA Navy,16 of them at sea, I was privileged tohave interacted and sailed with manymembers of the other Services duringexercises, operations and extended overseas(Showing the Flag) deployments.As a junior NCO, one always looked upto the ship's coxswain, shore basedMasters-at-Arms and visiting SergeantMajors and "RSMs". As one progressedthrough the ranks, so the bonds offriendship grew. There is nothing betterthan visiting an Air Force/Army baseand meeting a colleague from the past,and recalling old stories.These friendships and experiencesfrom the past can never be erased and itwould be a travesty of justice if theSergeant Major or "Sant Major" was relegatedto the annuals of our proudNational Defence Force's history.WO1 Richard Evans, SA NavyFleet Command, Simon's TownA GOOD LESSONIN LIFEWhile serving in the SA Navy in 1967I was posted to the Naval College atGordon's Bay. In the entrance to themain hall was a poem called, "TheLaws of the Navy" by Adm R.A.Hopwood, RN. I found it very interestingand often read it when I hadthe chance to do so. All my efforts toget a copy of the poem have beenunsuccessful and I decided to phonethe college. I was put through to thelibrarian, Ms Carole Alexander, whooffered to look for the poem for me.To my surprise Carole emailed thepoem to me the following day. Shehad found the poem on the internet.This is the service that the SA Navy isknown for and I wish to thank Carolefor going the extra mile for me.WO1 V.J.P. Nixon, emailWHAT HAPPENED TO THE GOODWILL PARCELS?6When I read SA Soldier, the members tellme how impressed they are with theGoodwill Project, but something wentwrong because I am presently deployedin the Congo and my wife has notR200-00 prize for the best letterSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to be published,and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or space limitations.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 sasoldier@mil.za.We 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.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0received her parcel up to now. I wentthrough the right channels to find out, butevery time I came to a closed door. Now Iwant to know what happened. It is notonly my wife who did not get her parcel,but nearly a hundred other members inthe Op MISTRAL mission. Can somebodytell me what is going on? My unitfalls under the SA Army Formation inWonderboom, where not one of themembers of my unit has received a parcel.S Sgt Prins, email* SA Soldier referred your letter to theWarrant Officer of the SANDF for comment- Ed.The Warrant Officer of the SANDF,MCWO F.J.S. Scheepers, responded asfollows:"On 4 December 2009 the WarrantOfficer of the SANDF, MCWO F.J.S.Scheepers, in person handed over the

FARE THEE WELL MAJOR CHOABIWhile working at Molopo Health Centrein Mafikeng as a Primary Health Carenurse, I had the challenge of dealing withlots of patients with psychological problems.There was no psychologist in theunit at that time. As we all know, nursesare jacks of all trades and masters ofnone. I had to come up with a plan, so Icontacted the then Lieutenant, Captainand now Major "Pinky" Choabi who Iended up using and abusing a lot. Iwould group four to five patients andarrange with her to come over toMafikeng to consult them. She was veryeager and did that job diligently. At timesthese patients would be sent toPotchefstroom.After my transfer to Potchefstoomshe worked directly with me. I came toknow her better from 2002. Dedicatedand committed as she was, she joined theThusano Support Group in 2006 towhich she contributed meaningfully andwent out of her way to support thepatients. The men in our unit will alwaysremember the splendid job she did asProgramme Director. She was the realFiona of the Weakest Link game played inNovember 2009 in the unit due to hergood sense of humour. PotchefstroomWE NEED HELPIs racism or favouritism allowed in theGovernment (Department of Defence)?Look at the situation the guards at BuffaloVolunteer Rifles work under. For the pastsix weeks the guards there have beenGoodwill gift as well as the Goodwill hamperto the Officer Commanding and RSM of11 Field Postal Unit at Waterkloof AFB withthe clear understanding that the Unit wasresponsible for delivering the Goodwillhamper to the member family. The Goodwillgift was handed over in the mission area bythe sponsors and SANDF members over theperiod 12 to 18 December 2009.According to the member's personnelrecord, his next of kin is his father who staysat 80 Lang Street in Darling. If the personnelrecord has not been updated or correctedthen it is impossible for the unit to deliverthe Goodwill gift to the member's home.The accusation that hundreds of membershave not received their hampers must beproved. I do not except general comment."Health Centre will not be the same withouther as she is indeed leaving a voidthat needs to be filled.Great advice and wise words from agrey haired woman to Pinky was: "As youhave now joined Gauteng Command in amore senior position that goes with seniorresponsibilities, treat your subordinateswith respect, consult them, involve themin some decision-making for you to gaintheir support and realise your goals.Somebody once said: "When you go up,do not forget the people that you leavebehind because when you come downyou will for sure meet them again."Remember Pinky, you are taking ourimage with you, go out and represent uswell; if you do wrong things that is howwe will be perceived at AMHU NW".In conclusion let me leave you withthis little story. There were two frogs whohad the misfortune of falling into a bucketfull of cream. The first frog could notfind a footing in the white fluid, so hebelieved there was no escape and acceptedhis fate and drowned. The second frogwas more positive and did not like theapproach of the first frog. He beganthrashing around, did everything to stayalive and his churning turned the creamstarved. Where is the R35.00 foodallowance they are supposed to get per personper day? Instead they are given a smallamount of food that's been bought sometime ago for another occasion.Are people pigs or dogs, or is itbecause of the colour of their skins?There are a lot of things that thesepeople are deprived of, eg theirMondays, more hours and lessmoney. Others come for duty fromvery far, but there is no transportallowance or compensation.People are victimised and thiswill cause conflict among the memberswho are told to "go to hell" ifthey complain. The response is: "Goinform the Minister of Defence or thePresident himself, we should look atthe structure". If you can take immediateaction you can verify this informationvia members at the unit.Buffalo Volunteer, Eastern Cape* SA Soldier referred your letter toMaj "Pinky" Choabi saying goodbyeto the Area Military Health UnitNorth West members during herfarewell function.(Photo: CO R.E. Siaruli)to butter, he crawled on top and hoppedout. The morale of the story is endurancegoes hand in hand with persistence;nothing takes the place of persistence.Persistence pays and it yields results. Gowell Major Choabi you will be greatlymissed. Lt Col S. Motlogelwa,PotchefstroomFOREVER THEREWith shaky legs, ignoring the fact that myaction was uselessI followed Edward into the forest.The evidence of his path disappearedinstantly. There were no footprints, theleaves were motionless again, but I walkedforward without thinking that I could doanything else.I had to keep moving. If I stopped lookingfor him,It was over, love, life, meaning … over.When forever ends, a new legend begins.L Cpl Busisiwe Mtshwene,68 Air SchoolSA Army Infantry Formation for comment -Ed.Maj Gen T.M. Nkabinde, GeneralOfficer Commanding: SA ArmyInfantry Formation, would like torespond as follows:>> on page 87J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

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10news from abroadOPERATION CORDITEThe Acting Commanding Officer RSAContingent 121 SA Infantry BattalionOperation CORDITE X, Maj A.M.Nyalunga, encouraged the Battalion onits fifth month of deployment in theSudan to help safeguard the electionsthat had taken place in the Sudan inApril 2010. Maj Nyalunga addressedthe Battalion about the extension of thetour to May 2010.The Commander urged the leadershipto bear with the situation and towork together as a team, and to keepcontrol of their subordinates by motivatingthem to keep going until the endof the tour. He was always giving positiveguidelines to the members bytelling them that the mission was overand that they needed to prepare theirS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0handing and taking overfor the coming contingent.Maj Nyalunga informed themembers about the unforeseencircumstances beyondthe control of members inthe mission area, includingthe commanders.Nevertheless, memberswere kept motivated by carryingout their task of winningover the minds, soulsand hearts of the localswithin their area of responsibility,which had been thewish of the CommandingOfficer of 121 SAI Bn, Lt Col B. Klaasin,from the beginning of the mission. Thiswish became a reality and the BattalionThe success of the mission rest on theshoulders of the members of SANDF.The attitude of going on deploymentto make money will lead to the failureof the mission at the end of theday. There are individuals who,when they need to achieve a certaingoal, use deployment as the way ofachieving that goal; nothing wrongwith that, but the needs of the organisationmust be accorded priority.Some individuals struggle todeploy externally for various reasons.Some want to gain deploymentexperience, while others have otherreasons.OP CORDITE needs members whoare committed and dedicated towardsachieving the goals of the organisation,and not only their personalneeds. It is difficult to operate withreduced strength due to withdrawalsor misbehaviour with the idea of beingrepatriated. The contingent may startthe tour with a certain number of personnel,but within two or three monthsMaj A.M. Nyalunga, Second in Command 121SAI Bn (left), and Lt C.B. Baloyi, Pers Officer,during Operation CORDITE X in Kutum Basetaking the bull by the horns.kept the light burning.Lt Collens Bongani Baloyi,Kutum Base: SudanDEPLOYMENT IS NOT ALL ABOUT MAKING MONEYThe Maritime Reaction Squadron iscurrently deployed in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) as part of OPMISTRAL XIV, and is attached to theMAOT/Aviation element in Goma.This group of highly disciplined membersarrived in the mission area on 3December 2009. Upon their arrival inGoma half the group was redeployedto Gemena by the United Nations.Their deployment was over the period29 December 2009 to 3 February 2010.Life was tough because of a lack offacilities and equipment in that part ofthe world.Allow me to express my deepestappreciation to the following membersthat were deployed with me inmembers start withdrawing. This hasan impact during the ContingentOwn Equipment (COE) inspectionsas it is a disgrace to our countrybecause we do not meet the UnitedNations' standards.I would like to urge our membersto understand that we are competingwith other countries in the missionareas, so let us raise our flag withpride. "Let us do our best, not try ourbest". Lt Collens Bongani Baloyi,Kutum Base: SudanPROUDLY SOUTH AFRICAN SAILORS IN THE DRCGemena: Leading Seaman T.D.Mkovhola, Able Seamen P. Tshomo, S.Ditinti, M.R.T. Honoko and S.D.Rasetsoke. These sailors contributed alot during their period of deployment,and they were dedicated and committed.Once they had settled in Gemena,their efforts were not only noticed byme as the Platoon Commander, but bythe community of Gemena. These fivemembers contributed money from theirown pockets and paid school fees forone of the children in Gemena. It mightnot sound like a lot, but they made adifference in someone's life in the DRC.They initiated a plan to raise funds forthat young man. Together with F SgtKunana from the SA Air Force, theymanaged to raise an amount equivalentto 40 000 frambos (41 US dollars). Iwas humbled by their gesture ofhumanity and social responsibilitytowards the locals, nor was that theend. Upon our arrival in Goma, ABTshomo donated a pair of new soccerboots to one of the locals who wasworking as a casual in the unit. He isreally a true ambassador of the SANDFand a proudly South African sailorwho is patriotic about his country. ToAB Tshomo and friends, your effortsare really appreciated and please keepup the good work. May God bless you.S Lt Thabo Kolobe, MaritimeReaction Squadron PlatoonCommander OP MISTRAL XIV

