SA SOLDIER - dod.mil.za · soccer competition By Maj Tsholofelo Tseke ongratulations from SA Soldierto the winner of our third Spot the Ballsoccer competition - WO2 Saartjie Matthysen

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

Winner of the Spot the Ballsoccer competition

Letters:feedback from our readers

Advice for deployed soldiers

High blood pressure:the silent killer

Burundi re-hat to the African Union

Thanking our deployed soldiers

Supporting our peacekeepers in the Congo

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18 New recruits set off for SAS SALDANHA

SAS SALDANHA welcomesnew MSDS recruits

Learners' commitmentpaid off

Inauguration of our Human Resources Division

Military Police awarded for devotion to duty

Our first Human Resources Lekgotla

Time for Prometheus to tell his story

Accountability leads to patriotism

Choppers in Kamina

The Opening of Parliament

Young soldier received her wings

Defence Youth Programme wins top honours

SANDF donated equipmentto Mozamibique

Tribute to a dedicatedcontributor of SA Soldier

12 SAI Bn sayinga final goodbye

Fallen Infanteers honoured

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STREET ADDRESS

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SA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

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website: www.sasoldier.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Assistant Editor: Mr Lufuno Netshirembe

Editorial Staff: Ms Nomonde Vuthela F Sgt David NomtshongwanaSgt Lebohang LetaoanaCpl Elias MaumaAmn Arnaus Rakoma

CONTRIBUTIONS:

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

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Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Mr S.B. Mkhwanazi (Acting Editor-in-Chief)Col L.W. Magxwalisa Col M.T. Masuku

Col P.M. MotlhabaneCol S.P. ZeemanMs N. Pienaar Maj J.V. du ToitMr L.R.M. Netshirembe

Ms I.D. JacobsonMs J. RenderLt J. Sverdloff Sgt L.F. Letaoana(Secretary)

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www.dod.mil.za

www.dod.mil.za

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

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

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

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M A R C H 2 0 0 7 S A S O L D I E R

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,

visit our website at: www.sasoldier.mil.za

FRONT COVER: Front, right, clockwise: 2Lt N. Zama, 2Lt T.J. Tshidzumba,2Lt D.B. le Roux and 2Lt P. Molawa. Read all about our young pilots on pages22 and 23.(Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

Above: Col Bobby Keller, Chairperson of the Defence Youth Programme (left),and Adv Dali Mpofu, Executive Member SABC Board, with the GovernmentGCIS Communicator of the Year Trophy, the BUA Award and R30 000 prizemoney. (Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana)

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From the Editor's desk

he SA Soldier team, as the winners of the 2005Government Communicator of the Year Award, wasofficially invited to the annual prestigiousGovernment Communicators' Awards gala eveningat the Castle in Kyalami in December 2006. Andagain the Department of Defence was the overallwinner! Congratulations to Col Bobby Keller,

Chairperson of the Youth Programme, who received the pres-tigious Government Communicator of the Year Award aswell as the BUA Award. You did us proud! Please read moreabout this outstanding achievement of the highly successfulYouth Programme on pages 24 and 25.

Also a big hooray to the winner of our third SA SoldierSpot the Ball soccer competition - WO2 Saartjie Matthysenfrom Ba-Phalaborwa! Enjoy your winning prize! Read moreabout this on page 5.

As part of the rejuvenation drive of the Department ofDefence (DOD) the focus is to promote the DOD as theEmployer of Choice, especially among the South African youth.Therefore creating awareness of the many careers the DODcan offer will be published in 2007, as a priority. According to2Lt Nandi Zama, one of the recently qualified pilots of the SAAir Force, "people come here not just because they want to becalled pilots, they want to be Military Aviators and that is sodifferent. This is definitely an excellent career choice." Readabout our young pilots on pages 22 and 23.

SAS SALDANHA recently welcomed young recruits ofthe Military Skills Development System (MSDS) for training.These young men and women will be groomed to be excep-tional sailors and will receive functional training in various

Tie SA Soldier span, as wenners van die 2005 Re-geringskommunikator van die Jaar Toekenning,is amptelik uitgenooi na die jaarlikse invloedrykeRegeringskommunikator gala-aand by dieKasteel in Kyalami in Desember 2006. En weereens was die Departement van Verdediging diealgehele wenner! Veels geluk aan Kol Bobby

Keller, Voorsitter van die Jeugprogram, wat die gesogteRegeringskommunikator van die Jaar Toekenning sowel asdie BUA Toekenning ontvang het. Knap gedaan! Lees asbmeer oor hierdie besondere prestasie van die hoogs suk-sesvolle Jeugprogram op bl 24 en 25.

'n Groot hoera ook aan die wenner van ons derde SASoldier Spot the Ball sokkerkompetisie - AO2 SaartjieMatthysen van Ba-Phalaborwa. Geniet jou wennersprys!Lees meer hieroor op bl 5.

As deel van die verjongingspoging van die Departmentvan Verdediging (DVV) word daar gefokus op die bevorder-ing van die DVV as "Voorkeur-werkgewer" veral onder dieSuid-Afrikaanse jeug. Ter bewusmaking hiervan sal die baieloopbane wat die DVV kan aanbied as prioriteit in 2007gepubliseer word. Volgens 2Lt Nandi Zama, een van dieonlangs gekwalifiseerde vlieëniers van die SA Lugmag,"kom mense hier nie net omdat hulle vlieëniers genoem wilword nie, maar hulle wil militêre vlieëniers wees, en dit is soanders. Hirdie is beslis 'n baie goeie loopbaankeuse." Leesoor ons jong vlieëniers op bl 22 en 23.

SAS SALDANHA het onlangs jong rekrute van dieMilitêre Vaardighede Ontwikkelingstelsel (MVOS) vir oplei-

Van die Redakteur

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ding verwelkom. Hierdie jong manne en vroue sal opgeleiword om voortreflike matrose te wees en sal funksioneleopleiding in verskeie spesialisvakgebiede in die SA Vlootoor die volgende twee jaar ontvang. Lees meer oor ons jongtalent op bl 30 en 33.

Ongelukkig het ons ook aan die einde van 'n era gekomen moet ons finaal ons toegewyde lede van 12 SA Infante-rie-bataljon (12 SAI Bn) groet. Laat dit met julle wel wees,julle het ons land met trots gedien. Ons sal julle nooitvergeet nie. Lees meer oor die neerlegging van die vaandelvan 12 SAI Bn op bl 28 en 29.

Ons eindig hierdie uitgawe op 'n droewige noot: 'ntoegewyde medewerker van SA Soldier, genl maj EdwardFursdon (81) is op 3 Januarie 2007 oorlede. Sy volgehouebydraes sal baie gemis word. Ons innige medelye ensimpatie gaan aan sy vrou en familie. Lees asseblief diehuldeblyk aan wyle genl maj Fursdon op bl 27.

Nelda PienaarRedakteur

specialist fields in the SA Navy over the next two years. Readmore about our young talent on pages 30 to 33.

Unfortunately we have also come to the end of an era, andwe have to say a final goodbye to our dedicated members of12 SA Infantry Battalion (12 SAI Bn). Go well, you served ourcountry with pride. We will never forget you. Read moreabout the laying up of the colours of 12 SAI Bn on pages 28and 29.

We end this edition on a mourning note: A dedicated con-tributor to SA Soldier, Maj Gen Edward Fursdon (81), passedaway on 3 January 2007. His continued contributions will begreatly missed. Our sincere condolences and sympathy go tohis wife and family. Please read the tribute to the late Maj GenFursdon on page 27.

SA Soldier greetings.

Nelda PienaarEditor

soccer competition

By Maj Tsholofelo Tseke

ongratulations from SA Soldier to thewinner of our third Spot the Ball soccercompetition - WO2 Saartjie Matthysenfrom 5 Special Forces Regiment in Ba-Phalaborwa! You have won 1 coolerbag, 1 tog bag, 1 back-pack, 1 all-weath-er jacket, 1 golf shirt and 1 sports cap

courtesy of TOTAL SA.

Winner of our third Spot the Ball soccercompetition

CBelow: Fltr: Brig Gen K.D. Mangope,

Director Defence Corporate Communication,

drew the winning entry, while Maj T.M.B. Tseke

from Defence Corporate Communication,

Mr D.G. Fourie, Deputy Director Budgeting:

Financial Management Division, and

Maj A.P. Mphela, SO1 Prosecutions Military

Legal Division, were present to observe the

draw. (Photo: Cpl Elias Mahuma)

Above: The winner - WO2 Saartjie

Matthysen (left), and the Editor of

SA Soldier, Nelda Pienaar, after

unwrapping the winning prize.

(Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)


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Compliments to our young soldiers

Since August 2005 the South AfricaMilitary Health Services (SAMHS)have undergone tumultuous and dra-matic changes. Despite all this, theyoung people, meaning the Non-com-missioned Officers (NCOs) and themembers of the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) haveborne the brunt of these changes.

These energetic, strong and for-ward looking young people, endured alot. Most times they performed themost unpleasant jobs of moving furni-ture from place to place as the prepara-tory phase for moving out of the build-ing in Centurion began. I never heardan NCO or MSDS members complainwhen they were given instructions tocarry out an order. This is admirableand this is where discipline starts in the

Defence Force.Also to be admired was when

the NCOs and MSDS memberswere on parade, or when theywelcomed dignitaries or the otherChiefs of the Services to theServamus Building in Pretoriabefore the movement out of thebuilding began. Their neatness,their saluting and their well-keptphysiques would have made any-body proud if it had been their

their studies, for they are the futuregenerals and colonels. They are theyoung people who must carry thisDefence Force forward when the oldergeneration of generals and colonelsretire. Let us groom the already youngdisciplined cadres of the SANDF forhigher levels, eg treat a lieutenant todayas if he was going to be a general tomor-row. Then I believe that we are on theright footing to prepare the defence per-sonnel of tomorrow.

Most of all let us praise and thankthose who served bravely and enduredextreme stress and difficult times short-ly before and after the movement out ofthe Servamus Building. Wherever youare now, I wish that you continue toserve your country, your people, andremain loyal to the SANDF no matterwhat. I salute you, the young cadres inthe SAMHS. You are the future, so workhard and make sacrifices for the good ofthe people of the RSA. Also rememberthat abuse in any form is a crime,whether it be emotional abuse, sexualabuse, or abuse of power or authority,and this should not be kept quiet. Theway forward in the DOD is a transpar-ent and honourable way. Col B.V.Martin, Act SSO Gender, DirTransformation Management

Winning letter

Our soldiers care for the communities in BurundiOn 17 August 2006 Cpln Mandleleni,RSA Battalion 7 Chaplain, CaptMakhanda, outgoing Social WorkOfficer, Lt S.B. Mtshali, incoming SocialWork Officer, Ms Strong, outgoing psy-chologist and Lt W.X. Ngubane, CIMICOfficer visited and donated food to theChildren's Future Hope Orphanage inGatumba. Our duty as South Africansin Burundi is not only to bring peace

Xmas surprise in BurundiI would like to extend a special wordof thanks to the Minister of Defence,other dignitaries and sponsors for thejoy they brought to all the uniformedmembers. The unique gifts wereceived will always be of sentimentalvalue and will always have a specialmeaning for us.

Gatumba hospice for people livingwith HIV/AIDS and children suffer-ing from malnutrition. The objective ofthe visit was to donate food andclothes. There were two traditionaldancers that went to showcase SouthAfrican talent. Cpln Mandleleniemphasised that they were not to losehope because the Lord was watchingover them. He will not come fromheaven to provide for people in need,but he will touch people like SouthAfricans to fulfil his majestic plans.We really need to provide such assis-tance to institutions like these becausefor these people seeing other peoplecaring for them is like a dream cometrue.

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, fortheirs is the kingdom of heaven" Matt 5v3. Lt W.X. Ngubane, email

To the Director of Nursing: thankyou. It was a surprise. AMHU-KZNand friends, last but not least, the great-est surprise of all. Thank you! May youall be blessed with a safe and happy2007. We salute you all. S Sgt M.W. Nieuwoudt, Medical TaskGroup in Burundi

Some Non-commissioned Officers (NCOs)

in the SAMHS.

but also to support the suffering peopleof that country by any means. We real-ly believe that the people of Burundi areour brothers and sisters because we areall Africans. On 29 August 2006 themulti-professional team, including LtCol Jansen, Contingent Second inCommand, Lt Col Nziweni, RSA Bn 7Officer Commanding and other mem-bers of the Battalion visited the

children who had taken the decision tojoin the SANDF.

The manner in which discipline wasmaintained when the flag of SouthAfrica was hoisted every morning,which the NCO did so proudly, as hecarried out the official salute made meproud to be a member of the SANDFand of the SAMHS. I really am proud ofthe NCOs in the SAMHS and the DOD.They do all the hard work, and mostoften a word of thanks is forgotten.

The young cadres, young men andyoung women, need all the support andmotivation they can get, because theyare the arms, the legs and the strength ofthe organisation. Let us appreciatethem. Let us thank them for all the hardwork they are doing. Let us rewardthem by encouraging them to further


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feedback

Eleven years of democracy is an enor-mous achievement, but with a down-side for PSAP jobs in the SANDF: on 27April 2005 we woke up to a resoundingsuccess in the effort to make the demo-cratic era a boon to all who live in theRepublic of South Africa.

This pen oozes tears, for we as apeople in the Department of Defencehave failed to take stock of our own,and to look into the degradation of ourenvironment from a personnel manage-ment perspective. We have allowed theshort-lived interest of greed to eat awayat the livelihood of our core supportsystem, namely PSAP jobs in the mili-tary environment.

When Democracy was about to setin, the pessimists within and withoutthe military organisation contrived toretrieve what was "inherently theirs"from the sinking ship (Defence Force).

They planned to get that through asystem called Outsourcing. This systemwas to be used to get funds from theunwary Government.

The zealous civil servants weremotivated by the prospect of the com-ing to fruition of their nefarious plans.

What could be outsourced from amilitary organisation? The military core

A system called: Outsourcingbusiness of soldiering could not be out-sourced (initially). Then the bulk of thesupport service resources could andwere definitely outsourced.

The bulk of the support services out-sourced were in effect PSAP jobs, someof which are reflected in the following:

Hospitality services (messes): laun-dry, catering and cleaning. General baseand unit maintenance: landscape andenvironmental upkeep (lawn-mowing,tree trimming, and litter removal), officeor facility cleaning, erection of fencesand painting, including plumbing, car-pentry and general masonry.

The onslaught thereafter descendedon military quasi-civilian jobs (technicalservices) performed at LWT, such asvehicle maintenance and repairs, boiler-making and welding. These serviceswere outsourced under the pretext ofcutting costs.

If this was a bona fide action, why didthe services allow these to be allocated tothemselves through fronts, manned bymembers who had resigned from theSANDF after denouncing the democraticprocess?

The onslaught on PSAP has contin-ued unabated owing to ignorance onthe part of new commanders and the

dominance in the SANDF of the "OldGuard" or "Old Boys Club" as they callthemselves.

The power of the "Old Guard" isalways felt when at Level 4 people wishto air their views to the commander atLevel 3, eg comments such as "I knowLevel 2 will not allow that" and aGeneral Staff Officer is mentioned asthe overriding power above thecommander at Level 2.

The PSAP must have their jobs pro-tected by us (members in uniform) forwe know the benefits of their contribu-tion. The commanders at tactical levelmust grasp that the military organi-sation plays a vital role in the socio-economic system of South Africa.

