november 2 0 1 1 • sasoldier - Department of Defence

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45610121314151720From theEditor’s deskDon’t look away- act against abuseLettersto the EditorNews fromabroadThe official monthly magazine of the SA Department of DefenceQuest for mutualsecurity and co-operationRSA and Russia deepentheir strategic partnershipRSA/Ghanaenhance relationsFocus on safeguardingof airspaceSA Soldier reaches10 year milestoneInfanteers say goodbyeto Lt Gen NkabindeSTREET ADDRESSDefence Headquarterscor Nossob & Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA12212223242526A new era dawns for theDOD Human ResourcesDivisionFormer Chief of JointOperations reunites withJoint OperationsNursing College makingSAMHS self-suffi cientSA Army WO/NCOCompetitionSAMHS fi rstfemale paratrooperShowcasing the firepowerof our artilleryCONTRIBUTIONS:Although all possiblecare is taken witharticles, the editorialstaff cannot take anyresponsibility for lostarticles and photographs.23262830323637384042AFB Waterkloof Airshowand Lifestyle ExpoHonorary Colonelsdine our ChiefFort iKapa - home of theWestern Cape DefenceReservesConference onmilitary cultureTrained to managea unit effectivelySANDF CricketChampionshipsSilver QueenNight RaceSANDF VolleyballChampionshipREPRODUCTION, PRINTING & DISTRIBUTION:Shereno Printers10 Atlas RoadDunswart, BoksburgTel: (011) 894 4150Fax: (011) 894 4153email: nirans@shereno.co.za2005 - Winner of the Government Communicator of the Year Award (GCIS).2005 - Winner of the National Ubungcweti Award (GCIS).32POSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001EDITORIAL STAFFEditor: Ms Nelda PienaarDeputy Editor: Mr Lufuno NetshirembeText Editor:TranslationConsultant:Mr Eugene MullerDirectorateLanguage ServicesTELEPHONETel: (012) 355 6341Fax: (012) 355 6399email:sasoldier@mil.zawebsite: www.dod.mil.zaEditorial Staff:Mr Kgabo MashamaiteS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSgt Elias MahumaCpl Ally RakomaCpl Itumeleng MakhubelaDistribution:Mr Jim TshabalalaTel: (012) 355 6341Layout & Design:Mr Werner van der Westhuizen2 S A S O L D I E R• N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

S A S O L D I E Rwww.dod.mil.za4646Career Development Dayfor SecretariesEDITORIAL BOARDMr S. Dlamini(Chairperson)Brig Gen X.G. MabangaCpln M.P.K. MasemolaCol S.A. MotswadiraCol M.E. PhekoCol S.P. ZeemanCdr C.E. KhumaloLt Col S. KotaneMs N. PienaarLt S.E. SegoneMr L.R.M. Netshirembe(Secretary)17ABOVE: Fltr: Col Horst Schöbesberger (Ret), S Sgt LeonardXaba, photographer at 1 Military Printing Regiment, and Lt ColAnnelize Rademeyer, SO1 Com SA Army Engineer Formation,at the 10 th anniversary celebrations of SA Soldier.(Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views andopinions expressed by the authors of articles are their own and donot necessarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD).Acceptance and publication of advertorial and advertising matter inSA SOLDIER do not constitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respectof goods or services therein described. The DOD does not assume anyliability in respect of any claims made in advertisements.COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproducedwithout the written consent of the Editor.FRONT COVER: Maj Quintus Eksteen, BestPlayer of the Tournament, playing his heart outduring his final cricket championships. Read allabout the SANDF Cricket Championships onpages 38 to 39.(Photo: Sgt Elias Mahuma)For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,visit our website at: www.dod.mil.zaN O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 •S A S O L D I E R 3

S A S O L D I E Rmessagefrom theeditor’s deskAs SA Soldier is celebrating 10 years of journalistic excellencethis year, the editorial team celebrated the birthday of SASoldier with a dinner at Stone Cradle restaurant nearRietvlei Dam in Pretoria on 30 September 2011. It wasthe social event on the calendar of Defence CorporateCommunication since the dawn of democracy. Read allabout the festivities on pages 17 to 19.We want to thank all the sponsors for making this a night toremember. A Big Thank You to: Sanlam, Metropolitan Life, SherenoPrinters, CSIR, Reutech, Strategic Defence Systems, Grintek, the SAArmy Foundation, BAE Systems and Liberty.We wish we could have invited you, our loyal readers, as well.However, I would like to thank sincerely all our readers, regularcontributors, Editorial teams, Editorial Boards, sponsors andadvertisers down the years for your support and commitment.Remember, SA Soldier is your magazine and therefore yourcomments will always be welcome.May SA Soldier keep on enlightening and empowering our readersfor many decades to come!It is also time to bid farewell to our previous Director of DefenceCorporate Communication, Brig Gen Marthie Visser, who wasappointed as Director Corporate Staff Services at the SA Air Force.We wish her all the best in her new position. At the same time wewelcome our new Director, Brig Gen Xolani Mabanga, to DefenceCorporate Communication. General, we will endeavour to runfaster than King Shaka’s impis … (Next month we will publish anin-depth interview with the new Director of Defence CorporateCommunication.)Viva SA Soldier Viva!Nelda PienaarEditorBrig Gen Visser headsfor the SA Air Force HQBy Cpl ItumelengMakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaAfter more than twoyears as Director ofDefence CorporateCommunication (DCC),Brig Gen Marthie Visserwas transferred on 1November 2011 to the SAAir Force Headquarters asDirector Corporate StaffServices.Brig Gen Visser hasgiven the DirectorateBrig Gen MarthieVisser.a shape and the ability to operate effectively. Tothis end she gave her full support to the CorporateCommunication Restructuring Task Team whose aimis to transform Corporate Communication and toformulate guidelines, policies and doctrine.She holds a BA in Political Science andCommunications at Unisa, a Professional Certificatein Government Communication and Marketing fromWitwatersrand Business School in conjunction withGovernment Communications and Information System(GCIS). She also completed the Executive NationalSecurity Programme (ENSP) at the SA National DefenceCollege, followed by the Public Relations Practice andManagement Course with the Public Relations Instituteof South Africa (PRISA).Welcome to ournew DirectorBrig Gen XolaniMabanga hasbeen appointedas the newDirector of DefenceCorporateCommunicationas from 1 November2011. Hewas previouslythe Offi cerCommandingof the SouthAfrican DefenceIntelligenceCollege inPretoria.(Photo: Sgt EliasMahuma)4 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

S A S O L D I E Rletters to the editorOLD FAITHFUL IN EAST LONDONwinning letterIn East London you will find a 1990Beige Opel Monza being proudlydriven by the Officer Commanding ofthe Buffalo Volunteer Rifles (BVR), LtCol Malcolm Cock.This car has been in the unitsince the late nineties and is verywell looked after by all the members.It has travelled 196 400 km. Thisvehicle is the long distance car ofthe unit and is used mostly by theOfficer Commanding. If any othermember has to drive the car, it isdone under the watchful eye of CplCraig Birkholtz, the Transport NoncommissionedOfficer.This car is also fondly named“Frobenonia” due to an incident whichtook place on the way to Port Elizabethwhen Maj “Frobie” Frohbus, the unitSecond-in-Command, was driving andhe had to make a very quick stop. Thethree BVR passengers have never beenthe same again! But here again oldFrobenonia showed what steel she wasmade of and came to an abrupt standstillto the amazement of the driversand passengers of the other cars at theintersection.Incidentally, all D Vehicles ofthe BVR that have covered 500 000kilometres (two Toyota Corollas) arekept roadworthy and trustworthyunder the watchful eye of MajFrohbus.Although Frobenonia is lookinga little tatty from coastal rust, she willbe resprayed in the new financial yearand be given new “panties”, i.e. thetwo front seats will be re-upholstered.The driver’s front seat support is nowold and not very reliable and theadjustment has been welded manytimes, so when you see the driverleaning back he is not in sleep modeor racing driver position, but merelyrelaxing and setting sail for the nextdestination. Oh yes! Do not try andsteal Frobenonia because it will bedifficult. Because an ignition switch isnearly the cost of the old beauty, MajFrohbus pulled a typical Reservetrick, and fitted a R26-95 press buttonswitch under the dashboard to “fireher up”. There are many other exitingfeatures and stories around the “oldb”, too numerous to mention.This car is a very good lesson toall of us of what can be achieved if welook after our vehicles and equipmentand it is as the motto of the unit, NuncAnimis, says: “Now with Courage” oris it a matter of driving with courage.You need more than courage whendriving with Maj Frobie. Maj MerleMeyer, PretoriaCpl Craig Birkholtz, the Transport Non-commissioned Offi cer of theBuffalo Volunteer Rifles, and the famous Frobenonia.TRIBUTE TO THE LATE LT COL TUTSHANALt Col Zakhile Elliot Tutshana died ofa stroke on Tuesday 13 September 2011at the age of 54 years. He was buriedon Saturday 24 September 2011 at 10:00in Mthatha with full military honours.Brig Gen Debbie Molefe, Directorof the Defence Reserve Division, andother Senior Officers from Pretoriawere also present to pay their lastrespects. At the time of his death,Lt Col Tutshana was working at theDefence Reserve Provincial OfficeR200-00 prize for the best letterEastern Cape in Port Elizabeth wherehe had served since August 2009 untilhis passing. Whenever it was possiblefor him he enjoyed visiting his familyin Mthatha.His military career began in 1980when he joined the then TranskeiDefence Force. After completingan Officer’s Cadet course, he wasappointed Platoon Commander withA Company and after the successfulcompletion of subsequent courses wasSA SOLDIER welcomes letters to the Editor. Short letters are more likely to bepublished, and all letters may be edited for reasons of style, accuracy or spacelimitations. Letters should preferably be typewritten. All letters must include thewriter’s full name, address and home telephone number. The volume of letterswe receive makes individual acknowledgement impossible. Please send yourletters 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 mattersaffecting members of the Department of Defence. Regrettably, anonymous letterscannot be answered officially or published - Editor.Lt Col Zakhile Elliot Tutshana.promoted to the rank of Captain. Hewas then transferred to 1 MountedBattalion as Company Second inCommand. Lt Col Tutshana dida Company Commander’s coursein Taiwan from February to July1990 and was promoted to the rankof Major. He later completed hisJunior Staff Course in March 1993 in6 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E RI LOVE SA SOLDIERI love your magazine. The reason isthat I have a teacher by the name ofMr Nhlapho and we read every issueof SA Soldier magazine - each volume.Now I am interested in the work ofour soldiers, I wish I could join youone day. Mohau Matsela, Kroonstad,Bodibeng High School* It is good to know that you andyour classmates enjoy our magazine.I forwarded your letter to the DODInformation Centre to provide you withthe necessary application forms andcontact details for future reference. – Ed.WARRANT OFFICERCWO Lwana wrote a good article thatwas published in the July 2011 editionof SA Soldier, but I would like to saythis. In the book Once We Were Soldiersand Young, when the new officercommanding with his regimentalsergeant major (RSM) meet the officersfor the first time he says: “This is myRSM and when he speaks he speaksfor me and works for nobody else”.That is what should happen at alllevels of a warrant officer. He is alsothe person in charge of routine in aunit and he has to ensure that the menare trained correctly. A unit can berun without young officers, but notwithout a warrant officer and seniornon-commissioned officers. J Boulter.Oslo Beach, KZNZimbabwe, was promoted to the rankof Lieutenant Colonel and was thenappointed as Officer Commandingof 1 Mounted Battalion. In 1993he played a major role in thepreparatory work for the integrationof the various military forces. In 1995he was transferred to 14 SA InfantryBattalion in Umtata as CommandingOfficer. In 1998 he made a majorcontribution when he took the leadin putting Umtata Commando on themap. He has served as Commanderuntil the complete closure of allcommando units.His passing will leave a hugevoid and he will be rememberedwith reverence for his diligent work,his enthusiasm and determination.He was a great example to all in theway he treated his subordinates andhow he and fellow colleagues workedtogether. He will be rememberedas the Lieutenant Colonel with thebroad and welcoming smile.He leaves his wife, Pumla, andfour children behind.WO1 LeonieKapp, email7 SAI BN CELEBRATES HERITAGE DAY7 SA Infantry Battalion (7 SAI Bn)celebrated Heritage Day in the unithall on 23 September 2011. Activitiesincluded history of different cultures,displaying of cultural items, settingsand dress codes, including culturaldances and lifestyles. The secondsession was conducted at the unit restcamp with traditional food and drinksprepared by members of the unit. Theday was a huge success.7 SAI Bn women were also visitedby Miss Limpopo, Kholofelo Modiba,Miss Polokwane, Emerald Mithi andthe Ba-Phalaborwa Radio StationManager, Sello Lepedi. The aim ofthe visit was to motivate women ofthe unit and also to encourage themto participate in the tourism monthgames, which will take place atPhalaborwa in Namakgale. The visitwas organised by 5 Special ForceRegiment members, namely CaptXaba, Capt Sketane, RSM Sebothomaof 524 Signal Regiment and S SgtLepholetsa. The women of the unitenjoyed the visit. Pte M.J. Kekana,emailHERITAGE SYMBOLISES OUTSTANDINGVALUE FOR HUMANITYSeptember is HeritageMonth on which allSouth Africans acrossthe spectrum areencouraged to celebratetheir diversity andrich cultural heritage.Various events arestaged throughoutSouth Africa tocommemorate themany cultures thatmake up the rainbownation. The personnelof the ArmscorSickbay at DefenceHeadquarters inPretoria celebratedHeritage Day instyle on 23 September 2011. Theywere dressed in colourful traditionalattire and prepared traditionaldishes. Sister Vuyelwa Makalima,the Nursing Officer, said proudlythat they celebrated Heritage Day toappreciate the multitude of culturesthat portray the diversity of our people,what we have inherited and what weare collectively as South Africans.She added that as South Africans weThe personnel of the Armscor Sickbay atDefence Headquarters commemoratingHeritage Day in style. (Photo: Sgt EliasMahuma)should use Heritage Month to payhomage to the rich legacies that havebeen handed down to our currentgenerations and that will be handedon to future generations. SisterMakalima said: “Heritage ranges fromour unique characteristics, natureconservation and heritage sites thatsymbolises outstanding value toour humanity.” Cpl Ally Rakoma,PretoriaN O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 7