PEACE KING* A poem for the peacekeepers in theSudan:I am the peace kingAnd I come without banner or flagMy arms are brokenAnd my friends have fallenWill you welcome me with arrows and fireOr kisses and tears?I am the peace kingAnd I have no purposeBut to prove that existenceIs nothing but choiceWhether you win or notI am the peace king4 SAI BN SOLDIERS HEAD FOR THE CONGOAs the country gears up for the hosting ofthe 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup, it isbusiness unusual at 14 SAI Bn (Mthatha)as the unit prepares once again for anotherpeacekeeping mission in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC) -OP MISTRAL. On 23 April the unit heldits combined farewell and medal paradeto bid farewell to the remaining membersand to congratulate the members whohave been serving the SANDF proudlyand excellently as an employer of choiceLt M. Msutu, B-Company Commander, receiving theGeneral Service Medal. (Photo: Lt D.M. Mavuso)And my face is as whiteAs your rageI am the peace kingAnd I am sorryThat I hurt you onceAnd for allI am the peace kingAnd you can very wellChoose to ignore meIf you wishAs I will not fight with youI am the peace kingAnd I am never wrongAlthough many wish me to beBecause peacethroughout the years.The newly appointed OfficerCommanding, Lt Col Viscount ZwelithiniNgcobo, reminded the members onparade to be ready to deploy for the dutythat lay ahead and that it was a nationalduty to keep the flag of the Republic flyinghigh abroad as a leader in the questfor peace. He said that as much as thedeploying members would be part of thehistory of hosting the first soccer worldcup on African soil, they would be playingtheir own beautifulgame of soldiering andmaintaining peace inAfrica, while BafanaBafana would be conqueringthe world onthe soccer pitch. TheOfficer Commandingalso thanked membersfor the contributionsbeing made by theReserve Force companyfrom Buffalo VolunteerRifles (East London)and members fromother units attached to14 SAI Bn who weredisciplined and committedto the mission.Is always more threateningThan bloodshedI am the peace kingHail me at my passageOr throw me stonesI love flowersAnd stones are my friendsBut bewareMy visits are scarceAnd often go unnoticedAs I am clear as the windDark as a starless nightAnd fluttering as love promises.Lt P.P. Tlhabanelo, 121 SAI Bn,deployed in Kutum (Sudan)The newly appointed OfficerCommanding, Lt Col ViscountZwelithini Ngcobo.(Photo: Lt D.M. Mavuso)The Officer Commanding congratulatedthe recipients of the day who hadbeen honoured with the GeneralService Medal and the 10 Years ServiceMedals. A special medal was alsoissued for participation in OP BATA(2007) during the Public Service Strike.For some former MSDS members thiswas their first medal and they receivedit with great joy. Lt D.M. Mavuso,14 SAI Bn11OP MISTRAL VIX IN THE DRCFrederick Herzberg's theory of motivationdepicts clearly that it is quite commonfor people to complain about poorworking conditions because they feelbored and unmotivated. It is also naturaland easy to point the finger at visibleor external conditions rather than to saythey feel unappreciated and not stimulatedin their job. People generally willnot mind doing their own thing in poorworking conditions if they are enjoyingthemselves, but they will not cope withthese conditions if they are bored atwork.This is also the rationale behind thePhysical Training, Sport and Recreation(PTSR) activities performed in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC).Sport is another area in which membersmay express themselves, receive public>> on page 12J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

news from abroad>> from page 11recognition and thereafterexperience deepsatisfaction.The RSA NationalContingent recentlyhosted a 10 km fun runin which both theUnited Nations Forcesand the locals participated.Capt ThobelaNgwane, RSANational ContingentPTSR Co-ordinator:OP MISTRAL XIVCorporal Sikenete came third (ladies)during the 10 km fun run recently held inthe city of Goma in the DemocraticRepublic of Congo.Capt Thobela Ngwane, RSA National ContingentPTSR Co-ordinator: OP MISTRALXIV, awarding a medal to a Malawian soldierfor winning the 10 km fun run (men).EFFECTIVE AND EFFICIENT PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES12In the recognition of the broader forcesof life, total fitness includes quality oflife in all its aspects, i.e. social, mental,physical and psychological.Let us cite the example of marchingdrill. The aim of the drill in the SANDFis to develop in each and every individualsoldierly pride, alertness and asense of instinctive obedience that willassist him or her to carry out orders inthe battle; it is the foundation of disciplinethat must be proved again andagain. One of the drill movements is"Attention" and its proper executioninvolves "Stomach in and chest out".Surprisingly, many soldiers cannot executethis basic drill action properly. Inother words it is a failure to perform abasic soldiering task and is caused bylack of physical exercise. Then itbecomes clear that the aspects of totalfitness are interrelated: a high level inone of the areas enhances the otherareas and, conversely, a low level in anyarea restricts the accomplishments possiblein other areas.Physical Training, Sport andRecreation (PTSR) is one of theenabling mechanisms to ensure combat-readyand mission-ready forces.Unfortunately, some of the membershave negative connotations aboutphysical activities. However, understandingthe origins of negative connotationabout physical activity is a preconditionfor getting rid of this negativity.Although this unhappy situationmay be gone, people are likely to holdonto the feeling it evoked, either consciouslyor unconsciously. A preciseunderstanding of this negative feelingabout physical activity in general can betraced from the traditions of the past.Our history was broadly characterisedby physical abuse in all sectors of society,including families, community institutions,and the workplace. Furthermorepeople were physically abused as anation. In recognition of this abuse itbecame one of the constitutional imperativesthat physical activity could not beused as a punishment. The SANDF alsoadopted the policy to stipulate thatunder no circumstances may physicalactivity be used as a punishment.It is possible for us to learn from mistakesand adjust our plans so that theyreflect more accurately the realities of thesituation. However, from the objectivepoint of view when one acts according tothe correct view of reality, the result willbe predictable. The result will always bebeneficial, particularly if the cause andeffect one has decided on, is correct.However, if the view of reality is distortedor just mistaken, the expected resultswill not occur, and there will be a differenteffect. This unintended consequencewill remove the beneficial result andleave some unforeseen and probablyunwelcome consequence. As a matter ofprinciple the PTSR programmes must beput together as far as possible to takeinto account the likes, needs and aspirationsof members. There will be no contradictionand the constituent elementsof the programme will remain intact.However, if we impose the PTSR programmefrom the point of view of ourown subjective wishes as an element ofold school thought, then the result willbe contradictory because the programmewill not be compatible withthe needs and aspirations of the members.We end up being overburdenedwith the crisis management of trying toimplement a programme that is irreconcilablewith the aspirations ofpeople.Consequently, more energy will bespent in managing disciplinary challengesto the PTSR programme thanputting more effort into enhancing conditionsconducive to people developingtheir potentials independently to thefullest extent. If people can do thingsindependently, it will cultivate consciousdiscipline rather than inculcatemechanical discipline.PTSR activities in OP MISTRAL XIVare therefore conducted within the limitsof what is currently revealed bypractice. What members like andaspire to is manifested in the sportingcodes that are currently in place, eg soccer,volleyball, netball, weightlifting,running, table tennis and recreationalactivities such as choir and indoorgames.I sincerely acknowledge that PTSRforms an integral part of both the physicaland psychological conditioning ofmembers. Capt T. Ngwane, PTSRCo-ordinator OP MISTRAL XIVS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

Annual NationalGunners MemorialBy Capt Werner Joubert,Communication Officer School ofArtilleryOn Sunday, 18 April 2010 theSouth African Gunnersfrom the SA Artillery andthe SA Air Defence Artilleryonce again came together toremember their fallen comradeswho paid the ultimateprice in various different operationsand wars.The commemoration was held atthe National Gunners Memorial site inPotchefstroom. During the MemorialService, fallen gunners who hadserved in the Artillery during bothWorld Wars, as well as gunners whohad fallen in other wars and operationsserving South Africa, wereremembered and honoured for theirsacrifice. During the service gunsalvos fired by 88 mm G1 ceremonialguns and the laying of wreaths byvarious dignitaries and guests tohonour these members took place.The 2010 Gunners MemorialService was attended by the DeputyMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla,and the Chairperson of the PortfolioCommittee on Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Mr Mnyamezeli Booi.Other VIP guests included General(Ret) Constand Viljoen and WarrantOfficer Class 1 (Ret) Koos Moorcroft.During the last year the GunnersMemorial site has undergone atremendous transformation from theformer pale and bleak looking monumentto a well-maintained and professionallooking monument.Upgrading and renovations to theThe Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla,honouring fallen gunners.Gunners Memorial site included theextension of paving for VIP guests,the planting and layout of gardens,the building of a new lectern-typepodium and the replanting of sixteenpoplar trees to replace the old onesthat had died over a number of years.The Gunners Memorial site hasdeveloped into a monument that we,the South African Gunners, can beproud of, and that now affords thenecessary courtesy and respect tothose whose names are inscribed onthe walls of the Gunners Memorial.During his address, the NationalPresident of the Gunners Association,Maj Gen (Ret) Philip Pretorius, honouredthe fallen gunners that werebeing remembered at the memorialservice. He also gave thanks to themembers involved with the renovationand maintenance of the GunnersMemorial site. He specifically mentionedthe involvement of theThlokwe City Council and individualsof the Potchefstroom branch of theGunners Association who wereresponsible for the transformation ofthe Gunners Memorial.Maj Gen (Ret) Pretoriusannounced his retirement from theGunners Association, having servedthe Association for more than 20years.Remembering the sacrifices ofthose who went before us is essentialfor us to reach our future successfullyand for the Gunners now serving inthe Artillery it forms the cornerstoneof our commitment to secure a safetomorrow for the people of ourbeloved country.Until next year then, we will liveby our motto, UBIQUE, and for thosewho are no longer with us we canonly say: "End of Fire Mission, WellShot, Stand Down".J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R13

eventsThe MOD Budget Vote2010 is packaged withmilestonesBy Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu, delivered herbudget vote in the OldNational Assembly Chambersin Parliament in Cape Townon 4 May.Her second annual budget votewas one of the important events in theDOD calendar. Minister Sisuluannounced an increase in the Defencebudget from the current 1.3% budget(R34 billion) to 2% of the current GrossDomestic Product (R17 billion).The 2010 Defence budget vote proceedingswere broadcast live to over30 000 SANDF members and thedefence stakeholders by DSTV. Thislive transmission was made possiblethrough the sterling work of DefenceTV, an internal television servicewithin the Defence CorporateCommunication (DCC), as well asGlobal Access, the channel used for thebroadcasting of the proceedings.Members of the SANDF in theirrespective units had the opportunityto watch the announcement byMinister Sisulu about the importanceof increasing the defence budget inorder for the SANDF to fulfil its constitutionalobligations to defend thecountry against any aggression."The SANDF is special becausemembers take an oath that commitsthem to giving their lives in order thatyou may keep yours, and no countryThe Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, delivering her Budget Vote,while the Chairperson of the JointStanding Committee on Defence,Ms Hlengiwe Mgabadeli, listensattentively.14An aerial view of the Old National Assembly Chamber, the venue from wherethe transmission of the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans BudgetVote took place.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0or nation worth its salt should expectany less for members of its defenceforce."We have gone a long way towardsestablishing a separate dispensationfor the SANDF, and the Cabinet hasapproved the regulatory mechanismto govern and oversee the dispensation,as soldiers are not workers, preciselybecause the SANDF is so differentfrom all other arms of state in thatwe take extraordinary measures toenforce discipline. Our relationshipwith the State is not that of workersand it is not governed by an employmentagreement, but by an oath."The relationship the State haswith its soldiers is unique and basedon an exceptional amount of trust andresponsibility. It requires the State to

