SANDF Reserve Force 2011 bk8:Layout 1 · 4 RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY T he year 2010 has brought with it significant progress in the development of a viable

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY2

Part-time Volunteers

Editorial Note

Editorial Staff

“Reserves are important - they are about making

society a stakeholder in its own defence”. This is

how Major General Greg Smith, Assistant Chief

of Defence Staff (Reserves & Cadets), United

Kingdom, describes the Reserves.

When reading this edition you will experience the

truth of these words. The Defence Reserves are

not only gaining stakeholders internally but, also

in the international arena as seen in the articles

regarding the CIOR and CIOMR activities and

the Military Skills Competition in Norway.

2010 was a remarkable year, for the country as

well as the Reserves. We were busy like little

ants, always on the run and always with the

definite purpose of serving. The Reserves

established their capabilities on every level in

society, from participation in making our country

a safe haven during the World Cup Soccer, to

bringing happiness to children and those less

fortunate on Madiba Day.

The Defence Reserves are making employers

stakeholder in their own defence with the

launching of the Defence Provincial Liaison

Councils. Training is always high on the priority

list.

We as Reserves can be proud of what we have

achieved. Do enjoy this edition of The Reserve

Force Volunteer.

Editor: Lt Col Elenor Hendriks

Production: Formeset Print (Pty) Ltd

Layout & design: Formeset Digital Tshwane (Pty) Ltd

Language verification: Mr Eugene Muller

Chief Co-ordinator: Col S.A. Motswadira

The Editor does not take responsibility for historically incorrect facts.

The Editor reserves the right to edit or shorten articles for space and layout purposes.

Copy Right: no article or picture may be reproduced without the written consent of the Editor.

Although great care is taken with articles, the Editor can not be held responsible for lost articles or

photographs.

Making a difference

RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY 3

Index

Message from Acting CCS 4

– Maj Gen Vusi SindaneForeword 6

– Maj Gen Roy AndersenBritish Reserves 7

– Squadron Leader Antonia Gillespie Establishment of Employer Support

Councils: Defence Provincial Liaison

Councils 12

– Brig Gen Debbie Molefe The University Reserve Training

Programme 15

– Col Monica MullerArtillery Displays its Fire Power 17

– Capt Marelda CoetzerYouth impressed by Artillery

Open Day 2010 19

– Ms Regine Lord FIFA 2010 Visitors to the Castle Thrilled 22

– Ms Regine LordDefence Reserves’ Provincial Office

Western Cape proudly supports

Vaatjie Moravian Primary School 26

– Ms Regine Lord

RFC

The Value in Attending CIOR and CIOMR

Activities 28

– Brig Gen (Ret) John Del MonteVuvuzela motivates at Military Skills

Competition in Norway 34

– Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil

SA ARMY

Netherlands International

Shooting Competition 37

– Lt Col Tom SeetaSouth African Military Skills

Competition 2010 38

– Col Wim AlbertsCape Regiment Marks Milestone

Birthday in Style 42

– Capt Will Carter Cape Town Highlanders Pipes &

Drums Excel At Basel Tattoo 45

– Lt (SAN) Glenn von ZeilCape Town Highlanders bring Smiles

to Touws River on Madiba Day 47


Cape Field Artillery run out their Guns 49

– Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil and Ms Regine LordSidi Rezegh Parade a Success for

Reserve Regiments 51

– CO R.J. HurstAir Defence Artillery Gun Push 53

– The Smoking GunExercise Revelation: Touws River 55

– Captain John EcclestoneBuffalo Volunteer Rifles Madiba Project 57

– Lt Col M.J. CockRemembrance Day at Alma Mater 59

– Lt (SAN) Glenn von ZeilA Tribute to the Reserve Force Members of the

Defence Works Capability (Project Lebaka) 61

– Col P.J. P. FreemanField Post Office 111 – SANDF

“Exercise Seboka” 63

– Lt Col (Ret) Jim Findlay

SAAF

The Air Force Reserve Squadrons 66

– Col A.B. BridgensLong Serving member Retires 68

– WO 1 Janette van Zyl106 Air Force Reserve Squadron and

107 Air Force Reserve Squadron 70

– WO 1 Janette van Zyl

SAN

“Keeping The Bow Waves of the

Fleet rolling” 73

– Lt (SAN) Glenn von ZeilSea Cadets Develop Skills at 2010

Mid-Year Camp 74


SAMHS

3 Medical Battalion Group

Birthday Celebrations 76

– Sgt J. JacobsTraining for The Reserves 77

– Ms I. Lategan

CHAPLAINS

Chaplains Deployed at Operation Kgwele 78

– Cpln T. Shange


The year 2010 has brought with it significant

progress in the development of a viable

and transformed Reserve component that

is capable of playing a significant role in the

operational commitments of the South African

National Defence Force.

The Reserve members from all the Services and

Divisions were utilised extensively in operations

both externally in the Democratic Republic of the

Congo and the Sudan and internally in support

of the South African Police Service and other

Government Departments, e.g. in efforts to

mitigate the effects of the public sector strike.

Members of the Military Health Service served

alongside their Regular counterparts at one

hundred and fifty-four hospitals around the

country, and throughout this period the Reserves

played a key role.

The South African National Defence Force

returned to border safeguarding operations

during 2010. Needless to say, members of the

South African Army Reserves have been

deployed with the Regulars for some months

now. As this operation expands to include all the

borders so the requirement for Reserves to

augment and supplement the Regulars will

increase.

This year saw South Africa host what is arguably

the greatest sporting event in the world, the 2010

Soccer World Cup tournament. The Reserves of

the South African National Defence Force were

called up for duty in support of operations to

ensure the security and eventually the success

of the event. These members served with

distinction over this period, often doing so without

sleep for extended periods of time.

The South African Air Force Reserves and South

African Naval Reserves contributed extensively

to the missions assigned to these Services. They

were utilised in the command and control of

operations as well as in administrative tasks at

Headquarters around the country and abroad. In

all, some thirteen thousand Reserves were

utilised to enable the South African National

Defence Force to achieve its strategic objectives.

On the other hand the Defence Reserves

Division rolled out the Defence Provincial Liaison

Councils in most of the Provinces of South Africa.

Message from the acting

Chief of Corporate Staff:

Major General Vusi Sindane


These councils bring together business leaders,

academics, organised labour, community

leaders, political leadership and the Military for

the purpose of ensuring public support of the

South African National Defence Force in general

and the Reserves in particular. The programme

is aimed at ensuring employer support for

members in service and to create employment

opportunities in the public or private sector for

unemployed Reserve members.

The Division was instrumental in the changes to

legislation to ensure that the Reserves can make

an ongoing contribution, even in times other than

war. Efforts to ensure that Reserve members are

subject to an equitable remuneration

dispensation were rewarded when the

Honourable Minister of Defence and Military

Veterans, Ms Lindiwe Sisulu, approved the

implementation of the new salary scales

applicable to serving members in the Reserves.

Leader group training for the future Reserves

received a major boost with the roll-out of the

University Reserve Training Programme to

selected Universities around the country.

Members of the Division at the Regional Offices

have worked hard to ensure the success of the

marketing effort as well as the presentation of the

spectacular Cape Town and KwaZulu Natal

Military Tattoos.

I salute the many senior members of the

Reserves who are professionals and academics

in their own right who selflessly offer of their time

and expertise with passion and dedication, thus

ensuring the transformation and development of

this national asset.

I take this opportunity to congratulate the

Reserves on their contribution to the operational

and administrative objectives of the South

African National Defence Force during 2010.

As 2010 draws to a close, I wish to take this

opportunity to thank you for your contribution and

wish you all a blessed festive season. The

laudable work that you did during 2010 will leave

a lasting legacy in the minds of our people. There

still remains much to be done in the year ahead

of us. Let us use the recess effectively and rest

fully, to be energetic and full of vigour when 2011

starts.


Foreword

Chief of Defence Reserves

Major General Roy Andersen

2010 was a significant year for the SANDF

Reserves.

As is reflected in the message from Acting Chief

of Corporate Staff, Major General Sindane,

deployments in peace support operations in the

DRC and Sudan were supplemented by new

border protection taskings. The Reserves from

all four Services also played an important role

during the Public Service Strike and the 2010

FIFA Soccer World Cup.

There were also increased training opportunities

such as the conventional exercise Revelation

held in the Western Cape which is the subject of

one of the articles in this edition of The Reserve

Force Volunteer.

The achievements by members of the Reserves

in the SA Army Combat Rifle Shooting

Competition held in Bloemfontein and the Military

Skills Competitions in Norway and Potchef-

stroom confirm a pleasing trend of rising

standards.

2010 was also very successful from a ceremonial

point of view with freedom of entry parades in

inter alia Johannesburg (Alexandra), Cape Town

and Ladysmith. The presence of the Colours of

all the Reserve units that have provided forces

for peace support operations at an SANDF

parade in Bloemfontein in March as well as

those on the Armed Forces Day Parade on

16 December 2010 was especially important.

The salute at these parades was taken by the

Commander in Chief, President Jacob Zuma.

Following upon the publication in the Govern-

ment Gazette in 2009 of the General Regulations

for the Reserve Force an important development

in 2010 was the approval by Parliament of

legislation to compel members of the Reserve

who have volunteered to enter into a service

contract to now also respond to call ups in times

other than war.