I therefore recommend that com-manders should include the role ofPSAP members when planning theirservice support for the envisaged pro-jects and missions.

I firmly believe that the perceptionof having a combat element not incontrol of its logistics is flawed tothe core, and thus the GSB/ASB sys-tem was contrived on the very corruptnotion of "outsourcing", and it mustbe abolished. Maj Gcobani IngramMazibuko, Infantry School

Congratulating the SANDFI wanted to be in touch with the SouthAfrican Soldier. I wanted to be in touchbecause I love South African soldiers.The way they are working here in ourcountry, the DRC, makes me happy. Iam living in Northern-Kivu, Butembotown. I learnt my English from SouthAfrican Soldier, which means that I amtalking the English from South Africa. Ican speak IsiZulu, Sotho, Tswana and

Let's Pull Together Against HIV/AIDS502 Squadron participated in the activi-ties pl502 Squadron participated in theactivities planned by 68 Air School tocelebrate World Aids Day on 01December 2006. The activities wereplanned by the MCDC (MilitaryCommunity Development Committee),with a special effort by Capt L.P.

Abuse campaign. To create awarenessduring a march next to the busy HansStrijdom Road in Lyttelton 502Squadron chose the theme "HIV/AIDSin the Workplace". The banner remind-ed people of the golden ABC (Abstain,Be faithful and Condomise). TheSquadron's slogan - A Hi Kokeni Swinwe(a Tsonga word meaning Let's PullTogether) was part of the message onthe banner. The aim of the message wasto advise people to stand together, tostop the ignorance about the diseaseand to realise that it was the reality inmany people's lives. HIV/AIDS is real-ity in the SA National Defence Force.We as leaders must be trained do dealwith the disease and the people affect-ed or infected by it. In recognition ofthe outstanding effort of the day 502Squadron was proclaimed overall bestbanner. Maj W.D.H. Abrahamse

Mathibela, the social worker at the unit,and Capt A.C. Nel, the medical officer atthe sickbay, who also had the whole of68 Air School and its logger units partic-ipating in a competition to make the bestbanner related to HIV/AIDS. The AIDSDay was also combined with the 16 Daysof Activism Against Women and Child

Xhosa. But when I am speaking theselanguages I mix them.

The South African soldiers are wellbehaved. They are not so bad as our sol-diers of the Congo. Congratulations. Ifall the people of South Africa are likethat, it is very good. I would like tocome and study in South Africa so thatI may have the same behaviour. Samy Samuel, email


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I rank the SA Soldier 2007 calendar amasterpiece. The lay-out design of bothcovers displays excellence in journalis-tic work. The message of the calendarleaves no one with any doubt that as ofnow, at the time of writing, DOD peacesupport operations stretch from theDRC to Burundi, Eritrea, Ethiopia andthe Sudan. The areas of operations havebeen deliberately camouflaged and leftneatly specified, thus leaving no doubteven to a casual reader that those areasare embedded in our continent of Africawhich, until recently, has been riddledby instability, which is now subsidingthanks to the vision of "Employer ofChoice".

The calendar is rich in art and showscreativity. Both covers are almost iden-tical except for some minor, but impor-tant messages inscribed just immediate-ly below the phrases "Employer ofChoice". The calendar reminded me of acartoon in the history exam paper in

A masterpiece calendar

What is leadership?What is leadership? This is the questionI ask myself daily and there are manyanswers to it. When I meet different peo-ple everyday I notice and learn differentways in which leadership can be mani-fested. Does one need to have a big rankon one's shoulders to be a leader? Atwhich level does leadership begin? As arank-bearing member in the SANDF doyou possess the following qualities:

Do you put yourself in other people's shoes?

Are you caring and supportive ofyour superiors and subordinates?Do you have vision and direction?Do you have trust in your superiorsand subordinates?Do you communicate openly, honestly and directly?Keep the answers to the above ques-

tions to yourself and judge for yourselfif you are a leader or not and what kindof a leader you are. Leadership can bedefined in many ways, but I personally

which you were asked to write an essayof approximately three pages about thatcartoon. The map on the calendar tellssuch a story.

It is the story of instability that leaves"Employer of Choice" with enormouschallenges to reverse the situation. Thosecombatants who are far away from theirhomes, families and relatives are project-ing the image of South Africa. They arethe cream of "Employer of Choice".

Notwithstanding certain shortcom-ings, I saw and heard the UnitedNation's special representative in theDRC, Mr William Lacy Swing, on TVspeaking exceptionally well about thesecombatants. He said their contribution inhelping to stabilise those countries wasof immense value not only to Africa butto mankind too.

For his part President Thabo Mbeki,in a joint sitting of Parliament early inFebruary, lauded the SANDF for its par-ticipation in peacekeeping missions on

the continent. It is good that invariablyupon their arrival from deploymentthese combatants are given medals.This is credibility in another form.

Page by page, the message in thecalendar is clearly articulated that ourcombatants have undergone extensivetraining and are therefore able to sus-tain the campaign of peace supportoperations simultaneously in five coun-tries of the continent. All the pagesdepict how a preparatory phase is han-dled in order to ensure the success ofthe mission. Indeed each and everypage has been treated with adequateattention and this leaves the entire cal-endar well balanced not only in termsof design, but also in terms of the mes-sage that is conveyed to the target audi-ence. Unlike previously this year's cal-endars were received with "please giveme some more". The calendar is attrac-tive. Maj R.M. Molefe, Army OfficeCommunication Section

Inkondlo from Airforce GymnasiumNgasemabhangalo ase Airforce Gymnasium.Sahlala khona sajima.Lapho sikhumbula khona utata ukheneli Ngwenya.Ngokuba ama R5 ethu nama 9mm ethu sasiwabeke e Q stores.Ngokuba bathi abayekileyo sihlabeleleni igama elilodwa le Airforce.Singanihlabelelela kanjani igam elilodwa le Airforce niyekile na?Ngathi uma ngiphakamisa isandla sami sokudla ngakhumbulawene Salute ko parade ground.Ngithi ubusisiwe othatha isanda sabayekile asifake edwaleni.Ubusisiwe othatha isandla sabahlala beye e sickbay asifakeedwaleni.Ngithi Airforce qhubeka nemfundiso yakho uye phambili.L Cpl B.P. Miya, Langebaanweg

* Poem translated into English - Ed:

By the Bungalows of Air Force Gymnasium, where we stayed and trained,There we remembered the honourable Col NgwenyaFor we had just stored our R5s and 9mms at the Q-stores,Those who have left, asked us to sing the Air Force song for them,How can we sing an Air Force song for those who have left? Whenever I lift my right hand, I remember the salute at the parade ground,I say, blessed is the hand of the one who erects a statue to honour andpreserve the memories of our departed combatants,Blessed is the healthcare giver, who nurses the sick back to health. To the Air Force, I say, forward with your teachings! Forward!L Cpl B.P. Miya, Langebaanweg

From Air Force Gymnasium

believe that all leaders at all levels arerole models. My plea to all leaders at alllevels is that whenever lives and careersinvolved in decision-making are atstake, one needs to consult all involvedand assist them by means of advice tocome to a fair decision. Leadership isthe process of influencing people inorder to accomplish a mission, duty ortask by providing purpose, directionand inspiration. Are you a leader?Lt Itumeleng Dihlake, email from RSABattalion in Burundi


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As an officer deployed to the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) and deployed forthe third time I deemed it important towrite about this vital topic.

A deployed soldier on foot patrol.

(Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana)

ably pretty comfortable with things theway they are in our lives. It is not easysuddenly becoming a single parent, noris it easy being so far from home andworrying about how things are going athome and with those we love. It is notunusual then to feel angry, lost or evenempty.

Stages of separationEach one of us who faces a separa-

tion goes through some basic steps. Bybecoming aware of these stages, youwill be able to cope a little better.Knowing what you might expect mayhelp you feel more in charge at timeswhen it is easy to feel out of control.

Anticipation of Loss (immediatelybefore departure): This stage is charac-terised by crying, depression, anger,then guilt at feeling this way. There isalso frustration in realising how manyhousehold and family business choresmust be handled before he or she leaves.Expect that both of you will experiencephysical and mental exhaustion.Everyone is on edge, and slight irrita-tions can grow to major proportions.Many couples/families experience anincrease in arguments.

Detachment (immediately beforedeparture): This state is characterised byfeelings of hopelessness ("How will Icope? How will the children react?").Likewise, arguing right before depar-ture is a normal reaction and is part ofhuman nature's way of making it tem-porarily easier to say goodbye. I suggestyou get all the necessary mechanicalthings out of the way as quickly as pos-sible. This will help avoid last minutepanic. Make time as a couple and/orfamily "number one" on your prioritylist.

Emotional disorganisation (up tosix weeks after departure): This stage ischaracterised by irritability, sleep dis-turbance, and a feeling of aloneness andemptiness. You may find it hard tocomplete tasks. You feel "out of rou-tine". You may find it difficult to con-centrate. If these feelings linger, reachout. This is a good time to get support.

While it is probably hard for you toaccept right now, periods of family sep-aration can provide an opportunity forself-growth. You may make mistakes,get upset with yourself and your chil-dren, with your spouse or with the mil-itary. That is okay! That is how youlearn. The following are some things toconsider …

feedback

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

Advice for deployed soldiers

Our soldiers leaving for deploy-

ment. (Photo: Shelton Lawrence)

Deployments can create additionaldemands and stresses for those leftbehind. Therefore I thank my familyand especially my wife, whose patienceand support were instrumental inaccomplishing this task.

I started my deployment as aMilitary Observer in Burundi and waslater transferred to the DRC as MILOB.At present I am the MA to the KatangaBrigade Commander (Brig GenStephen Marumo, GOC ADA Fmn).

Most of us can expect to feel astrong sense of loss or even anger whenfaced with separation. We fear losingthe support and companionship of ourspouse or (in the case of children) a par-ent. We are getting a new load ofresponsibilities just when we are prob-

Positive attitudeWhy is a positive attitude so impor-

tant? Because it affects how you look,what you say, and what you do. Itaffects how you feel, both physicallyand mentally, and it largely affects howsuccessful you are in achieving yourpurpose in life.

Keep busyIt is bound to happen sooner or

later. The headache and frustration inbalancing your job, the kids, the bills,while at the same time trying not to crywhen you are talking to your spouse orsignificant other. There are some thingsyou can do for yourself! Take care ofyourself. Get and stay involved inthings that make you happy.


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What to expect?Loneliness: most people find the

dinner hour, Sunday afternoon, afterthe kids are in bed … are the timeswhen they miss their spouses the most.Everybody has the occasional "blues".You may not just be feeling sad. Itcould be something more serious - likedepression. Remember: No one takes agiant leap into depression. It is a grad-ual process. The cure for depression isto be proactive! Take positive action.

Stabilisation (while you are sepa-rated): Patterns are formed and becomeroutine. You relax a little. You discoverthat you can deal with the everydaythings and even solve the "biggies"without your spouse. This is the stageof personal growth. Make an effort todo things you have always wanted todo and never seem to have time for.

Anticipation of the homecoming(before arrival): This stage is charac-terised by excitement, joy and reliefthat it is almost over. Many spouses gointo a physical frenzy, cleaning everyinch of the house, getting all the pro-jects completed, getting the cars in topshape, etc. The spouse at home has fewapprehensions, but the spouse return-ing has many. Depending on the lengthof time away, the returning spousewonders how much the kids havegrown and changed, how authoritywill be re-established, whether thespouse has become too independent,where he or she fits in, and whether ornot he or she will have any personaltime.

The homecoming: This can be veryemotional, and is often influenced bythe amount of time away. Everyone ison a nervous high. The family isexhausted from the preparation for thereturn. The service member is exhaust-ed from the trip. Everyone wants his orher attention. When it is not given,there will be hurt feelings. There will betears. The conversation is long, as youtry to catch up with everything that hashappened.

The reunion process

Tips for both partners Avoid the "I have had it worse"

game. Both partners have faced diffi-cult challenges during the past fewdays, weeks or months. Agree on fami-

ly plans for the first few days or weeks.Let everyone contribute. Give each otherspace as needed. People become accus-tomed to living without their partnerand may not always consider another'sopinion before making decisions. Ifthere were problems or unfinished busi-ness before the deployment, chances arethey did not go away. The same financialproblems or disagreements regardingchildren and discipline will probablyreappear after the homecoming party isover.

If you have children, that "secondhoneymoon" you have talked about mayhave to wait for a while. Children do notalways understand being pushed asideat a time when they need attention.Communicate about feelings. Many cou-ples have gotten into a real bind becausethey feel the need to celebrate theirreunion with a spending spree or vaca-tion. Remember, if you cannot afford it,do not do it. Communicate events thatoccurred during the deployment.Reread letters or discuss questions aboutthe deployment and home life.

things will change naturally as a resultof your being home.

Be positive about the decisions yourspouse has made, even if you wouldhave handled them differently. Donot try and take over the financesimmediately. Do not interrogate yourspouse over every penny he or she mayhave spent in your absence. You mayfind sharing financial responsibilities awelcome addition to your householdmanagement.

Do not be surprised if your spouseis a little bit envious of your travels.Your life may have appeared to be veryexciting compared with his or her job athome.

When it comes to discipline, take iteasy on the children for a while. Stick tothe rules your spouse has establishedduring your absence. Changing therules suddenly may not only be hardon the children, but your spouse mayalso resent it. On the other hand, it maybe very tempting to spoil the children.Do not put your spouse in the positionwhere he or she must constantly playthe "heavy" while you have all the funwith the children.

>>

Tips for the service memberOn longer deployments, your spouse

may have changed. While you have beendeployed, your spouse has learned tocope with new and different situations.Do not be threatened by this indepen-dence. The fact that your spouse cancope alone does not necessarily mean heor she wants to.

Ease yourself back into your familygradually. See yourself as a "specialguest" for a while. Do not criticise howyour spouse has handled the children,finances, or the household - that cancause resentment. If changes need to bemade, they can wait a few weeks. Some

Our soldiers on deployment.


on page 23

Tips for the spouseYou may find your spouse is either

surprised or hurt that you have man-aged so well by yourself. Try not to getdefensive. Reassure him or her youvery much need his or her companion-ship and emotional support.

Many spouses have been devastat-ed because their partner arrives homeexhausted. Working long hours and jetlag contribute to fatigue and the excite-ment of returning home. Allow your

Our deployed soldiers.


health

12


Understandinghigh blood pressureBy Nomonde Vuthela

Photo: Cpl René Naicker

igh Blood Pressure" is asthe name says - elevatedblood pressure that is con-sidered "not normal". Likemany fast growing illnessesof the modern world highblood pressure remains anenigma with many aspects

to it still without answers. Speaking to SA Soldier and helping

to educate us about high blood pres-sure, Col Andrew Ratsela, ChiefSpecialist Physician at 1 MilitaryHospital in Thaba Tshwane, said thatthe disease affected mostly adults,more rarely the young.

"Normal blood pressure would be140/90 as described by the WorldHealth Organisation (WHO), butrecently that level dropped from140/90 to 135/85 because of certain riskfactors," he explained, adding: "Thecauses of high blood pressure are notknown. The cause of high blood pres-sure or hypertension is not known in95% of patients. It could be that onegets it from one's parents, in otherwords it is genetic."

"5% of them could have secondaryhigh blood pressure or hypertensionwhere one then can find certain dis-eases which predispose one to hyper-tension, eg kidney diseases and certainhormonal conditions," he said.