Senior SANDF members were also present during the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Budget Vote in theOld National Assembly Chambers in Parliament in Cape Town on 4 May 2010.make an enormous investment in eachmember, including his conditions ofservice, education and training. Wehave been working on this and over thepast year we have made significantprogress in a number of areas.However, we still have serious challengesin the SANDF, most of whichare as a result of serious underfunding.If we do not invest in our SANDF, weare doing ourselves an injustice," theMinister said, to much applause andthe delight of the SANDF members andstakeholders back in parliament.Soldiers were further stunned whenMinister Sisulu announced recommendationsby the Interim NationalDefence Force Services Commission (acommission equivalent to the PublicService Commission established in late2009 specifically to look at, among others,the unique conditions of service ofSANDF members and their salary dispensation)that resulted from the tightbudget allocated to the DOD. TheDepartment still has a huge backlog interms of the salary adjustments of theSANDF members."The Interim Commission has recommendedthat the salary adjustments,which were given in December 2009, bebackdated to 1 July 2009 - 30 November2009. I am therefore happy to announcethat the soldiers on salary levels 2 to 12will be given their 5 months back-payincrementally as of 15 May 2010,"announced the Minister, to the cheersand smiles of SANDF members presentin the Chamber.Minister Sisulu further announcedthat the Occupational SpecificDispensation (OSD), as recommendedby the commission, had been attendedto. "We have had to find the budget forthe salary adjustment for the MilitaryOSD, and again I am happy toannounce that those who have not benefitedwill have their salary adjustmentswith effect from 1 July 2010. This will bebackdated to 1 July 2009. However, thedetails of the backdated payments willbe discussed at a later stage. I wouldlike to thank the commission for thewonderful work they have done toensure that our dispensation respondsto our unique environment."On the continuous call-up ofReserve Force members, Ms Sisulupromised that "legislation would beput before Parliament which willenable a call-up of those members whowould like to be deployed by the Chiefof the SANDF during peacetime. Atthe moment they can only be deployedin time of war or national emergency.We look forward to this as theReserves are an essential part of ourSANDF and, as our responsibilitiesincrease, so does our need to absorbthem".There was also jubilation from allquarters when the Minister announcedthe provision of decent pensions to allthe Non-Statutory Force MilitaryVeterans, which will be effective asfrom 15 May 2010. This will also beimplemented incrementally and thefirst adjustment will be done in May2010. The office of the Deputy Ministerof Defence and Military Veterans, MrThabang Makwetla, is responsible forthe administration of the MilitaryVeterans affairs.>> on page 16J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R15

events>> from page 15To address the social challengesthat are currently tormenting our society,Minister Sisulu also announcedthe establishment of the voluntarynon-conscription National Service forthe unemployed youth of SouthAfrica. It is envisaged that after theintroduction of the legislation and theappropriate infrastructure is put inplace, the service will offer life skillsand on-the-job training to alleviate theshortage of artisans and instilling disciplineand patriotism will be instilled inthe youth of the country. It is hopedthat the SANDF will help to providethe necessary expertise in this regard.More information on NationalService will be made available in duecourse.* For those units that require DVDcopies of the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans 2010 Budget Vote broadcast,these will be available on request atDefence TV. They should contact MrRonnet Kgaphola on (012) 312 2239.Operation LITCHI10 years down the lineBy Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias Mahuma16Rosita Mabuiango (10) and her mother,Ms Sofia Chiure, were the guests of honourat the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans' budget vote on 4 May2010 in Parliament, Cape Town, whereMinister Lindiwe Sisulu announced thatthe SANDF had formally adoptedRosita, and would be contributing towards hereducational costs and other costs related to her upbringing.On 1 March 2000 the villagers in the GazaProvince in Mozambique woke up to a flood thatendangered not only their village, but other nearbyvillages as well. Torrential rain had resulted inthe river overflowing its banks and inundating thesurrounding area.Owing to a lack of capacity and resources torescue stranded villagers, Mozambique requestedthe South African Government to offer humanitarianassistance. The rescue mission, calledOperation LITCHI, was undertaken in response tothe request.The decision to send SANDF members to thedistressed villages in Gaza Province had a positiveimpact on the people being evacuated from thedeadly floods. When this mission was broadcastand published on international media the worldwitnessed the bravery, humanity and empathythat the SANDF had for the less fortunate in timesof difficulty. An Oryx helicopter of the SA AirForce, one of the four deployed for the OperationLITCHI rescue mission, was seen hovering over aS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0WO2 Tshifiwa Nengovhela, the SAMHS Medic who deliveredRosita 10 years ago from a tree in Mozamibique, and RositaMabuiango, who made headlines after being born in this tree duringthe 2000 Mozambique floods.tree to rescue a newly born babyand a mother.That tiny little bundle istoday a bright 10 year-old,Rosita Mabuiango, whose 33-year-old mother, Ms SofiaChiure, made headlines aftergiving birth in a tree during theranging floods.During the announcement inher budget vote, Minister Sisulusaid that Rosita represented

Fltr: Ms Sofia Chiure (Rosita Mabuiango's mother), WO2 TshifiwaNengovhela (a SAMHS Medic), Rosita Mabuiango (10-year-old), Ms LindiweSisulu (Minister of Defence and Military Veterans), and Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano(Chief of the SA Air Force) during the 2010 Minister's Budget Vote.something uniquely good about theSANDF, including its humanity, bravery,skilful techniques and the valuesinculcated in the members of theSANDF.The family met with the 2000 rescueteam members: Lt Col (Ret) JacoKlopper (Task Force Mission Commander),Capt (Ret) Chris Berlyn(Pilot) and WO2 Tshifiwa Nengovhela(a SAMHS Medic) for the first time on4 May 2010. The occasion was televisedduring the annual Defence budgetvote. The other members who participatedin the rescue mission were Lt(Ret) Dave Talbot (Co-pilot), Sgt (Ret)Neville Jeanes (Flight Engineer) andSgt (Ret) Stuart Buck (RescuePersonnel) who was not present."I am grateful for the SANDF's helpduring the floods in our country,Mozambique. It is due to them that weare alive today. Rosita is a clever girland excels in her schooling and enjoysPortuguese. Her peers regard her as anational symbol and a heroine to havetriumphed over the devastating floodsin 2000, and it is because of her that theworld has come to know about ourplight and that the SA Air Force camedown to assist," said Ms Chiure whothanked the Government of SouthAfrica for sending the SANDF to hercountry to rescue its citizens from thefloods."It is an honour for the SA Air Forceto have been associated with the muchpublicised rescue efforts. We could nothave made it possible had it not beenfor our dedicated and brave membersof the whole defence family, whounderstood fully the risks involved insuch rescue missions, for example thethatched roofs that might have beenstruck by our helicopter blades, whichcould have cost us millions in damageto our helicopters, but here we aretoday with a bright, clever little girl toshow for it," said a proud Chief of theSA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano.REUNION: Ms Sofia Chiure and her daughter Rosita Mabuiango (10) with the2000 rescue team members: Capt Chris Berlyn (Oryx Pilot) and Lt Col JacoKlopper (Op LITCHI Task Force Mission Commander) reunite after 10 yearssince their internationally acclaimed rescue mission in Mozambique on1 March 2000.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R17

insightThe SANDF returnsto border controlBy Manelisi K. Ndaba, DCC:Specialist writerPhotos: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe SANDF recently returnedto safeguard the country'sborders, and the general publichas received the return ofthe SANDF to borderlinecontrol, known as OperationCORONA, positively, particularlythe communities closest tothese borders. This was evident duringthe Portfolio Committee onDefence's visit in which they wantedto examine the conditions underwhich the SANDF redeploys to SouthAfrica's borders.Led by the Chairperson, MrMnyamezeli Shedrack Booi, thePortfolio Committee took road tripsalong the borders at Zimbabwe-Musina (Limpopo), Mozambique-Macadamia (Mpumalanga), andMozambique-Muzi (KwaZulu-Natal).During the road trips it became clearthat the decision to return responsibilityfor borderline control to theSANDF was of crucial importance andnecessary for national security.The Portfolio Committee memberswere confronted by the challenges thatlay ahead in the SANDF's return toborderline control. The facilitiesaround the borders are in a dire state,the fence is currently riddled withholes as a result of forced entry by illegalimmigrants. Deployment quartersin some areas need to be renovated,and the limited amount of patrolequipment is another area of concernRight: The Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, with a member of thePortfolio Committee on Defence,Mr David Maynier, discussing theconditions under which the SANDFis to be redeployed on SouthAfrica's borders. She is confidentthat the SANDF is up to the task.18General Godfrey Ngwenya, the Chief of the SANDF (front row, middle) and Mr Mnyamezeli Booi, Chairperson of thePortfolio Committee on Defence (front row, second from the right) with members of the Portfolio Committee onDefence and SANDF members at Waterkloof Air Force Base before their departure for the borders.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

South African soldiers patrolling the borderline fencebetween South Africa and Zimbabwe in the Musinaarea.The border fence in Musina area is currently riddledwith holes as a result of forced entry by illegal immigrants.for the SANDF as it resumes this duty.The Portfolio Committee on Defencewas joined by the Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, on the second day. Ms Sisulureiterated: "This is a major programme.The infrastructure is not the best it canbe, the fence is not in a good state, wehave over 2 000 km of borders we haveto look after and that requires bothfinancial technology and humanresources, but we are up to the task andI am confident that many SouthAfricans are happy that their troops areback on the border."The SANDF is currently finalisingan operational plan to ensure that iteffectively secures the borders. Thisplan will be rolled out in phases due tobudgetary constraints.Advance teams reported to the operationalbases on 11 May, while the mainforce for each base deployed on 18 May2010. The SAPF remained in the basesand started scaling down their activitiesin the first week of May 2010. The targetdate for the completion of the SANDFroll-out of Phase 1 was 31 May 2010.Part of the plan was to introducetechnological sensors such as a forcemultiplierto monitor even longer distancesin a short space of time.Although this is expensive technology,it is necessary for effective protection ofthe border.Operation CORONA will also supportOperation KGWELE, which is toensure that South Africa hosts a freeand secure 2010 FIFA World CupSoccer Tournament. In this regard theSANDF will work in close co-operationwith all Government departmentsinvolved to ensure optimal control ofthe RSA borders, not only before andduring the 2010 World Cup, but alsointo the future, in execution of themandate of the Defence Act.Having seen the challenges facedby the SANDF, the parliamentarycommittee has committed itself to supportingthe SANDF in dealing with itslimitations. "As this visit has a directlink to the Defence Minister's budgetspeech, it gives us as the PortfolioCommittee an insight into the realitiesthat are currently facing theDepartment of Defence (DOD) interms of this operation, particularly onthe issue of funding, which will bedebated during the budget vote," saidMr Booi.South Africans living near theseborders, especially farmers and farmworkers, are pleased with theSANDF's return to the borders. Theybelieve that this will help curb criminalactivities committed by illegalimmigrants. Mr Sibusiso Nkosi, a localresident in Pongola, on the borderbetween South Africa andMozambique, said: "We are verypleased to see the military back at theborders as this will help resolve thehigh level of crime committed by illegalimmigrants that we face in thiscommunity."A farmer also indicated that illegalimmigrants often used farms as hidingplaces to steal a variety of things ontheir way to main roads leading tocities.The Minister went on to call on thecommunities along the borders to helpin stopping criminal activities on theborders by reporting such cases to theauthorities.The Chief of the SANDF, GenGodfrey Ngwenya, who accompaniedthe Minister reiterated that theSANDF will work hard to quell anypotential threats to the territorialintegrity of South Africa. Furthermore,the SANDF is engaging the defenceforces of neighbouring countries toensure that there is co-ordination indealing with cross-border offences.The SANDF remains committed tofulfilling its constitutional obligationto defend the territorial integrity andpeople of the Republic of South Africa.As the Minister indicated: "We areready to take on this task".19J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

eventsSouth Africa hasfaith in the SANDFThe Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, addressing the media at a press conference held before the send-offparade at the DOD Mobilisation Centre at De Brug near Bloemfontein on 12 April 2010. Fltr: Mr Siphiwe Dlamini, Headof Communication, Lt Gen Shoke, Maj Gen Mbulelo Tshiki, the Acting Chief Joint Operations, and Maj Gen BarneyHlatswayo, General Officer Commanding Joint Operations Headquarters.20By Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe Chief of the SA Army, LtGen Solly Shoke, assuredSouth Africans that thereturn of the South AfricanNational Defence Force(SANDF) to the borderlinewas in line with the SANDF'sconstitutional mandate and thatpatrol duties would enhance thecountry's safety.He made this reassurance beforeapproximately 400 SANDF soldiers atthe send-off parade of the deployingsoldiers at the DOD MobilisationCentre at De Brug near Bloemfonteinon 12 April 2010.Inspecting the parade, Lt GenShoke said that South Africa wascounting on its soldiers to conductthemselves professionally and to leadby example since they would be representingthe country. He reminded thesoldiers that their task was to defendthe integrity and sovereignty of thecountry, "South Africa has put her faithand trust in you and expects you toconduct yourselves in a professionalmanner and to be good ambassadors.It is through the discipline and dedicationthat you have shown here todaythat you will overcome all the challengesthat you are likely to face inyour new environment. The SANDF issending you out there on its behalf andthat of the whole country to carry outthe different tasks that you have beenassigned to do".At the press conference that precededthe parade, Lt Gen Shoke said thatthe SANDF was in the process ofdeploying companies in different phasesto perform border patrol duties inorder to defend the public from a widerange of cross-border crimes. TheSANDF members who will be deployedon the Operation CORONA mission topatrol the borders are from 1 ParachuteRegiment, stationed at Bloemfontein.The other members to be deployed onOperation CORDITE are volunteersfrom a variety of SANDF units.Lt Gen Shoke inspected the paradeon behalf of the Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu,who had initially been scheduled to officiate,but had to withdraw owing toother pressing commitments.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