S A S O L D I E Rletters to the editorFIRST ALPHA FOR FORCES COURSE IN THE SANDFOn 1 August 2011 the Air Force BaseDurban made history by hosting thevery first ever Alpha For Forces (A4F)training course under the leadershipof WO1 Michele Bezuidenhout(Directorate Labour Service Relations),with Cpl Vuyo Malinda (AFBDurban) and Cpl Lucian de Wee (AFBDurban) assisting her. There wasan atmosphere of expectancy andnervousness because of the unknown,however, God being true to Hisawesome nature never disappointsand the first evening’s training was aroaring success.The second training session wasequally successful even though itfell on a long weekend. As withthe first evening, the participantsdesired to continue discussion of thetopic and not end the session. Thisenthusiasm is witness to the needfor such training within the SANDF,which is an opportunity to interactin a relaxed atmosphere and discussissues of God’s love and desire to bepart of everyone’s life and to have ameaningful relationship with all.Feedback from the ground wasthat participants returned to theirrooms and places of work andshared with their friends what hadtranspired. They said things like“you should have been there”. Sadlythe A4F course was full house andeveryone wanting to “seek and find”will have to wait for the next trainingin 2012. At the end of the course thefeedback received was awesome,seeing how God had worked in thelives of each and every one of us onCELEBRATING CASUAL DAYThe Department of Defence DODcelebrated Casual Day in supportof people with disabilities at theThaba Tshwane Military SportGrounds on 2 September 2011.There was a lot going on,people were participating indifferent activities such aswheelchair racing, dancingand “an idols competition” andplaying chess.People were very active andsupportive of this day and evenColonels and Majors of the SANational Defence Force wereparticipating in the activities, oneof whom was Maj Esmari vanNiekerk from Defence CorporateCommunication who sang a fewsongs.When Mr Brian Emmenisfrom Capital Sounds sang, hisperformance was so good that8 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1the course from myself to across theboard. All thirteen of us had our mindsstretched and never to be the sameagain. The most powerful testimonywas how personal relationships withGod had intensified and developed,as well as relationships with the othercourse-goers, how these had developedand now we all had new best buddiesrather than work acquaintances. TheScripture that came to mind afterall had shared their experiences andtestimonies, was Matthew 22: 37 – 39.That was what the A4F course haddone for us all.God’s power did not stop there! Iwas honoured to have Lt Yombi fromthe Congo on the course as well. Allglory to God, as this course will nowtravel all the way to the Congo, whereLt Yombi has expressed his desire tointroduce it into the Armed Forcesthere. Wow, we serve an awesomeGod!I can only encourage all thoseChaplains and South African MilitaryChristian Fellowship members whoattended the A4F training in SaldanhaBay and Potchefstroom to take up thechallenge and present courses in yourregions. Also for SAMCF memberswho have spiritual questions, doubtsor whatever, to look to do an A4Fcourse when this training becomesavailable in your region – join up,you cannot go wrong and you willnever regret it. My sincere thanksand appreciation to Col Kitley andChaplain Ras from AFB Durbanfor their support and assistancein allowing this course to launch.May God’s richest blessings be yourportion. “You Rest, You Rust - Goand Grow”. WO1 M. Bezuidenhout,emailMembers of fi rst ever Alpha for Forces course in the SANDF.Maj Antheolene Smithfrom Defence CorporateCommunication couldnot help herself, but beon the dance floor, andshowed us how to move.It was beautiful,people were all outsupporting this day,wearing according tothe theme of Casual Day,which was “Worn to beWild”, and their outfitswere out of this world.There were manyprizes up for grabs forparticipating in any ofthe competitions. Thebest idol and runnerupwon a piano and aguitar from Yamaharespectively. ThandekaCele, PretoriaWheelchair racing. (Photo: WO2 DavidNomtshongwana)

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E REDUCATION IS KEYThree DOD visually impairedmembers graduated from the SANational Council for the Blind on 30June 2011. S Sgt Gilbert Koko, Sgt NicoLedwaba and Ms Thozama Bokwanareceived awards for their hard work tocomplete a six-month long computercourse at the Optima College inBrooklyn that will enable them to dotheir job more efficient in this fastgrowing world of technology.The social development managerand course co-ordinator, MsLucy Mphaphuli, gave words ofencouragement to the graduates,saying: “With this skill that you haveacquired at the college go back toyour offices and contribute positivelyto the national economy growth ofour country”. S Sgt Koko has provedthat education is key despite hishealth condition he still gave his fullconcentration to the course and didnot let his health circumstances gethim down. He was scheduled for abrain operation during the course,but his determination and zeal toS Sgt Gilbert Koko with his computer literacy certificate.(Photo: Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela)further improve his qualification kepthim strong to the end of the course. Hethanked everyone who supported him17 SQUADRON REACHES OUT TO CHILDRENMaj Heinrich Holtzhausen, the Oryx helicopter Commander, helpinga learner from the Pretoria School for the Disabled to reach for herdream to fly. (Photo: S Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)and concluded: “Luck is not random,but attracted to those who work hard”.Bibi Sibanyoni, PretoriaA group of about 400 children fromschools, orphanages and day carecentres in and around Pretoria andsurrounding areas visited 17 Squadronat AFB Swartkop on 19 August 2011as part of its community outreach andsocial investment programme. Someof the children do not have parentswhile others suffer from epilepsy andcancer.The children from Kids CareCentre in Cullinan, Betang PueloHome in KwaMhlanga, PretoriaSchool for the Disabled and ViaNova Special School for the MentallyRetarded and Epileptics were treatedwith an Oryx helicopter flight, afterwhich they were spoilt with snacks,refreshments, food parcels and othergifts that put big smiles on their faces.Members of the media andsponsors of the event were flown byan Oryx helicopter commanded byMaj Heinrich Holtzhausen and hisco-pilot, Lt Reagan Pillay, and FlightEngineer, WO2 Willie Ludick, for acourtesy visit to the Pretoria Schoolfor the Disabled. The children withdisabilities waited patiently for thegroup to arrive and enjoyed everyminute of the visit. The helicopterflight was the highlight of the day.Back at the airbase, the Squadronprovided entertainment with ajumping castle, an Oros man anda Simba character to the delight ofthe young ones. Cpl Ally Rakoma,PretoriaN O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 9

S A S O L D I E Rnews from abroadThe Official Opening of Mama Jeanne OrphanageEver heard of the saying: “One willenhance one’s life by finding away to serve others. Whether onevolunteers at an orphanage or joins acharitable committee, serving othersin some small way will make one feelalive and fulfilled.”Well, that‘s exactly what 4 SAInfantry Battalion (4 SAI Bn), theRSA Battalion presently deployedin the Democratic Republic of theCongo (DRC) (Monusco) under theleadership of Lt Col W.L. Madikotohas done. Boy oh boy! What a feeling!Ever since the Unit identified andthen decided to adopt Mama JeanneOrphanage as a way of contributingto the betterment of the Congolesepeople and the people of Goma, inparticular, it has been a revelationto me of the number of obstacles thehuman spirit can overcome in orderto triumph in any of a human being’sendeavours. (Note: Mama JeanneOrphanage was once screened onSouth African TV on the In YourDefence programme and was filmedin the DRC).The orphanage is now renovatedand boasts new doors, windowsand a roof. I bet my $10 sustainmentallowance that the Tsalena crewthat filmed the In Your Defenceprogramme will not recognise theorphanage today. This is similarto what US President Obama didduring his campaign to the WhiteHouse: one dollar here, two dollarsthere. These dollars were comingfrom ordinary RSA Battalionmembers who understood that aslong as the world remained greedyfor power instead of being greedyfor love, the world would know nopeace.In Africa it is often said that“motho ke motho ka batho”. Thatliterally means that one becomesa king/queen because of one’ssubjects. Now for sure you will allagree with me when I say it is timefor us all to stand and cheer forthe doer, the achiever, the one whorecognises the challenge and doessomething about it.The official opening of MamaJeanne Orphanage took place on 9November 2011. What a beautifuland emotional day it turned out tobe! The saddest part came when itwas time for the South Africans tobid the kids farewell for good as itwas the end of deployment for 4 SAIBn in the DRC. “Munaenda Suda?”(meaning: are you going back toSouth Africa?) asked Rebecca, ayoung boy nicknamed Kgothatso,by the South Africans. “Ndiyo,” CaptH.C. Denation, the outgoing RSAOPS Battalion social worker, replied.“Hamuta rudia?” (Are you not comingback?) Kgothatso continued. “Ndiyo,”Capt Denation replied. And then thefloodgates were opened. It becamereally tough. Forget about “tigersdon’t cry” stories. Our weakest pointwas not to have brought enoughtissue paper to wipe away all thetears …Credit should go to all themembers of 4 SAI Bn who weredeployed under OPS MISTRALXVII for making this a success, inparticular the Charity Committeemembers. To you we say “merci”(French for thank you). Lt M.E.Semono, emailMembers of 15 SAI Bn with the children and personnel of Mama Jeanne Orphanage with some donatedgoods. The orphanage has now been renovated. Notice the new doors, windows and roof.(Photo: Lt V.A. Minnie)10 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

Two Southern AfricanDevelopment Community(SADC) Election ObserverTeams under the leadership ofMaj Gen (Ret) Bakwena Oitsile(Botswana) and the HighCommissioner of Namibia,Commissioner Ben Shikongo,paid a brief visit to the RSAOperational Battalion deployedin Goma at Munigi Base in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo(DRC) on 19 November 2011.The National ContingentCommander, Col R.A. Makgae,heartily welcomed the high-profileguests and gave an overview ofthe current situation in NorthKivu. The RSA OperationalBattalion Commander, Lt Col M.Dyakopu (Officer Commanding 8SA Infantry Battlion (Mechanised)news from abroadS A S O L D I E RElection Observers visited our soldiers in the DRCgave a presentation on the Forcedeployments, the current situation inhis area of responsibility, incidents thatoccurred and the security situationin general. The Information Officersof the RSA Contingent highlightedaspects relating to armed groupings,Southern African Development Community (SADC) ElectionObservers visiting the RSA Operational Battalion at Munigi Base in theDemocratic Republic of the Congo.political parties, coalitions and humanrights violations reported by thecommunities where the RSA CompanyOperating Bases and TemporarilyOperating Bases are situated.Maj Gen (Ret) Oitsile andCommissioner Shikongo wereimpressed with the presentation andcommended the RSA Forces deployedfor the remarkable work done. Theirconcerns with regard to security werelaid to rest.Lt Villa Minnie, Operation MistralXVIII.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 11