The twenty two percent pay increase, effective

1 July 2010, was needless to say well received

by the Reserves. Our thanks go to the Minister of

Defence and Military Veterens, the Honourable

Lindiwe Sisulu.

Marketing continued unabated with very

successful Military Tattoos in Pietermaritzburg

and Cape Town. These complemented the

marketing opportunities offered by AAD, the

Artillery Open Day and the Fort Nottingham

Highland and Traditional Games. The website

www.rfdiv.mil.za increased in popularity and is

currently being fully restructured in line with a

project throughout the SANDF.

In 2011 work will continue with the extension of

the University Reserve Training Program (URTP)

to all tertiary institutions and the recently created

Defence Provincial Liaison Councils which seek

to achieve employer and community support for

Reserve Service, will become fully functional.

At the time of going to press it has been

announced that the Chief of the South African

National Defence Force, General Godfrey

Ngwenya, has been appointed ambasador to

Angola. He has been a strong supporter of the

Reserves and our thanks and best wishes go to

him and his family.

I trust that you the reader will find this, the

fifteenth edition of The Reserve Force Volunteer

which reflects many of the highlights of 2010, of

interest.


British Reserves – By: Squadron Leader Antonia Gillespie – Staff Officer 2

Capability (Personnel 1) – Reserve Forces and Cadets Division

There have been reserve forces in Britain

since medieval times; as at 30 Jun 2010

there are 31,613 volunteer reserves in the

UK, split between the Territorial Army, Maritime

Reserve and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force. Of

these, three thousand seven hundred and eleven

are currently in full time service either on

operations in Afghanistan and other operational

theatres or on full time reserve service at military

units. Since the start of Operation TELIC in Iraq

in 2003 to the present day, over twenty three

thousand Reserves have been deployed, to

operational theatres, along with their regular

counterparts.

Once mocked as weekend warriors, reservists

are increasingly expected to serve in Afghanistan

and join in full anticipation of doing so. Since

2003, twenty four reservists have lost their lives

in Helmand. Royal Marine reservist Lance

Corporal Matthew Croucher, 24, has been

awarded the George Cross, the highest honour

for gallantry alongside a Victoria Cross, for diving

on a live grenade to save comrades in Helmand.

Below are three different pieces, the first written

by a regular soldier, the second by a reservist

and the last by employers of reservists, which

serve to demonstrate the utility and training of

reserves and the tangible benefits of employing

a reservist.

DO HYBRID BATTALIONS WORK?

A hybrid unit is one where Regular and Territorial

Army (TA) soldiers serve side by side and is a

recent addition to the Army’s Order of Battle. The

theory is that it provides the opportunity for

regulars to learn from the TA and vice-versa,

making the best use of the different skill sets

each brings to the party. Warrant Officer Class 2

(WO II) Sandy Hines describes his experience of

a hybrid REME unit. 104 Force Support (FS)

Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical

Engineers (REME) is the second-largest

Battalion in the Corps, with some six hundred

and twenty nine regular and TA officers and

soldiers. The Battalion formed in April 2008

under 101 Logistic Brigade and, after some early

structural changes, the complete Order of Battle

(ORBAT) comprises two regular Army units and

three TA units.

The Battalion had a baptism of fire with

deployment on Exercise GRIFFIN FOCUS, a

two-star Theatre Troops exercise, within a week

of the ORBAT changes. That was followed by a

deployment to Afghanistan on Op HERRICK 11

in September 2009, only eighteen months after

formation. Forming a new unit does not take

place without problems. The majority of the

regular elements of the Battalion had had little

exposure to the TA and there was a degree of


mutual scepticism. With much to achieve in a

very short space of time, and without the ability to

learn about each other beforehand, it was

perhaps only natural that each stuck to what they

knew and some early opportunities to make the

best of each other’s skills were missed.

The deployment of 118 Recovery Company for

two weeks for Ex GRIFFIN FOCUS provided the

ideal opportunity to integrate regulars and TA. At

one stage of the exercise, 118 Rec Coy

commanded all recovery mechanics in the

Battalion, integrating regular and TA soldiers

under a single company commander for the first

time - an eye-opening exercise for all concerned

and an arrangement that was repeated in

reverse later in the exercise. When the time

came to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan,

thirty seven TA members of the Battalion

successfully completed mobilisation training, a

new high for REME TA soldiers from a single unit

for an operation of this scale. All received the

correct trade training and skills to prepare them

for the tour ahead, which is crucial in an

environment where there are so many theatre-

specific equipments, and where REME soldiers

are often required to patrol alongside soldiers of

other cap badges. Whilst the Battalion was in

theatre it was impossible to distinguish the TAsoldiers from their regular counterparts.There is no doubt that the TA soldiers have

brought much to the party from their civilian

careers. They are employed across the vast

majority of the trade groups and have a presence

across the Theatre Equipment Support (ES)

Group.

So are hybrid battalions successful? Our view is

that the opportunity to bring together

complementary skill sets has been of advantage

to TA and regular soldiers alike and to the

Defence in general. In some cases it has

enabled hard-pressed soldiers to be released

from operational duty. That unprecedented

numbers of TA soldiers that have volunteered to

mobilise on operations is a key combat indicator.

The opportunity to train, deploy and recover

from Afghanistan with their own Battalion and be

integral members of the team has been a key

factor. The Battalion has fully integrated and

learned to maximise the full breadth of the

resources at its disposal - dare I suggest wider

than those of a wholly TA or regular unit? All in

all, it’s a win-win situation for everybody!

PROTECT AND SERVE – COMITAMUR AD ASTRA

Their Latin motto translates as ‘We go with them

to the Stars’ and any similarity to the Royal Air

Force’s (RAF) motto ‘Per Ardua Ad Astra’, is

entirely intentional. With the trip to the stars still

pending, the Royal Auxiliary Air Force (RAuxAF)

has, since its formation, regularly accompanied

the RAF to more earthly destinations.

Inside the wire of a Belgian airbase, a

draughtsman from Sheffield and a teacher from

Darlington smartly unclipped their L85 rifles and

moved from high port to the alert position. A

group of noisy protestors were advancing on

their location, apparently demanding the removal

of foreign troops from Belgian soil. They did not

seem to be in the mood to talk. Already uneasy

defending the entrance to their earthen-roofed

command bunker, the guards preferred not to

deal with civilians – especially protesting ones.

It required a balanced response to a situation

that was impossible to predict. If the defenders

adopted an overly-aggressive stance it might

easily lead to accusations of heavy-handedness,

but a lack of firmness could be just as bad, giving

the protestors’ confidence a boost while losing

the moral, and possibly literal, high ground.

Either way, while wearing the Queen’s uniform

the outnumbered guards represented the United

Kingdom (UK) and were therefore under the

spotlight. “It sounds like a strange thing to say,

but we much prefer the opposition to come out

shooting – at least we know what we’re getting!”

said Sarah, the 30-year old Darlington teacher.


Protected and out of sight of the crowd, a 38-year

old IT manager from Blythe calmly sends

encoded instructions over the radio, ensuring

that, amongst others, a student from York and a

painter/decorator from Rotherham, were

immediately ready to reinforce the situation.

Elsewhere, a transport manager from Leeds and

a post-graduate from Richmond remained

detached from the melee; their task was to be on

the look-out for much deadlier agents than the

common provocateur variety.

The protestors were probably too busy chanting

to notice one minor detail about the guards. In

addition to their green camouflage uniforms, and

the camouflage cream smearing their webbing

and faces, above the jacket pocket of each man

and woman were the words ‘Royal Air Force’; this

was 609 (West Riding) Squadron of the Royal

Auxiliary Air Force – the RAF’s very own reserve.

609 Squadron, based at RAF Leeming in North

Yorkshire, is just one of 19 RAuxAF squadrons

around the UK who augment the RAF in a

number of different ways. 609 Squadron’s

speciality is force protection – a myriad of

defensive capabilities intended to prevent or

minimise the effects of an enemy attack on RAF

airbases and personnel. With few exceptions,

RAF stations have no need for full-blown force

protection measures during peace time, so

Auxiliary units like 609 Squadron are ideal as a

reserve force, ready to reinforce Regular RAF

Regiment units when needed. This happened

during the operation in Iraq and is happening in

Afghanistan.

RAuxAF squadrons from across the UK

contribute to Operations in different ways: as

doctors and medics, intelligence analysts, air

movements operators, public relations officers,

policemen and RAF Regiment gunners. Some

reinforce in-theatre whilst others back-fill in the

UK, making the RAuxAF’s contribution vital to

UK Operations.

Back in Belgium, after ten minutes of insults from

the protestors and restrained diplomacy from the

guards, three uniformed men with clipboards

nodded to the lead protestor and the crowd

pulled back. As the pressure subsided, the

guards sneaked a smile, knowing they would be

sharing a beer with the ‘protestors’ after the

exercise was over. The protestor incident is a

regular feature of 609 Squadron’s exercise

training and is just one of a number of ways in

which the Auxiliaries are tested. Later that day

other ‘insurgents’ would probe the Auxiliaries

conventional defences, followed by a nerve gas

attack for the Chemical Nuclear Reconnaissance

Survey team and Collective Protection team to

deal with.

For some, like 41-year old Des, the RAuxAF

provides the chance to fulfil a teenage ambition

to join the RAF, describing the moment he found

out about the Service as ’like all my birthdays

had come at once’. For others like 22-year old

Melanie, 609 Squadron has provided an

invaluable stepping-stone into regular RAF

service. Irrespective of individual aspirations, the

RAuxAF, in its many guises, are ready to ‘head

for the Stars’ when duty calls.