Deputy Minister endorsesupgrades at PeaceMission Training CentreBy L Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Frank Louw PhotographicServicesThe prevalence of civil strife andpolitical unrest could cause foreigngovernments to intervene.The SANDF is by far the mostprominent when it comes topeace missions in Africa. Withthe help of Canada and theUnited Kingdom, a Peace Mission TrainingCentre (PMTC) was established atthe SA Army College in Thaba Tshwane.This facility is used to prepareSANDF personnel for operationaldeployments on United Nations andAfrican Union peacekeeping missions.The Deputy Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Mr ThabangMakwetla, has welcomed the Centre'srecent donation of four Land Cruisersfrom the Canadian Government. Theyare to be utilised during practical drivingmodules by students attending militaryobserver courses, the staff officers' courseand the logistical staff officer course.The Centre has made significantprogress using international donor supporttraining. The Canadian HighCommissioner to South Africa, Ms AdéleDion, commended the Centre: "I understandthat this centre is a little overtwo years old, but it has already providedinvaluable training to many civilian,police and military peacekeepingpersonnel"."It is a leading and dynamic institutionwith a growing reputation thatreaches beyond the borders of SouthAfrica," she said. She added that thesefour vehicles would also provide drivertraining to South African militaryobservers and police officers to bedeployed on the United Nations ArmedMission in Darfur (UNAMID) and otherpeacekeeping missions in Africa.The High Commissioner acknowl-DIGNITARIES ATTENDING: Front, fltr: Maj Gen M. Mabuza, GOC TrainingCommand, Ms A. Dion, the Canadian High Commissioner to SA,Mr T. Makwetla, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,Lt Gen D.M. Mgwebi, Chief Human Resources.Second row, fltr: Brig Gen S.D. Mashobane, Commandant SA National WarCollege. Third row, fltr: Col C.H. Vernon, Commander British Peace SupportTeam (SA), Col R. Milot, Canadian Defence Adviser. Fourth row:Col J.M. Botha, Officer in Charge Peace Mission Training Centre.edged the British Peace Support Teamthat had also provided assistance andfacilitated numerous projects. She alsocited the SANDF's 10th anniversary ofpeace operations as a symbol of itsexemplary contribution. The DeputyMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans was the highest dignitary officiallyto accept the donated vehicles atthe SA Army College in Thaba Tshwaneon 9 April 2010. Mr Makwetla said: "ThePeace Mission Training Centre here inThaba Tshwane was established toenhance national capacity. Let me conveythe South African Government's sinceregratitude and appreciation for thecontribution of the United Kingdomthrough the British Peace Support Team,and the contribution of the United Statesthrough ACOTA and Canada." TheDeputy Minister said that the facilityhad been able to accomplish its objectiveswith limited resources. Thereforethe donation by the CanadianGovernment would add significantly tothe facility and improve its training."The PMTC does not have enough 4x4vehicles for its programmes. The vehiclesyou have donated today will serveus well in meeting our training needs."He expressed his gratitude to thosewho gave assistance and donations forfurther upgrades of the facility and forpromoting global peace and security.The Deputy Minister remarked: "Onbehalf of the Republic of South Africa,the SANDF and the PMTC, in particular,let me thank the High Commissioner ofCanada and those who have beeninvolved for this generous gift."J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R21

eventsMilitary Veteranshonoured for theircontributionThe Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, busy cutting the ribbon to declare the offices of themilitary veterans officially open at the Denel Campus. She is flanked by her Deputy, Mr Thabang Makwetla (left), andMr Tsepe Motumi, Director-General of the Department of Military Veterans.22By L Cpl Itumeleng Makhubelaand Thabo ShirindaPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe democratic state of ourcountry, among other reasons,can be attributed to theMilitary Veterans, who overthe years have sacrificed theirlives to rebuild the nation.In an attempt to compen-S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0sate them the Department of MilitaryVeterans was officially launched atthe Denel Campus in Centurion on 30April 2010. It was a jovial affair as theMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, and herDeputy, Mr Thabang Makwetla, formallyannounced the existence of thenew department.Months of hard work by a teamled by Mr Makwetla, finally led to anidea, which was manifested in whatwe have as the Department of MilitaryVeterans. It was an idea theCommander-in-Chief of the SANDF,President Jacob Zuma, had when heestablished the Department of MilitaryVeterans.The Deputy Minister of Defenceand Military Veterans gave anoverview of the department's structureand its directives. The launch was a

The Director-General of the newly launched Department of Military Veterans, Mr Tsepe Motumi, unveils the logo withthe Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu.culmination of long discussions anddebates. It had been incumbent uponthe Commission to draft policies thatbest suited the challenges of the militaryveterans. The solution wouldthen be to attempt to resolve theissues of the past, the present and thefuture.Mr Makwetla said these policiesshould be relevant to the young and inaccordance with their background. Hementioned, however, that the resolutionswere mainstream as theyaddressed socio-economic issues aswell. The Department will also bemade a platform as a career of choiceand the Deputy Minister has pledgedhis support.The former Acting Secretary forDefence, Mr Tsepe Motumi, wasappointed as the Director-General ofthe new department. After years ofstruggle to be recognised the MilitaryVeterans can now have a departmentto deal specifically with their challenges.The President of the SAMilitary Veterans Association(SAMVA), Mr Kelby Mphatso,emphasised the fact that it was anhonour for them to get recognitionand to have a platform to expresstheir issues.He expressed his heartfelt gratitudeat the launch of the newly establisheddepartment. He said that theywould continually meet to discusstheir organisational growth andempowerment. After their relentlessstruggle to achieve their goal, they arehonoured finally to be recognised fortheir efforts.On behalf of the SAMVA he pleadedfor peace and co-operation withthe new department so that consensuscould be reached on mattersaffecting them. Mr Sandi Sijake of theVeterans League commended the outcomeand proclaimed this a long travelledjourney. In support of the militaryveterans, he said history hadbeen made and they were merelyadding to it. He was also hopeful thatthe department would meet expectationsand pledged his total support.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R23

Gripen fighter jets will also be deployed to provide an airborne radar system for both the World Cupand border patrol duties.Brig Gen Bayne confirmed that theSA Air Force deployed quite a numberof aircraft to help in patrolling ourairspace. He stated that the Gripenfighter jet with the capability to providean airborne radar system will be utilisedfor both the World Cup and the borderpatrol duties. According to him the SAAir Force will work closely with the AirTransport Navigation Systems to interceptsuspicious aircraft cruising in thered zones (surfaces closer to the WorldCup venues). "We have been successfulin that because during theConfederations Cup last year we managedto escort a light passenger aircraftthat flew in the demarcated zone andwe re-routed it to Lanseria Airport. Wesubsequently handed it over to theSouth African Police Service, as it wascalled then," Brig Gen Bayne said.25J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

eventsOperation PROSPER26Article and photos by WO1 MannyGounden, PRO Naval Station DurbanSouth African Security Forcesand other Government departmentsparticipated in a jointmaritime operation, OperationPROSPER, over the period 6April to 30 April 2010.The SA Navy frigate, theSAS AMATOLA, arrived in Durban on15 April 2010. It was on a maritime borderpatrol of the SA East Coast extendingfrom Cape Agulhas to Kosi Bay.The Commander of the SAS AMA-TOLA, Capt (SAN) Micky Girsa, wasappointed as the OperationalCommander for Operation PROSPERand the operation was directed from theNational Joint Operations Centre inPretoria.On 17 April 2010 the National JointOperational and Intelligence Structureheld a media conference on board theSAS AMATOLA to showcase its work tothe media, including South Africa's skillin enforcing its laws in South Africanwaters in preparation for the FIFASoccer World Cup.At the media conference Capt (SAN)Girsa stated: "I have been tasked to coordinateand ensure an integrated andeffective enforcement of state authority,sovereignty and legislation along theRSA coastline".He added: "In order to achieve myobjectives I have been allocated the followingassets: Valour Class frigate,SAS AMATOLA. River Class minehunter,SAS UMKOMAAS. Inshore vessel, the LILIAN NGOYI,from the Department ofAgriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. An SA Air Force Maritime PatrolAircraft. An SA Air Force Lynx helicopter."S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0Asked by the Durban Bureau Chieffor Beeld newspaper, Mr DriesLiebenberg, what the extent of thesearch area at sea was, Capt (SAN)Girsa replied: "The task force had beenThe media conference on board SAS AMATOLA.tasked to focus primarily on the watersup to and including 24 nautical milesout to sea, which is the territorial andcontiguous zone. The secondary focuswas the waters out to 200 nautical miles,Seaman Cindy Lekoloane with visitors on board SAS AMATOLA.

The patrol vessel of the South African Police Force, INKOSAZANA, duringthe exercise.which entailed the Exclusive EconomicZones".Capt (SAN) Girsa added that inorder to search and cover such a vastarea, the maritime patrol aircraft wasused on a daily 4 to 6 hour sortie tosearch for and report on all vessels ofinterest (vessels of 500 tons displacementand less).Once the maritime patrol aircrafthas located a vessel of interest, theMaritime Coastal Management personnelon board verify the details of thevessel encountered. They advise onwhether the vessel should or should notbe intercepted. The SAS AMATOLAengages all vessels that are far out tosea, while the LILIAN NGOYI and SASUMKOMAAS confront inshore vessels.The Lynx helicopter on board is thenused to find the vessel.Brigadier (SA Police Force) DavidGarnett, National Joint OperationsCommand Pretoria, said: "We are confidentof controlling any threats. We donot plan in isolation. Up to 17 departmentscame together to formalise a planof execution. Over 40 000 policemenwill be deployed during the FIFA SoccerWorld Cup."Brigadier Garnett also commentedon the boarding of vessels. "We arecapable and efficient in attending to anythreat at sea. Our task force is highlytrained and has conducted itself well insituations where the boarding of vesselswas opposed".After the media briefing, a simulatedmaritime capability display tookplace in the port of Durban. The displayincluded a casevac by the Super Lynxfrom SAS TEKWANE with theMaritime Reaction Squadron. Then SASAMATOLA was opened to visitors. Shesailed on 19 April 2010 for PortElizabeth. (Operation PROSPER endedin Simon's Town on 30 April 2010.)Chinese visit to Logistic DivisionBy L Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe Chief of the Logistic Division, MajGen Justice Nkonyane, hosted MajGen Zhao Zhanping, Chief of MilitaryTraffic and Transport Department of thePeople Liberation Army and his delegationfrom China on 19 April 2010. Thiswas intended to boost the already goodrelations between the two countries,especially in the field of logistics.It was also aimed at improvingcommunication and co-operationbetween the Department of Defence(DOD), the Logistic Division and thePeople Liberation Army in respect ofmilitary traffic policies. Issues that werediscussed included the DOD roadtransport service, strategy and policies,the DOD vehicle structure and composition,and command and control withregard to transport services within theDOD, and implementation, researchand development of universal productThe Chief of Military Traffic and Transport Department of the People'sLiberation Army of China, Maj Gen Zhao Zhanping, and the Chief of LogisticDivision, Maj Gen Justice Nkonyane, exchanging gifts at the DOD LogisticSupport Formation.systems within the Logistic Division.Maj Gen Zhanping also discussedthe Chinese army's transport managementand how this supported the vari-ous Services. The Defence University inBeijing is their highest military schooland it provides training for all the differentrank levels in various fields.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R27