S A S O L D I E ReventsQuest for mutual securityand co-operationArticle and photo byS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe South Africa and BotswanaJoint Permanent Commissionon Defence and Security(JPCDS) held its 10 th sessionin Johannesburg from 19 to 21October 2011. The meeting tookplace in a cordial atmosphere thatreflected the good relations betweenthe two countries.The RSA and Botswana Joint Permanent Commission onDefence and Security has the aim of identifying areas ofco-operation and establishing channels for the exchange ofinformation in the fields of defence and security.The agreement between theGovernments of South Africa andBotswana on the establishment of theRSA and Botswana JPCDS was signedin 2000 with the aim, among otherthings, to identify areas of co-operationand establish channels for exchange ofinformation in the fields of defence andsecurity. The JPCDS is a milestone inthe quest for mutual security and cooperationby strengthening that whichalready exists in this regard.The Commission discussed a widerange of issues affecting defence,public and state security, and reviewedprogress made in the implementationof the resolutions passed at the 9 thsession of the Commission held inFrancistown in Botswana in 2010. Inthis regard the Commission noted withsatisfaction that excellent progress hadbeen achieved in areas such as militaryto military co-operation, training,technical co-operation and joint borderoperations. It also examined thechallenges to implementing some ofthe decisions.It further expressed satisfaction withthe commitment and co-operationdemonstrated by the defence, publicand state security and encouraged thetwo countries to continue with thisco-operation to their mutual benefit.They noted progress with regard to theeradication of criminal activities alongthe border and that liaison along theborder had been successful.The Commission expressed concernat the alarming rate of rhino poachingMs Lindiwe Sisulu, the RSA Minister of Defence and Military Veterans,opening the ministerial session of the Joint Permanent Commissionon Defence and Security.and that of other wild animals, theillicit trafficking of drugs and firearms,stock theft and an increase in vehiclesmuggling. It encouraged the exchangeof information and regular jointoperations between the two countriesand expressed satisfaction on progressmade by law enforcement agenciesof both countries in identifying andprofiling criminal syndicates operatingacross borders.To further strengthen regional cooperationthe Commission also notedprogress made in the establishment ofjoint cross-border investigation betweenSouth Africa, Botswana, Zambia andZimbabwe to deal with crime syndicates.In the same vein they expressed the hopethat the Commission would continue tocontribute to the consolidation of peaceand democracy in the region. TheSouth African delegation was led bythe Minister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, andincluded the Minister of State Security,Dr Siyabonga Cwele, the DeputyMinister of Defence and MilitaryVeterans, Mr Thabang Makwetla,the Deputy Minister of CorrectionalServices, Adv Ngoako Ramatlhodi, theDeputy Minister of Police, Ms MaggieSotju, and senior Government officials.The Botswana delegation was led bythe Acting Minister of Defence, Justiceand Security, Mr Edwin Batshu, andincluded the Minister of Labour andHome Affairs, Mr Peter Siele, andsenior Government officials.12 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RRSA and Russia deepentheir strategic partnershipArticle and photo byS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleSouth Africa hosted the 5 thmeeting of the RSA andRussian Federation Joint IntergovernmentalCommission forMilitary Technical Co-operation(JICMTC) in Pretoria from4 to 7 October 2011. The aim of themeeting was to strengthen the existingrelationship between the two countriesand to identify several defenceindustrial co-operation projects andaspects of military to military cooperation.This commission was established on17 September 2002 at the level of theSouth African Secretary for Defenceand Director of the Russian FederalService for Military–Technical Cooperation.To date four meetings haveThe aim of the meeting was to strengthen the existingrelationship between the two countries and to identify severaldefence industrial co-operation projects and aspects of militaryto military co-operation.been held, the last one hosted by theRussian Government in Moscow inNovember 2010.As strategic partners the JointIntergovernmental Commissionexplores avenues and solutions inthe quest for security and economicstability to give effect to the vision of theprincipals as reflected in the bilateralagreements that were signed as far backas 1995. This Joint Commission createsa suitable platform for the respectivedefence industries and armed forces toshare information in various fields ofmutual interest and to exchange ideasand proposals to optimise strategiccapabilities and expertise.Speaking at the opening ceremonyof the meeting, the then Secretaryfor Defence, Ms Mpumi Mpofu,emphasised the importance of theoverall strategic partnership betweenSouth Africa and the RussianFederation. She said that SouthAfrica was indeed honoured to be amember of these prestigious economicgroupings that took ownership offuture economic growth and socialdevelopment of the peopleof the two countries. Sheadded that South Africaand Russia shared commonvalues and approaches tothe challenges of globalsecurity.During the meeting variousmatters were discussed,including matters ofcommon interest in thefield of military education,training and development,exchanges of militaryobservers and instructorsduring combined exercises,force preparation exercisesand the exchange ofexpertise.Delegates who attended the 5 th meeting of the RSA and Russian FederationJoint Intergovernmental Commission for Military Technical Co-operation.In their closing remarksboth the Chairperson andCo-chairperson agreedthat the meeting was asuccess and they hopedfor the implementationof decisions taken duringthese deliberations.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 13

S A S O L D I E ReventsRSA/Ghana enhance relationsBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaolePeace, security and confidencebuildingon the African continentare promoted throughconstructive dialogue aimedat nurturing sound defencerelations.The Chief of the Ghanaian Defence Staff,Lt Gen Augustine Blay, accompaniedby his delegation visited South Africaas a guest of the Chief of the SANDF,Gen Solly Shoke, over the period 9 to 14October 2011.The aim of the visit was to strengthenand enhance the already good relationsbetween the two armed forces. Awelcoming parade was held at DefenceHeadquarters in Pretoria on 10 October2011. The visit also included a courtesycall, a briefing on the SANDF andrelated matters and visits to militaryThe aim of the visit was to strengthen and enhance thealready good relations between the two armed forces.installations to obtain a better idea ofthe capabilities of the SANDF.In welcoming his Ghanaian visitors theChief of the SANDF mentioned that inthe light of the developments that havebeen taking place in Africa, defenceforces needed to be role-models innation building and maintaininga strong commitment to regionalintegration. They exchanged views onissues related to stability challenges,maritime crime, e.g. piracy, which havebeen attracting much internationalattention.Lt Gen Blay said in response that hewished to reiterate his desire to furtherstrengthen relations and co-operationbetween South Africa and Ghana.He pointed out that the exchangeof expertise and information wouldalso serve as a fact-finding mission toachieve a holistic understanding of theSANDF.State visits have been found to be auseful mechanism to evaluate the stateof bilateral relations between countries.Forming alliances with other Africancountries added to South Africa’s ownsecurity and that of the other memberstates. This enhanced peace andstability in the region and created anenvironment conducive to growth andprosperity.UPHOLD CLOSE DEFENCE RELATIONS Sitting, fl tr: Lt Gen Augustine Blay, the Chief of GhanaianDefence Staff, and Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SANDF, with senior RSA and Ghanaiandelegates.14 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RFocus on safeguardingof airspaceBy Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaThe current state of countries’porous borders has compelledthem to react to safeguardtheir territories, which in someinstances may be virtuallyimpossible to cover entirely.Citizens have been left at the mercy ofterrorists, pirates, human traffickers,wildlife poachers, illegal immigrants,narcotics and arms smugglers,syndicates and organised crime.South Africa, perceived to be Africa’seconomic hub in the 21 st century, hasbeen viewed as a target for lucrativeeconomic exchanges and illegaldealings. Operation CORONA, whichis under way, has been a resoundingsuccess with reports of apprehendedpoachers and contraband seized fromsmugglers.The South African Joint Air DefenceSymposium (SAJADS), held atthe CSIR in Pretoria on 27 and 28September 2011, sought to exertmore pressure on illegal activities onthe borders and to improve on thesuccess that was achieved duringOperation KGWELE. About 20candidates presented their papersat the symposium in an attemptto find solutions to managing andmaintaining effective border control.The aim of SAJADS is to providea forum where members of theAir Defence fraternity have theopportunity to exchange informationand ideas on requirements,technology and solutions, both on aformal and an informal basis. Thetheme of SAJADS 2011 is “SouthAfrican Joint Air Defence: Air BorderSafeguarding” which is in keepingwith the South African Government’sstrategic objectives and priorities toprovide support to the people of SouthAfrica.The theme necessitates a new look atThe Chief of Joint Operations, Lt GenDerick Mgwebi, (former Chief of HumanResources) who was recently appointedto head the division, is set to deal withchallenges that arise in joint operations,including border control issues.the nature of operations envisaged,as the focus is shifting from defenceagainst aggression towards operationsother than war. Systems must beemployed with careful considerationof the operational and physicalenvironment, and threats involvingoperations other than war.It also strives for integration withother government departmentsto include concepts of joint,interagency, interdepartmentaland multinational operations. Thesafety and effectiveness of joint airdefence systems in a joint operationsenvironment is to be ensured byemploying the Interoperability DevelopmentEnvironment Facility toverify and validate the system-ofsystemsinteroperability doctrine.Lt Cdr Christoff Theunissen wasone of the candidates to present apaper. It was entitled “Air BorderSafeguarding: TakingBack The Initiative”, theaim of which was to raiseawareness regardingSouth African border safeguarding,with specificfocus on the safeguardingof South Africa’sairspace. He mentionedthat conventional,symmetric threats hadshifted towards moreunconventional andasymmetric threats.Radical political andreligious groups,organised crimesyndicates and other nongovernmentalgroups nowthreaten state security bycross-border crime morethan the conventionalthreat posed by otherstates.Lt Cdr Theunissenconceded that lessonslearnt in OperationKGWELE could beintegrated into Operation CORONA.This would re-inforce the experiencegained from Operation KGWELE andstandard operating procedures couldbe refined and adjusted into feasiblelong-term solutions to safeguardingand controlling airspace.The long-term success ofsafeguarding airspace depends onfactors such as time, which willdetermine the period of deployment,while the effective control of airspacealso requires more permanent sectorcontrol centres. South Africa has aland border of 4 471 km, a coastlineof 2 798 km and an air border of 766 km. Widespread sector controlcentres will be required for effectivecontrol of airspace around SouthAfrica’s borders. The SA Air Forcecan provide Gripen and Hawksquadrons for standing air patrols,interceptions and force-downs, while>> on page 16N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 15

S A S O L D I E Revents>> from page 15the Oryx, Lynx and Augusta 109squadrons could provide support toground personnel when required.Support equipment and personnelare to be made available for aircraft.Air traffic control and commandand control personnel will play acritical role and are to be deployedas required. Airbases and airportscan also be readied for operationsover medium to long periodsof deployment. Tactical mobileradars, intelligence equipment andpersonnel will be required as well.The use of an integrated surveillanceand detection system would havethe ability to detect threats early andto respond to incursions at SouthAfrica’s long borders. An integratedsystem of ground based and airbornesurveillance radars is required toreinforce the current radar systems inuse by the SA Air Force and the AirTraffic and Navigation Service.Lt Cdr Theunissen said that throughinternational co-operation, SouthAfrica was in a position to assiststates at various stages of economicand political development andstability in order to achieve abetter border control, which wouldresult in the ability to combat andprevent trans-border crime, and alsoencourage regional trade in goodsand services.Operation KGWELE proved that thesecuring of South Africa’s airspacewas achievable. Airspace controlmeasures such as vetting protocolsand security screening codes forpilots and flight authorisation codesproved very effective. Six sectorcontrol centres were successfulin controlling the airspace overthe soccer match venues lastyear. Integrating the successesand lessons learnt in OperationKGWELE into Operation CORONAwill pave the way for long-termairspace control.Co-operation in defence andmilitary diplomacyArticle and photo byS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe India, Brazil and SouthAfrica (IBSA) Defence WorkGroup was held in Pretoriaon 11 and 12 October 2011.This work group served asanother building block inthe process ofstrengtheningthe friendship,commoninterest andmilitaryto-militaryco-operationbetween thethree defenceforces.Themeetingbetween thethree allies alsoprovided anopportunityto look at theworld situation,particularly theissue of peaceand stability onthe continentand in theregion. Peace,stability, thepossibility ofexpanding knowledge, exchangingtraining, technical and medicalskills, joint military co-operationand joint exercises were touchedon by the three countries in theirdiscussions.Joint efforts towards acommon cause and shared goalsthat would help in realisingdemocracy and good governancewere also discussed. The threecountries emphasised that the termsof reference of the IBSA DefenceWork Group paved the way for cooperationin defence relations andmilitary diplomacy to deal with anumber of significant areas of mutualbenefit.Delegates from India, Brazil and South Africa (IBSA) who attended the IBSA DefenceWork Group in Pretoria.16 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

10 th anniversaryS A S O L D I E RSA Soldier reaches10 year milestoneBy Lufuno NetshirembePhotos: S Sgt Leonard XabaSASoldier was introducedto you, the reader, inMay 2001 as the officialmonthly magazine ofthe SA Department ofDefence. It has been ten years sincethe first SA Soldier was publishedand it is still making impressivestrides in pursuance of militaryjournalistic excellence. To mark thisgrowth, SA Soldier celebrated its 10 thanniversary at Stone Cradle restaurantnear Rietvlei Dam in Pretoria on 30September 2011.SA Soldier used this opportunity to thank its stakeholders fortheir contributions over the past ten years and to strengthenrelationships between SA Soldier and its stakeholders.It was the social event of the year onthe calendar of Defence CorporateCommunication since the dawn ofdemocracy. This event providedthe ideal opportunity for SA Soldierto thank its stakeholders for theircontributions over the past tenyears as well as to strengthenrelationships between SA Soldier andits stakeholders.The Defence Staff Council, SA SoldierEditorial Teams and SA SoldierEditorial Board members of thepast ten years, members of DefenceCorporate Communication andrepresentatives of the sponsors wereinvited to attend this historic occasion.The then Director Defence CorporateCommunication, Brig Gen MarthieVisser, in her keynote addresshighlighted briefly the journey SASoldier had travelled to the awardwinning occasion in 2005. “Thedistance that the magazine hastravelled is amazing. From humbleABOVE: Prof Ronel Rensburg, President of the Public RelationsInstitute of South Africa, was the guest speaker at the 10 thanniversary of SA Soldier.beginnings to being named theGovernment Communicator of theYear in 2005. This did not come aboutbecause there was a chance to gaingreat popularity and honour, but itdid come about because there was acommitment to genuine reporting that>> on page 18N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 17