Can one avoid getting high bloodpressure? To this Col Ratsela replied:"Yes and no. If it is genetic, ie primaryhypertension, one cannot avoid it, butone can make it better. Yes, one canavoid it if one controls one's weight andeats correctly and if one does not endup having 'Metabolic Syndrome-X'which includes diabetes, being over-weight and having high cholesterol. Soyes, one can avoid it if one keeps trim,"he said.

"Hypertension is usually a diseaseof adults," Col Ratsela emphasised ashe outlined what was clearly under-stood of the disease. "Secondary hyper-tension arises where young people

have hormonal or renal diseases. Gen-erally it is a disease of 'old people'. Whenwe discover high blood pressure in ayoung person we tend to be very aggres-sive in our investigation because weknow there could be other diseases caus-ing the hypertension," he elaborated.

How does one know if one has highblood pressure? "Unfortunately one willnot know that one has high blood pres-sure until it is measured," remarked ColRatsela. "It is sometimes called the silentkiller because one does not have symp-toms that are strictly related to hyper-tension. One never knows one has thedisease until one goes to a health profes-sional for a medical check-up."

How is it treated? "We divide it intomild, moderate and severe hyperten-sion. If you have moderate to severehypertension it is treated with drugs.There are a lot of drugs that can controlhypertension and doctors know howthey react, and what treatment is used toget what result."

"If it is mild hypertension then it canbe controlled by changing one's lifestyle- in other words losing weight, notdrinking alcohol, eating well, avoidingfatty foods, and no smoking. Changingyour lifestyle can go a long way to con-trolling your hypertension," Col Ratselastated.

Does one lead a normal life withhypertension? "Yes, definitely," repliedCol Ratsela. "Hypertension can be con-trolled. There are many people whohave hypertension, but you can nevertell because they take their treatmentproperly," he added.

Is there a worst case scenario forthose who do not change their lifestyle?"Yes there is, because hypertension canlead to complications involving certainorgans in the body, for instance one canhave a stroke, the arteries in the braincan either clog or burst, resulting inbleeding on the brain, and it can affectthe heart," Col Ratsela said. "When theheart is enlarged it will fail, resulting inwhat is commonly called a 'heart attack'.One can also get renal diseases and be ondialysis for life," he added. "The statisticsin the SANDF are no different from what

you find elsewhere," he noted.Which groups are more likely to

have hypertension than others?"Usually people who lead stressful liveswill have worse hypertension and suchpeople are usually driven all the time,as opposed to those sitting in the officeor travelling by public transport."According to Col Ratsela the bottomline is that members in the SANDF donot have more hypertension than thegeneral public. "We can say that hyper-tension in South Africa is no differentamong the various races of this country,for instance blacks do not necessarilyhave more hypertension than we seeamong white people," he added.

"What we could emphasise ashealth professionals is that our mem-bers in the SANDF can avoid some ofthese diseases even if a family memberhas had hypertension. The hyperten-sion may not be worse for a person if heor she leads a healthy lifestyle and takesprecautionary measures to guardagainst it," Col Ratsela said.

"We are appealing to our membersas soldiers and members of the SANDFto exercise and to stop drinking alco-hol and smoking. Then hyperten-sion will not be as bad as it is," advisedCol Ratsela.

H“Col Andrew Ratsela, Chief Specialist

Physician at 1 Military Hospital,

checks the blood pressure of a

member.


13

Burundi re-hat to the African UnionArticle and photo by Capt D. Bester,

SO2 OPCOM

On 1 June 2004 the African Union (AU)ended the African Mission in Burundi(AMIB) and handed over to the UnitedNations (UN) to proceed with theUnited Nations Operation in Burundi(ONUB). On 28 December 2006, aftertwo years and seven months, the UNhanded over to the AU to commencewith the AU Special Task Force withthe primary objective to protect thePalipehutu-FNL.

Under command of the ForceCommander, Maj Gen Derrick Mgwebi,the UN ended their tour of duty inBurundi with lots of success stories.They ensured Burundi to integrate theirdifferent forces into a National DefenceForce.

On 28 December 2006 there was are-hatting parade where the UN flagwas retreated and the AU flag was

hoisted. Maj Gen Mgwebi, ForceCommander of the UN, handed overcommand to Col Hein Visser, the com-mander of the AU Special Task Force.The parade began with the march on ofa Guard of Honour from 5 SAI Bn. TheUN flag was retreated to symbolise theend of the UN's mission in Burundi.The Acting SRSG from the UN, MrMahmoud, addressed the members onparade. He referred to all the excellentcontributions the RSA force made toorphanages, helpless children and dis-advantaged children.

The AU flag was hoisted and allmembers on parade re-hatted with theAU beret. The Special Representativeof the AU, Ambassador Mamadou Bah,addressed the members on parade. Hecongratulated the South African con-tingent and said that they can be proudof their achievements. The RSA werethe first to land in Burundi as membersof the AU fighting for peace in

Supporting mutual defence relationsBy Amn Arnaus Rakoma

Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

On 6 February 2007 the Chief of DefenceForeign Relations, Maj Gen DanMofokeng, hosted the first militaryattachés accreditation and de-accredita-tion ceremony for the year 2007 at theSA Army College in Thaba Tshwane.

Maj Gen Mofokeng welcomed thenew defence attachés to South Africa:Col Paulo Erico de Oliveira, Air ForceAttaché from Brazil, Capt (Navy) JorgeDias, Defence and Naval Attaché fromBrazil, and Col Louis Alberto Silva,Defence Attaché from Chile.

"In supporting our Government'sdiplomatic initiatives to help eradicateconflicts in the region and on the conti-nent the SANDF continues to contributeto peacekeeping missions of the AfricanUnion and the United Nations. This isdone precisely because our peace, secu-rity and stability are directly linked tothat of the region and the continent,"said Maj Gen Mofokeng.

"Today, we can proudly say that theDOD has reached the stage where con-

Capt (Navy) Jorge Dias, Defence and Naval Attaché from

Brazil, accompanied by his wife, Mrs Carla Dias, signing

the register book.

crete co-operationprogrammes arebeing signed.These are in theform of Memoran-dums of Under-standing involv-ing defence co-operation with awide range ofcountries."

To the newattachés he said:"Your appoint-ment conveys theimportant mes-sage that both ourcountries are com-mitted to con-tributing towardsthe improvement

Burundi. He placed emphasis on theSouth African contingent's mission,which is to help implement the cease-fire agreement signed between theGovernment of Burundi andPalipehutu-FNL. He saluted Maj GenMgwebi for being brilliant, profession-al, competent, elegant and modest andthat he was much appreciated byeverybody in Burundi. AmbassadorBah also mentioned the late Lt GenSipho Binda, the first ForceCommander of AMIB, as a lofty tree inthe South African forest. He said thatMaj Gen Mgwebi must convey his con-dolences to Lt Gen Binda's family.

Ambassador Bah finished hisaddress and the different commandershanded over command. The symbol ofcommand was handed over from MajGen Mgwebi, UN Force Commander toCol Hein Visser, AU Special Task ForceCommander. The AU started their mis-sion on 1 January 2007.

of the quality of lives of our people. Itrust that your service during yourtenure of office will transfer specialistknowledge and skills to SANDF mem-bers".

He also bade farewell to the attachéswho had discharged their duties: Col

Zotti Ferreira, the Air Force Attachéfrom Brazil, and Capt (Navy) DanielMartin, Defence, Naval, Military andAir Attaché from Argentina, as well asCapt (Navy) Reinaldo Antonio Ferreirade Lima, Defence and Naval Attachéfrom Brazil.

deployments


14

Motivating ourdeployed soldiers

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

he Concise Oxford Dictionarydefines the word sacrifice asthe act of giving up some-thing valued for the sake ofsomething else more impor-tant or worthy. This, to me,is a perfect description of

our members in uniform who are

currently on United Nations (UN)duty in Burundi, the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC), the Sudanand other parts of the continent wholeft their loved ones and their comfortzones to ensure stability and peace inthose countries. What a worthy andselfless act indeed. For that I commendyou; not many of us are capable ofdoing that.

SA Soldier was part of the contin-gent of sponsors and their families

who jetted off to Burundi and the DRCto deliver Christmas gifts to our sol-diers from 11 to 14 December 2006.This goodwill visit project was spear-headed by the Sergeant Major of theSANDF, WO1 Johan "Skieps"Scheepers, who said it was gratifyingto see that the project had brought joyto those who were away from theirfamilies during the festive season.

Our first stop was the MONUC:the RSA Aviation Element in Kamina,

T

Centre, clockwise: Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence, engaging with the soldiers while Lt Gen Rinus Jansen

van Rensburg, Chief of Corporate Staff, Mr Mduduzi Lembede, Ambassador of South Africa to Burundi, and

Maj Gen Roy Andersen, Chief of Defence Reserves, look on.


15

DRC. It was an emotional encounter asdelegates and soldiers exchangedgreetings. Our soldiers were veryhappy to see people from home. Thesoldiers had an informal opportunityto converse and share jokes with MsBusisiwe Ngwenya, the wife of theChief of the SANDF.

The Chaplain General, Brig Gen(Rev) Marius Cornelissen, encouragedthe soldiers in his Christmas sermon tobe enthusiastic when performing theirduties. After receiving his gift, theOfficer Commanding RSA AviationElement, Lt Col Reginald HowardSchickerwiul, said it was nice to beappreciated by your own people.

"The festive season is a time ofpeace and celebration all over theworld, but it is also a time for personalreflection. People spend their liveswondering whether what they aredoing is important. However, youdon't have to ask that question. Being avolunteer who is willing to serveunder uncertain and dangerous cir-cumstances makes you a special per-son. It is definitely not a task for thefaint- hearted.

"You can say with pride and confi-dence that you are making a differencebecause you care enough to be active-ly part of the peace and reconstructionprocess in the Great Lakes region,"

said Lt Gen Rinus Jansen vanRensburg, Chief of Corporate Staff andthe Patron of Goodwill Parcels, in hiskeynote address to the soldiers. Theevent ended with a three-course mealcourtesy of the Interlink Airline Crew.

Our next visit was the RSA NewSite Modderfontein in Burundi,Bujumbura. This day was specialbecause the Minister of Defence, MrMosiuoa Lekota, and the Ambassadorof South Africa to Burundi, MrMduduzi Lembede, paid a surprisevisit to the SANDF members whopacked the function hall to capacity.Addressing the soldiers the Minister ofDefence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, said: "Asthe special kind of youth of SouthAfrica, you made a choice to serve thepeople of South Africa that is why I amasking you to sacrifice only oneChristmas, as to ensure that there'speace and stability in Burundi." Hecontinued: "We have won the confi-dence of the people of Burundi andhave emerged as one of the most disci-plined defence forces in our time," saidMinister Lekota.

Before distributing the presents tothe soldiers, Minister Lekota and MsNgwenya joined the ModderfonteinChoir on stage to entertain the audi-ence. They sang and danced to thebeautiful melodies.

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence (right), and Ms Busisiwe Ngwenya, the spouse of the Chief of the SANDF,

Gen Godfrey Ngwenya (left), join the Modderfontein Choir as they sang "Morena Jesu o rata masole" translated Jesusloves soldiers.

The last stop was the RSA unitresponsible for cargo handling, fire-fighting and road construction, vizCombined Command Support Unit inKinshasa, DRC. The guests were enter-tained by "Actors of Souza", a group ofactors under Pte Mandla Shezi, whohad penned the script about a playdealing with HIV/AIDS called "Keepthe Promise".

"I would like to thank all the spon-sors for the wonderful gifts wereceived here today. They will keep usmotivated," said Pte Mandla Shezi,after receiving his gifts which includeda motivational book - "Our DailyBread", a camping chair and a SA ArmyFoundation key holder.

"SANDF members, you are thebest. Please accept this gift as a token ofour gratitude and remember that youare in our thoughts and prayers. Stayas committed and motivated as youare. You have our constant support,"said Lt Gen Jansen van Rensburg, as heencouraged the members before hand-ing over the gifts. He also thanked thesponsors for their generosity and com-passion - SA Army Foundation, MaxiCredit Solutions, Absa Consultants andActuaries, Absa Group, Sanlam, ClinixHealth Group, Old Mutual GroupSchemes, Old Mutual PFA, Metropolitan,Novare and Qube.

deployments


16

Supporting our peace-keepers in the Congo

By Lt Col Vusi Ndlovu

Photos: Medics in the DRC

t the end of last year theMedical Task Group (MTG)of OP MISTRAL VII hadcompleted a busy sixmonths in the DemocraticRepublic of the Congo(DRC), under the command

of Lt Col Vusi Ndlovu. The MTGincluded the full range of the opera-tional health service of the SAMHS,and was supported by patient adminand medical logistic clerks, assistantsand drivers.

The Operational Emergency CarePractitioners (OECPs) were kept busy

Arendering routine health support tothe deployed companies andsquadrons at forward bases, as well asproviding emergency care duringoperations. They were often the onlyhealth professionals in a large area.They have had to develop specialskills when required to deal with awide range of human experiences(physical, psychological and socially)on their own far away from the largerhealth centres. During operationalpatrols they travelled with their com-panies in Casspirs and were exposedto the extremes of both jungle warfareand urban counter-insurgency opera-tions. They also gained valuable expe-rience in dealing with novel and

unusual manifestations of deploymentstress. Some OECPs further demon-strated particular courage when theytravelled over hostile terrain to reachand transport patients in soft-skinvehicles.

Other OECPs rendered commend-able assistance to the dislocated localpopulation through a United Nations(UN) operation in support of internalrefugees at Tche, where they managedcases ranging from severe dehydrationto spontaneous labour in the bush.

The concept of forward medicalteams was revitalised, and progresswere made in equipping them to theacceptable UN standards.

The medical and nursing officers at

The Medical Task Group at Mavivi.


17

the level 1 clinics provided base orientated communi-ty health services to the contingent members, as wellas trauma response to motor vehicle accident victimsand in respect of other incidents. Notable achieve-ments include good progress to ensure oxygen sup-plies and sterile materials for the clinics, as well asrevising the medical waste disposal system. In doingso, good co-operative relations were forged with otherUN contingents and their health facilities. There wasalso positive movement in equipping our level 1 hos-pitals to the UN requirements. The nursing officersfurther enthusiastically promoted malaria awarenessand maintained an early intervention programmeto counter the growing threat of malaria in the rainyseason.

Our Air Medical Evacuation Teams (AMET) inGoma were on a round-the-clock standby for the spe-cialist air evacuations of critical cases of any UN per-sonnel in the mission area.

The environmental health officer had a busyschedule supporting the many South African bases inthe mission area, advising and guiding commandersin temporary forward bases, as well as those involvedin the construction of the new RSA Battalion GroupHQ base at Mavivi. With this aim in view she trav-elled extensively and continuously, supported by thepest-control non-commissioned officer, to improvethe living conditions of our soldiers in the mission andto combat diseases caused by poor hygiene.

The two social workers also travelled widely tomaintain the welfare of our deployed troops. Some ofthe troops were deployed for twelve months, othersfor six. The social workers were therefore responsiblefor the very important preparation of the soldiers fortheir homecoming and re-integration into their fami-lies and communities. Members of the MTG were fur-ther involved in discussions on sexual exploitationand abuse, and made meaningful recommendationsto the command element on how to curb and eventu-ally eliminate it.