insightSA Air Force participatedin Operation KGWELE28Information supplied by Brig GenLes Lombard, Officer CommandingAir Force Command PostPhoto: WO2 DavidNomtshongwanaThe SA Air Force has beentasked by Chief JointOperations with the executionof the safety and securityaspects during the 2010 FIFAWorld Cup SoccerTournament. These aspectscan broadly speaking be divided intotwo distinctive categories, namely toensure the air space security of thevenues during the event and secondlyto provide air support to surface operationsbe it land or sea during theevent. The participation in these twoareas will be briefly elaborated on.Air space securityThe core business of the SA AirForce is the provision of an air defencecapability for the nation. This makes itthe only force able to ensure air spacesecurity during the event. The scale ofthe operation and the complex natureof the air space and high traffic volumesexpected makes this intricateoperation totally dependant on excellentco-operation between the SA AirForce, Air Traffic Navigational ServicesCompany, the South African CivilAviation Authority (SACAA) and theaviation community.During the event a range of airdefence capabilities will be deployed.Air Defence Identification Zones andvenue restricted airspace areas havebeen proclaimed via SACAA that willenable the SA Air Force to managetheir air space security with the availableair and radar assets and visualobservation posts supplied by the SAS A S O L D I E R • J UNE 2 0 1 0Army and the SANavy.Aircraft entering,or flying within theareas will berequired to have aircrewsscreened bythe ICC as well asrequest flightauthority form theAir Force before filingflight plans fortheir flight. The AirForce will then monitorcompliance tothe flight plan andclearances providedand act with interceptaircraft againstany transgressors.Transgressors willbe guided to land atairfields where theywill be further managedby a receptionforce.Every event atevery city will becovered during theentire period of theFIFA World Cup2010. Exercises(Exercise SHIELD)have been held atevery host city duringthe past twoyears, which has allowed the final planto be developed with some confidenceof success.Air supportThis area covers all the relevant airassets to transport forces that require tobe rapidly moved in support of the surfacesafety and security.Helicopters can also be used forA SIMULATED SCENARIO: Members of theTask Force fast-roping (descending) from anOryx helicopter for rapid reaction.evacuation and rescue operations duringdisaster management. The varioustransport aircraft will be extensivelyused to transport personnel andequipment during the event. CertainAir Force Bases will be used as diversionaryairports as well as to handleoverflows of civilian aircraft for thepurposes of parking and in some caseseven movement of passengers.

SA Navy is goodand ready for theFIFA World CupBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias Mahuma“If one would dare ask me about theSA Navy's state of readiness forborder security for the upcomingFIFA World Cup SoccerTournament in June, my answerwould be very simple: the SANavy is good and ready for theFIFA World Cup and can ensure the safetyof our long coastal borders," said theMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, after witnessingyet another well presented SANavy maritime capability demonstrationon board the SAS MENDI at Naval BaseSimon's Town on 15 April 2010.The purpose of the maritime capabilitydemonstration was to demonstrate tothe people of South Africa and the worldat large, the combat-readiness of the SANavy's maritime components in supportof the South African Police Force and theimplementation of the national securityand safety plan for the 2010 Soccer WorldCup Tournament.A prompt response by the MaritimeReaction Squadron (MRS) to rescue ahijacked vessel from pirates treated spectatorsto high quality simulated attack ona vessel. The highlight of the demonstrationwas a high speed chase of the SASSPIOENKOP by small boats, while otherMRS members were fast-roped from anOryx helicopter onto the deck of thehijacked ship.After boarding the vessel, the MRSteam proceeded to the bridge (the commandpost of the vessel), where theyoverpowered and captured the piratesand regained control of the vessel. Thecaptured pirates were then handed overto the police.At the press conference after thedemonstration Minister Sisulu, who wasbeaming with pride, said that the SANavy had clearly understood that theobligation of providing maritime safetywas a huge responsibility."The onus is on us as the NationalDefence Force to showcase our state ofreadiness to provide security and stabilityto our country and our guests who will bevisiting our shores during the FIFA WorldCup. After today's activities I can comfortablysay beyond reasonable doubt that theSA Navy is capable of protecting ourcoastal lines from any underwater or seathreat. The South African public and thevisitors can comfortably pin their securityhopes on the SA Navy as we have just witnessedtoday. Our coastline will be safe,"Ms Sisulu said.The Local Organising Committee(LOC) and FIFA had given the SA Navythe mammoth task of drafting a protectionplan to safeguard 3 coastal stadiums,namely the Moses Mabhida Stadium inDurban, the Nelson Mandela Stadium inPort Elizabeth and the Green PointStadium in Cape Town from any terrorthreat during the FIFA World Cup in Juneand July 2010. Flag Officer Fleet, R AdmRusty Higgs, added that the responsibilitywas to ensure the security of our coastline."With the capabilities and theresources you have just witnessed the SANavy has been afforded the huge task ofsecuring out territorial waters that stretchabout 12 nautical miles (naut mi), the contiguouszone stretching (24 naut mi) andthe Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ),which stretches 200 naut mi underwater.The EEZ is region where you are likely tofind our indigenous fishes and preciousresources normally found only on theseabed. This is where, together with otherlaw enforcement agencies, we are fightingagainst illegal fishing and the removal ofabalone and other endangered aquaticspecies. We will also be responsible forproviding underwater security as well assearch and rescue activities, which as youalready know, is our normal day-to-daybusiness and we can prove to the wholeworld that we are capable of providing it,"R Adm Higgs said.According to Capt (SAN) Theo Stokes,Officer Commanding SAS PROTEA, theSA Navy did not have to think twice aboutaccepting the territorial water securityThe Minister of Defence andMilitary Veterans, Ms LindiweSisulu, addressing the media.tasks because it has highly disciplinedand capable personnel to satisfy anymaritime request at any given time.Capt (SAN) Stokes, who has beencommanding the hydrographic surveyvessel for almost two years now, said:"The SA Navy prides itself on the highlevel of discipline of its members, andtheir fitness level is top class. Our membersknow that for the country to beaccorded full respect by the internationalcommunity it must be able to rely onits National Defence Force memberswho are motivated to defend theircountry with courage. That is why wecan say that in the approximately 57days to the Soccer World Cup we willbe ready to provide security to thealmost 450 000 football lovers who willbe coming here for the first time, andthey will leave our shores as goodambassadors of our country and as ourfriends, because we would have keptthem safe for their month-long visit toour shores. Every SA Navy member is asea and ship lover".J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R29

youthSAAF officertrains UK pilotsBy Amn Tebogo Kekana, Ad AstraPhoto courtesy Capt W.J.EngelbrechtThe SA Air Force's NamibianbornCapt Willem JacobusEngelbrecht oozes confidence.He has qualified as a fighterpilot, something he has alwaysyearned to be.At the age of 28 the shy,bilingual officer is on a UnitedKingdom exchange programme withthe Royal Air Force (RAF) as a qualifiedFlying Instructor. He trains studentson the Tucano T1 aircraft.Capt Engelbrecht said: "I am hereto represent not only the SA Air Force(SAAF); I am also an ambassador formy country. This opportunity gives methe chance to show commitmentthrough action and that action willdefinitely bring my dream closer."He is also completing anInstructional Technique Course withthe RAF. The course modules seek toensure compatibility between theSAAF and the RAF in procedures andtechniques of instruction. He said thathe hated rushing things in life becausehe did not want to risk stepping on hisdreams. Ad Astra interviewed him:At what stage of your life did you30Red Arrows (RAF aerobatic team). On the right Capt Willem Jacobus Engelbrecht after a flip.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

decide to pursue a career in theSAAF?"I grew up in a military family, anda career as an Air Force Pilot was mygreatest desire from when I couldwalk!"When you are not flying, whatare your other interests?"I love paintball and camping. Iread a lot about military history, and Icycle."If you could have your career allover again, would you have made thesame decision to choose the SAAF asemployer of choice? If anything,what would you have changed, ifyou could?"The SAAF has its shortcomings,but exposure to another air force hasmade me realise that every organisationhas faults. Knowing what I knownow, I would choose the SAAF again."You are currently streamed as aqualified pilot instructor in the RAF.How did this come about, and whatwas required of you academically?"I had to meet all the academicrequirements of the SAAF to become apilot, but in order to qualify for thistour I also had to be a qualified B-Category instructor and have flown asimilar type to the Tucano."You are currently completing anInstructional Technique Course. Inyour opinion, what are the mainchallenges you face in your studies?Elaborate on the differences betweenwhat we are used to in the SAAF andthe RAF?"The RAF places more emphasison meteorology and instrumentationtheory than the SAAF, as their weatheris a lot more complex than sunnyRSA! Flying procedures are also vastlydifferent with regard to radio terminologyand control of airspace. Oneof the hardest things to get used to isthe congested airspace. In the middleof winter I found there was, withinme, an invincible South African summer."During your career have you hadany remarkable achievements?Elaborate on those you wish tohighlight."I have had some fairly uniqueopportunities in the SAAF, havingbeen part of the last team to participatein the President's Air Race with the C-185, and having had the opportunity torepresent my country and my AirForce in the RAF. Recently I also hadthe opportunity to fly with the RedArrows, which was definitely a highlightin my career."What do you consider will bemore important: quantity, quality orto have state-of-the-art technologies?"Quality will always triumph overquantity, but only if you know how touse it!"Which types and variants of militaryaircraft did you fly in yourSAAF/RAF career?"I have flown the PC-7 Mk II Astraand the Cessna C-185 in the SAAF, andI am currently flying the Shorts TucanoT1, which is similar to the Astra inmany ways."Captain, any "close shaves" withnature you have had during your flyingcareer? What was the lesson learntfrom this experience?"In three words I can sum up everythingI have learned about life: it goeson."What, in your opinion, are characteristicsthat a military pilot shouldhave?"Foremost is the desire, or passionif you prefer, backed up by soundknowledge and the ability to assimilatenew knowledge quickly. The ability tothink on your feet and confidence temperedwith self-discipline are attributesI consider necessary in a military pilot."After such an illustrious career ofservice in the DOD, what would yourmessage be for young aspiring SAAFmembers?"Hold fast to your dreams, for ifdreams die, life is a broken-wingedbird that cannot fly. Work hard, takenothing for granted."What do you intend doing nextyear, any future plans?"While I am in the UK I would liketo see as much as possible of Europe,but when I get home I would like tofurther my career in the SAAF in theCombat Line."Flying expertiseHe was a pupil pilot at various SAAir Force training institutions from2002 to 2005.He qualified as an SA Air Forcepilot on Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft atthe Central Flying School at Air ForceBase Langebaanweg in March 2005.(He achieved first place on course duringthe flying phase and was selectedfor further training as a fighter pilot.)He was a military reconnaissancepilot at 44 Squadron at Air Force BaseWaterkloof from 2005 to 2006.Since 2007 he has been a flyinginstructor at Central Flying School atAir Force Base Langebaanweg. Hecompleted the Flying Instructors'Course on the Pilatus PC-7 Mk II in2007. He also completed an instructionaltour (January 2008 to September2009) at Central Flying School andserved as Ab Initio Instructor,Disciplinary Officer, Second-in-Command Bravo Flight, and DeltaFlight Instructor (Student Instructors).In January 2009 he was selected asGround Liaison Officer for the SilverFalcons aerobatic team.Capt Engelbrecht's flying experienceincludes: Pilatus PC-7 Mk II hours: 820 (turbine,aerobatic trainer) Cessna 185 A & E hours: 290 (piston,reconnaissance) Instructional hours: 380 Pilot-in-Command hours: 650 Total military flying hours: 1110 Night/Instrument/Aerobatic/Formation/Low Level Rated(SAAF)31J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