S A S O L D I E R10 th anniversary>> from page 17documented our society today,” saidBrig Gen Visser.She added: “No matter how well wemay have wanted the magazine todo, it could not be done without adedicated team. It was clear from thebeginning that running the magazinewould be a sacrificial effort. Thereforewe needed a team that was willing togo and cover stories in all corners ofour land where military personnel arebased.”The President of the Public RelationsInstitute of South Africa (PRISA),Prof Ronel Rensburg, was the guestspeaker at the event. She addressedthe topic of the significance ofinternal communication and in-housemagazines in an organisation.“To the SA Soldier team, a happy 10 thanniversary. Thank you for all theefforts in distributing the monthlymagazine that is so informative at alltimes. Please keep on with the goodwork and may the Lord bless you inall your career aspirations. Happy 10years,” wrote Brig Gen Debbie Molefefrom Defence Reserves.“SA Soldier comes a long, long way inkeeping DOD employees and the publicinformed of what we do best. Halalahalala SA Soldier,” wrote Ms TebogoBopape from Directorate HumanResources Corporate Communication.“Sho sho sho! SA Soldier, my favouriteteam in this wide and diverse military… I wish to compliment you on a jobwell done. As usual, Nelda, you andyour entire team rock, keep rocking,”wrote Lt Col Tsholo Tseke from DODForeign Learning Opportunities.“Baie, baie geluk SA Soldier, onssien uit na die volgende 10 jaarvan uitmuntende leesstof” (meaning“many, many thanks SA Soldier,we are looking forward to the next10 years of exceptional readingmaterial.”) wrote Maj LindieClaassens from Defence CorporateCommunication.The National Ceremonial Guard Bandprovided lively music that kept peopleentertained during the celebration,while Ms Rowena Sibanda captivatedthe guests in her role as master ofceremonies.ABOVE: The SA Soldier editorial team, fltr: Kgabo Mashamaite,Jim Tshabalala, Cpl Ally Rakoma, Bibi Sibanyoni, S SgtLebogang Tlhaole, Sgt Elias Mahuma, Nelda Pienaar,Lufuno Netshirembe and Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela.The invited guests wished SA Soldierwell and their sentiments werepenned on the guest register. Lt ColGerda Tredoux from the TrainingCommand wrote: “All the best toall of you wonderful people. Mayyou keep on going from strengthto strength. It has always been apleasure working with you and Ihope I will have the privilege to doit again in the near future. Happybirthday. God bless you.”RIGHT: Sgt Elias Mahuma,senior photographer ofSA Soldier, lighting thecandles on the specialbirthday cake, whileCpl Ally Rakoma, a jounalistof SA Soldier, looks on.18 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

10 th anniversaryS A S O L D I E RThis first-class celebrationwas made possible by thegenerosity of the sponsors,namely Sanlam, MetropolitanLife, Shereno Printers, CSIR,Reutech, Strategic DefenceSystems, Grintek, the SA ArmyFoundation, BAE Systems andLiberty.In my language, Tshivenda,we say: Munwe muthihi a u tusimathuthu, which means: “onefinger is useless in carryinganything, you need all fingers todo anything effectively. Indeed,without all your contributions,this evening would haveremained just a wish.Viva SA Soldier Viva!Fltr: Ms Anneri Schultz and Mr Jaap van der Poll, both from theSA Army Foundation, Col Mpho Pheko from Defence CorporateCommunication, Brig Gen Debbie Molefe from Defence Reserves, andMs Ruth Tutu from Directorate Language Services.Fltr: Maj Lindie Claassens and Mr Chappy Holtzhausen, both from DefenceCorporate Communication (DCC), Mr George Thiart, WO2 (Ret) TaniaKettles, Mr Martin Desiderati, former members of Defence CorporateCommunication, Mr Werner van der Westhuizen from DCC and Col (Ret)Horst Schöbesberger.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 19

S A S O L D I E ReventsInfanteers say goodbyeto Lt Gen NkabindeBy Maj Merle Meyer,Communication Officer SA ArmyInfantry FormationOn 27 October 2011 theInfanteers paid tribute to LtGen Themba Nkabinde witha battalion in review paradeheld at the very scenicSchool of Infantry sportsgrounds in George with the lovelySwartberg in the background.The members on parade were thoseon course at the School of Infantry,while the colour parties were from theWestern and Eastern Cape Infantryunits. The ASB Western Cape Bandentertained the guests with theirprogramme of music. And of courseno Infantry parade is completewithout the paratroopers jumping inwith various military flags, despite thefreezing cold wind.Lt Gen Nkabinde had served as theGeneral Officer Commanding (GOC) ofthe SA Army Infantry Formation since2003 and was promoted to the rankof Lieutenant General and as Chief ofHuman Resources on 1 October 2011.During the period that Lt GenNkabinde served as the GOC of theSA Army Infantry Formation, theFormation was deployed to Burundi,the Democratic Republic of the Congoand the Sudan. The Area DefenceCapability, which consisted of 183commando units and 20 Group HQwas phased out, after which theInfanteers returned to the borderswhere they have served with greatsuccess. In addition the InfantrySpecialist Capability is in the processof being revived.Lt Gen Nkabinde complimented theInfanteers as being “giants” - tall instature and spirit on whose shouldershe was able to stand, and they werethe people who had carried himLt Gen Themba Nkabinde,during his farewell paradeas General OfficerCommanding of the SAArmy Infantry Formation.during his term as the GOC. Lt GenNkabinde said that in his new postthe challenge was to manage humanresources efficiently and effectively, butalso in an ethical and moral manner,with the emphasis on motivation.Lt Gen Nkabinde emphasised that highmorale could only be obtained by animprovement in working conditions,ABOVE: Infantry Formationmembers on Lt Gen ThembaNkabinde’s farewell parade asGeneral Officer Commanding ofthe SA Army Infantry Formation.high discipline and by payingattention to soft issues. He added thatin his new post he would be able tolook out for the Infanteers, the biggesthuman resources element in theSANDF.Lt Gen Nkabinde encouraged all theInfanteers to carry Maj Gen LindileYam, who took over as the new GOCof the SA Army Infantry Formationon their strong shoulders and hewished his successor all the best ofluck because he would hit the groundrunning with the SA Army InfantryFormation, which was very dynamic,busy and the best. Lt Gen Nkabinde,may you continue to wield the sword;the Infantry wish you well.20 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RA new era dawns for the DODHuman Resources DivisionBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleAnew era dawned for theHuman Resources Divisionat the Change of CommandParade at the PersonnelService School in ThabaTshwane on 14 October 2011.The parade was held for the formalpresentation of a sword of commandto the new Chief of Human ResourcesDivision, Lt Gen Themba Nkabinde,by Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi, who hasbeen appointed as Chief of JointOperations. Before his promotionLt Gen Nkabinde was the GeneralOfficer Commanding of the SA ArmyInfantry Formation, to which post hewas appointed in 2003.This follows high-level promotionsof senior officers of the South AfricanNational Defence force (SANDF)recently and of others who werelaterally transferred to assumecommand in their new roles andresponsibilities.In his acceptance speech Lt GenNkabinde said he was honouredto have been presented with theopportunity to direct the DODHuman Resources Division and offerleadership. He further undertookto perform his duties with zeal,diligence and by setting a goodexample to all those under hiscommand.Addressing the parade for the lasttime, Lt Gen Mgwebi acknowledgedthe challenges he had to face for thepast four years, but encouraged LtGen Nkabinde to tackle them headon.Lt Gen Mgwebi said: “Since itsinception in July 2006 in order theDOD Human Resources has had toThe outgoing Chief of Human Resources, Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi(left) hands the sword of command to his incumbent, Lt GenThemba Nkabinde, during the change of command parade.function more effectively, efficientlyand cost-effectively. The HumanResources Division had to endureserious challenges, especiallyregarding office space, a dwindlingbudget, skilled people in certainmusterings, equipment and materialto do the job and in the light ofthe above we were expected to becreative and resourceful in executingour given mission. We can, however,in the midst of all challenges, listsuccesses such as participation in theestablishment of the Department ofMilitary Veterans, the improvementof conditions of service of soldiersas recommended by the InterimNational Defence Force ServiceCommission to the Minister ofDefence and Military Veterans, themigration of the Service Corps to formthe Defence Works Formation with allits resources, resolving the problemsof the employees who were in Policyand Procedure on incapacity leaveand ill health retirement, gazettingof the Non-statutory Forces pensionrules with effect from July 2011 wherea number of payments have alreadybeen processed according to variouscategories set by the governmentpension administration agency andthe migration of the OccupationalHealth and Safety function from theSA Military Health Service to theHuman Resources Division.”N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 21

S A S O L D I E ReventsFormer Chief of JointOperations reunites withJoint OperationsBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaAformer Chief of JointOperations was welcomedback to the Joint OperationsDivision family during achange of command paradeheld at Air Force Gymnasiumin Thaba Tshwane on 28 October2011. Lt Gen Derick Mgwebi receivedthe symbolic sword to lead the JointOperations Division once again afterhe relinquished his position as Chiefof Human Resources.His predecessor, Lt Gen TembaMatanzima, who has been at thehelm since September 2007 has beenseconded to the office of the Ministerof Defence and Military Veterans, MsLindiwe Sisulu.Immediately after assuming his newrole as the Chief of Joint Operations,Lt Gen Mgwebi promised to raisethe bar still further of the standardsalready laid by Lt Gen Matanzima.Lt Gen Mgwebi said: “As I startthe long walk into this role as theHead of Joint Operations I, togetherwith the professional membersof the SANDF of all Services andDivisions, intend to uphold and fulfilthe mandate entrusted to us by thepeople of South Africa to promotepeace and stability in the deployedareas according to the policy ofour Government. We are awaretherefore that we are stepping ontothe shoulders of those before us inorder to become tall like them andwill ensure that those soldiers whoare doing duty for our country, bothinternally and externally, are welltaken care of. It is therefore importantthat we remain focused whileLt Gen Temba Matanzima, the outgoing Chief of Joint Operations(left) hands over the sword of command to Lt Gen Derick Mgwebiduring the change of command parade.discharging our functions in honourof those who fell and sacrificedtheir lives in defence of our country.I would also like to appeal to theMinister in her presence here today,that ready as we are, our resourcesshould be commensurate with thetasks allocated to Joint Operations.”Delivering his last address in his34-year career in military uniform,an emotional Lt Gen Matanzimacongratulated Lt Gen Mgwebi onhis new appointment and wished himwell.Lt Gen Matanzima said: “A specialwelcome to Lt Gen Mgwebi. I knowyou very well and will rest peacefullyknowing that my beloved Division isin the capable hands of a dedicatedand utterly professional commander.You are taking over a proficientgroup of people who are well versedin operational doctrine and administrativesupport and functions.”22 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

trainingS A S O L D I E RSAMHS Nursing Collegemaking SAMHS self-sufficientBy Pte Siphokazi Dlakamela,Corp Com MSDS InternPhoto: S Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleThe recently held diplomaceremony for nursing studentsof the SA Military HealthService (SAMHS) NursingCollege was a demonstration ofthe commitment of the Collegeto supporting Government in its callfor all Government departments toequip our youth with knowledge andskills. It was held at Unisa in Pretoriaon 29 September 2011.Every year the SAMHS NursingCollege ensures the self-sufficiencyof the SAMHS and of the SA NationalDefence (SANDF) as a whole bytraining high-quality health careprofessionals.“May you never lose your enthusiasmand your inspiration for doing thebest for every patient or client,” saidthe Director of Humanities, SocialSciences and Theology of Unisa,Prof Marthie Bezuidenhout, inher congratulatory address as sheencouraged the new graduates to bethe best they could be throughouttheir profession as qualified nurses.Col Fezeka Mabona, the Offi cer Commanding of the SAMHSNursing College, bestowed a diploma on CO Laurencia Roos whograduated cum laude.The guest speaker, Dr SharonVasuthevan, who has a Ph.D. inNursing, and is an Executive Managerof Nursing at Life Healthcare Group,challenged the excited graduates tomake nursing “my nursing”, and saidthat attitude would help them growand be responsible nurses. Speakingabout her nursing experience, she toldthe packed hall “nursing is like a teamsport” and encouraged the graduatesto work as a team in order to succeed.Dr Vasuthevan told the graduates thatgood followership and leadershipwere essential for nursing. Sheemphasised that discipline formed thebasis of leadership and success. “… Solife is not a bed of roses, and definitelynursing ain’t,” said Dr Vasuthevan.The first group that entered the hall toreceive their diplomas was Group AE,for the Diploma in Clinical ScienceHealth Assessment, Treatment andCare. Altogether 23 students graduated,with a total of 39 distinctions. In thiscategory, Lt Louisa le Grange stood outas she attained her qualification cumlaude. Next was Group AF from thesame category with 32 students whoreceived their diplomas with a total of45 distinctions.The second group, the diplomafollowing the four-year course leadingto registration as a nurse (General,Psychiatric and Community) andmidwife, saw 44 students graduate inthis category and obtain 14 distinctions,with CO Rachel Mahlangu and COLaurencia Roos graduating cum laude.The graduates also received trophiesas tokens of appreciation for theirdedication and hard work. COMahlangu became the centre ofattention as she collected three trophieson top of her cum laude. She wasawarded the Blanche ScheepersFloating Trophy (the learner with thebest achievement in General NursingScience), the M.C. Opperman FloatingTrophy (the learner with the bestachievement in midwifery) and theSurgeon General Floating Trophy(for the most versatile learner in theacademic field).This phenomenal young womanfinished a two-year nursing diplomain 2002 and then worked as a staffnurse. She later completed a diplomain nursing after a four-year courseleading to registration as a nurse.Speaking to Milmed magazineabout her achievements, she saidperseverance was the key to hersuccesses and her great achievementsduring her years of study. At theevent the SAMHS Band provided theentertainment.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 23