The pharmacist was responsible for supplying thewhole mission area. This included preventive prepa-rations (from anti-fungal foot-spray to malaria pro-phylaxis), routine medications (from headache tabletsto drugs for sore muscles) and specialised emergencycare drugs and drips. This was managed in spite ofinterrupted supply processes and very basic facilities.

A particular challenge was the construction of thenew battalion group headquarters at Mavivi.Members of the MTG not only had to treat construc-tion related injuries and complaints without a propersickbay or effective supply processes, but at the sametime had to contend with the knee-deep mud, coldshowers, the hot equatorial sun, and the lack of prop-er communication. In spite of this they made greatstrides in initiating a new level 1 clinic at Mavivi.Which all proves that the MTG of OP MISTRAL VIImagnificently rose to the challenge of truly "Servingthe Brave".

Capt Mark Corner in his clinic at Mavivi.

Lt Col Suzanne Joubert in her "pharmacy".

The Medical Task Group in Mavivi in front of the new clinic.

deployments


18

Choppers in Kamina

By Lt Col A.J. McCarthy,

SO Heli Plan

Photos: Lt T. Bind

emoirs of a United Nations'Oryx Commander from theSA Air Force in theDemocratic Republic ofCongo (DRC).

Kamina is a prettynondescript town in

Katanga province of the DRC. It islinked by rail to Lubumbashi in thesouth, Kindu in the north, and Lobito(Angola) far to the west. The outstand-ing feature of the town is the KaminaAirbase about 15 km away.

Since July 2006 some 35 mostly SAAir Force personnel have been basedthere in support of two Oryx heli-copters and crews. In addition there isa battalion of India's finest infantryand a Jordanian level 2 hospital, allunder the UN flag. Originallydeployed to ensure free and fair elec-tions in October 2006.

The airfield was built by theBelgians in 1954 to accommodate a fly-

M

ing school that probably rivalled pre-sent day Central Flying SchoolLangebaanweg. The Flying School

A United Nations' oryx helicopter at Mulemba-Nkulu.

once housed a huge theatre and stage,banqueting hall and magnificentaccommodation.

Kamina Base.

It is arguably thelargest airfield in theDRC, with two parallelrunways capable of land-ing the heaviest trans-ports or the fastest fight-ers. The ebullient ATC,Mr Mabala, clears a taxi-ing aircraft to land andtake off all in one breathon his hand-held radio.

Flying over the ruralareas, it is difficult tocomprehend that thisregion was the scene ofbloody conflict duringthe 1960s, when merce-naries clashed withKatangese rebel groupsand aircraft strafed vil-lages and towns. Further


19

to the east is the Lac Upemba region,where roads are dusty bicycle tracks,and most people and commoditiestravel by dugout or barge on thewaterways surrounding the mightyCongo. A primary source of food, theriver flows northwards through thisregion for nearly 800 km before turn-ing westwards towards the distantAtlantic.

Landing in the town of MulembaNkulu on the banks of the Congo, theOryx helicopters were an instantattraction for hundreds of children, allchanting "Sha-Na-Na", taught to themby a previous crew.

Barely one and a half thousand feetabove sea level, this area is stiflinglyhot. Except for the odd visiting official,there are no cars and most buildings,

apart from the mission stations andchurches, are mud and thatchdwellings.

The Oryx helicopters were a wel-come sight for the Indian troops sta-tioned there, as they supplied bottleddrinking water and other supplies, aswell as a quick flight back to the com-forts of the base. Besides promotingthe Siyandisa Programme in the middleof Africa, the crews also boosted thelocal economy by buying heaps ofgrass mats to make the spartan condi-tions at Kamina more attractive.

There were also many youngCongolese males who fell hopelesslyin love with one of our young femaleco-pilots, who admirably handled alladvances with diplomatic aplomb. The"amor" of the French-speaking nations

has not been lost on these people!Flying back to Kamina in an Oryx

heavily loaded with Indian troops andequipment, we were reminded of ourvulnerability by a sudden and seem-ingly impenetrable thunderstorm. Butthe rain is a welcome relief to the heat.The storm passed as quickly as itarrived, and gave way to a magnifi-cent sunset such as only Africa couldproduce.

After the routine paperwork, welooked forward to the weeklyevenings of drinks, Bollywood andbingo with the Indian officers. MoreBritish than the "Brits" themselves,these guys were organised. All seniorofficers have a personal "batman" or"flunky" who waits on him (nofemales) 24/7.

Every morning at six sharp, abugle sounds reveille and a huge bellat the Quarterguard was rung to markevery hour. Every tent was air-condi-tioned and an impressive water-purification system had been installed.They had a whole container of gen-uine Indian victuals and liquidrefreshments, and there was a well-stocked tuck shop. Who could forgetthe Old Monk or the curried nuts, bothof which made you wish you had!

Leaving Kamina, one had mixedemotions; many new friends, hardtimes and good times, fun and frustra-tion. Nobody said it would be easyand hopefully it will get better. Fiveand half hours later we touched downat Waterkloof and realised that SouthAfrica was truly a land of milk andhoney.

The Flying School once housed a huge theatre and stage, banqueting hall

and magnificent accommodation.

Kamina Central Business District.


20

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photos: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

he Opening of Parliamenttook place in Cape Town on 9February 2007. PresidentThabo Mbeki's annual Stateof the Nation Address to thepeople of South Africaremains a media bang!

The entire nation zoomed in andfocused as our President andCommander-in-Chief took his placeand spoke to the South African nation.

There is justification for and goodreason why people every year dressup for the Opening of Parliament; thisoccasion is attended by the crème de lacrème of our country. This year wasno exception!

Addressing South Africa, thePresident urged all citizens "to deepenthe debate" on youth participation, theeconomy, the upliftment of women,

The Opening of Parliament

T

ways of building a stronger country,President Mbeki encouraged SouthAfricans: "So let us roll up our sleevesand get down to work … to build theSouth Africa for which we yearn",adding that if we wanted to be a suc-cessful nation we should work together.

Vowing that Government would dobetter this year, President Mbeki contin-ued: "The issue of a variety of our iden-tities and the overarching sense ofbelonging to South Africa needs to bebetter canvassed across society in amanner that strengthens our unity as anation".

He also said none of the great socialproblems we have to solve is capable ofresolution outside the context of thecreation of jobs and the alleviation anderadication of poverty. Addressing thecrime issue he told the nation that littlefault could be found with policies, butthat the challenge rather lay in effectingorganisational leadership, mobilisationof the mass of law enforcement, correc-tional and intelligence officers andfunctionaries of the justice system. "Themajority of these public servants have

better education, fighting crime,improving communities, State pen-sions, matters of health, etc. Looking at

The SA Navy Band enter-

taining the crowd at the

Opening of Parliament.

Our soldiers marching down Adderley Street to Parliament.

events


21

proved over and over again in actualpractice that they are prepared to puttheir lives on line." In relation to SouthAfrica being a non-permanent mem-ber of the United Nations (UN)

Security Council, President Mbeki stat-ed: "We will in these most esteemedmultilateral bodies do everything nec-essary to further contribute to interna-tional peace and security".

With all the spectacle and ceremonythat accompany a day such as this, it isalways with immense pride that onesees the SANDF do its bit for the sake ofnation building. The gun salute thatprecedes the President's speech, oursoldiers and the SA Air Force with itsmagnificent air displays, and membersof the National Ceremonial Guard dis-playing such confidence bring addeddignity to this occasion. The SANDFbands marched on to the sound of mar-tial music, with its rhythm and bag-pipes. This undoubtedly always does itfor the South African public!

Front, clockwise: President Thabo

Mbeki, the First Lady, Ms Zanele Mbeki,

the Chairperson of the National Council

of Provinces, Mr Mninwa Johannes

Mahlangu, and Madam Speaker,

Ms Baleka Mbete, on their way to

Parliament.

Eagerly awaiting the arrival of our

President at Parliament.

Members of the SA Air Force followed by members of the SA Navy and the

SAMHS, flanked by the SA Air Force Band, marching in a rainy Cape Town at

the Opening of Parliament.

The SA Army Band warms up the crowd for the State of the Nation Address.

youth


22

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the SA Air Force, awards 2Lt Nandi Zama

her SA Air Force Wings at a parade. (Photo: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole)

Young soldierreceived her wings

By Nomonde Vuthela

eceiving SA Air Force Wingsimplies making sacrifices inthe future, great responsibil-ity, loyalty and above all,reaching for the sky.Graduating and beingawarded SA Air Force

Wings, as was the case for a group ofyoung soldiers on 7 December 2007,becomes a special way to say, "Youhave hit the mark and have achievedthe necessary standard!"

A wings parade is more than just agraduation day for pilots. It is amoment of pride for families, friends,flying instructors, mentors, the SA AirForce and South Africa, and allbecause of a young person who choseto serve instead of responding to theneed for self-fulfilment first. This par-ticular type of young person is usuallypassionate, dedicated, very bright andeager: exactly what the SA Air Force issearching for.

Addressing recipients at the WingsParade held at Central Flying School inLangebaanweg on 7 December 2007,the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt GenCarlo Gagiano, said the event markedthe culmination of a long period ofdedicated effort. He said: "The stan-dards of flying and knowledge set bythe SA Air Force are high, they areindeed equal to the best in the world."

Stating that the day marked onlythe first of many goals, Lt Gen Gagianoadded: "A long period of sustainedeffort still lies ahead". And because theSANDF is in the business of creatingleaders, he urged the recipients tomaintain high levels of moral conduct.He said: "Indeed, your communitiesmust identify you as members of theSA Air Force primarily because you

Rcleave to these attributes."

Members of the Air Force ReserveSquadron, an integral part of the SAAir Force, also received their wings onthis day. The group of young soldiersrepresents all volunteers who are pre-pared to sacrifice whatever spare timethey have in their civilian lives andcareers, to serve in the SA Air Force.

Emphasising loyalty, Lt GenGagiano said: "You will soon discover,if you have not already done so, thatairlines pay much more than the SAAir Force." He stressed: "If perhaps infuture you discover that you havemade a mistake and come to the con-clusion that you should have joined theairlines, my only request to you is tostay loyal."

As a follow-up, SA Soldier inter-viewed one of the recipients, 2Lt NandiZama, at 41 Squadron in Pretoria. "Ithought I was going to be an accoun-tant, but when push came to shove,

flying was one of those things thatheld so much more excitement andpotential."

"This means you've got to pushyourself differently, experience thingsthat you would not normally haveexperienced and once I was in the AirForce I discovered all the little thingsand traditions. This was exactly what Iwanted." She added: "The first flight Itook in an Astra did it for me, I wasover the moon. As you advance andyou start to do more things you startexploring more, and you realise thatthis is definitely it."

On now officially owning the titleof "Air Force Military Aviator" andhaving her SA Air Force Wings, 2LtZama said: "I was ecstatic! It is a greatfeeling because you work towardssomething for a whole year. You do allof this, all the three years, includingthe non-flying parts, the groundschool, the basic training and the


23

2Lt Nandi Zama now based at 41 Squadron at Thaba Tshwane in Pretoria.

(Photo: Cpl Elias Mahuma)

officer forming. You do all that foryour wings".

On her expectations as a new SAAir Force employee, 2Lt Zama said: "Iwant to advance because CentralFlying School will only teach you somuch. I want to develop as a pilotwho is adaptable to almost anything".She continued: "Just to experience thediversity to the fullest and do thethings they do here in the SA AirForce."

Commenting on how the grass

always seemed greener in the corpo-rate world, she said: "It is a fact thatthe topic is discussed openly in ourcircles. All the SA Air Force needs todo is to find some kind of balance thatwill even out the money issue. I knowthat they could never compete withthe private sector".

"People come here not just becausethey want to be called pilots, theywant to be Military Aviators and thatis so different." She concluded: "This isdefinitely an excellent career choice."

spouse to adjust to time changes.Expect he or she will want plenty ofrest the first few days at home.

RenegotiationRenegotiation (for longer deploy-

ments): Reality hits! The returningspouse finds a more independent fam-ily. A little anger, a little disappoint-ment, and a little guilt creep in. This isnot the same family; they are older,more mature, and more self-confident.The children seem to depend more onthe spouse they stayed with, forget-ting to seek help from the returnedspouse. Things cannot be as they usedto be! All these people have changed.This is the stage for clear communica-tion of needs and wants. It is time torefocus and reorganise. Each will feelthe loss of individual freedom. It istime to renegotiate the "individualspace" for all. Many divorces occurduring this stage. The returningspouse boldly marches in to recapturehis or her kingdom. The family mem-bers want to retain their routine andthe spouse who stayed may not wantto give up the measure of indepen-dence, decision-making and privatefreedom he or she experienced duringthe separation.

ReintegrationThis is the stabilisation stage. Now

the conversations become "we", "us",and "our". The family begins to moveforward as a unit. When you are backtogether again, take some quiet time tosit together, holding hands and talk-ing about what happened. You needto listen to each other and you bothneed to talk. You have a thousandquestions to ask, as does your spouse,and you both need reassurance thateverything will be okay. Realise thatboth of you have grown during yourtime apart and it is important foreach one to allow the other some spaceand time alone. This is the time to re-establish old patterns or to establishnew, better ones. This can take sever-al weeks, so do not expect to fallback into "how it was" overnight. Taketime to enjoy the intense pleasure ofreuniting as a couple. Maj JacquesRaymond Gordon, JSB MOD

>> from page 11


24

Youth Programme winstop honours

By Col P.J. Keller, SAMHS

Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana

he Africa Aerospace andDefence (AAD) exhibition isthe largest exhibition of land,sea and air systems in Africa,a prestigious event thatattracts international partici-pation and is recognised on

the international calendar of similarevents. The exhibition is actively sup-ported by the Department of Defencein the national interest, and was lastpresented at AFB Ysterplaat, CapeTown, in September 2006.

In view of the significance of theexhibition the Department has appoint-ed the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt GenCarlo Gagiano, to co-ordinate its sup-port of the biennial event. As part of itsongoing commitment to the youth ofthe country, the SANDF has recognisedthe necessity of presenting a qualityYouth Programme worthy of the occa-sion, firstly to create awareness ofcareer opportunities for the MilitarySkills Development System (MSDS)programme and secondly to provideexposure to the various national in-dustries during the September 2006exhibition.

The showcasing of the achieve-ments of the highly successful YouthProgramme culminated on 8 December2006 when the latter received the pres-tigious Government GCIS Commu-nicator of the Year Award as overallnational winner. In addition the YouthProgramme also won the BUA Award,an award that symbolises excellenceand innovation in government commu-nications. The award ceremony washeld at the Castle, in Kyalami, and washosted by the Minister in the Presi-dency, Dr Essop Pahad. The awardswere accepted by Col Bobby Keller, theChairperson of the Youth Programme,and Brig Gen Bob King, the SA Air

Force Director appointed to the AADExecutive Committee.

THE LIFE-CYCLE APPROACHThe winning concept of the Youth

Programme was a life-cycle approachdeveloped by Col Keller, which had aholistic view of youth participation.Firstly, it involves recruiting the youthfor careers in the defence environmentand then upon completion of their ser-vice the young soldiers are required toserve in the Reserve Force. After theircareers and having served their countrysoldiers become veterans, who have tobe cared for. The preservation of ourmilitary culture and heritage is also inthe hands of the next generation. It istherefore important to cultivate aware-ness among the youth so that they cantake over this responsibility. The YouthProgramme depicted the life-cycleapproach at the exhibition.