WOULD I RECOMMEND EMPLOYING A

RESERVIST? YES, ABSOLUTELY

Case Study 1: Victoria Cheston is a Trust

Management Executive at Guys and St.

Thomas’s hospital which employs many

reservists. She recently returned from

Afghanistan as part of an Employers Abroad

programme where she met up with three of her

colleagues while they were on tour. Victoria is

keen to point out that employers not only gain

from the professional skills reservist employees

bring back to the workplace but also from their

personal development experiences.

“Now I’ve seen what Reservists learn whenthey’re deployed, now I understand the extent of


employ him as a lecturer. It was specifically

Darren’s military training that led Dean to take

him on.

“I’ve employed several Reservists and it’s alwaysworked out extremely well. Reservists’ trainingand time in the field gives them skills you reallycouldn’t get anywhere else - skills that are a realbonus to us here at DnA. Reservists are highlycommitted and motivated people, and that kindof work ethic can only be good for the peoplearound them. I know that some Reservistshesitate to mention their involvement toprospective employers, but I’d encourage themto be proud of it. Mobilisation is really no moredifficult to work around than a maternity leave,and supporting our Reservists is important.They’re clearly vital to our Armed Forces.”

Something else Dean has noticed about his

reservist employees is their discipline, which he

attributes directly to their military training. He

encourages employers to make use of the skills

their reservists have. Not only is it easier to

promote from within than to recruit from outside,

but employees whom you encourage in this way

are more likely to remain loyal.

“We usually find that people from the tradebranches within the services tend to have moremanagement training and we find thatparticularly useful.”

Case Study 3: Nigel McILwane is Group Finance

& HR Director at the Foyle Food Group which

employs eight hundred and twenty people,

several of whom are reservists. The key skills

Nigel has seen in the reservists he employs

include project management and leadership.

Nigel recently went to Afghanistan as part of an

Employers Abroad programme to experience for

himself how reservists contribute to our Armed

Forces’ efforts there.

“These trips are fascinating, because you get to

their responsibilities, the level of teamwork anddecision making that they have to undertake, Ican see the added value they can bring back intoan organization in a way that I probably haven’tappreciated before I went to Afghanistan. Whenyou work in a hospital, teamwork is veryimportant and for Reservists that’s secondnature. When I saw Reservists in the field I wasreally impressed. It’s a highly demandingenvironment and, working side-by-side withRegulars, they make the same tough calls. Youcan see those skills in them when they comeback to work. It’s inspiring and really refreshing.”

Victoria’s experience in Afghanistan has also

given her a better appreciation of the

commitments reservists have to make in terms

of training, year in, year out. It has also led her to

believe that, even without conventional medical

skills; reservists could make excellent potential

employees.

“I think Reservists have a work ethic as well as askill set that you don’t always find in everyoneyou might employ. Talking to some of theReservists who have never worked in a hospitalin their life got me thinking about the kind ofopportunities that are available in the NHS forpeople who might not be frontline clinical staff butcould actually work in a hospital environmentwhen they came out of their Forces roles. Aslong as you can keep an open dialogue abouttheir commitments and experiences, you’rebound to reap the rewards.”

Case Study 2: Dean Hyde is Chairman of

Newark Business Club and Managing Director of

the DnA Group, a company that trains incident,

fraud and claim investigators. He has recruited

several reservists over the years and has always

found the experience to be extremely positive. In

addition, DnA trains all the Army’s master drivers

for Road Traffic Collision Investigations, and

when Darren Knight, one of the drivers he had

trained retired, he jumped on the opportunity to


spend time with the Reservists and see themserving side-by-side with Regulars. They do afantastic job out there under very challengingcircumstances. Now I know why they come backwith such great decision-making and leadershipskills. But it’s not just mobilisation that gives themsuch valuable skills. The training they receive issecond-to-none and helps them develop a realcan-do attitude. I’d definitely recommend workingwith Reservists. Not just because they makegreat employees but because I think thatemploying Reservists is a great way of showingyour support for the Forces.”

Nigel believes that both reservists and employershave a responsibility to recognise the extra valuereservist training brings – particularly tomanagement roles – and to make full use of it. “Once you start getting into Non-CommissionedOfficers, Lieutenants, Majors, they’re the sort ofpeople who make decisions, they have peoplereporting to them and I would align those withdepartmental managers, middle managers thattype of level. Certainly from what I saw, theirability to clearly explain a task and get it acrossin a very clear and concise manner is a skillwhich, as an employer, I would be crying out tohave.”

As Major General Greg Smith, the senior serving

reservist in the British Forces and currently

Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves and

Cadets) recognises: “Reserves are important—

they are about making society a stakeholder in

its own defence”. Undoubtedly, the wars in Iraq

and Afghanistan could not have been fought as

they were without the extra manpower and skills

of the reservists.

Maj Gen Greg Smith Assistant Chief of Defence Staff (Reserves & Cadets)


One of the main challenges of the South

African National Defence Force

(SANDF) is the lack of employer support

councils for the Reserves. As noted from best

practice in countries such as Australia, the United

States of America (USA) and the United

Kingdom (UK), employer support councils are

influential organisations that play a major role in

support of their reserve forces. These

organisations are the voice and the link in

respect of the reserve forces between the

government at national level and the civilian

society, especially with the captains of industry.

Such an organisation is very important for the

SANDF because of the very high civilian

unemployment rate that we experience with our

Reserve Force component, especially in the

lower rank levels.

The SANDF, under the auspices of Chief

Defence Reserves, recently established the

Defence Provincial Liaison Councils (DPLCs)

through the nodal offices of Defence Reserves

in the nine provinces. Chief Defences Reserves

has ten provincial offices two of which are

situated in the Gauteng province due to its

vastness ie one in the north region and another

in the south region. The DPLCs are bodies

established by the provincial offices and

constituted in terms of Section 47 (1) of the

Defence Act (Act 42 of 2002). The ultimate

objective of these DPLCs is to create awareness,

a clear understanding and knowledge of the

Reserve Force Service System and to engender

employer support for this System (in particular

from employers), so as to increase the number of

volunteers joining the Reserves in the respective

provinces.

The Councils will contribute to the creation of a

– By: Brigadier General Debbie Molefe, Director Defence Reserves

Defence Reserve members and the guests at the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo

Establishment of Employer Support Councils:

Defence Provincial Liaison Councils


favourable environment amongst employers of

members of the Reserves to meet their

obligation to serve. The timing for the

establishment of these DPLCs could not be

better, especially after the recent approval of a

change to legislation by parliament to enact the

call-up of Reserves not only in times of war but

also in times of need and for all Reserve Force

members to sign contracts with the DOD before

being actively utilised by the department.

The composition of the DPLCs includes

prominent business people; members of both

provincial and local government; members from

non-governmental organisations; traditional and

community leaders as well as members from

academic institutions. These are voluntary

organisations and the establishment of these

forums are very much in line with the

responsibility of the Department of Defence

(DOD) towards social development and

upliftment of the broader society, a role Defence

Reserves are playing.

The functions and responsibilities of the DPLCs

will be the following:

• Awareness. To create a structure through

which industry will be made aware of the

Reserve System and also to create a clear

understanding of the role of the Reserves

and how this will benefit the employer.

• Support. To generate active support

amongst business for the Reserve System.

• Elicit. To elicit commitment from employers,

organised labour and the community to

support the volunteer by allowing him/her

reasonable time to do military service.

• Links. To create a link between the broader

public and the Reserve System.

• Consulting. To consult with the broader

public on the Reserve System and in so

doing obtaining valuable information that can

Mr L.I. Konki, Chief Executive of BK Investment Holdings, receiving a token of appreciation for his support from Maj Gen R. C. Andersen


be utilised in improving the system to the

benefit of both the employer and the

volunteer.

• Contribution. To establish favourable

conditions for the employer as well as

protection against discrimination against the

Reserve volunteer.

• Feedback. To provide feedback to Chief

Defence Reserves on a quarterly basis on

the following:

– Activities and successes of the DPLCs.

– Advice and suggestions that can improve

the support for Reserve Force service

amongst the broader public.

– Issues that hamper the effective

functioning of the DPLCs.

– Any matter that is considered of

importance to the future functioning and

successes of the DPLCs.

The DPLCs will operate according to the rules

and regulations as stipulated in the Constitution,

at provincial level. Defence Reserves will provide

the secretariat services of the DPLCs. It is

envisaged that the establishment of these

councils can be instrumental in support of the

SANDF in developing an understanding of its

responsibilities and its role in the DOD and

towards the nation at large. It is indeed important

that we have in place protective measures to

ensure that employer support does not become

a great burden for small companies and small

business owners and also to ensure that at the

same time the Reserve Force member is not

discriminated against.

The DPLCs were launched in Cape Town over

the period 23 to 24 September 2010. The guests

visited the Africa Aerospace and Defence Expo

at Air Force Base Ysterplaat and attended a

formal dinner at the Het Bakhuys venue at the

Castle.

The Het Bakkes venue at the Castle


found both an encouragingly high level of

support for the concept of part-time reserve

military service and a strong student interest in a

programme offering part-time military training

towards a leadership position.