S A S O L D I E ReventsSA Army WO/NCO Competitionmarks its 17 th year of itsexistenceBy Cpl Itumeleng MakhubelaPhoto: S Sgt O. SmithCol Lawrence Mbatha, OfficerCommanding SA Army Gymnasium,gave an overview of thehistory of the SA Army WarrantOfficer and Non-CommissionedOfficer Competition when hedeclared it officially open at the SAArmy Gymnasium in Heidelberg on 12September 2011.He said: “In the mid nineties the SAArmy decided to institute a specialday for the warrant officers andnon-commissioned officers (WOs/NCOs) in the organisation. It wasdecided to celebrate it in the form ofa competition. The first competitionwas a great success, and thus it becamean annual event. The aim of thecompetition was both to maintain andimprove the standard of all the basicmilitary requirements for soldiering.The annual competition is precededby competitions at formation level,whereafter the best members of eachformation compete in the SA Armycompetition to determine the best SAArmy member in a specific item and/or rank grouping.”Col Mbatha mentioned that thecompetition was established to upliftthe standard of basic soldiering, andto provide a tool to judge the presentstandard of the WOs and NCOs in theSA Army. Countries that took part in thefixtures included Botswana, Zimbabwe,Swaziland, Lesotho, Malawi, Tanzania,Zambia and Mozambique.After five days of an excitingcompetition a prize-giving ceremonyfollowed to award those who hadperformed to the best of their abilitiesduring the competition. The then Chiefof the SA Army Force Structure, MajGen Lungile Dlulane, noted duringhis keynote address that WOs andNCOs are the custodians of militarydiscipline.The Officer Commanding of SA Army Gymnasium, Col LawrenceMbatha (left), and Brig Gen Nontobeko Mpaxa, Commandant of theSA Army Combat Training Centre, with L Cpl Charlton Lukas, holdingthe Warrant Officer Competition Trophy that the SA Army TrainingFormation B Team won during the SA Army WO/NCO Competition.In support of his statement, ColMbatha said: “I have taken an extractfrom the Creed of the Warrant Officer,and I quote: ‘As a Warrant Officer Iam the personification of authorityand justness … I possess extensiveknowledge in the fields of militarylifestyle, traditions and policy. Beinga Warrant Officer I set an example atall levels with regard to discipline,conduct, punctuality and efficiency’.”When he elaborated on drill Maj GenDlulane said: “In ancient times themost powerful and developed empiresdeveloped a way of moving organisedunits or troops from one place toanother on the battlefield withoutindividuals getting mixed up withother units or getting lost. Formingup men in a block, which we now calla squad or block, meant men stayedtogether, and the command systemwas more effective. This was improvedwhen a system of flags was developedso that soldiers could identify theirown units on the field and make theirway to their correct flag carrier if theygot separated. You can see that drilland marching were developed asinstruments of command and controlto direct the movement of troopsduring battle”.He indicated that an army thatregularly took part in parades inpublic was highly professional, andsuch discipline can be shown in publicdisplays by means of military tattoosand exercises. He concluded: “Withthese words I encourage the NCOsand Warrant Officers to continue withthis competition. I know that thiscompetition is regarded as one of thepriorities in the SA Army Budget andby the SA Army Foundation, becausewe recognise the importance of itsobjectives.”24 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

focus on womenS A S O L D I E RSAMHS first female paratrooperBy Pte Siphokazi Dlakamela,Corp Com MSDS InternPhoto provided by L Cpl MolateloNkoanaIt is often said that dynamitecomes in small packages. L CplMolatelo Nkoana is indeed aliving example of this famousstatement. She told us that onedid not need muscles, onlymental readiness and discipline to bea paratrooper and, being as athletic asshe is, she was determined to pass theparatrooper selection. This is whatthe 26-year-old woman who hailsfrom Bochum in Limpopo, currentlyat 7 Medical Battalion had to say withpride in an interview with Milmedmagazine:“I am a hard worker. I knew I wasgoing to pass because I believe thatif you put your mind into anythingyou want, you will definitely get it,”she enthused. When asked aboutthe challenges of being in a maledominatedfield, she cheerfully saidthat she went with men to her firstparatrooper selection and passed itwith them as the selection criteria isthe same for both male and femalesoldiers. L Cpl Nkoana emphasisedthe power of a positive mind that whilemaking highlighting that she does notsee herself as an extraordinary womanfor having passed the paratrooperselection.A highlight for her as a paratrooper isthe water jumping held annually nearBloemfontein where the paratroopersattempt to jump into a dam.This is a woman the South AfricanMilitary Health Service (SAMHS) isproud to have, as she is the first femaleparatrooper to represent the SAMHSin the South African National DefenceForce (SANDF). L Cpl Nkoana is oneof six female paratroopers in theSANDF. She joined the Military SkillsL Cpl Nkoana cheerfully said she went to her first paratrooperselection with men and passed it with them as the selectioncriteria are the same for both male and female soldiers.L Cpl Molatelo Nkoana preparing to take to the air for a jump.Development System (MSDS) at theage of 22 years in 2007 and shortlyafter Basic Military Training went forparatrooper selection. She was one of13 female soldiers to go for paratrooperselection. All had one dream, i.e. tobe paratroopers, but only two weresuccessful. Today she is seen as anextraordinary woman making hermark in this male-dominated field inthe military.She has immense enthusiasm forhelping people and, having experiencedthe emotional challenges one facesduring military training, L Cpl Nkoanawould like to further her studies tobe a qualified social worker. Mentalpreparedness when one is undergoingtraining or during operations and whenfar away from home is important andshe would like to be one of the peoplerendering this service to uniformedmembers of the SANDF in future.L Cpl Nkoana is indeed an examplethat women are as capable as men,especially in the SANDF. She is suchan inspiration to all young women.She wants to motivate them never tounderestimate their capabilities inany field. Later this year she will bequalifying as an Ambulance EmergencyAssistant.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 25

S A S O L D I E ReventsShowcasing the firepowerof our artilleryArticle and photos byS Sgt Lebogang TlhaoleIt is estimated that over 11 000people visited the annual SAArtillery Open Day at 4 ArtilleryRegiment in Potchefstroom on17 September 2011, which is ashowcase of Artillery expertise.In its commitment to the Government’s diplomatic initiatives,the Department of Defence requires advanced andinteroperable technology to be able to participate in peacemissions on the continent.The DOD in its commitment to theGovernment’s diplomatic initiativesrequires advanced and interoperabletechnology to be able to participate inpeace missions on the continent. Thetechnology acquired and currentlyoperated by the SA Army Artillerywas displayed on the open day.The impressive exhibition of artilleryhardware and spectacular live firingdemonstrations highlighted the stateof combat-readiness and capabilities ofthe artillery. This will ensure effectiveparticipation in any mandatedmilitary operation sanctioned by theGovernment. The SA Air Force and 44Parachute Regiment were afforded theopportunity to be active participantsas an integral part of the SANDF.The aim of the open day was to exposethe community, especially the youth,ABOVE: A G5-155 mm gunhowitzer fired by the team madeup only of women, from the gunnerto the loader.ABOVE: Members of the SANDF and the public viewing the SANDFhardware on display during the Artillery Open Day.ABOVE: 44 ParachuteRegiment was afforded theopportunity to be an activeparticipant as an integralpart of the SANDF.26 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RBELOW: The Artillery OpenDay provides an opportunity toshowcase artillery capabilitiesand combat-readiness througha significant and impressiveexhibition of Artillery hardware.ABOVE: The Artillery OpenDay was an effort to maintainhealthy relationships with thecommunities.BELOW: Members of Artilleryfi ring the 120 mm mortar duringthe Artillery Open Day.ABOVE: A highlight for the public was undoubtedly thespectacular firepower demonstrations that involved alltypes of guns in operation in the SA Army Artillery Corps.The GV6 – 155 mm self-propelled gun howitzer – Renosterin action.to the military environmentand to create an opportunity toeducate them on military mattersand the SANDF. A number ofschools were invited to the openday with the aim of inspiringand raising the level of interestof the learners so that they couldserve their country by joining theSANDF after Grade 12.The Artillery Open Day is ahighlight on the DODcalendar that attractsmilitary people andcivilians. It provides aplatform and opportunityfor the SA Army ArtilleryFormation to interact withall its stakeholders andto contribute to a betterunderstanding of theSANDF’s internal andexternal roles.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 27

S A S O L D I E ReventsAFB Waterkloof Airshowand Lifestyle ExpoBy Cpl Ally RakomaPhotos: WO2 DavidNomtshongwanaOn 1 October 2011 nearly 50 000spectators came to enjoy thedaring dance of aircraft inthe sky, thundering throughthe air and displaying theirmanoeuvrability during theAFB Waterkloof Airshow and LifestyleExpo in Pretoria. The lifestyle expooffered various items for shoppers andfor young people to learn more aboutavionics.The 2011 Airshow was meant to test the revampedinfrastructure and systems at the base in preparation for thelargest African exhibition of air, land and sea capability in 2012.Prior to the event, Brig Gen SamMadumane, the Officer Commandingof AFB Waterkloof, said that the2011 Airshow was meant to test therevamped infrastructure and systemsat the base in preparation for the largestAfrican exhibition of air, land and seacapability. The next Africa Aerospaceand Defence (AAD) Expo will takeplace at AFB Waterkloof in September2012.He said that since 2004, while therunway upgrades were taking placeand other infrastructure was beinginstalled, the AAD was held at AFBYsterplaat in Cape Town. Brig GenMadumane said: “Everything we nowhave at AFB Waterkloof passed thelitmus test and we are ready, able andlooking forward to 2012.”The local aviation companies supportedthe event with their corporate standsthat included stalls and displaysof aerospace and general aviationproducts and services.ABOVE: A mixtureof young and oldspectators enjoyingthe Airshow andLifestyle Expo atAFB Waterkloof.The airshow saw aviation enthusiastsbeing thrilled by an array of militaryaircraft ranging from the country’snewly acquired Gripen fighter jet, Hawklead-in fighter trainer jets, Rooivalkcombat support helicopter, Mirage F1,Impala, Oryx, BK 117, Agusta A-109,C130, Bosbok, Kudu, Albatross, Pumaand United States Air Force (USAF)C130 heavy-lift transport and civiliancommercial aircraft, including the SAABoeing 737.ABOVE: Grade 11and 12 learnerswere given theopportunity toexperience themilitary high-techscience of virtualaviation computers.28 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RThe SA Air Force’s best pilots, the SilverFalcons, and Harvard and Pitt specialaerobatics teams provided spectacularstatic displays, including solo performancesand formation flying. They were veryimpressive to watch as they demonstratedsynchronised and harmonious aerobaticmanoeuvres that showed that flying couldmake one a super hero and top-notchprofessional.ABOVE: SA AirForce aircraftperforming anaerial breakawayduring theair capabilitydemonstration.In view of the significance of the airshowand its ongoing commitment to youth, theSA Air Force recognised the necessity ofpresenting a quality youth programmeworthy of the occasion, firstly to providemilitary aviation exposure to the youththrough the Siyandiza and the YoungFalcons programmes, secondly to createawareness of career opportunities forthose in the Military Skills DevelopmentSystem (MSDS) by focusing on skills in theaviation, maritime, electronics, engineeringand military health environments requiredto link the military high-tech science andaerospace defence technology.Adding flavour to the day was the air powercapability demonstration that showcasedthe sharp end of South Africa’s airbornemight and defence capabilities.ABOVE: Aviation enthusiasts being thrilled bythe Silver Falcons aerobatics team.ABOVE: The SA Military Health Servicedemonstrating its world-class chemical andbiological emergency treatment capabilities.ABOVE: United States Air Force C130heavy-lift transport aircraft demonstratingits air-to-air refuelling capability.LEFT: A display of systemswon the admiration of younglearners.ABOVE: A Hawk lead-in-fi ghter trainer jet in actionover the airfield showing its air flexibility.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 29