THE STRATEGYBased on the success of previous

AAD Youth Programmes Col Kellerwas appointed for the third time as theDefence Youth Programme Chairpersonby the Chief of the SANDF. The YouthProgramme supported the strategicintent of the AAD 2006 with its vision ofpresenting a world-class youth aware-ness show, and was moreover support-ed by the career promotion programmefor the South African youth in thedefence and aviation industry. Toachieve this strategic goal the followingobjectives were set and met in CapeTown:

To create awareness and establishinterest in the MSDS among theyouth.To enhance aviation awarenessamong the youth. To preserve military history andculture.To create awareness of the SANDFReserve Force and military veterans'

Torganisations.To contribute to the local com-munity through job creation andmicro-business initiatives.The theme for the 2006 programmewas: "Work With the Youth - Build aBetter Future now".

THE YOUTH PROGRAMME ATTHE SHOW

The Youth Programme was pre-sented over the two public days as anexhibition and interactive programmerun by the youth. The programme hadtwo components, namely the 550 mem-bers of the organised programmes ofthe Services and the 2 000 youth enter-ing as members of the public. Theyouth were introduced to all the vari-ous careers and handed brochures onhow to enrol for the MSDS. They alsohad the opportunity to explore culturalexchange through discussions anddemonstrations of careers in the avia-tion, transport and defence industries.

These young learners were present-ed with a signed full colour certificate,a T-shirt, lanyard, ruler, food pack andvarious posters upon completion oftheir workshops. The following wasincluded in the programme:

The SA Army Amajoni Program-me participated with 100 youngpeople.The well-known SA Air ForceSiyandiza Programme wasrepresented. It was a static display

award

"Educationis the most

powerful toolyou can use to change

the world." - Nelson Mandela


25

consisting of a selected outdoorweapon system display and anindoor stall depicting careers in theSA Air Force. The exhibition includ-ed the prestigious Young Falcons intheir Day-Glo flight overalls whoacted as role models for their peers.The SA Navy Isivunguvungu Pro-gramme participated with theiryouth band and sea cadets. 180youth provided an excellent drilldisplay and the Youth Band enter-tained young and old. The Navyalso gave the youth opportunitiesto visit the SAS ISANDLWANAexhibition at the V & A Waterfront.A childcare centre provided collec-tion and holding facilities to care forthe children during the show.The AAD has always formed a part-nership with its host city when itexhibits there and for this reason avery active and organised City ofCape Town Street Children'sProgramme was included in thisYouth Programme. Not only was ita wonderful opportunity for thechildren to experience the show, butit also served as an inspiration tocreate a better future for them. 150children were transported to the

SPONSORSThe 2006 show was sponsored by

International Aero Engines and GijimaAST. Africa Militaire and staff fromLearning Curve Consultants providedthe much needed project office, admin-istration and supporting services forthe Youth Programme. The sponsorsreceived national and internationalmedia exposure during the show, andgenerally agreed that they hadreceived an excellent return on theirinvestment.

OUTCOME OF THE EVENTThe objectives set by the DOD

Youth Programme have been achievedand 120 000 visitors saw the exhibition.The media, senior government offi-cials, foreign delegations and membersfrom the defence industry were amongthe many visitors to the DOD YouthProgramme. The DOD YouthProgramme was also visited by theChief of the SA Air Force and theDeputy Mayor of Cape Town. TheYouth Programme Team receivedacknowledgement and appreciationfor the professional exhibition, otheractivities and the contribution made tothe Cape Town community. TheSANDF is now in a position to recruitthe best of the available South Afri-can youth for careers in the SANDFand can highlight career possibilities inthe civilian aerospace and defenceindustries.

CONCLUSIONThe DOD Youth Programme 2006,

an internationally recognised eventpresented every two years, remains aprestigious and highly successfulevent that reflects well on the SANDF.It was created, planned and executedby enthusiastic and positive uni-formed and civilian volunteers sup-porting the vision: "A world-classyouth awareness show". The achieve-ments of the 2006 youth programmehave strengthened the resolve to makethe 2008 programme an even greatersuccess. The key lies in the strength ofthe partnership with all those stake-holders who are both ready and will-ing to invest in our youth and con-tribute to the national vision of "ABetter Life for All". The SANDF can takepride in the achievements of its AADyouth programme and the support itprovides to the South African defenceand aviation industries.

Col Bobby Keller, Chairperson of the Youth

Programme, with the Government GCIS

Communicator of the Year Trophy.

show and introduced tocareers in the aviation anddefence environment.A partnership was formedwith the MTN ScienceCentre ORT-Tech Instituteto provide science and tech-nology workshops for theyouth. The workshopsfocused on skills in the avia-tion, maritime, electronicsand engineering environ-ments required to link thedefence and aviation indus-tries. A mini-technologyconference was held for edu-cators on how the work-shops of the Youth Program-me could be used to teachscience and technology. The South African Airways(SAA) Vulindlela Program-me contributed to the ex-hibition with a display inwhich people were madeaware of the role of the SAA. The Civil Aviation Autho-rity ensured that all theyouth received promotionalitems after their partici-pation in the science and

technology workshops.As an official partner of the AADfor search and rescue purposes, theNational Sea Rescue Institute(NSRI) presented their water safe-ty project called "Waterwise".The Youth Programme includedan exhibition by the Reserve Force,as well as a variety of veterans'organisations. The museums of theSA Air Force and SA Navy dis-played some of their splendidlypreserved historical items.The Alta du Toit School for men-tally disabled children of all racesre-ceived much needed fundingfor their activities as a socialresponsibility project from theYouth Pro-gramme sponsor. Onthe day of the presentation an SAAir Force Oryx helicopter landedon the school grounds with a dele-gation of the SANDF and the spon-sor, Mr David Lee of InternationalAero Engines, to hand over adonation of R15 000 to the school.The gratitude and joy of the staffand children ensured a most mem-orable and gratifying visit, whichhad been undertaken to promote aworthy cause.


26

equipment donation

Members of the Mozambican Defence Force patiently wait for the first load of equipment to

be off-loaded from the SAS DRAKENSBERG in Maputo Harbour.

SANDF donated equip-ment to MozambiqueBy Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he South African NationalDefence Force handed thedonated general equipmentand military stores to theMozambican Defence Forcein Maputo on 27 January2007.

This donation resulted from thesigning of a co-operation agreementbetween South Africa andMozambique on 6 May 2000. In termsof the signed co-operation agreement,the defence forces of the two countrieswill, among others, work together toimprove border security, militaryintelligence and military health.

During the handing-over ceremo-ny the High Commissioner toMozambique, Ms Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe, said they were standing thereto witness the achievements resultingfrom co-operation, respect for oneanother and a deep-seated desire towork together to better the lives of allour citizens.

This donation will not only benefit

Mozambique, but will also contributetowards strengthening our combinedability to protect our people, our bor-ders and also effectively protect andpatrol our very important coastlineand natural resources.

In his keynote address our DeputyMinister of Defence, Mr MlulekiGeorge, said: "In contrast to the spirit

of that era of uncertainty and sorrow,we are today standing here together,Mozambicans and South Africans,Black and White, who a few years agowere sworn enemies, not to fight butto celebrate. This is a demonstrationof the strength of the human spirit. Itis also a tribute to the fallen heroesand heroines and an indication

TOur Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George (left), shakes hands with

the Mozambican Minister of Defence, Mr Tobias Dai, while the High

Commissioner to Mozambique, Ms Thandi Lujabe-Rankoe, looks on.

that their sacrifices werenot in vain".

The donated goodsincluded office equip-ment, uniforms, a ferryboat and two patrol boats.As some areas of Mo-zambique are subject tofrequent flooding, theseboats will come in handy.Another donation, whichis still to be delivered tothe Mozambican DefenceForce, consists of Samilvehicles.

The MozambicanMinister of Defence, MrTobias Dai, expressed hisgratitude towards SouthAfrica for the donations.

tribute


27

Article and photo courtesy of

The Daily Telegraph

aj Gen Edward Fursdon (81),a dedicated contributor of SASoldier, died on 3 January2007. His continued contribu-tions will be dearly missed.Our sincere sympathy goes tohis wife and family.

He capped a military career, whichalternated regimental duties in theEmpire with increasingly responsiblestaff jobs, by becoming defence corre-spondent of The Daily Telegraph.

A tall, imposing man with no directexperience of daily journalism or tastefor gossiping in pubs, Eddie Fursdonarrived at the paper a published poet,but he had the sang-froid to tolerate asecretary who kept rats under her desk.Between 1980 and 1986 he proved him-self a hard-working reporter at homeand abroad, covering Nato meetings,the growing concerns about the Sovietthreat to Poland, cuts to the ArmedForces and small wars. While neverventuring into the commentator'srealm, he also demonstrated a sure eyefor terrain on several trips to cover theIraq-Iran war from the Iraqi side.

If he unblinkingly recounted anassurance that one million Iraqi womenwere longing to join up, he could han-dle general news stories, such as therescue of three British women from aship in the Shatt-al-Arab waterway bythe broadcaster Jon Snow. There wasalso the occasion when he led corre-spondents under fire in making a "longunpractised School of Infantry leopardbelly crawl" before a final 100-yarddash for safety.

Fursdon was too busy recording theofficial communiqués in London to beallowed near the front during theFalklands War. But six months later hemade a trip to the islands. He walkedthe battlefields, watched cattle beingslaughtered after their legs had beenblown off by mines and described the

May his soul rest in peace

eerie colours ofC u m b e r l a n dBay at dawn inSouth Georgia,where the warbegan.

On beingstood downfrom his post,after a changein the Tele-graph's owner-ship demandeda different kindof defence cov-erage, Fursdonput his find-ings into a

went on to build bridges in East Africa,where he encountered Sergeant IdiAmin, commanding an anti-spear unit,and the explorer Wilfred Thesiger, whohad lost all his possessions when hiscamel bolted.

By now making his mark as a staffofficer, Fursdon escaped the hostility ofa divisional colonel at Camberley bygoing off to report on the CanadianArmy's introduction of a single logisticsbattalion, a measure later adopted bythe British Army. He also set up a staffcollege course on supplying by air, afterjoining an operational crew in theBorneo campaign and single-handedlymaking a film about it, which won anamateur film award.

Following a spell supervising theBritish withdrawal from the Gulf, hebecame a lecturer in defence studies atAberdeen University, where he startedresearching the political and militaryaspects of Nato; this led to his book TheEuropean Defence Community (1980).

After leaving the Telegraph hebecame a correspondent for several spe-cialist defence journals. Eddie Fursdon,also became director of ceremonies forthe Order of St John of Jerusalem, andwas appointed CB in 1980. He married,in 1950, Joan Worssam, with whom hehad a son and daughter.

book, Falklands Aftermath: Picking upthe Pieces (1988).

Francis William Edward Fursdonwas born on 10 May 1925 into a WestCountry military family, and wasbrought up at Fursdon Lodge in Dorset.After enlisting in the Royal Engineerswhile still at Westminster school, he wascommissioned in 1945.

Fursdon was posted to the RoyalWest African Frontier Force in India,where he was astonished to be greetedby a private who flattened his head tobalance his tin trunk on top, then rubbedthe sides of his face afterwards to pop itback into normal shape.

He joined a Gold Coast unit on mine-clearing operations in Burma, ferriedcoal from Mansfield colliery during acoal strike and foiled an attempt to assas-sinate his commanding officer in Malayabefore returning home to obtain a BScfrom the Military College of Science atShrivenham. In 1958 Fursdon wasawarded an MBE for his gallantry inremoving a shell, which had landed on asimulated nuclear device. It had ignitedbut not exploded. He had it dug upsmouldering and safely detonated; somefelt a George Medal would have beenmore appropriate. He then survivedgrenade and small arms attacks at PortSaid during the Suez campaign, and

MFursdon about to make his first parchute jump, into

Studland Bay, when he was 60.

events


28

Compiled by Maj Merle Meyer, SO1

Com SA Army Infantry Formation

n Thursday 2 November2006 17:00 an overcast skycreated an eerie atmo-sphere in front of the JackHindon Hall at the InfantrySchool in Oudtshoorn. Thisatmosphere was enhanced

by the arrival of a guard of honour forthe laying up of the colours of 12 SAInfantry Battalion (12 SAI Bn).

The olive-green background withthe chilly-red and gold emblem of thedogs and horseshoe on the colours of12 SAI Bn brought back happy andsad memories for the members whoattended the event. The raw emotioncould be seen on the face of Lt Col TCThidziambi, the last Officer Com-manding, when he handed over thecolours to Chaplain M.D. Mence.

This proud unit was establish-ed in 964 and moved from Voortrek-kerhoogte (now Thaba Tshwane) toWelgegund, then to De Aar and laterto Bourkes Luck and also to Potchef-stroom. The equestrian capabilitywas taken over by the SAPS Mount-ed Service while the canine capabilitywas transferred to the SAMHS.

The motorcycle and visual track-ing training capabilities were trans-ferred to the Infantry School inOudtshoorn.

Caring equestrian soldiersThe members who served in this

unit were of a special kind. They werecaring and dedicated. They had animmense love for the horses and dogs.They knew they had to take care of theanimals 24/7 and then they wouldlook after you, and many a day ayoung soldier was saved by his horse

O

12 SAI Bn sayinga final goodbye


29

or dog. The horses and dogs were also very effectively utilisedin patrols and even during unrest in urban areas, whereuproars were calmed and the troublemakers dispersed themoment they saw a dog or a horse.

Later on the equestrian soldiers also included those onmotorcycles. They were soldiers with a passion for their workand for caring for the people that they had to protect. Duringthe late 1990s these soldiers had an immediate positive effectwhen they were deployed on the Cape Flats during thetaxi/bus and gang wars. The sound of the motorcycles createdan element of fear among the criminals, while on the otherhand it was a sound of relief to the innocent.

Over the years 12 SAI Bn was deployed on a continuousbasis, especially in the role of border protection. Several com-panies were deployed externally to the Democratic Republic ofthe Congo (DRC) and Burundi, where they had an excellentrecord. In 2004 the members of 12 SAI Bn came to the rescue ofthe other United Nations (UN) forces which were attacked byrebel forces.

Several female Infanteers received training in all threefields. The very first female company commander to deployinternally was Maj Romi van Tonder, with two female platooncommanders in KwaZulu-Natal where they did an excellentjob.

End of an eraThis ceremonial event saw the SA Army Infantry Formation

bid farewell to a proud unit - a unit full of history. Now thetime has come to write new doctrines and to adapt to a newenvironment in the African Battle Space.

To the members of 12 SAI Bn: go well, you served the coun-try with pride. We will never forget you.

The laying up of the colours of 12 SAI Bn brought

back happy and sad memories for the members who

attended the event.

Fallen Infanteers honouredBy Maj Merle Meyer,

SO1 Com SA Army Inf Fmn

The annual Infantry Memorial Servicewas held at Fort Klapperkop inPretoria on 21 January 2007. At thisevent the SA Army InfantryFormation, the Infantry Associationand several other military veterans'organisations remembered all fallenInfanteers.

At the Memorial Service Brig GenKrubert Nel, the Chief of Staff of theSA Army Infantry Formation, empha-sised the important role the Infanteersplayed in bringing peace to Africa, asthey were the ones deployed in theComoros, the Sudan, the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) andBurundi.

The Transvaal Scottish Pipe Band played at the

annual Infantry Memorial Service.