youthAfrica Aerospaceand Defence 201032By Janine Fredericks, ChairpersonYDP: AAD 2010The scarcity of skills in SouthAfrica is acutely felt in theaviation and defence sector inthe same way as it is felt othersectors.While many industriesembark on employee trainingto rectify the situation, AfricaAerospace and Defence (AAD) has forsome time now focused attention onthe young. Its youth development programme(YDP) aims to entice learnersfrom an early age to consider careersin aerospace and defence.By showcasing the exciting worldof flight, engineering, technology andscience at the forthcoming AAD 2010in Cape Town the YDP hopes to giveyoung learners a "hands-on" experienceat the exhibition and airshow.Exhibiting companies have cometo the party through generous sponsorshipsof the YDP's initiatives. Withthese funds in hand the YDP is able togo beyond creating awareness. TheYDP has identified certain schoolswhere it actively assists in programmesto improve learners' marksin subjects essential for tertiary studiesin engineering, such as mathematicsand science. At the same time the YDPis calling upon South African industryto participate in its "Adopt a School"or "Adopt a Graduate" project. Thisinitiative essentially extends the YDP'sown activities towards improved academicperformance, narrowing theS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0skills gap and employment.Ultimately the sponsoring companywould benefit from school leavers whoare better equipped for the workplace,particularly in the technical and engineeringfields.The AAD YDP is part of the AAD,a partnership of the DOD, Armscor,AMD and CAASA. As the leadingpartner for the 2010 event, Armscor ischairing the YDP committee.Importantly, the South AfricanStudents of the Virtual Aviator enjoying themselves at the youthdevelopment programme pavilion.government considers AAD a nationalasset which it actively supportsthrough other national departments,including Trade and Industry,Transport, Public Enterprises, as wellas Science and Technology.For this reason the YDP finds itselfaligned with the Government's socioeconomicdevelopment objectives.These are focused on getting youngpeople suitably qualified to play a biggerrole in the economy and industry.The YDP's initiatives thus assist theyouth to obtain technical and engineeringqualifications.In the medium and long term theselearners should begin to fill positionsin South Africa's aviation and defenceindustries, which would reduce theskills gap and make our country morecompetitive on the global stage.Slogan: "Mobilise the youth todayto sustain the aerospace and defencecapability tomorrow."

Young men and womendisplayed allegianceArticle and photos by S SgtLebogang TlhaoleApassing-out parade foryoung men and women whodisplayed allegiance to theSANDF was held at theSchool of Engineers inKroonstad on 14 May 2010.The passing-out parade symbolisedthe rejuvenation of the SANDFwith young and disciplined soldiers.The graduation of these young soldiersaffirms the DOD's commitmentto service delivery and skills development.Not only did the Departmentproved to be an effective State asset incrisis and conflict prevention, but alsoin youth development and otherGovernment initiatives to improve thesocio-economic conditions of ouryouth. A passing-out parade is moreBrig Gen Luvuyo Nobanda, GeneralOfficer Commanding SA ArmyEngineer Formation, delivering hisaddress during the passing-outparade.than just a graduation; it is a momentof pride for the families, parents andfriends because a young person haschosen to serve instead of respondingto the need for self-fulfilment. Thisparticular type of young person is usuallypassionate, dedicated, very brightand eager - exactly what the EngineerCorps' members (affectionately knownas Sappers) are searching for.In the SANDF and for those whohave graduated, Basic MilitaryTraining is meant to introduce thelearner to the military environmentand to produce a soldier with basicmilitary etiquette who would go on toundergo further corps functionaltraining. The focus of this programmehas been the establishment of therequired soldier/warrior ethosthrough rigorous repetitive training incritical military skills and competencies,enhanced bytraining in severalsubjects to developthese critical skills.Basic MilitaryTraining is meant toproduce professionalsoldiers ready toundergo the nextstep in military training-corps functionaltraining. These aresoldiers that havebeen trained in generalmilitary skills,drill, musketry training,field craft, mapreading and navigation,buddy aid,physical training andregimental aspects.33Recipients of awards with their proud parents after the passing-out parade heldat the School of Engineers.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

eventsDefence Inspectoratemembers celebrateFreedom DayBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaMembers of the DefenceInspectorate Division,including Maj GenMxolisi Petane, the DODInspector General, visitedhistorical monuments inSoweto on 22 April 2010.According to Lt Col SontoMbatha, the trip organiser, the bondingsession between the staff memberswas planned in line withFreedom Day.Lt Col Mbatha explained: "Wethought it necessary that in order todeliver an effective service to theDepartment, our staff membersshould get to know one another andit was relevant that we arrange a tripto Soweto for us to get together andat the same time celebrate FreedomDay in the township by visitinghistoric monuments within thearea."The expedition also helped MsMaletsatsi Kgetsi, an auditor in theRegulatory Audit Section, to have afuller understanding of the circum-stances that led to the establishmentof the Human Rights Charter locatedat Walter Sisulu Freedom Square, oneof the stopovers.Ms Kgetsi said that the Squarewas close to her heart because thatwas where the Freedom Charter wasadopted to enable all the people ofSouth Africa to have their humanrights protected.Other places visited included,among others, the Aaron MotsoalediInformal Settlement, the HectorPieterson Memorial and theUBUNTU Kraal.34Members of the Defence Inspectorate Division at the Hector Pieterson Memorial during their visit to Soweto.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

SA National Daycelebrated by theSA Embassy in GermanyBy Claudia Samlenski,PA to Defence AttachéPhoto: J. PeterFor the Defence Attaché at theSA Embassy in Germany celebratingFreedom Day (ourNational Day) was an opportunityonce again to celebrateand honour the close relationsand the heartfelt friendshipbetween the Defence Attaché OfficeBerlin and the Bundeswehr. Similarly,close are the relations with the BerlinPolice. They played a crucial part inthe World Cup hosted by Germany in2006 and have since then shared theirexperiences with the Defence Attachéand South African Embassy officialson many occasions. High-rankingmembers of the Berlin Police alsoaccepted the invitation and used thisoccasion to celebrate the year of theWorld Cup hosted on South Africansoil and the members in uniform wereclearly visible, enjoying themselvesamong the guests.Although the focus of the eveningwas obviously on the celebration ofSouth Africa's unique heritage andcultural diversity, the World Cup wasan ongoing theme throughout thenight. The vuvuzelas, which had beenplaced on every table, were certainlyone highlight for the guests and theyall enjoyed sounding them for the firsttime in their lives; many guests alsoused the opportunity to take a picturewith Zakumi, the mascot of the 2010World Cup. The images shown on thescreens throughout the evening portrayednot only South Africa's amaz-Fltr: Capt Gavin Irwin, Australian Defence Attaché, Col Michael Levinrad, Israeli DefenceAttaché, Capt (SAN) Lisa Hendricks, Defence Attaché, Capt Pier Luigi Quattrone, ItalianNaval Attaché, Capt Carlos Primo, Brazilian Defence Attaché.ing countryside and many touristattractions, but also the country'sreadiness to host the World Cup inJune, the people's excitement and ofcourse the fantastic stadiums.Guests were finally completelydrawn into the spirit when the sponsorswere asked to come up onto thestage to blow the vuvuzela and welcomethe year of the World Cup celebrations.Members of the AttachéCorps, the Bundeswehr and the BerlinPolice, who are obviously familiar withthe concept of weapons of massdestruction were thrilled with these"weapons of mass celebrations" thatwere handed out as presents.The Embassy treated their guests todelicious samples of traditional SouthAfrican cuisine, fine South Africanwine and other South African beverages.The evening wasrounded off with theinspiring music fromDUBE, a South Africanband that entertained theguests with traditionalSouth African tunes. Andof course the eveningwould not have beencomplete without thehosts and guests dancingto the music. Throughoutthis inspiring evening,charged with a fantasticatmosphere, filled withSouth African warmth,cordiality and hospitality,the Embassy's guestsgot a taste of the festivemood and pride of SouthAfricans that they canexpect when they visitSouth Africa, and especiallyduring the upcomingWorld Cup.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R35

sportInfantry School hostsyet another successfulboxing tournamentBy Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Thabo ShirindaAmultitude of boxing fansdescended on the InfantrySchool in Oudtshoorn for theone-day Western Cape ProvincialBoxing Tournament on22 May 2010.The objective of the tournamentwas to showcase amateur boxingtalent in the Western Cape andaward Provincial Colours to deservingathletes. SANDF soldiers from InfantrySchool constituted the South WesternDistricts (SWD) Team, which competedagainst boxers from other regions of theWestern Cape. The SWD Team wascomposed entirely of Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) boxersbelonging to the January 2010 intake.Most of them got involved in this gamefrom quite a young age. They wererecruited as part of the South AfricanSports Confederation and OlympicCommittee (SASCOC)/SANDF/SouthAfrican National Amateur BoxingOrganisation (SANABO) pilot projectaimed at nurturing talent to represent thecountry at the next Olympic Games inLondon in 2012 and beyond.History was proved that boxing, likeother combat sports, eg karate and taekwon do contribute immensely to producingsoldiers with tenacity, mental andphysical endurance and discipline, i.e.soldiers who can withstand the rigourscharacteristic of the profession. Many ofThe Chief of Human Resources,Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, was theguest of honour at the WesternCape Boxing Tournament.36Marketing Director of the SA Army Foundation, Mr Angel Ramphele (right),hands over a cheque of R10 000 to the President of the SA African NationalAmateur Boxing Organisation: Western Cape, Mr Morris Dakada, towards thedevelopment of boxing in the SANDF.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0these boxers will go on to serve as rolemodels for the youth of our countryand they will set goals for SouthAfrican youth who want to realise theirdreams.The match groupings were determinedas follows: 46 kg straw weight,48 kg light flyweight, 51 kg flyweight,54 kg bantam weight, 57 kg featherweight,60 kg lightweight, 64 kg lightwelterweight, 75 kg middleweight, 81light heavyweight, 91 kg heavyweightand 91+ kg super heavyweight.Boxing fans were treated to goodsportsmanship during the three finalbouts that featured Samkelo Mchunu(Infantry School) and MasanaManganyi (Infantry School) of the lightheavyweight division, Themba Bengu(Infantry School) against Michael Kern(Infantry School) of the heavyweightdivision and Collin Zondo (InfantrySchool) against Rowan Julies (WesternCape) of the super heavyweight>> on page 39