S A S O L D I E ReventsHonorary Colonelsdine our ChiefBy Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaHistory was made when theHonorary Colonels of theSA National Defence Force(SANDF) hosted the newlyappointed Chief of the SANational Defence Force, GenSolly Shoke, to dinner at the RandClub in Johannesburg on 29 September2011.The aim of the event was to host the new Chief of theSANDF with a view to obtaining his ideas on the contributionthe Honorary Colonels could make to the organisation.The main aim of the event was tohost the new Chief of the SANDFwith a view to obtaining his ideasabout and plans for the SANDF, hisexpectations and the contributions theHonorary Colonels could make to theorganisation.Delivering his keynote address, GenShoke expressed his gratitude for thesupport of the Honorary Colonels forassisting various units to uphold theirtraditions. He also thanked them forenhancing civil-military relations.Gen Shoke remarked: “As HonoraryColonels, the SANDF is immenselyproud to have you on board to helpwith your ideas and skills in yourcapacities as captains of industry andfor the role you continue to play inenhancing the image of the SANDF. Wewould also appreciate your continuousengagement with opinion and policymakers to persuade them to add moreto the budget of the SANDF to enableus to execute our mandate during timesof need, such as the assistance duringthe National Public Service Strike in2007, the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cupand the floods in Mozambique in 2000.With a bigger budget the SANDF cando even more.”He appealed to the HonoraryColonels to assist with employmentopportunities for the Reserve Forcemembers who cannot be absorbed intothe SANDF system due to budgetaryABOVE: The Chief of the SANDF,Gen Solly Shoke (left) and HonoraryColonel Tito Mboweni, the formerGovernor of the Reserve Bank, at thedinner.constraints. Col Basil Hersov, on behalfof the Honorary Colonels Association,thanked the Chief of the SANDF andexpressed his appreciation for GenShoke’s presence at the historic event.Col Hersov appealed to the Chief of theSANDF to include the services of theABOVE: The RandClub Mess President,Col Errol Richardson,welcoming the Chiefof the SANDF, GenSolly Shoke, tothe dinner with theHonorary Colonels ofthe SANDF.Honorary Colonels duringthe change of commandparades and to introduce servicemedals in recognition of the servicesof the Honorary Colonels. He alsoasked that a similar gathering beheld on a continuous basis so thatfeedback could be relayed to themembers.30 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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S A S O L D I E ReventsFort iKapa - home of theWestern Cape Defence ReservesBy Kgabo MashamaitePhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaWhen one approachesthe gate of Fort iKapa,a military base inGoodwood, CapeTown, the home ofReserve Force units inthe Western Cape Province, one isgreeted by the sight of disciplinedand dedicated Reserve Force soldiersperforming guard duties at theentrance, and you immediately feelwelcome among all 12 units locatedwithin a stretch of 54 hectares ofland.The high standard and dedication area true reflection of the life and timesof SANDF members plying their tradewithin the enclosure.One is greeted by disciplined and dedicated Reserve Forcesoldiers performing guard duties at the entrance, and you immediatelyfeel welcome among all 12 units located there.It was for this reason that SA Soldierteam members spent two days on afact-finding mission to investigatethe reasons for the uniqueness andsynergy between the different unitswith different cultures and traditions,though they operate in the same yard,sharing resources and information.According to Col (Dr) Allan Nelson,the Officer Commanding of theCape Field Artillery Regiment, andthe project officer tasked with theresponsibility of drawing up a planto reactivate the place to bring allthe scattered Reserve Force units allover the peninsula together, the unitrepresents an important milestone inthe history of the Defence Reserves.“When we started the project in 1999,the place was overgrown with shrubsbecause it was no longer part of theplans of the Department of Defenceand there was a need to gather allthe Reserve Force units together.After the plan was approved in 2001,the first step was to erect a fence,followed by the refurbishment ofthe hangars, as this place was usedThis sign serves as confirmation that Fort iKapa is the home of 12 Reserve Force units. Here visitors areguaranteed a warm reception by unit members.32 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

eventsS A S O L D I E RSEBOKA, and prepares troops fordeployment to mission areas. LtCol Nesset added that the “Dukes”also provide technical services formilitary combat vehicles and lightmotor vehicles. The CTR is also usedfor the daily administration of theentire unit via 30 Field Workshop, atechnical support unit within FortiKapa. It is also responsible for theadministration, among others, of thefuelling point.Our next pitstop was RegimentWestelike Provincie (RWP), where wewere warmly received by Maj HaroldGertse, the Second-in-Command, andhis staff, who were still busy withpre-deployment training of abouteight companies due to be sent to theSudan on Operation CORDITE.L Cpl Thadi Viti, a third time SA Army Combat Gold Cup ShootingCompetition winner, offers musketry advice to MWO John Tuck,the Regimental Sergeant Major of Fort iKapa, during the visit of SASoldier to the base.by 6 Base Ordnance Depot for theWingfield Airodrome which wasutilised by the English Royal Navy in1941 during World War II. Provisionof infrastructure such as roads, pipesand electricity followed suit. Thearea, apart from being the home of theReserve Force in the Western Cape, isalso the habitat of endangered faunaand flora, which we are really proudof conserving. It is envisaged thatthe whole project will be finishedby 2014,” said Col (Dr) Nelson, whoholds a PhD in Engineering.MWO John Tuck, the RSM of the unit,recalls one of the moments when theywere clearing the field. He said: “Thebush was as tall as 1.5 metres. As wewere busy clearing, we discoveredsome buildings, even abandonedequipment dating years back.After the clearing process came therefurbishment of the buildings andthe laying of pipes. The refurbishmentof those buildings had to be donein accordance with the municipalbylaws that govern old buildings,since they become part of the heritageof the area.”Among the units at the Fort is thewell-known Cape Town Rifles (CTR)or the “Dukes”, one of the oldest unitsin the history of the SANDF, whoseexistence dates back to 28 November1855 as the Cape Royal Rifles with ColWilliam Hope as first CommandingOfficer. More information on theCTR may be obtained from the bookentitled: Semper Eadem, the Cape TownRifles (Dukes) 1855-2010 by Capt JohnDorrington. The unit is the home of thedistance-learning centre, and boasts astate of the art indoor shooting range.It is the nodal point for SA ArmyInfantry Formation training and isan assembly point for the call-ups ofthe Reserve Force members and theSITA satellite pay system for servicingReserve Force members. Accordingto the Officer Commanding, Lt ColRay Nesset, CTR provides trainingfor airborne, seaborne and air assaulttroops. In addition it providesReserve Force members for ExerciseRWP is one of the oldest mechanisedinfantry regiments, which wasestablished in 1856 through theamalgamation of the Stellenbosch,Paarl, Malmesbury and WorcesterRifles. The RWP prides itself, amongothers, on being one of the firstdistillers of a specially bottled brandy,which has had its own label since1936. It also prides itself on upholdingthe age-old tradition of toasting theregiment and dignitaries in pure,undiluted RWP brandy, of which anexample is currently available ondisplay. The RWP has been grantedthe following: the Freedom of theCity of Cape Town bestowed in 1983,that of Bellville in 1984, honorarycitizenship of Keetmanshoop in 1987,Parow in 1990, Goodwood in 1994,Hermanus in 2006, the memorialceremony for Gen Jan Smuts, andthe annual Poppy Day. The dresscode during those commemorationsincluded short pants with kilts. TheRWP is also involved in ceremonialduties during the annual State ofthe Nation Address at the Openingof Parliament. For more informationplease visit: http://e.wikipedia.org/wik i/Reg ime nt_Westeli ke _Provincie.The history of the Cape Field Artillery(CFA) dates back to 1857. An old townhouse in Greenmarket Square inCape Town was originally namedCape Town Volunteer Artillery. TheCFA took part in the South African>> on page 34N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 33

S A S O L D I E Revents>> from page 33Members of Cape Garrison Artillery training hard to prepare themselves to participate in the provincialgun-push competition to be held in Cape Town.invasion of South-West Africa in 1915,under the Prince Alfred’s Own CapeField Artillery banner. It also tookpart in every campaign of World WarII in which the South African troopswere involved, including East Africa,North Africa and Italy.Another unit with a proud historyin the unit is Regiment Oranjerivier,which provides refresher coursesfor armoured vehicles, such as theRooikat. The objective of the regimentis to supply the SANDF with combatreadyReserve Force members.According to Maj J.P. Wessels, theSecond-in-Command of RegimentOranjerivier, the regiment pridesitself on having participated in theFreedom of the City of Upington. It hasalso provided armoured static displaysto the previous Africa Aerospace andDefence (AAD) Expo. It still upholdsthe tradition of toasting with “Dieseland Dust”, a drink of the South Africantank squadrons. Maj Wessels said thatthe drink was originally used to toastthe admittance of new gunners to theTanker family, but became so popularthat the entire SA Armoured Corps nowuses it when celebrating milestones.Cape Garrison Artillery is another unitin Fort iKapa. It is one of many unitsthat participated in Operation Jumboto ensure that the first democraticelections in 1994 were peaceful. It iscurrently operating as a training basefor Air Defence Reserve personnel.Among the flagship activities areparticipation in the provincial gunpushcompetitions, static displaysand the annual ceremonial Openingof Parliament.Other treasures at the Reserve Forcestronghold include the third time SAArmy Combat Gold Cup ShootingCompetition winner, L Cpl ThandiViti (27). L Cpl Viti is also an instructorwho is Jin, Sin and Musketry coursequalified. It is also home to the oldestserving soldier, Rfn ThozamileSukwana (62), a former freedomfighter, who still enjoys wearing hisuniform and performing duties asa soldier. Members at the unit referto him as “Oupa” and he gets alongwith them just fine and appreciatestheir company.34 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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S A S O L D I E ReventsFaculty of Military Scienceco-hosts conference onmilitary cultureBy Lt Col (Prof) Francois VreÿAnumber of academics from localuniversities and abroad, and anequal number of practitionersand policy informers gatheredat the Wallenberg ConferenceCentre at Stellenbosch Universityto debate military culture andAfrican armed forces.The conference was the second in a planned series ofconferences on strategic culture, co-hosted and fundedthrough a Danish partnership.The conference, convened for 22 and23 September 2011, was the secondin a planned series of conferences onstrategic culture, co-hosted and fundedthrough a partnership between theSchool for Security and Africa Studiesof Stellenbosch University’s Facultyof Military Sciences in Saldanha anda Danish partnership embracing thefaculty of the Royal Danish DefenceCollege and the Danish Institute forInternational Studies in Copenhagen.The conference series “On Strategy”stem from collaboration between theDanish and South African faculties,with Prof Thomas Mandrup fromDenmark and Prof Francois Vreÿ fromSouth Africa as the originators and coorganisers.Academics from Australia, Canada,the USA, the Netherlands, Denmark,Namibia, Botswana, South Africa,Kenya and Rwanda contributedpapers, while delegates from as farafield as Japan, Sweden and Ugandaalso attended the event. Prof Peter Valeof the University of Johannesburg, whodelivered the keynote address, spokeon social theory and military culture,after which papers covering othertheoretical aspects on strategic andmilitary culture followed. Day twoof the programme entailed regionalthemes presented by African speakerson South Africa, Southern Africa morewidely, and East Africa, which wasfollowed by a workshop comprisingthree brief papers on maritime cultureand the Indian Ocean off the Africaneast coast and South African defenceadaptations. As was found during theBrig Gen L. Yam, Commandant of the Military Academy (right),handing over a gift to R Adm N. Wang of the Royal Danish DefenceCollege.preceding conference, the workshopevoked an intense discussion on howthe reigning military cultures of Africanarmed forces might be adapted.Approximately 92 delegates attendedthe conference and the one featurethat marked the entire proceedingswas intense discussion and deep,meaningful, multi-layered interestin the topic of military culture inthe various African armed forces.Wide-ranging queries regarding theavailability of the conference paperswere indicative of the interest. Theconference ties into and is indeedthe first output of a research projecton military culture that is being runat present in the Military StrategyDepartment of the Faculty of MilitaryScience.Other project outputs, in the form of abook publication, briefings and scholarlypublications, will appear during thecourse in 2012. A third conferenceis currently under discussion by theSouth African and Danish hosts and isenvisaged for 2013, with the preliminarytheme directed at the African maritimedomain and matters related to goodorder at sea.36 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

trainingS A S O L D I E RTrained to manage a uniteffectivelyBy Kgabo MashamaitePhoto: Sgt Elias MahumaTo help manage the SANDF ina professional and modernway, 22 senior Officers andWarrant Officers receivedcertificates on successfullycompleting the OfficerCommanding/Regimental SergeantMajor Course. The awards ceremonywas held at the SA Army College inThaba Tshwane on 22 September2011.The objective of the Officer Commanding/RegimentalSergeant Major Course is to prepare aspirant OfficersCommanding and Regimental Sergeant Majors to manage aunit effectively.The objective of the OfficerCommanding/Regimental SergeantMajor Course was to prepareaspirant Officers Commandingand Regimental Sergeant Majors tomanage a unit effectively. To qualifyfor the course, Officers shouldbe in the rank grouping Majorsto Colonels, while the aspiringRegimental Sergeant Majors shouldbe Warrant Officers Class One toMaster Warrant Officers.Delivering his keynote address, MajGen Leslie Rudman, the DeputyChief of the SA Army, said that thecourse would help the candidatesmeet the promotion criteria asrequired by the SANDF.Maj Gen Rudman said: “The trainingof the Officer Commanding/Regimental Sergeant Major intactical aspects will help greatlyand create immense opportunitiesfor the individual’s career growthwithin the SANDF. It also unlocksthe candidate’s horizons at theoperational level so that he or sheunderstands the military strategicobjectives, especially duringpeacekeeping and in promotingpeace and stability in the region. Itis for this reason that the SANDF isMaj Gen Leslie Rudman, the Deputy Chief of the SA Army,presenting SWO H.A. Boshoff with a certificate of excellence fordistinguishing himself on the course by handing in the Best Portfolioof Evidence as Regimental Sergeant Major.in great demand in peacekeepingmissions. What you learn on thiscourse will come in handy andwill help to eliminate qualifiedopinion reports from the AuditorGeneral when you become OfficersCommanding and RegimentalSergeant Majors of your differentunits.” Two members of the coursereceived awards for being the bestoverall Officer Commanding: MajP.J. Steyn from 21 Signal Unit andthe best overall Regimental SergeantMajor - SWO S.H. Boshoff.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 37