Despite beingdeployed in warzones, no Infan-teerhas died in the pastyear in battle, and forthis we must also bethankful. Let usremember all fallenInfanteers with theSoldier's Prayer:

"In proud thanks-giving, let us remem-ber our elder breth-ren. They shall grownot old as we whoare left to grow old.At the going down ofthe sun and in themorning, we willremember them."


30

youth

New recruits set off for SAS SALDANHA

By AB V.D. Maleka, LS Com and Admin

Navy Office PR

Photos: F Sgt F. du Bois

ervous, ecstatic, enthusiastic, I amlooking forward to the physicaltraining. I want to be a sub-mariner. I want to be a diver. I amready to serve my country. Mychildhood dream just came true. Iwill face all challenges head on …"

These were some of the thoughts and feel-ings of the new SA Navy (SAN) recruits whowill embark on a journey to become membersof the SANDF serving in the SA Navy.

On Friday, 12 January 2007, the SA Navyrecruits from Gauteng, Polokwane, Nelspruit

“

One of the recruits (centre) accompanied by his family.

N

One of the youngsters

giving her dad a last hug

before they meet again …

Peep into their

thoughts: "I cannot

believe that I am really

leaving".


31

and Potchefstroom met in the ThabaTshwane City Hall to depart for the SANavy training unit, SAS SALDANHA.

One of the youngsters, Patricia Peo,said: "I am prepared and ready. I am aproductive individual and I will proveto be an asset to the SA Navy".

Checking that the

recruits have all the

paperwork needed for

SAS SALDANHA.

One of the SA Navy escorts giving the recruits a feel

of what awaits them at SAS SALDANHA …Luggage onto the bus, and off they go to SAS SALDANHA!

The youngsters were accompaniedby family and loved ones. When it wasfinally time to leave, goodbyes andhugs were exchanged and of coursesome tears were shed as parents sawtheir sons and daughters off. Some ofthe youngsters also shed some tears as

they realised the reality of leaving forSAS SALDANHA.

For two years these young menand women will be groomed to beexceptional sailors and will receivefunctional training in various special-ist fields within the SA Navy.

“...I am

ready to

serve my

country.”

training


32

SAS SALDANHAwelcomes MSDS recruits

By S Lt Sam Khasuli,

PRO SAS SALDANHA

Photos: CPO Louis Wadsworth

A Navy recruits from the var-ious provinces of South Africaarrived at SAS SALDANHAon 13 January 2007. Since theinception of the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS)in 2003, more than 600

recruits have been arriving each yearat SAS SALDANHA for their BasicTraining.

Owing to the large number of peo-ple wanting to join the SA Navy thisyear, a decision to have two intakesper year was taken. The first intake isthese youngsters who have justarrived, while the second intake willbe in July.

The Officer Commanding SASSALDANHA, Capt K. Naidoo, briefedNaval Gymnasium Programme (NGP)members on 15 January 2007 aboutwhat to expect over the next fewmonths. According to Capt Naidooonly the fittest will survive as therecruits start the transition from civil-ian life to the military environment.This transition is going to challengethem both mentally and physically.

It should be borne in mind that theMSDS was previously presented overone year and this year it will have to bepresented over only 23 weeks. TheTraining Commander, Cdr S.A.Malepe, and the MTR1 Course Officer,Lt Cdr R.P. Fourie, were asked howthe training programme would be con-ducted. With confidence both seniorofficers said that although the trainingtime had been reduced drasticallymost of the outcomes of the curricu-lum had been retained. Therefore thetraining programme will be moreintensive.

At present recruits start with an

Sinduction phase oftwo weeks. Duringthe induction 40candidates will beselected to undergoBasic Training forOfficers at the SANaval College.After their induc-tion 12 weeks ofintensive BasicTraining will takeplace at SAS SAL-DANHA and there-after the pro-

The recruits being briefed by a Military Police member

shortly after their arrival.

SAS SALDANHAamalungu amatsha Ngu S Lt Sam Khasuli,

PRO SAS SALDANHA

Ifoto: CPO Louis Wadsworth

Iguqulelwe esiXhoseni ngu

N.P. Ndwandwe

malungu amatsha oMkhosiwezaseManzini waseMzantsiAfrika avela kumaphondoahlukeneyo aseMzantsi Afri-ka afike e-SAS SALDANHAngomhla weshumi elinesitha-thu kwinyanga yoMqungu

kunyaka ka-2007. Kusukela okokwaqalwa inkqubo ebizwa ngokuthi-wa yi-MSDS ngomnyaka ka 2003,bekufika amalungu angaphezulu kwa-makhulu amathandathu qho e-SASSALDANHA ukuba bafumaneuQeqesho olusisiSekelo.

Ngenxa yokuba bebaninzi abantuabafuna ukuzibandakanya ne-SANavy kulo nyaka, kwathathwa isigqi-bo sokuba kuthathwe amalungu amat-sha omkhosi kabini ngonyaka. Iqelalokuqala liqale uqeqesho ngenyangayoMqungu elesibini ke liza kuqalangenyanga yeKhala.

UMphathi wamajoni esiGqubi,uKapt K. Naidoo, utyebisele ngokufut-shane amalungu e-Naval GymnasiumProgramme (NGP) ngoMvulo umhlaweshumi elinesihlanu kwinyangayoMqungu ku-2007 ngalonto elin-delekileyo kubo, kwezi nyangaezingephi ezilandelayo. UKapt Naidoouthi abazokuphumelela ngaboabaphile qethe njengokuba kunenguquyokusuka kubomi obuqhelekileyobeyokugena kumhlaba womkhosi. Le

A

gramme of the MSDS will kick off,which will continue until the grad-uation ceremony.The graduation

ceremony will take place on 21 June2007 and shortly thereafter the nextintake will commence.


33

Learners' commitmentpaid offBy Lebohang Letaoana

Photo: Cpl Elias Mahuma

he SA National DefenceCollege recently celebrated theachievements of five learnerswho successfully completedthe Adult Basic Education andTraining (ABET) level 1 and 2programme on literacy (Basic

English, writing), which was presentedby Media Works.

The Regimental Sergeant Major ofthe SA National Defence College, WO1Stephanie Ferreira, said she was veryhappy about the progress made by thelearners, who perform maintenancework at the College. "They attendedclasses in the morning, three days aweek for one hour. Their commitment

really paid off," said WO1 Ferreira. Oneof the learners, Mr Ben Lesufi, said:

"This course has really helped me a lot.Now I can express myself clearly."

T

U PO Tanya Klassen, umfundisi we-MTR1, uncedisa

ekubhaleni irejista.

yamkelee-MSDS

nguqu iza kucela umngeni emzimbeninasengqondweni.

Njengokuba sisazi ukuba ngapham-bili inkqubo zeMSDS bezithatha unya-ka wonke, kodwa kulo nyaka baza-kuqeqeshwa ngeeveki ezingamashumiamabini anesithathu kuphela.UMphathi wezoQeqesho, uCdr S.A.Malepe kunye noMphathi majoni wez-ifundo ezibizwa ngokuthiwa yi-MTR 1,uLt Cdr R.P. Fourie babuzwa ukubauqeqesho olu luza kuqhutywa kanjanina. Aba baPhathi bamajoni bobabinibavume ngazwilinye ngokuzithembaokukhulu bathi "Nangona uqeqesholufutshanisiwe kabukhali kodwa izi-phumo ezininzi zezifundo ziye zagcin-wa azalahlwa. Oku kuzo kubangelaukuba inkqubo yoqeqesho ibenzulukakhulu.

O k w a n g o k uamalungu amatshaomkhosi angeniswangenqanam, okuzakuthatha iiveki ezim-bini. Ngalo elilixalokungeniswa ngen-

ka-2007, emva kwalonto kube sekufikaamanye amalungu amatsha omkhosiazokuqala ukuqeqeshwa.

* The English version of this article isavailable on page 32. To obtain a transla-tion of this article or any article publishedin SA SOLDIER in any one of our officiallanguages, please make use of the profes-sional services rendered by DirectorateLanguage Services of the DOD. For assis-tance contact Dr Johann Marais atDirectorate Language Services at tel no:(012) 392 2412 - Ed.

Front, fltr: Mr Ben Lesufi, Mr Petrus Tshishonya, Mr Johannes Dingaan.

Back, fltr: Ms Martha Phalane and WO1 Stephanie Ferreira.

Mr Ephraim Tutja from COLET was not present during the photo session.

qanam, amalungu angabagqatswaukuba ngabaphathi bamajoni anga-mashumi amane aye akhethwa ukubaayokwenza uQeqesho oluSisisekelo e-SA Naval College. Emva koNgenisongenqanam e-SAS SALDANHA, kuza-kuba noQeqesho oluSisisekelo olunzulu,oluza kulandelwa yinkqubo ye-MSDS,eza kuqhubeka kuze kube yiNkonzoeyodwa yoThweso-ziDanga.

Inkonzo eyodwa yoThweso-zidangaiza kuba ngosuku lwamashumi amabiniananye kwinyanga yeSilimela kunyaka


34

Inauguration of ourHuman ResourcesDivision

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photos: Cpl Elias Mahuma

he Department of Defence cel-ebrated the establishment ofthe SANDF Human ResourcesDivision (HR Div) at ThabaTshwane in Pretoria on 26January 2007. The HR Div is toplay a pivotal role in the

redesigning of the DOD so that the

consisted of a flag hoisting paradewith the new HR Div emblem andcolours on display. The emblem bearsthe traditional colours of the SANDF,the nine- pointed star shaped emblem,in the centre of which lie the quill andkey symbolising the expansion ofknowledge in all DOD structureslocated in and around all nineprovinces of our country.

In short, the newly unveiled HR

organisation continues to provideeffective and efficient service delivery.

Thanking all the members in hisdivision for working tirelessly toestablish the HR Div, Lt Gen TembaMatanzima, Chief of HumanResources, said: "I really must say thatit has not been an easy road. We havecreated a legacy for which we will beremembered proudly".

The inauguration ceremony

T

Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, the Chief of Human Resources, unveils the new Human Resource Division emblem

at Thaba Tshwane.


35

Div will see to it that Defence pro-vides, manages, prepares and employscapabilities which are proportionate tothe needs of a new South Africa, asdetailed and outlined by theConstitution. "I have already declaredmy intention to make HumanResources the function of excellence,"said Lt Gen Matanzima. "Let us createa culture of equity where every-one will be treated in an equitablemanner."

As a direct result of keeping in linewith the DOD transformation process,the year 2000 saw the disbanding ofthe Personnel Division, which led tothe splitting of its elements betweenthe Defence Secretariat and the

SANDF.Unforeseen challenges later erupt-

ed within the personnel division envi-ronment, particularly in that of theDOD Chief of Personnel and Chief ofJoint Support. In an attempt to stabiliseand unify the human resources frater-nity, the post of Chief of HumanResources was revived in 2004.

As Lt Gen Matanzima put it, "I amon my way to top performance; I aman HR functionary representing theHR Div".

The establishment of the HR Divwill unite the elements of the formerChief of Personnel and thus create uni-fied and streamlined control of DODHR matters, providing a democratic

South Africa with an effective DefenceForce. The intent is clearly reflected inthe new HR emblem. The Key ofKnowledge represents the JointTraining Command, while the key tothe future represents the ServiceCorps. The quill, a traditional writ-ing device, stands for the person-nel aspects of the division. The keyand the quill symbolise the training,skill and professionalism of DODmembers.

The Chief of HR Div concluded:"This Division must be respected forits high standard of performance, highlevels of discipline and good workethics. Let us live and eat the princi-ples of service delivery."

Top DOD members at the inauguration ceremony, front, fltr: Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of SA Air Force,

Lt Gen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg, Chief of Corporate Staff, Mr January Masilela, the Secretary for Defence,

and Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, Chief of Human Resources.

events


36

By Amn Arnaus Rakoma

Photos: Sgt Lebogang Tlhaole

he Military Police Agencyhosted an impressive medalparade and flag hoisting cere-mony at AFB Ysterplaat inCape Town on 8 November2006. To start the day,Chaplain James Smith of

AMHU Western Cape conducted aservice with scripture reading andprayer. After the guard of honourformed up, the flag hoisting andNational Salute were performed andthe Code of Conduct was read.

The Chief of the Military PoliceAgency (MPA), Brig Gen JosephLedwaba, the chief functionary for theday, in his opening address stated that8 November 2006 was a joyful and amemorable occasion for the MPA andan opportunity to honour membersfor their devotion and excellent ser-vice to the Agency and the DOD.

"History shows that soldiers havefaced hardship, mutilation and deathin battle and yet did not complain.They were prepared to die for thatwhich they believed in - duty, honour,country," Brig Gen Ledwaba said. Headded that the military was a way oflife and that it was a century-old tradi-tion to award military personnel withmedals and that it was an internation-ally accepted method of giving recog-nition to members for their serviceand skill.

In his keynote address he contin-ued: "The honouring of our memberstoday with medals must be seen asrecognition for their work and dutyand also as a challenge to all otherMPA members with a clean record."

Brig Gen Ledwaba reminded themembers that in the MPA disciplineand law went hand in hand, even in

Military Police awarded for devotion to duty

Ttheir private lives, as Military Policeofficials are governed by a Code ofPersonal Conduct and society looks atthem as Military Police to set theexample. It is expected that thebehaviour of a Military Police officialshould at all times be beyond

Discipline and

law go

hand in hand.

Members of the Titans team competing in the adventure sport.

Brig Gen Joseph

Ledwaba, the Chief of

the Military Police Agency,

salutes the worthy

recipients during

the parade.


37

1996 as a Reserve Force member. Shecompleted her basic military training atSA Army Infantry School in 1996 andwas the first female student to be thebest overall student, even in competi-tion against male students.

I asked her what motivated her tojoin the Defence Force. She said: "I real-ly wanted to make a meaningful contri-bution to mankind, and the passion,commitment and undying love for mycountry grew into a lifetime of dreamsand aspirations."

In conclusion I asked her what mes-sage she had for fellow MPA andSANDF members to motivate them andhow she felt to be the top achiever. Shereplied that receiving the awards was ahumbling experience. She shared thefollowing words of encouragement forfellow members: "In the difficult timesof today, where one is not sure oftomorrow, it is important to hold on toone's dreams, faith, religion and sup-port that one receives from one's familyand friends and keep on doing goodand being the best one could ever be".

During her leisure time she likesreading criminology and detective fic-tion. She takes part in 9 mm shooting,plays golf and loves spending qualitytime at home.

Maj Raylene Bosman from the TITANS team receives an award for the best

shottist from Brig Gen Joseph Ledwaba, Chief of the Military Police Agency,

while Col Franz Viljoen, Regional Provost Marshal of the Southern Military

Police Region, looks on.

Top AchieverSA Soldier interviewed Maj RayleneBosman from the TITANS (a combinedteam from the MPA HQ, MP Schooland 13 PRO COY), who won varioustop awards at the Military PoliceAgency Prestige Gala Event. Theawards were conferred in various cate-gories of team and individual competi-tion.

Maj Bosman was the recipient of thefollowing awards: the best academicindividual in the MPA, the best Majorin the MPA, the fittest individual MPAmember, the best 9 mm shottist and theoverall best MP official in the MPA.

She was born on 31 May 1974 inPretoria and completed her primaryschool education at Rachel de BeerPrimary and went on to Gerrit MaritzSecondary School in Pretoria. She holdsa BA law degree obtained in 1995 andan Honours Degree in Criminologyfrom Unisa. Currently she is enrolledfor a course in Russian as part of herdegree.