Sports stars awarded fortheir achievementsBy Mandla MahlanguPhotos: Lt Sello SegoneSelected sportsmen and womenwere acknowledged for theirexcellence and the improvementin their particular sportingcodes during the SANDFSport Merit Awards functionheld at Pretoria MilitarySports Club in Thaba Tshwane on 16April 2010.Top officials of the SANDF,Chairpersons of Military SportsCouncils, SANDF Sports Patrons,Chairpersons and three members persporting code were there to receivetokens of appreciation at the function.The Chief Functionary, Maj GenMolefi Mokoena, Chief Director HumanResources Development, congratulatedthe winners. Maj Gen Mokoena said:"You have proven yourself over the pastyear. The hard work, dedication and thewill to win that you portrayed over thepast year are exactly the characteristicsthat are needed to boost the SANDF andkeep it from not veering off course." Hesaid he felt proud that his generationwas dominant at the function. "Whereare the young folks?"The Director Physical Training,Sport and Recreation, Brig Gen AubreySedibe, said: "I just went back to seewhat we had been doing. All membersof the SANDF are fit and physicallyready for any combat. Our membershave participated in regional andnational events and on the internationalstage."Brig Gen Sedibe explained: "Wemanaged to tap into the recruiting systemof the Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS) to bring on strength 107boxers and 20 of whom have been honouredwith national and provincialmedals. This achievement was possibleon account of the healthy relationshipbetween the DOD,the South AfricanSport Confederationand Olympic Committeeand the SouthAfrican NationalAmateur BoxingOrganisation(Project '2012 TheRoad to London')."He added thatsome of the plannedinternational activities,such as the 2ndAfrica MilitaryGames, had beenpostponed to thisyear by the Organisationof MilitarySport in Africa. BrigGen Sedibe said: "I can proudly say weare combat-ready and prepared to participatemaximally as the SANDF."Brig Gen Sedibe outlined that theyare now busy with a programme knownas '2012 The Road to London' aimed atthe Olympic Games. He concluded: "Iwould like to say friendship throughsport."The Directorate Physical Training,Sports and Recreation (DPTSR) hostedthe awards with the theme "WozaFootball World Cup".Award categoriesSPORTING CODE OF THE YEAR:SwimmingADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR:Maj J.J. WahlBEST ACHIEVER PER SPORTINGCODE: TennisBest Achiever Runner-up:Cpl A. OppermanBEST ADMINISTRATOR PERSPORTING CODE:Military PentathlonBest Administrator Runner-up:Lt Col J. ZietsmanMaj Gen Molefi Mokoena, Chief Director HumanResources Development, hands over the award asAdministrator of the Year to Maj Jan Wahl during theSANDF Sport Merit Awards function.A football player displays his balljuggling skills to those present atthe SANDF Sport Merit Awardsfunction.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R37

sportSANDF RugbyWeek38Article and photos by Col G.S. vanEeden, Vice-president Media andCommunication SANDFRAThe SANDF Rugby Association(SANDFRA) Rugby Weekwas held at the RugbyStadium at Tempe MilitaryBase in Bloemfontein from 12to 16 April 2010.Sixteen teams representingthe nine rugby regions participated intwo leagues in this year's event, namelya Senior and President's league.Western Province (WP), Boland(BOL), South Eastern Cape (SEC), FreeState (FS), Northern Cape (NC), NorthWest (NW) and Gauteng (GT) compet-S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0ed in the Senior League, while WP, KZN,FS, NC and GT competed in thePresident's League.The fairer sex also took part in thisyear's event with a team each from WP,FS, NC and GT.The Botswana Defence Force (BDF)has participated in previous RugbyWeeks since 2005, but unfortunately theycould not participate in this year's event.The official opening ceremony of theRugby Week took place at 09:00 onMonday 12 April 2010. Mr Peter deVilliers, the Springbok coach, was themain functionary at this event.In a short address Mr De Villiers saidthat it would be a sad day if success wereto be defined by the number of trophiesTHIS IS HOW YOU PASS A BALL. A youngster from Rocklands Townshipshowing his skills during the coaching clinic presented by members of theWestern Province Team.won. He stressed the fact that characterbuilds success and that every achievementon the rugby field relates to one'scharacter.Mr De Villiers also handed SAND-FRA tokens of appreciation and friendshipto Col (Ret) Cassie Schoeman andCapt Hannes de Jager. Col Schoemanwas the Chairperson of Defence Rugby inthe Free State during the nineties andretired after suffering a stroke. He alsoserved on the SANDFRA ExecutiveCommittee. Capt De Jager was the teamcaptain of the Free State Rugby team in1997, but broke his neck during a match,which left him paralysed.During the annual Rugby Weekmatches were played every second day,while coaching clinics were presented onthe remaining two days in close co-operationwith the FS Rugby Union. On 13April 2010 WP and FS respectively presentedcoaching clinics for approximately550 learners of the Rocklands and BathoTownships. The NC, KZN and SECcoached almost 200 learners of theHeidedal Township on 15 April 2010.The Wednesday night of the RugbyWeek is traditionally reserved for aSponsors and Colours function. The purposeof this function is to conveySANDFRA's gratitude and appreciationto donors and sponsors on the one handand to present SANDFRA colours andhonorary colours to qualifying playersand officials.In addition to the presentation ofcolours and honorary colours, certificateswere also presented by the President ofSANDFRA, Col (Rev) P.J. Oberholzer, tomembers of the local organising committeeand support staff, the referees, selectors,medical support staff, ballboys, aswell as the SANDFRA Executive andHead Committees in recognition of the

hard work done with regard to the presentationof Rugby Week 2010. Amidstall the matches and coaching clinics aruby management course was presentedfor team officials under the auspices ofthe FS Rugby Union. In a similar vein acoaching course was also presented.The overall winners ofRugby Week 2010FS took the honours in the SeniorLeague, WP in the President's Leagueand FS again in the Women's League.The official SANDF Senior andPresident's teams were also announced.No formal matches were played inthe women's league. Only trials tookplace in order select an SANDF women'steam.Mr Harold Verster, Chairperson ofthe FS Rugby Union, was the main functionaryat this event. He congratulatedall the winners and receivers of trophiesand extended an invitation tothe SANDF teams to play againstFS teams.The Rugby Week is only the beginningof SANDFRA's planned events forthe 2010 rugby season, which willinclude, inter alia, participation in aProvincial Women's Tournament inAugust 2010, and in a 7-a-side NationalTournament in November 2010.Northern Cape taking the gap in their match against Western Provinceon 16 April 2010.Infantry School hosts yet another successful boxing tournament>> from page 36division. The three bouts produced a topclass performance.In his speech before the start of thegames, Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, Chief ofHuman Resources, who was the guest ofhonour, urged the competitors to givetheir best in the ring. "I trust that this isthe moment you have been waiting forand that this moment has arrived.Boxing is a sport and not a battle and allathletes should shake hands and enjoythemselves in the ring."According to Ms PatienceShikwambana from SASCOC, the controllingbody for all the high performancesports in the country, the organisationwas immensely proud to haveSANDF boxing as a pilot project to assistin training and preparing our boxers forthe 2012 London Olympics."It is through the cordial engagementsbetween our President, MrGideon Sam, with the SANDFDirectorate of Physical Training, Sportsand Recreation that has forged co-operationin the development of sport in SouthAfrica, and we come here to look for talentto represent the country at the nextOlympic Games in London. We as SAS-COC are grateful for the opportunitythe SANDF has given us by opening itsdoors for us to scout for boxing talent,"said Ms Shikwambana.Handing over a donation to thePresident of SANABO: Western Cape,Mr Morris Dakada, towards the developmentof boxing in the SANDF theMarketing Director of the SA ArmyBoxers compete during the Western CapeBoxing Tournament.Foundation, Mr Angel Ramphele, saidthat the Foundation was proud to havebeen approached to assist in developingboxing within the SANDF. Headded that the Foundation would continueto persuade other organisationsto also lend a hand in the build-up tothe Olympic Games.The Executive Mayor of the GreaterOudtshoorn Municipality, Ms Diannede Jager, thanked theSANDF for affording theInfantry School an opportunityto host the tournament.Dignitaries present atthe contest included theWestern Cape Director ofSports and Recreation,Mr Thami Tutu, thePresident of SANABO:Western Cape, Mr MorrisDakada, the SANDFDirector Physical Training,Sports and Recreation,Brig Gen AubreySedibe, and the SANDFBoxing Patron, Brig GenGordon Yekelo.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R39

sportThe announcement of theSANDF Angling TeamBy Mandla MahlanguPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleAfter three days of SANDFangling trials, which startedon 20 April 2010 at RietspruitDam near Ventersdorp theSANDF announced itsNational Freshwater BankAngling Team during theprize-giving ceremony held at theOfficers' Mess at 4 Artillery School on22 April 2010.Altogether 46 anglers from differentunits and provinces participatedin the SANDF angling trials. (Thehead official of the South AfricanFreshwater Bank Angling Federation,Mr Pieter Hoffman, said they weresupposed to have had 60 anglers, butsome decided to withdraw.) Theanglers were divided into three differentzones and had to rotate the zonesfor each day. Each angler had to catchas much fish as possible weighingover 150 grams to accumulate maximumpoints within a period of 8hours.Anglers who caught a fish weighing150 g got 10 points, while a personwho caught a fish that weighed 1 kgreceived 10 points for the weight and10 points for the fish.The SANDF Angling Team consistingof 15 members were selectedon merit pending the outcome of thetrials on a point system per zoneplacement. A further three memberswere selected as Team Captain, TeamManager and Team Custodian.The constitution of the SouthAfrican Freshwater Bank AnglingFederation (SAFBAF) facilitated theparticipation of affiliated SouthAfrican anglers in bank angling,match angling and carp angling foraffiliated members to qualify for SANational Protea and SAFBAFColours.The SANDF Angling Team willparticipate in the South AfricanSecurity Cluster Angling Competitionagainst the Police and the Departmentof Correctional Services. The teamwill also participate in the annualtournament that takes place betweenfour SA national teams, namely twoSAFBAF teams, the SA Police ServiceAngling Team and the SANDFAngling Team. This year's event willbe held either at Bloemhof Dam orVaal Dam from 6 to 10 September2010.40Participants in the SANDF Angling Trials smile while waiting for their catches.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0Selected SANDF Angling Team(Freshwater Bank)Lt Col J.J. Jonker (Team Captain)Lt Col C.J. Moorhouse (TeamManager)Lt Col E. van Gent (Team Custodian)Lt Col M.M. de BeerCapt G. BoshoffCapt C. SchoemanSWO J.L.P. CoetzeeWO1 W.J. WesselsWO1 J.J. ZietsmanWO2 I.J. JacobsWO2 C.A.J. van AswegenS Sgt J.C. FoucheF Sgt H.G. Jansen van VuurenS Sgt M. NelF Sgt S.F. RuschS Sgt F.J.H. SpyerSgt P.S. Jansen van VuurenSgt J.P. Naude

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sportCelebrating 70 yearsof jukskeiBy Maj Lizette Lombard, Marketingand Sponsorship Representative forJukskei SAPhoto: John Keogh, FotoFirstJukskei players from all overSouth Africa descended onKroonstad in the Free State forthe 70th SA Senior JukskeiChampionships on 2 April 2010.Eighteen SANDF members tookpart in this year's SeniorChampionships. Although the doublesgames were held on 3 April, the officialopening of the championships tookplace during the gala event in theevening, in honour of the 70th anniversaryof jukskei in South Africa.Jukskei South Africa showed thatthey were on a par with big name sportswhen it came to holding gala events.After the welcoming by Ms MelanieJacobs, Vice-President of Jukskei SouthAfrica, Mr Gerrie Jacobs, the President ofthe International Jukskei Federations,mentioned that a staggering 660 peoplehad registered for this year's championship.Flags of the 19 jukskei unions inSouth Africa were taken onto the stageand ceremoniously planted by the variousunion presidents.The Namibian National Flag wastaken onto the stage by Mr ChristieHorn, President of the Namibian JukskeiBoard. Then Ms Melanie had the honourof introducing Ms Mantebu Mokgosi,Executive Mayor of the Moqhaka LocalMunicipality. In her address, MsMokgosi praised Jukskei South Africa forthe positive influence the sport of jukskeihas had every year on the town ofKroonstad.The national teams and officials werealso officially presented on stage, whereMr James Letuka, Executive Member ofthe South African Sport Confederationand Olympic Committee (SASCOC)and an executive member of the TennisCouncil of South Africa, stood proudlyto meet these members personally andshare words of inspiration, whereafterMr Letuka officially declared the70th SA Senior Jukskei Championshipsopen.It was a week of long hours of standingin the sun, and strong competition,but every game was well worth it. TheSANDF as a whole, and the respectivedivision/formation/unit commanders,can be proud of their jukskei players andofficials whose dedication and sportsmanshipduring the week was so evidentand for making it to national level.42Front, fltr: From the Northern Cape Jukskei Union: WO1 T. Wentzel, Lt Col J. Erasmus, Sgt S.C. McKay, Sgt J. Papier,Maj M. du Plessis. Second row, fltr: From the WP Jukskei Union: Cpl H. van Zyl, WO1 J. Moore, S Sgt J. Weideman,Col (Ret) W. Leukes. Third row, fltr: From the Gauteng North Jukskei Union: Col A.J. de Klerk, Cdr C. Lombard, Lt ColB. Henning, WO1 V. Visagie. Fourth row, fltr: Maj N. Claasen (EP Jukskei Union), Maj L. Lombard (JSA), Lt Col H. vanZyl (NC Jukskei Union). *Col (Ret) D. Brits of JSA and Cpl C. Hatting of the East Gauteng Jukskei Union were not presentwhen the photo was taken.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