S A S O L D I E RsportPromoting the game of cricketBy Nelda PienaarPhotos: Sgt Elias MahumaThe President of SANDF Cricket,Lt Col Randall Williams,remarked at the AwardsEvening: “Congratulations tothe winning team – Gauteng.For the rest of the teams, youwill have to work harder …” Gautengwas the winner of the SANDF CricketChampionships for the secondconsecutive year.The 42 nd SANDF CricketChampion-ships were hosted by theKwaZulu-Natal (KZN) Military SportRegion in Durban between 7 and 14October 2011. The event was co-hostedby the KZN Cricket Union (DolphinsCricket Franchise) under the auspicesof Cricket South Africa. The theme ofthe championships was: “Think big,believe big, act big and results will bebig”.The championships entailed aknock-out round in two groups, withthe final and subsequent order of meritgames being played on 13 October.The matches were played on variouscricket fields in and around Durban.The format was a 45 overs matchaccording to the Marylebone CricketClub (MCC) – “the laws of cricket” -limited overs rules.In welcoming all the athletes andguests at the opening parade of theSANDF Cricket Championships atChatsworth Oval on 8 October thePresident of SANDF Cricket said:“Let us compete in a positive spirit.… May you experience God’s love,good fortune, endless friendshipand good sportsmanship during thischampionship. This week is all aboutthe pursuit of talent, involvement,development and promotion of thebeautiful game of cricket. … Let usbe brave and courageous like Zuluwarriors this week. Let’s play – It’sgame on!”Before officially declaringthe tournament open the OfficerCommanding of Army Support BaseKZN, Col Godfrey Netshidongololo,said: “Maintain good discipline atall times. Never lose focus. May thebest team win”. After the formalitiesand beautiful music by the ASB KZNArmy Band it was time for sevenABOVE: The President of SANDFCricket, Lt Col Randall Williams (left),presented the winning trophy to theCaptain of the Gauteng team, F SgtRandolph May.days of cricket action. The host (KZN)lost against the defending champions(Gauteng) in the opening game. Thenext day KZN retaliated with a fullonslaught on Limpopo. Cpl ReginaldSteenkamp (KZN) hitting a gargantuan244* (not out). His innings included15 sixes and 21 fours. Cpl Steenkampmade history by being the first playerin SANDF Cricket to achieve this. (KZNmanaged a very competitive 439/3,which they defended in style when theysucceeded in dismissing Limpopo for179.) Bdr Chris Symington (North West)was the top scorer with 229 in the gamebetween North West and MpumalangaABOVE: The SANDFCricket Champions– Gauteng - for thesecond consecutiveyear.at Luther Park Kloofon 10 October. NorthWest won with 476 runs,but Mpumalanga wasbowled out for only 26runs.Gauteng and NorthWest gave each othera hard time in the final game on 13October. What a nail-biting game!But at the end last year’s champions(Gauteng) triumphed again! TheCaptain of the Gauteng team, F SgtRandolph May, said: “I am very proudof my team. The team spirit and cooperationshowed. Officially we won14 cricket games consecutively atvarious cricket competitions in theSANDF.”On 14 October the newly chosenSANDF Cricket Team played againstthe Dolphins amateur side and lost.What a privilege! Trisha Chetty, theSA and KZN wicketkeeper/batter,38 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

sportS A S O L D I E RABOVE: TrishaChetty, the SA andKZN wicketkeeper/batter (with thetracksuit top), headeda developmentclinic for SANDFfemale cricketenthusiasts duringthe SANDF CricketChampionships.headed a developmentclinic for SANDFfemale cricketenthusiasts during the SANDF CricketChampionships.Award winnersBest Player of the Tournament:Maj Quintus EksteenBest Fielder of the Tournament:Gnr Xolani SpofanaBest Bowler of the Tournament:Lt Morné JewellBest Batsman of the Tournament:Cpl Reginald SteenkampBest Female Development Player:L Cpl Kim PrinceBest Umpire: S Sgt Neil StrydomManager of the Week:Maj Pieter BuysMost Improved Female Player:Capt Sandra AugustMost Improved Male Player:L Cpl Sobi Rankhakile17 cricket playing yearsMaj Quintus “Witseun” Eksteen(Gauteng) played in his final cricketchampionship and was privilegedto play in the final game of his lastSANDF Cricket Championships.ABOVE: The North West team beatMpumalanga by 476 runs.While Maj Eksteen was playinghis heart out in the final game I got achance to talk to the Chief ExecutiveOfficer of Dolphins, Mr Jesse Challen.Mr Challen said that he and MajEksteen played club cricket in Pretoriatogether. “When I stopped in 2000 wekept in touch,” said Mr Challen. “He isan absolute character. He loves cricket.I remember when we had to preparefor a week against Aussie players whathe would say to them … He is a greatguy, a free and happy spirit. He alwayssmiles and is never grumpy.”The Captain of the Gauteng teamreferred fondly to Maj Eksteen as “dielopie masjien”. Maj Eksteen did notdisappoint his team as he scored 103runs against North West in the finalgame.F Sgt May said: “If it was not for MajEksteen and Sgt Steven Mpete (67 runsin the final) Gauteng would not havebeaten North West. Experience cannotbe bought. It is always good for youngplayers to learn from skilled players.”When I asked Maj Eksteen (36)what his future held he said that hewould like to plough back his cricketexperience and knowledge to thebenefit of the younger players, butthat decision was in the hands of theexecutives of SANDF Cricket.According to him one of thehighlights in his cricketing career waswhen he scored 100 runs in the PRO 20Security Cluster Cricket Tournamentin Potchefstroom. Another was whenhe was chosen as the Player of theTournament in the SANDF CricketChampionships in 2004.Maj Eksteen has played SANDFcricket since 1994. He was chosen forthe SANDF Cricket team every yearexcept one year when his wife had toundergo an operation and he had tolook after their six-month-old baby.During the Annual GeneralMeeting, directly after thechampionships, Maj Eksteen’s wishcame true as he was chosen as thebatting coach of SANDF Cricket. Hewas also chosen as the Player of theTournament at the Awards ceremonyat Sahara Kingsmead Oval on 14October.Caring for our futureChildren from the Agape Orphanagein Waterfall were invited to see theSANDF cricket players in action.During their visit they receivedsponsored cricket bats, balls andT-shirts. The little ones enjoyedthe jumping castle, while the otherchildren enjoyed watching cricketand the military hardware. MsPam Mqadi, the Manager of AgapeOrphanage, said that the home forHIV and vulnerable (affected by HIVand AIDS) children burnt down in2004. With the support of sponsorsthey have built five cottages and arenow in the process of being registeredas a children’s home. At this stageevery morning the children comefrom their families to get food parcelsat the Agape Orphanage and then takea bus to school. After school they dotheir homework at the Agape Homeand receive food parcels to take backhome. They still need cupboards inthe laundry and aluminium doorsfor the fire escape as well as foodand toys. For donations or enquiriesplease contact Pam on 082 465 2136 or083 520 9571.Thank YouA special word of thanks to FanpicTechnologies, Sunfoil Dolphins,uShaka Marine World, the ZuluKingdom, Cricket SA, Denel Mustek,Oranjerivier Wine Cellars, Liberty,SuperSport, MEC Sports, Arts andCulture KZN Province, and allServices and KZN units, in particular,for their support.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 39

S A S O L D I E RsportSilver Queen Night Race 10 kmBy Col Zirk Lourens (inacknowledgement of AFBYsterplaat and Defence WesternProvince Athletic Club)Photo: Sgt Jaars from AFBYsterplaatThe Silver Queen Night Raceis an annual event hosted byAir Force Base Ysterplaat inconjunction with the WesternProvince Defence AthleticClub, and is an appropriatecelebration of the SA Air Force’senviable aviation heritage.Participants had a choice of variousdistances – the scenic 10 km run forthe serious runner or the 5 km fun run.This year these two events attractedclose to 600 participants and provideda mixture of breathtaking nightscenery, a gruelling test of fitness forboth the elite and recreational runner,and an unrivalled race atmosphere.Western Province Defence AthleticClub presented the 5 th Silver QueenRunway Night Race withoutsponsorship on 19 October 2011. The10 km race started at 18:15 and the 5km fun run at 18:20 on the premises ofAFB Ysterplaat.Almost 600 athletes completed the tworaces. The first overall winner was MrM. Qhina of RCS Gugulethu AthleticClub in a time of 31 min 13 sec. In thesecond position was Mr L. Mdzanga,also from RCS Gugulethu Athletic, ina time of 32 min 15 sec. Mr VladimirKotov, a master athlete from CenturyCity Athletic Club and a previousComrades Marathon winner (2000 newUP-record, 2002 and 2004) came thirdin a time of 33 min 45 sec.The first SANDF athlete to cross thefinishing line in the 10 km race wasS Sgt Dimitri Jansen from PretoriaMilitary Marathon Club. His overallposition, out of 600 competitors, was 5 thin a time of 35 min 05 sec - an excellentachievement. The second SANDFathlete, with an overall 7 th position,was L Smn Tholong Moloi fromWestern Province Defence AthleticClub. He was also the first veteran inthe open race.The first female runner was MsCandice Hall of Nedbank Athletic ClubWestern Province whose winning timewas 39 min 21 sec. The first SANDFfemale runner, and overall in thirdposition, was Dr Berlize du Plessis fromAFB Ysterplaat in a time of 48 min 44sec.The first race was held on 14 February2007 and saw 406 runners line up toface the unknown challenge on therunway. Since then, the race has becomea Western Cape institution and a firmfavourite as a night race with local andvisiting up-country athletes. It was anhonour and privilege to run a race ona “runway” at night with the runwaylights indicating the direction to follow.The clear starlit night and illuminatedTable Mountain in the distance wasa breathtaking sight. The ambienceresulted in the number of athletesgrowing from 406 athletes in 2007 to566 athletes in 2008, to 652 athletes in2009 and to 758 athletes in 2010.History of the Silver QueenThe name “Silver Queen” is derivedfrom the Vickers Vimy aircraft flown bytwo South African pilots, Sir Pierre vanRyneveld and Sir Christopher Brand, inthe February 1920 historic flight fromLondon to Cape Town.Aviation evolved rapidly during WorldWar I and shortly after, to the pointwhere it was possible to travel by airfrom London to Cape Town. So, by 1919,a feeble chain of primitive airfieldshad been cleared across the Africancontinent as a prelude to the challengeof pioneering an air route betweenLondon and Cape Town. A Times ofLondon sponsored aviation crew of theRoyal Air Force was among the firstcontenders to rise to this challenge.The visionary South African statesman,Gen Jan Smuts, had grasped the meritsof aviation in both war and peacebefore most of his contemporaries.He fiercely contended for the feat ofpioneering an air route between Europeand South Africa to fall to a fellowcountryman. South Africans, Pierrevan Ryneveld and Christopher Brand,were therefore designated to pilot aVickers Vimy, hailed as the “SilverQueen”, from England to Youngsfield inABOVE: L Smn TholongMoloi from Western ProvinceDefence Athletic Club was thesecond SANDF athlete to crossthe fi nishing line in the 10 kmrace, in overall 7 th position. Hewas also the fi rst veteran in theopen race.Wynberg, Cape Town. These intrepidaviators departed from England inFebruary 1920, and soon assumed thelead in the contest as the aircraft ofother contenders fell out.The South Africans persevereddespite two accidents in whichthe wrecked aircraft was simplyreplaced. Their arrival in CapeTown signified the founding ofthe SA Air Force, the second oldestCommonwealth air force in theworld.Members of the SANDF and the DODare invited to become members ofSANDF road-running or walkingclubs by signing up at the nearestsuch club.40 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