Maj Bosman, who is a ChiefTraining Officer at the Military PoliceSchool in Pretoria, is a qualified crimi-nologist. She joined the SA Army in

reproach. He encouraged them toserve as honest Military Police officialsand good leaders who always set anexample not only to their colleagues,but also to society and their clients andto act loyally and defend the MPAagainst criticism from outside.

He thanked the medal recipientsfor their dedication and hard work andalso thanked their families and friendswho stood by them and helped themto become worthy recipients.

In conclusion he thanked theRegional Provost Marshal of theSouthern Military Police Region, ColFranz Viljoen, members on parade andthe military band of ASB Youngsfieldfor their colourful display.

The flag hoisting and medalparade coincided with the third MPAPrestige Event. Officially opening thePrestige Event, Brig Gen Ledwabaquoted Gen George S. Patton whoonce said: "Don't measure a man's suc-cess by how high he climbs, but howhigh he bounces when he hits bottom".

Brig Gen Ledwaba told SA Soldierthat the MPA was forging ahead in awell planned and structured way."Through planning and excellentorganisation we are able to meet thechallenges of the day and of thefuture."

Members of the MPA in the rankgroups Private to Major competedagainst each other in various sportingactivities, in both team and individualcompetition.

Western MP Region won in soccer,Northern MP Region won in volleyballand Southern MP Region won the 7aside rugby match. Central MP Regionwon in netball, while Southern MPRegion won the best adventure sporttitle.

Speaking to SA Soldier, Col Viljoensaid: "2006 will be remembered forboth the unique achievements of theSouthern Military Police Region(SMPR) as a team and for the achieve-ments of individuals in the SMPR whoformed part of the winning team".

insight


38

Benchmarkingnational security

Compiled by Col Marthie Visser,

and Ms Reshma Matura, both

ENSP 14/06 members

nowledge, skills and under-standing of national securityin a geo-strategic context arecritical for the developmentof a framework for the futureof a country and to facilitatedevelopment of a national

security strategy for the State. It istherefore important how institutionsare utilised to promote national secu-rity and international politics.

The SA National Defence Collegeis aimed at achieving this goal by pro-viding the leaders of tomorrow withpractical experience and knowledge todevelop such strategies - all in theinterests of a South Africa that trulybelongs to all who live in it!

As part of the "InternationalStudies" segment of the ExecutiveNational Security Programme (ENSP),the members of the ENSP 14/06 hadthe enviable opportunity to visit Spainand East Africa (Kenya and Tanzania).The members departed in two groupsto conduct a foreign study tour on 2and 3 November 2006. One groupdeparted for East Africa and the othergroup for Spain respectively.

The tour was designed to providethe members with an internationalperspective on issues that relate tonational security and to benchmarkhow other countries pursue theirnational security objectives.

AN EAST AFRICAN EXPERIENCE

The official visit began in Nairobi,Kenya on the Monday, with a visit toMr Tony Msimanga, the South AfricanHigh Commissioner. He confirmedthe strong relationship that existed

K

between the Kenyan and South Africanmilitary forces and provided a goodunderstanding of the challenges thatexisted in the country.

Next the group visited the KenyanMinistry of Defence, where the Chief ofOperations addressed them, amongother issues the Chief of Operationstalked about their involvement inpeace support operations in the region.It became clear that the Kenyan Armywas well-trained as a result of theirbilateral co-operation with countriessuch as France, the United States andthe United Kingdom.

The visit to the Kenyan DefenceCollege proved to be a highlight of thevisit as the group found many areas ofcommon interest. The group was alsoprivileged to be addressed by Dr M.Katumanga from the University ofNairobi on the issue of "GeopoliticsKnowledge for State Building" with thefocus on human security.

On Tuesday morning the groupvisited the International Mine

Awareness Training Centre, currentlymanned by a British Army team. A pre-sentation and impressive demonstra-tion of anti-mine equipment was given.The group then departed for the ExportProcessing Zone (EPZ). A companythat runs a successful project of pro-ducing nutritional products for com-munities in conflict stricken areas wasvisited.

The afternoon was spent with theMinistry of Foreign Affairs where thegroup was briefed on Kenya's foreignpolicy and the country's priorities topromote and protect its national inter-ests. Managing refugees from its neigh-bouring states seems to be one of thecountry's biggest challenges.

The last morning in Kenya broughtthe group to the Ministry of Planningand National Development wherethey were briefed on Kenya's Vision2030, based on economic, social andpolitical development. It became evi-dent that the Kenya was faced withsimilar challenges as South Africa, such

A Zanzibar Market.


39

as unemployment and HIV/AIDS.The group then departed for Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania.

The South African HighCommissioner in Dar-es-Salaamaddressed the group on Wednesdayafternoon. The next morning presenta-tions were given by the Ministry ofForeign Affairs on the increasing co-operation related to peace and securityin the Great Lakes region in Tanzania'sforeign policy and its influence onrelations with the East AfricanCommunity and with the SADC. Thefocus was on finding solutions to con-flict in the region.

During the after-lunch session, thegroup was enlightened on economicdevelopment and investments in min-ing, agricultural and tourism sectors.

The group departed for the islandof Zanzibar on Friday morning, withits first port of call the BrigadeHeadquarters. Mr Somia Sittassan,Minister of Tourism, addressed thegroup on challenges facing the islandand the relationship and co-operationbetween Zanzibar and Tanzania.

The most amazing observationmade in Tanzania was the harmonyand peace that existed among a cultureand religion diverse population. Theunitary factor in the country seems tobe a government that does not have

squabble over difference in religion,tribalism and regionalism - and inaddition to this, a single languageused by all - Swahili.

In summing up the range of expe-riences during the tour one can saythat both countries give priority toeconomic diplomacy aimed at pro-moting growth and development. It isalso clear that both Kenya andTanzania have a crucial role to play inthe development of the East Africanregion.

A SPANISH ODYSSEYThe warmth and spontaneity of

the people, the amazing culturaldiversity and the feel of a developedcountry is evident as soon as one stepsonto Spanish soil.

Visiting such a large country inonly ten days and be exposed only tocertain regions and towns makes itsomewhat difficult to draw any abso-lute conclusion about the eclectic mixof people, cultures and traditions.However, just as the climate of Spainwarms, so too do the people. Wereceived friendly smiles in the smallcoastal town of Puerto de Santa Maria,which is also home to one of the coun-try's major naval bases far surpassedthe initial reception we had in Madrid.

The ENSP members were hosted

by CESEDEN, Spain's equivalent ofthe SA National Defence College. TheDefence Attaché in Spain, Col ChrisPheiffer, who had also helpedarranged the tour over the precedingnumber of months, accompanied thegroup throughout the trip.

The exposure of the ENSP to theDefence sector in Spain included visitsto CESEDEN, the Spanish Navy atNaval Base Rota, which included avisit to the "Castilla", a Spanishamphibious warfare ship, andTorrejón Airbase where the CESAER-OB satellite facility was visited. Themembers were also exposed to twolarge private sector organisations inSpain, including EADS CASA (thecompany which will be manufactur-ing the A400M aircraft, eight of whichhave been ordered by the SANDF)and General Dynamics. The SouthAfrican Ambassador in Spain, MrBruce Kolane, invited ENSP membersfor dinner to his ambassadorial resi-dence, and entertained the group intrue South African style.

Spain impressed us with the pro-fessionalism of the military forces. Thevibrant Spanish economy, much likethe country's culture, is reflected incontinuous infrastructure develop-ment and the number of new build-ings. The official language of Spain is

The city of Toledo in Spain.

Spanish; very few Spaniardsspeak English.

The visit to the Rastro, a fleamarket in central Madrid, provid-ed the ideal occasion for someshopping, while exposure to a fla-menco night was a very welcomeexposure to this Spanish dance.When we visited the city ofToledo, the former capital ofSpain, we were able to experiencesomething of the old country.

Spain was indeed an amazingexperience. It not only allowedthe ENSP members the opportu-nity to experience a First Worldnation, it also enabled new friend-ships to be formed.

The academic value of visits ofthis nature cannot be underesti-mated. It is indeed necessary forthe leaders of tomorrow to havethis exposure to enable them tobuild a solid foundation based onfirst-hand experience.

events


40

Our first HumanResources Lekgotla

By Sgt Lebohang Letaoana


he Chief of Human Re-sources, Lt Gen Temba Ma-tanzima, hosted the firstHuman Resources Lekgotlain the DOD at the Council ofScientific and Industrial Re-search International Conven-

tion Centre (CSIR) in Pretoria on30 November 2006.

The aim of this gathering was toserve as an empowerment, commu-nication and networking opportu-nity for senior Human Resources

functionaries of the DOD (uniformedand civilian defence employees).

"The DOD Human ResourcesLekgotla 2006 comes at an opportunemoment in the evolving transforma-tion of the DOD. With theDepartment's increasing commitmentto peace and security in the Africanregion, our defence diplomacy com-mitment and implementation commit-ments arising from the commissioningof new main equipment also comesincreasing resource management com-mitment and therefore humanresources management commitment,"said Dr Mary Ledwaba, Acting Chief

Director HR Strategic Direction andPolicy, who spoke on behalf of theSecretary for Defence, Mr JanuaryMasilela, at the opening of theLekgotla.

She added that the Secretary for

T

Fltr: Maj Gen Molefi Keith Mokoena, Acting Chief Director Human Resources Development, Dr Mary Ledwaba,

Acting Chief Director HR Strategic Direction and Policy, Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, Chief of Human Resources,

Maj Gen Ntsiki Motumi, Chief Director Transformation Management, and Maj Gen Keith Mokoape, Chief Director Army

Reserves, at the media briefing at the Lekgotla.

Exercise

excellent

service

delivery.

41

Defence's vision for the Department'sHR Management function was there-fore that each and every employeeshould contribute optimally, whichwould promote an effective, efficient,economical and transparent HRManagement System, the hallmark ofwhich is excellent service delivery toall clients and stakeholders and fullcompliance with the regulatoryframework.

Addressing the delegates, theChief of Human Resources said: "Theestablishment of the DOD HumanResource Division means that therewould henceforth be a unified andintegrated approach to implement thehigher order HR planning guidelinesfor the Minister of Defence, Secretaryfor Defence and the Chief of theSANDF". These guidelines form thebasis for planning and give broaddirection for the management of theDOD's HR composition and for its HRfunction.

Topics such as the status of the HRprofession in South Africa, leadershipin a transforming society, performanceand reward management and remu-neration, strategy to mainstream gen-der in the DOD, operationalisation ofthe HR Division and HR developmentwere discussed at the Lekgotla.

At the press conference Lt GenMatanzima mentioned some of theopportunities lying ahead for 2007,such as the internships for people withtertiary qualifications: "The process ofrecruiting interns has already com-menced. There are a number of ser-vices such as the SA Navy and SA AirForce that have interns in theirServices," said Maj Gen Molefi KeithMokoena, Acting Chief DirectorHuman Resource Development.

Other opportunities in the pipelinefor 2007 are the establishment of a newformat for the Military SkillsDevelopment System (MSDS) curricu-lum in all the Services, which will

incorporate marketable and portableskills to empower members for thecivilian economy while they are stillserving in the MSDS.

"In moving forward let us, as anHR division, but also as the DOD's

total HR Management function, exer-cise the required leadership and ser-vice delivery ethic which many thou-sands of our members and employ-ees want us to exercise," concludedLt Gen Matanzima.


insight


42

Article and photo by Sgt Lebohang

Letaoana

A Soldier had the opportunityto interview Brig Gen CobusSmit, the Director Education,Training and Development (DETD), Chief DirectorateHuman Resource Develop-ment (C Dir HRD), HumanResource Division (HR Div)

with a view to creating awareness ofthe role and functions of the ETD sub-system and management in the HRDenvironment.

BACKGROUNDIn 1998 the DOD went through a

cumbersome process of restructuring tobecome more effective and efficient."The transformation process resulted inthe creation of 18 so-called silos, whereETD was recognised as a sub-system ofthe Department of Defence (DOD),"says Brig Gen Smit.

During 2000, shortly after OPERA-TION BOLEAS, another restructuringwas effected that resulted in the frag-mentation of Human ResourceManagement. The fragmentation led todissatisfaction within the DOD and as aresult of the Parys Resolutions a full-scale investigation to optimise HR man-agement within the DOD commenced.

The investigation indicated that asingle HR division should be estab-lished in the DOD, where the Chief ofHR reports to the Secretary for Defencefor HR Governance, while reporting tothe Chief of the SANDF on HR manage-ment and development. Chief HR hastwo distinct roles to fulfil: he officiatesas the DOD's Departmental TrainingOfficer (DTO) and as Chief HR Officer(CHRO). As functional head of HR, theChief of HR also officiates as the com-petency authority (FCA) for HR andETD practitioners.

The proposed structure for the HRDivision provides for a Divisional HeadOffice, two formation headquarters and20 units. The functional staffs within theDivisional Head Office comprise four

Fltr: Capt (SAN) Deon Brand, SSO HR Practitioner and ETD

practitioner functional competency authority, Ms Linda

Maree, Acting SSO Language Services, Brig Gen Chandler

Sehurutsi, Director Systems Integrity, Brig Gen Cobus

Smit, Director ETD, and Ms Mariëtta Wessels, Secretary to

C HRD. Seated: Maj Gen Molefi Mokoena, C HRD.

S

Human resource development

Force as well as Public Service ActPersonnel (PSAP).

ETD SUB-SYSTEMThe ETD sub-system comprises four

sub-processes. The first determines theneed, the second designs the appropri-ate intervention (course/learning pro-gramme), the third presents learningopportunities and the last one controlsthe execution thereof by ensuring thatpeople in the workplace demonstratethe required competencies, skills andknowledge to be effective.

THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR ETDDirector ETD is responsible for

directing, orchestrating and controllingETD within the DOD. This includestraining, educating and developing peo-ple entering the DOD who then serve inthe structures of the DOD and plan toseparate from the DOD after contractexpiry.

Director ETD serves as the nodalpoint to determine content for joint andcommon learning programmes, and sec-ondly ensures the alignment of single

service learning programmes throughthe Standard Generating Bodies Co-ordinating Committee. Like the Secre-tary for Defence, Mr January Masilela,who ensures governance and compli-ance, the Director ETD annually moni-tors the DOD's compliance with nation-al HRD imperatives.

The Director ETD concluded: "TheDOD is a people driven organisation.No product or service can be deliveredwithout competent and committedpeople; likewise no military operationcan be executed without a well trainedand assertive soldier. In line with inter-national trends the DOD has acceptedthe challenge to move beyond theboundaries of ETD by embracing theconcept of human resource develop-ment. HRD, as a concept and its ter-minology, is not, however, internalisedas yet.

"The DOD is bound by law toprovide outcome-based and wherepossible accredited education andtraining. SANDF unique, credit bear-ing and internationally recognised

chief director-ates. They areChief DirectorHR Strategy andPlan (C Dir S&P),Chief DirectorTransformationManagement (CDir TM), ChiefDirector HRManagement (CDir HRM) andChief DirectorHR Develop-ment (C DirHRD).

CD HRD isresponsible fordirecting, orches-trating and con-trolling HRD.

The DODcomprises mem-bers of the Regu-lar and Reserve

>> on page 45


43


Dr Phenyo Keiseng Rakate,

Director: Office of the Secretary

for Defence

riting a personal memoir must be adaunting and invidious task, espe-cially when the truth about our

past is sometimes a contested terrain.Critics might charge that such an exer-cise is a self-seeking prophecy becauseof its subjective nature and that it isalways difficult to strike the right bal-ance between one's angels and one'sdemons. Nevertheless it is imperativewe tell our stories and reflect on thepast if we are to build a common iden-tity and memory of the past.