The URTP was initiated by the SA Military Health

Service (SAMHS) during 2004. Following a

Military Command Council (MCC) decision, a

Pilot phase was conducted by the SAMHS in co-

operation with the SA Army from 2005 to 2008.

On completion of the Pilot and the presentation

of its final report, the MCC stated that the URTP

must be developed further and implemented

within the SANDF under the auspices of Chief

Defence Reserves (C Def Res). It was also

agreed that the URTP did indeed meet its

The University Reserve

Training Programme– By: Colonel Monica Muller, SSO Reserve Policy– Photograph: Lieutenant Colonel Lollie van Schalkwyk

Brigadier General J.J.G. Gibbs, the Rector External Relations Prof E. Morake, the Chief Officer Student Affairs,Special Projects & Co-ordination Ms R. Pelser, Lieutenant Colonel F. Neethling and the Dean Student Affairs

Mr R Buys at the discussions with the University of the Free State

The University Reserve Training Prog-

ramme (URTP) is an South African

National Defence Force (SANDF)

programme aimed at the recruitment and training

of mainly undergraduate and postgraduate

students with specific skills and leadership

characteristics of which the objective to qualify

the recruited and selected students for

appointment into military leadership positions in

the part-time component of the SANDF.

Since the discontinuation of conscripted military

service in 1992, the SANDF has experienced a

decline in the strength and capability of the

Reserve Force. A market survey of opinion

conducted in 2001 amongst senior medical

students at the University of the Witwatersrand


Training will take place in three stages, namely

Basic Military Training, Officer Formative Training

and Functional and Junior Leader Training.

Training will be presented on a non-continuous

basis – mainly over certain weekends and during

university vacations.

After a marketing campaign, recruitment and

selection will take place. Successful applicants

will be appointed in the Reserve Force in

accordance with a service contract and receive

the service benefits as approved for the Reserve.

Members will be remunerated in accordance with

the current dispensation for Reserve members.

Prospective applicants can look forward to a

challenging and exciting training programme,

during which they will not only experience

adventure training but will also become part of a

highly technological organisation that can offer

several career experiences and opportunities.

The URTP will offer numerous young South

African citizens the opportunity to become role

players in the National Defence Force of South

Africa.

A delegation of the SANDF recently engaged in

discussions with the University of the Free State

with the aim to introduce the URTP to that

campus. Engagements with other tertiary

institutions are scheduled.

objectives and that the concept was strategically

important to the SANDF.

An URTP Steering Committee was constituted

during 2009 to co-ordinate and manage the

process of the roll-out of the programme.

It is envisaged that the URTP will not only

provide the SANDF with a tool to primarily deliver

very high quality people for leadership positions

in the organisation, but also present specialist

skills as per the qualifications of the individual

learners recruited. The learners will benefit, as

the programme is focussed on developing the

leadership potential of young people. This will

play a major role in not only developing individual

management skills but also in establishing self-

awareness, self-discipline and self-confidence.

The URTP will be introduced to the Governing

Bodies of various Academic Institutions

(Universities and Universities of Technology)

between 2010 and 2011, with the aim of

obtaining approval to market and recruit on the

various campuses.

Training will be conducted on a modularised

basis, supported by a blended approach, ie

distance learning and short-contact sessions

tailored to suit the requirements of enrolled

learners so that individual studies are not

negatively affected or influenced in any way.

Members of the Pilot URTU group and the instructors at the SANDF Reserve Symposium 2009


Yet another successful Artillery Open Day

was hosted at 4 Artillery Regiment,

Potchefstroom on 28 August 2010. The

South African Artillery (SAA) Corps is renowned

for drawing crowds annually when displaying the

indirect firepower capability to members of the

public and strengthening its marketing effort. The

presence of the Deputy Minister of Defence and

Military Veterans, the Honourable Mr Thabang

Makwetla, added additional interest.

Members of the public of all ages flocked to the

static exhibition where the 155mm GV5 Towed-

Howitzer and 155mm GV6 Self-Propelled Gun

Howitzer, Multiple Rocket Launcher (Bateleur),

together with various other systems, could be

viewed up close. Awe was the only expression

worthy to be noted as communicators provided

details on each system and assisted those who

wanted a closer look inside. Supporting the

Artillery Open Day were members from the

School of Tactical Intelligence who attracted and

entertained most of the younger visitors, by

painting their faces with camouflage cream.

Pipers and drummers from the Cape Field

Artillery entertained the visitors and drew a crowd

with their outstanding performance.

The spectators flocked to “Leërdagstelling” from

where the fire power demonstrations could be

Artillery

Displays its

Fire Power– By: Captain Marelda Coetzer, SO2 Corporate

Communication, SA Army Artillery Formation– Photographs: Warrant Officer Class 2 A.

Vermaak

Major Smart from Vrystaat Artillery Regiment,with learners strengthening the marketing

effort by Reserves

The Bateleur – Multiple Rocket Launcher

– in action


from the Bateleur drew overwhelming applause

from the crowd. For the grand finale a series on

the fire plan commenced with all weapons and

systems firing on direct and indirect targets.

To the Defence Reserve guests this occasion

was memorable, as this is the only opportunity

annually for them to experience the firepower

and capability of the Artillery. They were also

briefed on the Reserve Service System b6y

Chief of Defence Reserves, Major General Roy

Andersen who appealed to employers to support

staff members who whish to serve in the

Reserves.

Besides entertaining the young and young at

heart, the Artillery Open Day is the paramount

event in marketing the Artillery Corps for both

Regular and Reserve components which, by all

indications, were accomplished. Gratitude to all

in ensuring the successful hosting of the Artillery

Open Day 2010.

observed. Activities commenced with the

National and SAA Corps flags being presented

to the GOC SA Army Artillery Formation, Brig

Gen M.R. Notshweleka. Mr Clive Willsworth,

author of the book ‘First In Last Out’, presented

Brig Gen Notshweleka with a copy of his book,

currently being launched in South Africa.

The start of the firepower demonstration was

marked by a small calibre demonstration by the

School of Tactical Intelligence. Each weapon with

its ammunition ranging from R4’s to 40mm

Multiple Grenade Launchers (MGL) was

displayed to the public from where its capability

was demonstrated onto nearby targets.

Subsequently the Light Artillery Regiment

demonstrated helicopter assault operations.

Two GV5 launchers that had already been towed

into position, fired at direct and indirect targets.

Two GV6 launchers drove from a holding

position onto the demonstration area and fired at

direct and indirect targets. The firing of rockets


loading one heavy round after another.

They were awestruck by the howling and

whistling of the fearsome Bateleur multiple rocket

launchers, which sent one projectile after another

high into the clear blue skies, inexorably carrying

death and destruction towards the enemy lines.

And as the gusting wind swirled the dust and

grass around them, they were enveloped by the

acrid smell of cordite, which left a sharp taste on

the tongue, its residue lingering on the clothes

and skin for the rest of the day.

The evening before, when the learners arrived at

their guesthouse, they were warmly welcomed

by Colonel Dawid Schoonwinkel, Officer

On Saturday, 28 August 2010, a group of

learners from the Western Cape

witnessed first hand the formidable

firepower of the South African artillery in action

when they visited 4 Artillery Regiment in

Potchefstroom for a thrilling live fire

demonstration as part of the annual Artillery

Open Day.

As the deafening barrage of fragmentation

grenades, mortars, and live rounds from the

powerful GV5 and G6 Howitzer guns ploughed

into the hillside beyond, sending billowing clouds

of earth and dust into the air, they marvelled at

the skill and teamwork of the highly trained

troops who expertly adjusted the sights while

Youth impressed

by Artillery Open Day 2010– By: Ms Regine Lord– Photographs: Warrant Officer Class 1 S. Jordaan, Lance Corporal L. Wessels,

Mr L. Steyn and Ms R. Lord

The powerful GV5 Howitzer guns, manned by their highlytrained crews, fired one devastating round after another

into the distant hillsides

Colonel Dawid Schoonwinkel, Commanding Officer of the School

of Artillery, welcoming the learners to Potchefstroom


Commanding of the School of Artillery, and Mrs

Schoonwinkel. Their warmth and friendliness, as

they shook hands with each of the youngsters

before handing them a gift, immediately made

them feel relaxed and at ease.

The next morning, they were met at 4 Artillery

Regiment on the outskirts of Potchefstroom by

Major General Roy Andersen, Chief of Defence

Reserves, who welcomed them formally to the

Artillery Open Day.

All the logistical arrangements for this trip,

including transport, food and accommodation,

were made by the Defence Reserves’ Provincial

Office Western Cape, as part of their youth

development programme. The objectives of this

programme are to create awareness among the

youth regarding the modern military in South

Africa, and to introduce them to its new

capabilities and highly complex technologies. At

the same time, they were also exposed to an

understanding of the spirit of dedication and

voluntarism that characterises the Defence

Reserves, thus creating support for citizens in

uniform.

Brigadier General (now Major General) M. R.

Notshweleka, General Officer Commanding SA

Army Artillery Formation, in his introductory

speech, spoke of the importance of motivating

the youth to become better citizens so that they

have a positive impact on society. He also

encouraged them to learn and study hard, as the

military needed engineers and scientists with a

high level of education in order to operate,

maintain and improve its highly complicated,

sensitive and expensive equipment.