The SA Navy makingdreams come trueArticle and photo by Sea NompiloDimba, MSDS member at NavalBase Simon's TownThe mission statement ofReach for a DreamFoundation is: "We believe inthe power of dreams; weencourage children to usetheir dreams to fight lifethreateningillnesses and weseek as far as possible to make thesedreams come true."Leonique (Lolla) van der Walt andher brother Istwahn recently visitedthe SA Navy as part of the Reach for aDream campaign. These siblings fromNelspruit (Mpumalanga) had alwaysdesired to visit the SA Navy and itsships. The team began their touraround Cape Town and passed all thebeautiful landmarks of the MotherCity.They made their way to Simon'sTown where the Navy Fleet was situated.On arrival, the team proceededto SAS SPIOENKOP, one of the SANavy's frigates, where S Lt M.M.Mekhoe welcomed them and took thechildren on a tour of the vessel.The team then went on to one ofthe SA Navy's submarines where theywere hosted by Lt J.M.R. Delport whogave the children an exhilarating tourof the boat and showed them how touse some of the equipment on boardthe submarine. This really put a bigsmile on their faces.By the end of the day, Reach for aDream was able to fulfil Lolla andIstwahn's dreams. All this was madepossible by WO1 N. Arendse, Alison(Reach for a Dream Co-ordinator)and Ms Van Der Walt (the children'smother).The day ended with supper andlots of memories - that's what dreamsare made of!43Lt Johanna Delport, the Detection Officer, demonstrating the oxygen supply on board a submarineto WO1 N. Arendse, Leonique van der Walt and her brother Istwahn.J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

sportShooting for goldBy Maj B. Korff, Second inCommand Regiment PresidentSteynPhoto: Lt Col Deon ErasmusThe annual Chief of the SAArmy Combat Rifle ShootingCompetition was held at theGeneral De Wet ClassificationShooting Range at DeBrug near Bloemfontein from1 to 6 March 2010. The mainfocus of the shooting event was topromote assault rifle shooting as partof the SAArmy's training programme.(The programme started on 1 Marchwith a seminar and a presentation oftraining aids by Infantry School.)Altogether 28 eight-man RegularForce Unit teams entered the competition.The international competitorscomprised two eight-man teams fromBotswana and Zimbabwe.On 3 March the competition startedwith competitors firing the standardTable 2. Individuals and teamscompeted all day. The followingmorning the same teams and individualsfired the new Adapted Table 2.(The Best Regular Force Team was theSchool of Armour.)On 4 March altogether 22 eightmanReserve Force teams and 23 fourmanUnit development teams competed.At the end the winner of the prestigiousWhitehorse Trophy wasRegiment President Steyn with a scoreof 1 790. (Winning the WhitehorseTrophy meant that RegimentPresident Steyn was the best shootingteam in the SA Army, which includedRegular and Reserve Force teams.)All Reserve Force teams later tookpart in the prestigious Gold CupTrophy (Best Reserve Force Team) andthe Rembrandt Trophy (BestDevelopment Team).The winners of the Gold Cup werethe Natal Carbineers with a score of1 740.The winner of the RembrandtTrophy was Regiment De la Rey with ascore of 716.Maj Gen Roy Andersen, ChiefDefence Reserves, presented the trophiesand medals to the deservingteams and individuals at the prize-givingfunction.Two eight-man Regular Force teamsand two eight-man Reserve Forceteams (including a captain and coach)were selected to compete in an internationalmatch against the teams of44Front, fltr: Cpl R. Mentor, Lt P. Bekker, Maj B. Korff, Lt Col D. Erasmus (OC Regiment President Steyn),Cpl J.D. Barnard, Lt T. Verwey. Back, fltr: Cpl H. de Kock, MWO S. Lamprecht (RSM Regiment President Steyn),Tpr J. Geldenhuys, Cpl J. Karsten, L Cpl P.M. Erasmus.S A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0

Botswana and Zimbabwe on 6 March2010. (It was the first time an internationalcompetition was held in this format.)The visiting Dutch team was invitedto shoot as well, but they could notwin any medals as they all used opticalsights.The Reserve Force teams excelledagain by taking the first two places.The scores were Reserve Force A-Team(1 899), Reserve Force B-Team (1 877),Regular Force A-Team (1 722), RegularForce B-Team (1 632), Botswana (1 571)and Zimbabwe (1 493).SA National War College Librarycelebrates World Book DayBy Thabo ShirindaPhoto: S Sgt Lebohang TlhaoleThe SA National War College Libraryin Pretoria hosted the annual WorldBook Day on 23 April 2010. The day iscelebrated worldwide as the UnitedNations Educational, Scientific andCultural Organization (UNESCO) designatedday for books and the culture ofreading. The library had books donatedto it by the British Peace Support Team.Assistant Director for Libraries in theDOD, Mr Morris Mabasa, lauded thegesture by the British and expressed hisgratitude for the 46 books donated.The running of the library has notbeen without challenges, and MrMabasa revealed that there were plans tovisit the University of Pretoria and theUniversity of Stellenbosch libraries, tosee how they manage and market theirlibraries. Good relations with the SAArmy were reiterated by Mr Mabasa as astep in the right direction in terms instillingthe culture of reading in the SAArmy. It has been proved that theInternet has become direct competitionfor the culture of reading."Libraries, particularly in the DODneed to take advantage of internationaldays, such as World Book Day and markettheir services to their respectiveclients, and affirm the fact that books areirreplaceable sources for research, referenceand recreation," said Mr Mabasa.UNESCO chose 23 April as a day tocelebrate and honour the WilliamShakespeare. The British author's legendarypen has been a benchmark forbook writing. His work has not receivedChief of the SA Army CombatRifle ChampionsBest Shooting team overall:Regiment President SteynBest Reserve Force Team:Natal CarbineersBest Reserve Force DevelopmentTeam: Regiment De la ReyBest Regular Force Team:School of ArmourTop 10 IndividualsLt Johan Loock (Wits Rifles) - 262Lt Erich Earle (Wits Rifles) - 255Cpl Johan Karsten (Regimentenough attention.William Shakespeare died on 23April 1616. The connection between 23April and books was first made in 1923by booksellers in Spain as a way to honourrenowned author Miguel deCervantes, who also died on 23 April.This has over the years become part ofthe celebrations of this day.Organisations such as Book AidInternational also support events on thisday. The organisation currently supportsthe reconstruction of libraries in SriLanka that were ravaged by the tsunamiin 2004. The day is also supported byorganisations such as World LibraryPartnership."It is our commitment to introduceand make sure that the culture of readingprevails within the SANDF; that isPresident Steyn) - 243Bdr Willie de Wet (VrystaatArtillery Regiment) - 242Lt Piet Bekker (Regiment PresidentSteyn) - 241Maj Braam Korff (RegimentPresident Steyn) - 238Cpl Rudi Mentor (RegimentPresident Steyn) - 238WO1 Archie Smythe (NatalCarbineers) - 237Rfn Weber Truter (Cape TownRifles) - 235Lt Piet Spies (Natal Carbineers) -234why we have taken the unprecedentedstep to make sure that we collect as manybooks as we can for our libraries," said LtCol Christo Lombard, Directing StaffResearch and Training. The fact that theSA National War College hosts studentson course makes it convenient to have alibrary within its precincts. Mr Mabasahas made a commitment to create a DODdatabase where books can be found withease. The establishment of a library forumwithin the DOD is also on the cards.He also spoke about the fact thatthey have a good relationship with theSA Army. The library department isnow establishing relationships with thethe SA Air Force, the SA Navy and theSA Military Health Service. A documentationsupport system is also in theoffing.Director of the DOD Library Services, Ms Louise Jooste, having a good read.45J U N E 2 0 1 0 • S A S O L D I E R

messageStewardship46By Chaplain (Rev) E. Vinqi, AFBYsterplaatStewardship is the idea thathumankind has been givendominion over the world torule as vice-regents onbehalf of God. Stewardshipis a test to see how wellmankind can care for God'screation. This idea is also known asKhalifah in Islam. Khalifah is Arabicfor "stewardship" of nature and family,a key obligation of a Muslim (oneaccepting Islam). By contrast, in theJudeo-Christian tradition, the term"dominion over nature" is the usualtranslation of the Hebrew word râdâhin Genesis. In comparative stewardshipamong the Nigerian Yoruba, andthe Bapedi, Bavenda and Batswanapeople of Southern Africa, traditionallya farmer who needs enoughhands on the farm would call aLetsema (a number of helping hands)or Esusu (Yoruba for a number ofhelping hands). In urban areas thestewardship changed from the helpinghand to the umgalelo (IsiXhosa)or Mogodisano (Sesotho) - commonlyknown as stokvel.One member of the stokvel collectsa specific amount, the total beingdetermined by the number of peopleinvolved in accordance with the prearrangedorder of benefiting from thefunds. Andrew Lukhele, author of thebook: Stokvels in South Africa, narratesthat stokvels could play aS A S O L D I E R • J U N E 2 0 1 0humanitarian role in society. Blackwomen began to use stokvels as ameans of protection against policeharassment. When a stokvel memberis arrested, the others would helpwith the home and the children untilthe member came out of jail. In thisway stokvels became more than justan organisation for the circulation ofmoney, and evolved into comprehensivesupport systems, which do notbenefit all the members equally.Stewardship in the military realmis best described in the words ofGeneral Dwight D. Eisenhower,where, in his final message as presidentof the United States, he warnedAmericans in 1961 of the far-reachingeffects of militarism: "(The) conjunctionof an immense military establishmentand a large arms industry isnew in the American experience. Thetotal influence - economic, political,and even spiritual - is felt in everycity, every state house, and everyoffice of the Federal government ...we must not fail to comprehend itsgrave implications. Our toil,resources and livelihood are allinvolved; so is the very structure ofour society".Militarism refers to the predominanceof military values in a society,a policy of aggressive military preparedness,and a preference for militarymeans for projecting nationalpower. To avoid militarism, we prayfor discernment to choose thoseactions that will advance God's king-Chaplain (Rev) E. Vinqi.dom and the courage to followChrist's way of love. Through suchobedience we pray that all may cometo know Jesus as the way, the truth,and the life (John 14:6).As chaplains we believe thatGod's Shalom, the divine gift of salvation,reconciliation, peace, justice, andwholeness in Jesus Christ is theanswer to a world of division, domination,and devotion to military security.The notion of "People First" iswhat stewardship is all about and notto serve our own interest under thepretext of serving the people, so stewardshipis "choosing service overself-interest".

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