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S A S O L D I E RsportSANDF VolleyballChampionship 2011Article and photo by Maj JoaoAmorim, SANDF VolleyballDirector MarketingThe SANDF VolleyballChampionship was held at theCape Town Military SportsArena at Army Support BaseWynberg from 3 to 7 October2011.Altogether 315 male and female athletes representingterritorial teams from all over South Africa participated inthe championships.Altogether 315 male and femaleathletes representing territorialteams from Gauteng, NorthernCape, Western Province, Limpopo,Free State, Mpumalanga, NorthWest, KwaZulu-Natal and SouthEastern Cape participated in thechampionship.On 3 October 2011 Col KolekileMancotywa, Chairperson of SANDFVolleyball, officially declared thechampionships open and welcomedall the athletes present. He urged themto keep volleyball alive by promotingit in their respective regions. Healso reminded the men and womenon parade of the CISM VolleyballChampionship to take place in 2012.According to the SANDF volleyballtradition the volleyball anthem wasplayed during the opening ceremonywhile CPO A. Skippers, as the oldestplayer at the championship, lit theSANDF volleyball flame to symbolisethe passing on of the knowledgeof the game from the senior to thejunior level. The switching on ofthe volleyball torch symbolises thatthe SANDF volleyball associationcommunity strives to be a professionaland well managed organisation thatpromotes volleyball at all levels.The games were played according to aABOVE: Masters players fend off a challenge from the opposition.round robin system with the first fourteams in each category playing in thesemi-finals and the winners of eachcategory playing in the finals. Thefinals was played best out of five setsbetween Northern Cape under 25sand KwaZulu-Natal. Northern Capeemerged as the winners. GautengMasters beat Northern Cape Masters.Gauteng ladies beat Western Cape.Finally it was the final betweenthe Gauteng seniors and Free Stateseniors, and the Free State cameout victorious. After the finals, allthe athletes formed up outside andmarched into the indoor arena forthe closing ceremony. Col WilliamBangiso from Directorate PhysicalTraining, Sport and Recreationpresented the gold, silver andbronze medals to the teams in theirrespective categories and trophieswere also presented to the teams thatwon the finals.Rfn K. Padayachee, as the youngest42 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

sportS A S O L D I E Rplayer in the championship, hadto extinguish the flame, whichsymbolised rejuvenation.On Friday evening the Western CapeMilitary Volleyball Club hosted adinner at 9 SA Infantry Battalion tohonour the athletes who excelledduring the championship and toannounced the SANDF VolleyballTeam.Winners of thedifferent awardsChair Master: A. Skippers (WesternProvince)Development Referee: R.Goonaseelan (KwaZulu-Natal)Sportsmanship (North West)Best Uniformed Team (KwaZulu-Natal)Best Server: S. Ngwenya (Gauteng)Best Coach: M. Moodley (Gauteng)Individual Award MastersBest Spiker: S. Fourie (Gauteng)Best Blocker: J.H. Celliers (Gauteng)Best Setter: H.J. Gaginaar (NorthernCape)Most Valuable Player: D. Chetty(Western Province)Individual under 25Best Spiker: L.C. Klein (NorthernCape)Best Blocker: M.C. Mampholo(Northern Cape)Best Setter: H.R. Gqumo (NorthernCape)Most Valuable Player: K. Padayachee(KwaZulu-Natal)Individual LadiesBest Spiker: G. Muller (Gauteng)Best Blocker: M.H. Sibande(Northern Cape)Best Setter: S. Ngwenya (Gauteng)Most Valuable Player: C.E. Goliath(North West)Individual SeniorBest Spiker: A.B. Mashele (Gauteng)Best Blocker: T.J. Njomo (Gauteng)Best Setter: W. Pretorius (Gauteng)Most Valuable Player: R. Simeon(Limpopo)Players of the TournamentMale: W. Pretorius (Gauteng)Female: M.S.M. Manaka (WesternProvince)SA Race Walking ChampionshipsFltr: S Sgt Melanie Venter, Lt Col Pieter Hudsenberg and Col Celeste Scheepers took part in the SARace Walking Championships in Youngsfi eld on 8 October 2011. The walk had to meet internationalstandards and was judged by six members, three of which were from South Africa and three fromother countries. The 20 km walk was also a qualifi er for the 2012 Olympics. Our members did usproud. All three members participated in the 20 km walk. S Sgt Melanie Venter and Col CelesteScheepers both received gold medals.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 43

S A S O L D I E RsportRugby tour to MthathaBy Lt Col S.G.P. Nienaber,Team Manager SANDF RugbyAssociation President’s TeamThe SANDF Rugby AssociationPresident’s Team toured theEastern Cape from 18 to 25September 2011 and gathered at14 SA Infantry Battalion (14 SAIBn) in Mthatha on 18 Septemberin preparation for the tour.The aim of the tour was to assist theTranskei Football Union to developthe game of rugby in the rural areasaround Mthatha and to participatein the Louis Mtshizana HeritageTournament 2011 in Mthatha from 24and 25 September.On 19 September the team presentedrugby development clinics at variousschools in the Joe Gqabi District.Altogether 170 learners between theages 5 and 18 took part. (There werealso young girls who showed aninterest in the game of rugby.)The next day rugby developmentclinics were presented to 40 coachesand teachers from different schools,including 20 learners between the ages12 to 18, as well as rugby clubs in theDutywa Town area.On 21 September the team travelled toNgobo to present rugby developmentclinics to 170 learners between theages 5 and 18.Rugby development clinics werepresented to 360 learners and 40coaches and teachers in the Mthathaarea. Mr Majokweni, the DevelopmentOfficer of the Transkei Football Union,travelled with the team to each clinicand on completion of the clinics on 21September thanked all members ofthe touring group and the SANDF forthe effort that was put into presentingthese clinics to promote rugby in thearea. He invited them to repeat theexercise in 2012.On 22 September the team startedOne is never too young to start learning to play rugby …with their preparations for thetournament. Two training sessionswere held every day in preparation forthe matches on 24 September.The team achieved a third place in thetournament. Their road to the thirdplace started with their playing twomatches on Saturday 24 September 2011at the 14 SAI Bn sports field. The resultsof the matches were as follows:The SANDF President’s team wonthe match 30 to 0 against Lusikisiki.Six tries were scored by Capt G.Theart (School of Artillery), CaptZ. Fransman (1 Special ServiceBattalion), Lt A. Cengani (1 TacticalIntelligence Regiment), AB S.T.Maqhina (Naval Base Simons’sTown), Sct A.T. Skebotha (1 TacticalIntelligence Regiment) and PteE.H.S. Sass (6 SAI Bn). Cpl J.Kammies (4 Artillery Regiment)was successful in converting four ofthe tries.The SANDF President’s team beatNgcele United 17 to 10. Three trieswere scored by Cpl J. Kammies (4Artillery Regiment) and two by LCpl M. Buys (School of Artillery).Cpl Kammies was successful inconverting one of the tries.The SANDF President’s teamplayed in the semifinals against theNtlaza Lions and lost 5 to 15. A trywas scored by Sct A.T. Skebothafrom 1 Tactical IntelligenceRegiment.After only an hour’s rest the teamhad to play for the third place againstAbahlobo. The coach of the team, MajR. Gerber (1 SA Tank Regiment) hada difficult time motivating the playersfor the match. His words to the teambefore they ran onto the field were tothe effect that they were soldiers andwould play for the badge that theycarried with pride on their chests. Thefinal score of the match was 29 to 20 infavour of the SANDF President’s team.Tries were scored by Pte J.A. Walters(4 Artillery Regiment), two by Rfn R.Matinka (1 Parachute Regiment) andtwo by Pte M.H. Plaatjies (121 SAI Bn).Pte N.A. Malgas (National CeremonialGuard) converted two of the tries.44 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

sportS A S O L D I E RThe big hitters go clubbingBy S Lt S.B. Lanser, Acting SO2Internal Communications:SA Navy OfficeThe Chief of the SA Navy, in associationwith Level 3 Naval MarineSystems (main sponsor), hostedhis annual Golf Day on 14 October2011. Unfortunately the Chief of theSA Navy was unavailable owingto prior commitments. Flag OfficerCommanding, R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw,attended the event on behalf of theChief of the SA Navy, while the prizegivingfunction was attended byActing Flag Officer Fleet, R Adm B.H.Teuteberg.The event was hosted at theprestigious Clovelly Country Club.The weather held true to typical CapePeninsula style, wet and windy inthe morning followed by sunny andwindy in the afternoon. Despite theunpredictable weather, the sceneryGauteng Regional Sports DayArticle and photos byCpl Itumeleng Makhubelawas breathtaking. It certainly was aprivilege to have the event hosted insuch beautiful grounds.The First Four Ball (a group of fourgolfers) promptly teed off at 11:30.The tournament was played in thepopular American Scramble formatwhich, I was told by avid golfer, PO K.Maytham: “adds to the fun”. The daywas filled with foreign terminology,players boasting about their drivingabilities, handicaps being compared,and a gentleman by the name of“Mulligan” seemed to be quite thepopular bloke.I did not understand much aboutthe sport, so the day became a learningcurve for me. I wondered why golfersenjoyed trying to hit an impossiblysmall ball into an impossibly smallhole from impossible distances, andrepeating this process 18 times …However, after watching the golfersteeing off I started to understand.Most of the attempts at striking theball lacked lustre; some veered offto either side, while others fell shortof their intended marks. Yet everyso often a golfer would connect theball with such deafening power andaccuracy that seagulls explodedin mid-air! (This may be a slightexaggeration).Playing golf is like reaching for theproverbial stars. It is the combinationof patience, dedication, practice andluck that every so often results in thatone blinding drive down the fairway,or that unforgettable 20 ft put, orperhaps that once in a lifetime hole inone.All in all, the day was a resoundingsuccess. The Chief of the SA Navy’sGolf Day remains, through dedicatedplanning, selfless contribution bythe organisers and enthusiasticparticipation, “on a par” with anyannual event of its kind.The second of two annual sportsdays in the Gauteng region washeld on 9 September 2011 at thePretoria Military Sports Club. Theopportunity was created for units tocomplete and promote the value ofhealthy participation in sport. Theemphasis was on mass participationand units were encouraged to enter asmany teams as possible.Capt Thandi Ngwena, theChairperson of the Pretoria MilitaryNetball Club, said the aim wasLEFT AND ABOVE: Amongother sporting codes, soccerand netball teams gave theirutmost best.to entertain members of the SANational Defence Force and toidentify and earmark potentialsplayers to play in the provincialmilitary games.N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 45

S A S O L D I E RtrainingCareer Development Dayfor SecretariesArticle and photos provided byMs Sanet Stoltz, Senior PersonnelPractitioner, Directorate CareerManagementThe Department of DefenceInstruction on the managementof the development of PublicService Act Personnel (PSAP)directs the employer’sresponsibility towards thecareer development of PSAP ofwhich the career services renderedby Directorate Career Management(Career Services) is an integralpart. The identification of careerdevelopment interventions originatesfrom direct requests, and/orobservations and/or dealings withemployees/employers.Career development days for variousoccupational groupings, especiallyon functional level of appointment,have been identified as a type ofintervention that fits the scope ofcareer development that can influencethe self-management of individualsand consequently their careerdevelopment.The first ever Career DevelopmentDay for Secretaries (employed in theSA Air Force) was recently arrangedand hosted by Directorate CareerManagement (DCM).The aim of the Career DevelopmentDay for Secretaries was to augmentthe performance and engagementlevels of this occupational groupingthat is specifically valued in theDepartment of Defence (DOD) whichfocuses on relevant career aspects.On 9 September 2011 the first group of30 attendees and five guest speakersconvened at the Ladies Mess at AFBWaterkloof. A warm welcome wasextended by Ms M. Malan to theaudience, the secretaries and the guestspeakers, and they were remindedthat although they were there to learnabout career development, they shouldalso enjoy the day. The audience wereeach provided with apaper bag that containedsome craft items and eachattendee was challengedby Ms Stoltz to createsomething with it duringthe day.The first guest speakerwas Lt Col Celeste vanRooyen, who has 31years experience in theDOD and is currentlystudying at Unisa. As thedesignated SO1 CareerManagement for PSAPshe gave informationabout an initiative tobe implemented soonin the SA Air Forceregarding the varioussalary levels of secretariesversus their post levels.Lt Col Van Rooyen alsopresented information onthe number of PSAP posts in the SAAir Force, including statistics on theattrition that took place from 2009 tothe present and shared informationregarding the age distribution of PSAP.Capt (SAN) Leon van Dyk’s topic was:“What does my manager expect fromme?” He discussed the origin of theconcept “secretary”, the meaning of theword, what the perfect secretary shoulddo/not do in order to be an excellentaid to her manager and illustrated thisusing typical DOD examples.The third speaker was Ms PamelaKhumalo from Telkom. Ms Khumalois the Executive Assistant in the Officeof the CEO of Telkom Group. She hasbeen a PA/Secretary for more than16 years, nine of which has been atexecutive level. Ms Khumalo was alsothe 2009/2010 winner of the Today’sOffice Professional Award. Her topic ofchoice was “How to be professional inyour workplace”. She was able to relayto the audience which skills, knowledgeand experience were required in orderto be an outstanding and professionalsecretary.Ms Karin Swart, First Princess inthe 2008/2009 Ms Modern WomanCompetition (Assistant Director HumanResources Development) speaking aboutappropriate office dress and make-up.After the first tea break Ms Malanspoke on the topic: “Taking chargeof my career development”. Thispresentation immediately caught theattention - especially because many ofthe attendees had already reached theglass ceiling in their career. They weresensitised to the fact that they had toattend regular courses and study toimprove their skills and could considerhorizontal transfers if they felt theircareers were stagnating. They werealso informed of the importance of thetwo handouts compiled and preparedby DCM for each attendee, i.e. theOccupational Class Career Guide forSecretaries and the Secretarial Guide.The final guest speaker of the day wasMs Karin Swart, the First Princess inthe 2008/2009 Ms Modern WomanCompetition. She was therefore avery suitable person to speak on thesubject “Appropriate office dress andmake-up”. The ladies enjoyed herpresentation very much and werecoached on what appropriate officedress/make-up was, what was notappropriate and she even linked it tothe DOD dress guidelines.46 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1

letters to the editorS A S O L D I E RN O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1 • 47

S A S O L D I E R48 • N O V E M B E R 2 0 1 1