Their attendance at Artillery Open Day was the

perfect opportunity for the broader public to

experience the excitement and adventure of

military life, as well as to become aware of the

physical fitness, commitment and discipline, and

the levels of skill and training that are required to

Lieutenant Colonel Johan Conradie briefing Major GeneralRoy Andersen on the Western Cape visiting group

Major General Roy Andersen, Chief of Defence Reserves,welcoming the group from the Western Cape to the Artillery

Open Day


operate these massively powerful and yet highly

technologically advanced equipment.

On their return trip to Cape Town, the group

visited the Kimberley Big Hole, which added an

important historical and cultural component to

their trip through the Northern Cape.

Their trip was an example of the many ways in

which DRPOWC is actively promoting the

Defence Reserve System among the future

generation of leaders and corporate business.

Yes, it was a truly unforgettable experience for

the six boys and two girls from Chrysalis

Academy, Milnerton High School and Tafelberg

High School, as well as the friends of Defence

Reserves Western Cape who accompanied

them. During this 4-day trip from Cape Town to

Potchefstroom and back via Kimberley, shy

strangers reached out to one an other by

sharing their stories and challenges amidst much

laughter and good humour, and they forged

those bonds of affection and friendship that so

often arise from shared experiences. Although

the visit allowed everyone to engage in social

networking, it definitely created awareness of the

Reserves and of the significance of voluntarism.

Brigadier General Notshweleka, General OfficerCommanding SA Army Artillery Formation, giving his

introductory speech

The popular Pipes and Drums of Cape Field Artilleryentertained the visitors to the Artillery Open Day with their

stirring music

The learners, wearing the caps presented by Colonel Schoonwinkel, posed proudly in front of an Oryx helicopter

The Castle Guard Halberdiers in front of the elaborate Katbalcony during the daily Changing of the Guard Ceremony


FIFA 2010 visitors

to the Castle thrilled

– By: Ms Regine Lord– Photographs: Major D. Coetzee, Warrant Officer Class 1 S. Jordaan, Sergeant J. Jacobs,

Lance Corporal L. Wessels and Ms R Lord

and the Cape Town Military Tattoo 2010, to take

place here from 03 to 06 November 2010, but

also the military in general and, more specifically,

the Defence Reserves.

As the Defence Reserves’ Provincial Office

Western Cape (DRPOWC), together with the

organisers of the Cape Town Military Tattoo, has

accepted responsibility for youth development in

Cape Town, the month-long programme at the

Castle during the FIFA World Cup was a perfect

opportunity to showcase the military’s active

involvement with regard to skills development

initiatives for the youth, by giving five talented

youth groups from disadvantaged areas an

opportunity to perform in the grounds of the

magnificent old Castle. Each group was given a

guided tour of the Castle after their

For several weeks in June/July this year, the

strong walls of the oldest surviving colonial

building in South Africa, the Castle of

Good Hope, constructed between 1666 and

1679, reverberated to the rattle-and-thump of

drums, the stirring harmonies of brass bands,

and the synchronised tramp of marching boots.

An exciting programme of crowd-pleasing

performances by various youth groups had been

scheduled for the duration of the 2010 FIFA

World Cup from 11 June to 11 July 2010. This

coincided with the activities that were staged on

and around the FIFA Fan Fest, which was held

on the Grand Parade in the City Centre.

The programme of activities at the Castle was an

ideal opportunity to promote not only the Castle

FIFA Fan Fest on the Grand Parade, as seen from the Castle


boys and girls in the band are between seven

and twenty five years old, and the organisation

consists of about sixty five boys and ninety girls.

The Malibu Drum Majorettes from Malibu High

School in Blue Downs, Cape Town, consists of

thirty members. Established in 1998, they have

won several national competitions. They have

been the winners of the President’s Cup for the

past three years.

The South African Sea Cadets are a registered

21 Section Company. It is recognised by the

South African National Defence Force, and the

performances, courtesy of the Castle Office.

Sergeant J. Jacobs of 3 Medical Battalion Group

also addressed each youth group on the

volunteer military system and the Reserves, and

distributed pamphlets and the Reserve Force

Volunteer magazines among them.

The Eerste River Youth Brigade is a community

service organisation. The Youth Brigade has

been in existence for about 28 years, and their

marching bands have proved to be one of the

most successful mechanisms for fostering a

sense of self-worth, achievement, pride,

teamwork, and discipline among the youth. The

The Malibu Drum Majorettes in front of the Kat balcony at the Castle

The neatly dressed members of the Eerste River Youth Brigade march in step

The South African Sea Cadets in their black and white uniforms performing

a gun drill

The Limited Edition Drum Corps marched into the arena,the rhythmic rat-tat-tatting of their drums

creating an air of excitement


established in 1988. The seven young drummers

of the drum corps all come from Manenberg on

the Cape Flats. All of them are volunteers, and

they rehearse in their own time after school, two

to three times a week. The youngest and

smallest of the group, affectionately known as

Smiley, fifteen years of age, has written all the

pieces they perform. Smiley is also a drummer

in the Cape Town Highlanders Drums and Pipes,

and, together with some of the other members,

has already participated in the Basel Tattoo,

Switzerland. They also recently performed at the

Cape Town Fashion Show, held at the CTICC,

and they took to the stage at Kirstenbosch,

where they performed with Prime Circle, a South

African rock band. Throughout the four weeks of

the FIFA World Cup, they played at the Fan Park

and on the Fan Walks.

South African Navy assists in the training of the

Cadets. The first training unit, referred to as a

Training Ship, was established on Woodstock

Beach in Cape Town as far back as 8 June 1905.

It offers character development and maritime

skills training to the boys and girls, who have an

average age of fifteen years. They attend school

and have only Saturdays to devote to their

training. This does not only consist of basic

discipline and drill, but also includes

seamanship, navigation, engineering, communi-

cation, catering and leadership to equip them to

meet the challenges of life. The group that

performed during the World Cup was specially

selected to participate in the Cape Town Military

Tattoo 2010.

The Limited Edition Drum Corps originated from

the Nurul Mubeen Children Brigade, which was

The SA Army Band Cape Town in their chilli red outfitsentertained the appreciative spectators

The energetic performance of the Portland High School Field Marching Band was rewarded with much

applause from the spectators – and a curious youngstertook a closer look!

On the first and last night of the FIFA World Cup, the ceremonial gun

troop of CFA fired their G1,25-pounderceremonial guns in front

of the Castle

CFA Pipe Major Staff Sergeant Andrew Imrie played thehauntingly beautiful strains of 'Nightfall in Camp' at the

FIFA Fan Fest


The communicators, Def Res Staff, CFA personnel,

personnel from RWP and the SA Army Band CT

continuously interacted with the visitors at the

Castle during the performances.

The Ceremonial Gun Troop of CFA and Pipe Major

Staff Sergeant Andrew Imrie, the CFA Piper for the

evening, took part in both the opening and closing

ceremonies of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. On

selected days the Ceremonial Gun Troop

participated in the establishment of a Cape Town

Heritage Moment. On 11 June 2010 they fired a

salvo at exactly 18h00. On 11 July 2010, they

again fired a salvo at exactly 18h40, as part of the

closing ceremony, which was followed by a

spectacular and colourful fireworks display in front

of the Castle.

The Piper piped ‘Nightfall in Camp’ on specific

nights, with his performance viewed on the big

screen by thousands of spectators in the FIFA Fan

Fest on the Grand Parade. On the final night of the

2010 FIFA World Cup, he played this hauntingly

beautiful and melancholy tune at 23h00 on the

stage at the Fan Fest, symbolically bringing the

event to a close.

It is thanks to the concerted efforts, commitment

and generosity of numerous individuals and

groups, many of whom volunteered their time and

participated at their own cost, that this programme

of activities at the Castle during the FIFA WC was

so successful and popular among visitors.

They made up the new CT Mil Tattoo 2010 Drum

Corps, and will thus be performing for the entire

duration of the Tattoo.

The Portland High School Field Marching Band

was established with the intention of enhancing

discipline structures at schools, of fostering

leadership abilities, particularly of squad leaders,

of giving participants an opportunity to be selected

for the school team, of building closer ties with

security forces and learners, of opening career

avenues within the South African Police Service,

Air Force, Navy and Military Health Service, and of

performing on a world stage. They were the

champions at the SA Drumline Competition 2009

at the Good Hope Centre in Cape Town; they

performed at the Cape Town City Hall in 2009, and

they received recognition from the British

Metropolitan Police.

The South African Army Band Cape Town was

responsible for military music and marches on

specific days. In addition to performing in their

brown army tunics, they also put on their striking

chilli red tunics, which led to loud cheers of

appreciation among the spectators. The highly

professional Army Band with its impressive musical

repertoire is always a crowd-pleaser.

These public performances at the Castle, in

addition to the daily Changing of the Guard

Ceremonies that already take place here, not only

enhanced the image of the Castle but also created

awareness of military culture, heritage and history.

From 11 June to 11 July, as many as 575,000

visitors came to the Grand Parade Fan Fest.

Defence Reserve Provincial Office Western Cape

(DRPOWC) was largely responsible for the

organisational aspects, whereas the Castle Office

supplied both tour guides and the ceremonial

guard. The DRPOWC included the local youth

groups in the Cape Town Military Tattoo 2010

.

Regiment Westelike Provincie (RWP), 3 Medical

Battalion Group (3 Med Bn Gp) and Army Support

Base Western Cape (ASBWC) (Hospitality

Services at the Castle) gave the necessary support

in the form of drivers, communicators and meals.