The appearance of Roy Andersen'sbook, Commanding Heights, caused asigh of relief for at least two reasons.First, the decline of a national debateon the state of defence, which preced-ed the advent of the democratic orderand the subsequent creation of theSouth African National Defence Force(SANDF), is a worrying phenomenon.Secondly, the unique contribution ofAndersen's experience is that it strad-dles both the military and businessworlds. The book has received positivereviews in the local press and talkshows of some radio stations.

The bare bones of Roy Andersen'sillustrious business and militarycareers are worth noting. Andersencurrently holds the rank of MajorGeneral in the SANDF and is alsoChief of Defence Reserves. He hastrained and qualified as a CharteredAccountant (CA) both in South Africaand the United States. He subsequent-ly became a partner in an accountingfirm, Ernst & Young. In the early 1990sAndersen was instrumental asPresident of the Johannesburg StockExchange (JSE) in transforming thatinstitution before he was headhuntedand appointed the CEO of the insur-ance company, Liberty Life. He retiredin 2003 and is now chairperson ofSanlam, Murray & Roberts and VirginActive.

In my view, the real fascination anddeeper meaning of the book lie in hisexposition of the strong military tradi-

Time for Prometheus to tell his storytion and culture. As Andersen hassought to demonstrate, the military isbased on the principle of reciprocal trustbetween the troops and the commander.The commander must trust the willing-ness of his troops to obey orders, and inreturn the troops must have faith in thejudgment and integrity of the comman-der. Two lessons learned by Andersenabout leadership are that a leader mustbe visible and has to demonstrate a com-mand of his subject. In essence the mili-tary is founded on values of discipline,obedience, esprit de corps and the cama-raderie of soldiers who have to care andlook after one another. A lack of thesevalues does not go unpunished.

Military historians will confirm thatnot only is the military the oldest of theprofessions, but some of the practicesand rituals have stood the test of time.The concept of strategy, for example,which Andersen addresses in the latterpart of his book, originates from the mil-itary. In fact the business world is a ben-eficiary of ideas originating from themilitary. This is what makes Andersen'sexperience unique and fascinating.

The true commanding heights ofAndersen's boardroom experience arewhat he calls "The Andersen Achieve-ment Six-pack" which provides somefood for thought for the reader. In themaster's own words "I like to work to anagreed strategy, plan and budget. I'mnot a spontaneous manager. I can see anopportunity, but I prefer to plan" (p 164).If indeed a strategy is about markets andproducts, it must be linked to a corpo-rate plan, a budget and a performanceincentive system.

While the book is lucid and a recom-mendation for all to read my only mis-givings are that Andersen did not to mysatisfaction address in detail his experi-ence of the post-1994 transformationprocess. I still believe the master couldhave said more about his perspective onthe future, for example of the ReserveForce or Citizen Force. Another issue,albeit of a tangential nature thoughimportant, is that I do not, with respect,concur with Andersen's comparison ofan MBA programme with Military Staffcourses. It is nevertheless correct that

most MBA programmes use militarycase studies or simulation exercises. Afamous case study on strategy andplanning, for example, is the story ofthe British Naval Captain, RobertFalcon Scott, who led an unsuccessfulexpedition to the South Pole in 1910.The tale of the doomed expedition waslater to be told by the youngest mem-ber of the expedition, Apsley Cherry-Garrard, in his book, The Worst Journeyin the World, published in 1922. Morerecently, the Geneva Graduate Schoolof Business in Switzerland (for aspirantCEOs) has also used Shaka Zulu as acase study.

Andersen's work presents a chal-lenge to the entire community of mili-tary intellectuals, both serving andretired, particularly the Black intelli-gentsia, to archive the memory of thepast for the next generation of generals,flag officers, officers commanding andothers so that they may draw from therich and unique experiences of thosewho have gone before. LikePrometheus, who in Greek mythologyis credited with having stolen fire from

Commanding Heights: Lessons

from the battlefield to the board-

room Roy Andersen, Penguin

Books, Johannesburg, 2006,

177 pages.

book review

>> on page 46

W

44


45

By Lebohang Letaoana


n celebration of its 50th anniversarythe SA Army Foundation hosted "ADay at the Races" at the Turffontein

Race Course in Johannesburg on 9December 2006.

In welcoming the guests the SAArmy Foundation General Manager,Maj Gen Keith Mokoape, said theFoundation would always play amajor role in the lives of men andwomen in uniform because they werevery important people to theFoundation.

The guests and sponsors weretreated like royalty as they indulged ina sumptuous three-course meal. Aspart of the entertainment package allinvited people were offered an excit-ing, sneak opportunity to bet on thehorses, and small money voucherswere issued for this purpose.

Maj Gen Lungile Dlulane,Chairperson of the SA ArmyFoundation Board of Control, empha-sised that the success of the

gt Vernon VincentFraser, a carpenterat Port Elizabeth

Army Support Base,was rated the world's6th champion when hetook 6th place at theWorld Body-buildingChampion-ships. Thecompetition was heldon 3 November 2006in Bolzano, Italy. Hecompeted for theWorld Masters under75 kg of the UIBBNcompetitions.

S Sgt Vernon Vincent Fraser shows

his winning trophy.

Enjoying a day at the races, fltr (back): Mrs Maggie Dlulane,

Mrs Charlotte Shoke and Mrs Maureen van der Houte-Mphatsoe.

Fltr (front): Maj Gen Lungile Dlulane, Chairperson of the SA Army

Foundation Board of Control, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, Chief of the SA Army,

and Mr Emile van der Houte, Corporate Manager Shanduka.

Foundation lay with its members. Inconclusion he expressed the wish to

A Day at the Races

World BodyBuilder

see the Foundation reach another50-year milestone.

S

I

qualifications should be designed basedon a thorough needs analysis, withinthe realm of training for effect.Learning programmes should be facili-tated by accredited ETD providers. Ahealthy and mature four-party relation-ship where the learner, facilitator, ETDprovider and workplace are equallycommitted to ensure the increase ofindividual and organisational effective-ness and performance is established.

"HRD practitioners, as managersand facilitators, are of central impor-tance to ensure success within the HRDsub-system. Firstly, HRD practitionersshould analyse the DOD's businessstrategies and formulate supportingHRD strategies. Secondly, HRD practi-tioners should determine the need forETD accurately, design and present/facilitate the intervention and evaluatethe effect thereof in the workplace.

"The DOD's HRD practitioners byand large have not been educated andtrained in the management of HRD.The high turnover in staff at ETDproviders impedes the maintenance ofaccreditation status. Line manage-ment's involvement in HRD/ETD islimited and superficial."

>> from page 42

events


46

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana

"Today's thanksgiving service is signif-icant as it falls within the 16 Days ofActivism Against the Abuse of Women andChildren. Because we care, we aremindful of our actions and responsibil-ities to each other," said V AdmJohannes Refiloe Mudimu, the Chief ofthe SA Navy.

Addressing Navy staff at the NavyOffice in Pretoria on 5 December 2006the Chief of the SA Navy thanked allNavy staff for their support and dedi-cation throughout 2006.

He stated that the Constitution ofSouth Africa upheld basic humanrights, but that unfortunately therewere many evils in society that detract-ed from these rights. "We need to beexemplary - we need to be copiedbecause we mirror the good and thebeautiful," he said, adding: "People seehope in us, they see understanding,because we are selfless in that we vol-unteered with our lives to make ourpeople happy. … In this regard we areprepared to lay down our lives so thatour people can have life in abundance."

To help promote awareness andshow support for the campaign the SANavy launched a strategy that includedpeace tables and workshops to be heldin all SA Navy centres on issues such asdomestic violence, women empower-ment, sexual harassment and hearingthe male perspective. Members of the

Act Against Abuse

V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, the Chief of the SA Navy (right), and

R Adm (JG) Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, Director of Transformation in

the SA Navy (left), singing at the SA Navy thanksgiving ceremony.

SA Navy also marched against violenceand wore white ribbons in solidarity.

V Adm Mudimu pledged: "The SANavy is fully committed to the empow-erment of women and they are subse-quently being fast-tracked, promotedand appointed to senior decision-mak-ing forums throughout the Navy."

One such woman is R Adm (JG)Khanyisile Litchfield-Tshabalala, Dir-ector of Transformation in the SANavy. Speaking to SA Soldier our firstfemale Admiral argues that the SANavy has done quantitative transfor-mation, but the only thing lacking iswhere those numbers fit: "It would bevery rewarding for me if I was to leavethis post having managed some form ofqualitative transformation," she said.

With clear designs to inspire VAdm (JG) Litchfield-Tshabalala assert-ed that every woman was given beautyfrom within. "It's only when we nurturethat beauty or seed that we build com-munities that make strong nations", shesaid. "God has given us the big respon-sibility to hold and to build and touphold". It is also her heartfelt opinionthat women should act against violencefor 365 days of each year and not justfor the 16 days set aside to mark thenational campaign. She added: "I wasshocked the other day by the SABCstatistics that every 24 minutes a childis raped. It is only when women joinhands that the struggle to fight againstrape, abuse and any form of violencecan be won."

the gods to the benefit of mankind, theBlack Prometheus must tell his storyand do what Andersen has done.

Indeed, nothing would uplift us somuch as the aspiration that such bookscan teach us. Like Socrates they mustengage in the self-examination lest thefate of Wittgenstein befall them aboutwhom Garry Wills in his book CertainTrumpets - The Call of Leaders had thisto say "…Wittgenstein could not bringhimself, very often, to meet with asmall circle of students. He feared thatnot even those select Cambridgephilosophers could understand him."

It will be a sad day if the future "tal-ented tenth" perusing the historicalarchives were to accuse the BlackPrometheus of having been "a spookwho sat by the door".

I recently came across Umkhontowe Sizwe: Fighting for a Divided Peoplewritten by Lt Col Daluxolo Luthuli &Thula Bopela. In their acknowledge-ments they wrote: "Writers of historyneed to be humble. They need torealise that what they record reflects acombined effort of a lot of people whodidn't participate directly in theevents recorded but also influencedtheir outcomes". I almost echoed "give

me more" from Charles Dickens'sOliver's Twist. Greg Mills & DavidWilliams' 7 Battles that Shaped SouthAfrica (2006) also makes interestingreading. From Delville Wood toIsandlwana lets a thousand flowersblossom!

In conclusion, Andersen's book islucid, well written and a contributionto military and business strategy. I ammore comfortable reading his bookthan some of the foreign literature, forthe simple reason that knowing yourenvironment is the correct basis forunderstanding the world and relatingto others.

>> from page 44

47


By Chaplain (Padre) Addie Burt,

Command Chaplain SAAF

ccountability: Websters: - "Thestate of being liable to answerfor one's conduct; liability togive account, and to receivereward or punishment for act-ions. 2. Liability to the paymentof money or of damages; respon-sibility for a trust".

2 Corinthians 5:10 (The Message)"Sooner or later we'll all have to face God,regardless of our conditions. We will appearbefore Christ and take what's coming to usas a result of our actions, either good or bad.v11 That keeps us vigilant, you can be sure.It's no light thing to know that we'll all oneday stand in that place of Judgment. That'swhy we work urgently with everyone wemeet to get them ready to face God …"

Accountability means reward orpunishment for our actions. Thereforeactions have consequences. Everyonewill be accountable and that requiresresponsibility and reliability. We askthe question: who do we blame whenthings go wrong? That's responsibility,but we have to give an account of ourchoices and the resulting actions.

You can make others responsible forexecuting a task, but you cannot abdi-cate your accountability. You areresponsible because your actions haveconsequences. This is because whateverwe do, or do not do, will affect theworld and those who live in it in.People will react according to theimpact of the actions that take placearound them. How we choose to oper-ate does affect people around us - ourloved ones and community and eventu-ally our country. You have to beaccountable for your actions.

God's Word in Corinthians explainsthat we all have to appear before Christ,to be judged by Him and then each willreceive what he deserves according toeverything that he has done - good orbad. This means that nobody is abovethe law. My conduct in all spheres oflife should be exceptional and I shouldset the example. The life I live should bean advertisement and an example to all.

Accountability leadsto patriotism

AWhen we falter or fail, it is not only

God who sees, but also our critics.Questions are asked about yourbehaviour which brings criticism of yourconduct. Don't just speak accountability,live it. You cannot profess good and liveevil. You are liable to answer for yourown conduct. Remember that reward orpunishment follows your actions. Godrequires of you to serve Him with allyour heart, mind, soul and strength.

God expects of you to be truthful,honest and to care for people aroundyou, reminding yourself that you willhave one day to give an account to Godon your obedience to His word. It's onlywhen we realise that we will be heldaccountable for our actions that webecome responsible. Our actions thenbecome important, firstly to God, then tothose whom we influence, making youmore dependable and thus resulting inyour making a positive change in thosearound you.

For us in the SANDF accountabilityleads to patriotism, which is defined as:"Love of one's country; the passion whichaims to serve one's country, either in defend-ing it from invasion, or protecting its rightsand maintaining its laws and institutions invigour and purity. Patriotism is the charac-teristic of a good citizen, the noblest passionthat animates a man in the character of a citizen".

Love is very passionate and alsoserves as a motivator. We will go toextremes and pay the highest price toprotect love. That is good soldiering, sac-rificing your life for your country. John15:13 "The greatest love you can have foryour friends is to give your life for them."This statement was made by Christ in hisreference to a love that is totally selflessand unselfish. He laid down his life sothat we may have life.

Let us then use the life that was givento us in service and patriotism to ourcountry and its people. Let us not do evil,rather we should be available for serviceto our country so that all may benefitfrom our loyalty. Remember that yourattitude will motivate you to take action.Patriotism is evident in your actions. Weshould serve with pride. Stand up and be

Chaplain (Padre) Addie Burt.

counted as one of the faithful servants.Serve with devotion and diligence.

Be proud of your actions. Complete thetask assigned to you. Be ready whencalled upon. Defend by taking responsi-bility for your decisions and theiractions. Be determined to stand for jus-tice and fairness. Protect the right offreedom and set the example of sacri-fice. Maintain the moral standards thatare expected of a good citizen and asoldier, being steadfast in doing thebest for your country. Display self-respect and self-esteem when dealingwith all who expect an example fromyou. Be loyal to yourself and yourfellow citizen.

We all have an important part toplay in our country, especially as sol-diers in protecting and preserving life,and maintaining peace and stability.You have been called to give an accountof your life and actions. Your loyal-ty leads to patriotism which, by yourdecision, demands of you the ultimateprice of service to your fellow man andcountry.

1 Peter 2:13 "For the sake of the Lordsubmit yourselves to every human authori-ty: to the Emperor, who is the supremeauthority, v14 and to the governors, whohave been appointed by him to punish theevildoers and to praise those who do good.v15 For God wants you to silence the igno-rant talk of foolish people by the good thingsyou do. v16 Live as free people; do not, how-ever, use your freedom to cover up any evil,but live as God's slaves. v17 Respect every-one, love other believers, honour God, andrespect the Emperor."

…That's why we work urgently witheveryone we meet to get them ready to faceGod…"

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SA SOLDIER - dod.mil.za · soccer competition By Maj Tsholofelo Tseke ongratulations from SA Soldierto the winner of our third Spot the Ballsoccer competition - WO2 Saartjie Matthysen