A breath-taking fireworks display in front of the Castle on the final night

of the FIFA World Cup dazzledthe spectators


Defence Reserves’ Provincial Office

Western Cape proudly supports

Vaatjie Moravian Primary School – By: Ms Regine Lord– Photographs: Ms R. Lord, Maj D. Coetzee and Sgt J. Jacobs

teacher at Tafelberg High School in Bothasig

realised that some of the furniture and equipment

would become available when Tafelberg School,

a school for learners with special needs, was

relocated to Bothasig. Major Coetzee, also

responsible for the promotion of the Cape Town

Military Tattoo 2010, brought this matter to the

attention of Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) Johan

Conradie, DRPOWC, as some of the equipment

could be used for the Tattoo.

After assessing the situation, Lt Col Conradie

saw this as an opportunity that could benefit not

only the Tattoo but also other needy

organisations. After negotiations, he managed to

secure some of the equipment for the Tattoo

store and the SA Sea Cadets.

Realising that some of the furniture and books

were ideally suitable for a needy school, an

There is a strong tradition of social

engagement in the military, underscored

by the willingness to work together to

achieve a common goal. This is particularly true

of the Defence Reserve’s Provincial Office

Western Cape

These Reservists take pride in giving back to

their country by actively using the skills they have

acquired through their military training to make a

positive difference in their own communities. The

truth of the slogan of the Defence Reserves’

Provincial Office Western Cape (DRPOWC) “We

make it happen” was clearly demonstrated when,

in the spirit of voluntarism and active support, it

was decided to reach out to a small primary

school near Atlantis.

Major Dalene Coetzee, the Second in Command

(2IC) of Cape Field Artillery (CFA) and a senior


Kellerman, a farmer from the same area, and

four of their farm labourers, took a day off from

their busy farming schedules and used their

large truck to collect the desks and books from

Sea Point. These were delivered to Vaatjie

Moravian Primary School, which is situated along

the old Mamre to Darling Road, between Atlantis

and Melkbosstrand.

AMS Engineering of Ottery prepared and

provided channel iron free of charge to allow the

flagpole to be securely anchored in the ground.

On Wednesday, 11 August 2010, there was a

buzz of excitement at the school, as the furniture

and new books were delivered and unloaded in

front of the school buildings. A hole was dug for

the flagpole, and the channel iron was attached

to its base, before the new flagpole was raised

into position. The tables were all neatly set out

by Ms Elsette Musso. The meal was provided by

the DRPOWC and prepared by the Mess at the

Castle of Good Hope.

Lt Col Conradie gave a brief speech, thanking all

the individuals and units who had given so

generously of their time and resources to make

this event happen. He handed Mr Neil

September, the headmaster, a South African

national flag, a storm flag, and a certificate of

friendship, a symbol of the commitment of the

Defence Reserves.

outreach programme was promptly initiated,

which was enthusiastically supported by Lt Col

Uys van der Westhuijzen, the Chairman of the

Reserve Force Council Western Cape (RFCWC)

and Captain (SAN) Trunell Morom, the Senior

Staff Officer (SSO) at the DRPOWC. Contact

was made with Mr Neil September, the

headmaster of a small farm school in the rural

area near Atlantis on the West Coast.

The school, known as Vaatjie Moravian Primary,

was founded in 1967 to accommodate the

children of the surrounding farming communities.

It is a government school, which currently

employs 6 teachers and has 190 learners from

Grade R to Grade 7. The learners come from the

surrounding farms and from informal settlements

nearby; their parents are farm workers, domestic

workers or unemployed. In view of the poverty of

the learners and their families, the school is

always grateful for donations and assistance.

It was thus arranged to deliver a truckload of

much needed school desks and books to this

school, and to celebrate this with a special event,

which would include the erection of a flagpole on

the school premises and the ceremonial hoisting

of the South African national flag.

Mr Willem van der Merwe, a farmer from

Porterville, generously agreed to supply the

flagpole. Mr Van der Merwe and Mr Barend


The value in attending

CIOR and CIOMR Activities

Do we get an Adequate Bang for the Buck?– By: Brig Gen (Ret) John Del Monte, CIOR Vice President for South Africa

What are the CIOR and CIOMR?

The CIOR and CIOMR are the French acronyms

for the Interallied Confederation of Reserve

Officers and the Interallied Confederation of

Reserve Medical Officers. Both organizations

were created by France, Belgium and Holland

shortly after the Second World War in 1946

(CIOMR) and 1948 (CIOR) initially as fraternal

Reserve Officer Organizations to discuss

common Reserve Force issues and to learn from

one another.

Gradually this network was extended to include

other NATO countries’ Reserve Officer

Associations but after the fall of the Berlin Wall

and the subsequent end to the “Cold War”,

former Warsaw Pact countries that voluntarily

applied and joined the Partners for Peace

programme of NATO were also admitted.

Although both Confederations are autonomous

extra-mural bodies, the Military Council of NATO

has chosen to recognize and support their

existence and work. South Africa is the only

African country that has been admitted to both

the CIOR and CIOMR.

What are the CIOR and CIOMR activities?

The activities of these organisations are varied

and are spread throughout the year. There are

two major Plenary events which are common to

Introduction

South Africa is represented by the Reserve

Force Council (RFC) at the Confederation

Interalliė des Officiers de Reserve (CIOR) and

Confederation Interalliė des Officiers de Medical

Reserve (CIOMR) in terms of the constitutions of

these international organizations. Consequently

in this article the terms RFC and South Africa

may often be synonymous.

In 1996 South Africa was admitted as an

observer nation and later as a guest nation. It

was later in 2003 and 2010 that the RFC’s

importance and contribution was recognised by

the CIOMR and CIOR respectively when these

organisations admitted South Africa as an

Associate member. This gives South Africa

substantial voting rights and other rights in the

affairs of the CIOR and CIOMR.

As an admitted member the RFC sends selected

participants to cover as many of these

organisation’s activities as it can afford

considering its small budget. The question is

sometimes posed by observers outside of the

RFC as to what the utility value of sending

delegates to the CIOR/CIOMR activities are and

“Are we getting the bang for our buck?” The

RFC itself has a duty, which it fulfils diligently, to

assess the return on the investment it makes in

these activities and in the relevant delegates.


member countries.

• Defence and Security Committee (DEFSEC) –

Deals with international and strategic military

operations/issues and is regarded as the

think tank of the CIOR. South Africa has

always been represented in this committee.

• Committee Legal Affairs Committee – Deals

with CIOR constitutional matters and

guidance with respect to legal affairs related

to conflict (“Law of Armed Conflict”). South

Africa is represented when funds allow

although our absence is felt and invariably

remarked upon.

• Partners for Peace and Outreach Committee

(PfP&O) – This committee studies the

Reserve Systems of central and eastern

European nations and the opportunity of

setting up reservists associations in these

countries, thus enabling these countries to

eventually become members of the CIOR

and CIOMR. Although South Africa is not a

member of the PfP programme, it has

become an outreach partner of NATO and

therefore may be represented in this

committee.

• Young Reserve Officers Workshop (YROW)

– Produces tasks, staff papers and research

activities. This is undoubtedly the most

important developmental programme for

young officers (Below the rank of Capt and

age of 35years) and concentrates on the

military intellectual development of young

officers. South Africa sent three delegates in

2010 with remarkable results. In an internal

investigation launched by the CIOR covering

from selection of candidates to the content of

the programme etc, South Africa was the only

country mentioned by name as the country

with the most comprehensive selection

both sister organisations, the Summer Congress

(July – August) and the Mid-Winter Meeting

(February). Co-ordinating meetings take place

in between and it is not surprising that they are

termed “In Between Meetings” (IBM). For the

sake of this article they shall be called Congress

Activities.

In addition there are continuous developmental

programmes throughout the year which are

conducted by the CIOR and for which

specialised organs are set up viz Language

Academy, CIMIC Centre of Excellence, Winter

Seminar (presented by the CIOR Seminar

Standing Committee with the assistance of the

Konrad Adenaur Stiftung (Foundation) and the

Young Reserve Officers Workshop (YROW)

Seminars. For the sake of this article they shall

be called Non-Congress Activities.

Limited resources allow the RFC limited

attendance and up to now the RFC only sends a

larger (although not big) delegation to the

Summer Congress and a representative to the

Mid Winter Meeting. Therefore with a larger

budget the RFC could enable South Africa to

make better use of these opportunities.

Congress activities

CIOR Summer Congress Activities. The Summer

Congress of the CIOR and CIOMR is held

together annually in different host countries and

hosting is regarded as a prestigious honour. The

Summer Congress consists of the following

activities:

• CIOR and CIOMR General Councils – South

Africa attends the plenary sessions and is

represented by a “Vice President for South

Africa”. These are the steering bodies of

these Organisations chaired by a Presidency

that rotates every two years between full


addition to the Workshop in summer and

concentrate on contemporary Reserve Force

issues. Again due to budgetary constraints

South Africa has to forgo these development

opportunities and as yet, South Africa has not

participated.

MILCOMP International Competitions. South

Africa’s participation in this activity has grown

exponentially over the past three years and this

can be attributed to a number of factors.

First of all, the RFC has formally participated in a

partnership with the SA Army in which a

symbiotic relationship has grown strong. A

national competition has developed with

excellent SA Army training and logistic support

as part of the selection process of the national

team to represent South Africa at the CIOR

Summer Congress.

The South African competition has drawn the

attention of the international community within

the CIOR and elsewhere, and over the past two

years, South Africa has hosted a number of

teams from member countries of both the CIOR

and SADEC.

During the past three years, the RFC has joined

friendly competitive visits to Holland and on

occasion to other countries such as Bulgaria, to

its participation at the CIOR Summer Congress

at little extra cost. This has proven to be

excellent value for money.

CIMIC Center of Excellence (CCOE). Although

not an organ of the CIOR, the CCOE is a

multinational sponsored, NATO accredited,

Centre of Excellence. It provides added value,

innovative and timely advice, and subject matter

expertise on CIMIC for both civilian and military

customers. The primary focuses of the

organisation’s efforts are in enhanced education

process involving the writing of a Staff Paper

and the high standard of its candidates

proved the success of its method of selection

and preparation.

• Military Competition Commission (COM

MILCOMP). – Plans and presents a military

pentathlon competition. Although run as and

termed a competition the lessons learned in

this competition are usually as important as

the result because shortcomings in the

various teams point to shortcomings in basic

military skills and training in the relevant

team’s parent service. South Africa has been

participating in the Military Skills Competition

for the past three years with its results

improving steadily. In 2010, the South

African team performed its best bringing

home one gold medal and attaining an overall

position of 32nd, an improvement of six

places from the position it attained in 2009.

CIOR Mid – Winter Meeting Activities. The Mid-

Winter meeting which is always held in Brussels

covers the same committees and activities as the

Summer Congress with the difference that it

concentrates on research tasking and staff co-

ordination of all the functions. There is no

physical military skills competition and YROW

Workshop

Non congress activities and opportunities

The Language Academy (CLA), presents short

language courses for colloquial use during

operations and is particularly popular amongst

former Warsaw Pact countries and countries

engaged in Peace Keeping Operations. South

Africa has been requested informally to consider

supplying English teachers but the RFC budget

prevents this.

YROW Seminars. These seminars are held in


approaches within the CIOMR. This has indeed

proved to be the case in the years since then.

In 2002, the Constitution of the CIOMR was

amended to create the new category of

Associate Membership for participating nations

outside of the North Atlantic Treaty. This was, in

part, prompted by what was considered the

valuable contribution to improving the standards

of the Congresses which had been made by the

RFC’s medical delegations.

At the Mid Winter Meeting in Brussels in

February 2003, South Africa was the first nation

to be admitted unanimously to this new

membership category of the CIOMR. This gave

the RFC’s medical delegations a formal place

within one of the world’s leading military medical

associations, with right of full participation,

including voting rights. The RFC was given a

seat on the Scientific Committee, tasked with

organizing the military health programme for the

Congresses.

An example of the standard of RFC’s medical

contribution to the proceeding of the CIOMR is

the paper dealing with the epidemiology and

treatment of HIV/AIDS in southern Africa

delivered to the plenary scientific session at the

CIOMR Summer Congress held in Madrid, by

Capt Andrew Robinson (1 Medical Battalion

Group, Durban), a Reserve officer, who in civilian

life is an AIDS researcher. This presentation was

widely acclaimed and was described as being

one of the finest ever delivered at a CIOMR

congress, and of a quality worthy of any major

international medical meeting.

There are two concrete and distinct advantages

which have resulted from this association, which

have had benefits both to SAMHS in particular

and to the SANDF at large:

and training along with conceptual and doctrinal

development. Its mission is to assist NATO,

Sponsoring Nations and other military and civil

institutions/organisations in their operational and

transformation efforts, in the field of civil-military

interaction by providing innovative and timely

advice and subject matter expertise in the

development of existing and new concepts,

policy and doctrine, specialised education and

training; and the contribution to the lessons

learned processes.

Winter Seminar. The Winter Seminar is held in

the week preceding the Mid Winter meeting and

is presented in co-operation with the Konrad

Adenhaur Stiftung. This seminar is pitched at

strategic level, covering issues of global security

and provides a good background to some of the

issues dealt with by especially the CIOR as well

as NATO and its partners. The fact that it is co-

joined to the Mid Winter Meeting makes it highly

efficient financially to attend.

Interallied Confederation of Reserve Medical

Officers (CIOMR)

The relationship between the RFC and the

CIOMR is a symbiotic one. South Africa has had

an ongoing, if not always regular, presence at the

annual Summer Congress of the CIOMR since

the initial participation as a Guest Nation in

Denmark in 1997. Guest nations were able to

attend, and participate, in the discussions and

activities of the CIOMR, but did not have any

formal status and could not take part in the

business bodies of the Confederation.

At that time, the South African delegation was

warmly welcomed and openly received. South

Africa’s reputation as a world leader in the

management of severe injury – in both civilian

and military contexts – was viewed as a valuable

opportunity for useful exchange of ideas and


casualty management field exercise on the final

(fourth) day of the course. This Field Exercise

was designed by Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)

Paul Munday of the School for Military Health

Training, and consisted of a real-time simulated

contact situation with multiple casualties

requiring evacuation under fire-and-movement

conditions to a helicopter Landing Zone and

onwards by helicopter transport to a Role 1

forward resuscitation post. Lt Col Munday

enlisted the support of the SAAF and Special

Forces Brigade in providing what was described

by one of the (veteran and seasoned) British

instructors as “the most hair-raising and

frighteningly realistic experience I have ever

had”.

As a result, the British BATLS & BARTS

programme incorporated a similar field exercise

in their own training – an excellent example of

the advantages to both parties of a co-operative

“cross-pollinating” exchange of ideas and

approaches.

Such was the importance of this programme to

cutting-edge training for operational military

health support to the fighting service arms of the

SANDF that the Command, in acknowledging

the debt of gratitude, awarded the Southern

Cross Medal to two of the leading role-players

who had facilitated the acquisition of the

programme; Colonel Peter Roberts of the Royal

Army Medical Corps and Colonel Walter Henny

of the Netherlands Medical Corps, who was also

Secretary-General of CIOMR at that time. It is

noteworthy that these awards were the first ever

(and, to date, still the only) to officers of a foreign

service.

The SAMHS BATLS & BARTS programme has

fallen into abeyance since 2007. Prior to that

time, some seven hundred operational military

health personnel were trained in this cutting-

Firstly, the acquisitions of the BATLS & BARTS

programme. BATLS and BARTS are in layman’s

terms, battlefield trauma and resuscitation

courses.

After preliminary negotiations during 1999 with

the British Royal Army Medical Corps and the

British Armed Services Defence Medical Training

Agency (DEMETA), the RFC/SAMHS was

granted the rights to obtain and adapt the

programme course materials. These

negotiations were successful largely as a result

of the significant support of senior British officers

who had attended the CIOMR meetings and

interacted with the RFC’s medical delegation.

Dedicated South African Reserve medical

officers such as Colonel Gareth Hide led the way

in this regard, with the support of the then

Surgeon General, Lieutenant General Rinus

Janse Van Rensburg.

What is remarkable is that the granting of these

rights to present the course – effectively a

licensing for use of intellectual property – was

generously made by DEMETA without any cost

to the SAMHS, unlike the prior licensing

arrangements with the other participating BATLS

nations.

When the initial pilot course was presented at

Thaba Tshwane in May 2001, a group of twelve

of the most senior and experienced British

BATLS & BARTS instructors travelled (at HM

Government’s expense) to South Africa to

provide substantial on-site input and support to

the launch of the programme, and continued to

do so (albeit in smaller groups of three to four

instructors) during subsequent SAMHS courses

over the next eighteen months.

The most significant modification by SAMHS of

the DEMETA programme content for South

African purposes was the introduction of a


Cultural Excursions

Cultural interaction is effected in three ways,

firstly through the interaction during the

congresses with foreign delegates, secondly the

host country of the annual Summer Congress

have the opportunity to display their national

culture during after hours functions, usually in the

form of a national cultural reception, and thirdly

the RFC creates further opportunity by joining

short visits to other member countries while the

delegation is in Europe at minimal extra cost and

with the co-operation of the Reserve Officers

Associations (ROAs) of the hosting countries.

The bottom line

The attendance of the CIOR/CIOMR is regarded

by the RFC, as a high impact product. These

unique opportunities presented by attendance of

the CIOR and CIOMR is made available as part

of the collateral utility of the RFC in support of

the SANDF in providing for the balanced

intellectually advanced (in the military sense)

Reserve officer at small cost.

edge approach to management of major

battlefield injury.

The conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq have

resulted in a fundamental re-appraisal by all

NATO countries of the management of severe

injury on the battlefield at roles one and two, as

well as follow-up treatment at roles three and

four. The result of this experience has literally

been a “re-writing of the text-book”, and the

consequent review of operational military

medical support required in the 21st century is

comprehensively described in the recently-

formulated 2009 update of BATLS & BARTS, the

JSP 570.

This material has been made available to

SAMHS by the United Kingdom Surgeon

General’s office, and a command decision by the

SAMHS is presently awaited to begin the

adaptation and implementation in the SAMHS

training process.

South African attendance and delegations of

the future

The RFC has taken the view that delegations

chosen to represent South Africa must migrate

from being an opportunity for the older more

senior officers in the Reserves to interact socially

with the delegates from member countries of the

CIOR/CIOMR to a developmental programme for

more junior officers. Consequently, starting with

2010, the RFC/South African delegation was and

will be composed of more junior officers and less

senior officers. This year, the delegation was a

smaller team composed of eight junior officers

and only three senior officers. This is a vast

change from previous years and giving the RFC

a greater chance of increasing its return on

investment in terms of officer development.


The 2010 International Military Skills

Competition in Norway in August will

remain etched in the minds of the four

SANDF Reserve members who, after a rigorous

selection and training programme represented

South Africa and the SANDF. The team,

comprising Captain (Capt) Dougie le Roux, 3

Parachute Battalion, Lance Corporal (L Cpl) T.M.

Myeko, Cape Town Highlanders, Abel Seaman

(AB) Dumisani Mhlanga, SA Naval Reserve and

Second Lieutenant (2 Lt) Edward Murray, Cape

Town Highlanders, indicated that the sound of

their vuvuzela was a major motivator during the

competition.

Although Military Skills is not considered a sport

in the SANDF, the activities are based on those

basic skills required by soldiers in training and

battle. These include rifle and pistol shooting,

land and water obstacle crossings, grenade

throwing and cross-country running.

The team was selected in a gruelling selection

process annually held in Potchefstroom.

Thereafter they received individual training as

well as team training during several preparation

training camps presented by Colonel (Col) Wim

Alberts in order to improve their fitness, skills and

knowledge of the competition.

After leaving South Africa the team first attended

a training camp in the Netherlands where they

(accompanied by Col Ray van Zanten, the

overseer for the training camp) were hosted by

the Dutch Defence Force at 13th Mechanized

Brigade in Oirschot. According to Capt le Roux

this was undoubtedly one of the most valuable

phases of the final preparation before the actual

competition.

Vuvuzela motivates at

military skills competition in Norway– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve– Photographs: Capt Dougie le Roux

During the training camp in Holland the team had the opportunity to meet the President of CIOR,

Lt Col Willem Verheijen, from the Netherlands. Left toRight: Capt Dougie le Roux, 3 Parachute Battalion,

L Cpl Green Myeko, Cape Town Highlanders, Col Ray van Zanten (overseer of the training camp), Lt Col Verheijen, AB Dumisani Mhlanga, SA Naval

Reserve, 2 Lt Edward Murray, Cape Town Highlanders

The team at 13th Mechanised Brigade in Oirschot(Netherlands) their training home. Left to Right:

Capt Dougie le Roux, 3 Parachute Battalion, L Cpl Green Myeko, Cape Town Highlanders,

AB Dumisani Mhlanga, SA Naval Reserve, 2 Lt Edward Murray, Cape Town Highlanders


The team used the time, local conditions and

expertise to sharpen some skills, including pistol

shooting, theory and practical orienteering,

swimming and preparing for real-life combat

medical scenarios, which included lectures by

doctors.

After a gruelling five day work schedule which

included working until sunset (in Europe in

summer this is around 23h00!), the team

received a well earned three day physical and

psychological rest before the competition. This

provided them with a window period to explore

some of the sights and sounds of central Europe

and well earned relaxation after the hard work of

more than a year in their goal of representing the

SANDF.

The team was warmly welcomed at their next

stop at Stavanger, Norway, where they

participated against other nations whilst also

enjoying the camaraderie only soldiers can

identify with. This was an excellent opportunity

to experience the military culture of soldiers in

Europe and how these soldiers maintained

themselves.

During the event the team was visited by

Brigadier General (Ret) John Del Monte and Dr

(Col) John Job, from the Reserve Forces

Council. They witnessed the South African team

competing in the land obstacle course, which

included twenty different obstacles over a 500

metre range. The course represents the types

of obstacles a soldier may encounter in battle

and would need to handle. These included,

amongst others, assault walls, ditches, leopard

crawling under wire and climbing ladders.

Highlights of the team results obtained by the

2010 SANDF Reserves Military Skills team were

as follows:

• Rifle Shooting – 16th position

• Land Obstacles – 19th position

• Distance Estimation – 5th position

• Grenade Throwing – 20th position

The team during the official pistol shootingcompetition at Stavanger Norway.

Left to Right: Capt Dougie le Roux, 3 ParachuteBattalion, 2 Lt Edward Murray, Cape Town

Highlanders, AB Dumisani Mhlanga, SA NavalReserve, L Cpl Green Myeko, Cape Town Highlanders

L Cpl Myeko with his medal and the team’s trophy for winning in the international

team competition

The team during the opening parade in Stavanger.Left to Right: L Cpl Green Myeko, Cape Town

Highlanders, Capt Dougie le Roux, 3 ParachuteBattalion, AB Dumisani Mhlanga, SA Naval Reserve,

2 Lt Edward Murray, Cape Town Highlanders

The team just after they finished the orienteeringcompetition. Left to Right: Capt Dougie le Roux, 3 Parachute Battalion, AB Dumisani Mhlanga, SANaval Reserve, 2 Lt Edward Murray, Cape Town

Highlanders


An analysis of the results shows that the team

improved its position as compared with the

previous performances. This is the second best

performance of a South African team since the

SANDF has taken part. Most noticeable was the

improvement in rifle shooting, land and water

obstacle crossing and grenade throwing.

Lance Corporal Green Myeko, Cape Town

Highlanders, was selected to be a member of the

combined international team that achieved a

gold medal in the overall competition for the

international teams. His accomplishment is

South Africa’s first medal at this competition.

Second Lieutenant Edward Murray came second

in the pistol shooting event.

Lessons learned in those areas where training in

the SANDF can be improved have been brought

home so that these skills can be transferred to

other SANDF soldiers.

Captain Dougie le Roux said that he and several

other officers had experienced a positive impact

on the lives of participants in the Military Skills

Competition. This is evident in the life-style

changes of the members that trained for the

event and included the increased physical

activity, renewed confidence, self-respect, self-

worth and a re-evaluation of their values.

The team expressed their appreciation to the

Reserve Force Council for the opportunity

provided and the support, guidance and

coaching which they received. They singled out

their coach, Colonel Wim Alberts, who shared his

passion and knowledge during the year of

preparatory training.

Bravo Zulu to the four team members for

representing South Africa and the SANDF and

for ensuring that the team improved on previous

results.


An SA Army Reserve Force shooting team

participated in the eighteenth Netherlands

International Shooting Competition

(NISC2010) at Harskamp Barracks, Holland,

during the weekend of 15, 16 and 17 October

2010.

The South African delegation consisted of two

teams of three members each: a senior team

and a developmental team. Lieutenant (Lt) E.W.

Irie, Lt N.J. Nel and Warrant Officer Class II A.F.

Smythe represented the senior team, and the

developmental team consisted of Lt M.S.

Monaheng, Corporal R.W. Mentor and Gunner

T.S. Photolo.

The Foundation of the Netherlands Armed

Forces Federation of Reservists (NRFK) with the

help of the Reservists Shooting Committee

(RSC) organised the event.

The NISC-organisation took care of the South

African delegation’s stay and well-being at the

Harskamp Barracks. Participants in the

competition consisted of thirty nine shooting

teams from the European Union (EU), i.e. North

Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) and partner

states.

Weapons used during the competition were

standard NATO weapons such as the Glock 17

Pistol, Diemaco C7 rifle and the FAL rifle. Despite

the stiff competition from the more advanced

European teams, the South Africans excelled in

the shooting categories and the senior team

achieved a place in the first ten.

Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col) D.D. Smythe was the

team leader and administration officer, supported

by Lt Col ET Seeta, the liaison officer, and

Warrant Officer Class I J.D. Tshabalala the team

manager. The South African Shooting Team trip

to the 18th NISC was sponsored by the Reserve

Force Council (RFC).

Netherlands International

Shooting Competition

– By: Lieutenant Colonel E.T. Seeta, Staff Officer 1 Reserve Communication, SA Army


Force attended as observers, with the intention

of entering a team for the 2011 competition.

The land and water obstacles can be dangerous

to cross, if the correct techniques are not used.

The first three days were spent taking the

participants through a training phase. As not all

the soldiers were familiar with the Z88 pistol used

in the competition, they first underwent a

specialist training programme that included

practical shooting.

The competition started in the morning, in warm,

windy conditions on the Dirkie Uys shooting

The South African Military Skills National

Championships took place over the period

8 -13 November 2010 in Potchefstroom.

Over hundred and fifty Reserve Force soldiers

from over twenty different military units

participated in this demanding competition in

extremely hot and windy conditions.

This year we had a team from the Netherlands,

the United States of America and from the

Regular Forces, participating by invitation. Three

officers from the Tanzanian People’s Defence

South African

Military Skills Competition 2010– By: Colonel Wim Alberts, Senior Staff Officer Strategy, Defence Reserves

At the prize-giving function Dr John Job, Chairman ofthe Reserve Force Council, presented the trophy to

the overall winner, Captain Dougie le Roux of 3 Parachute Battalion

The ladies winner, Sub-lieutenant de Jager from the NavyReserves, receiving her trophy from Dr John Job


After a good night’s rest, all competitors were

ready to take on the land obstacle course and

hand grenade throwing. It was clear that the 500

metre long course with twenty demanding

obstacles would be the Achilles heel for those not

super fit. Only one competitor broke the magical

three minute barrier and that was Gunner Baird

from the Regular invitation side.

As always, and notwithstanding prior warning

most of the injuries in the competition occurred in

the grenade throwing event in which participants

over-exerted themselves in attempting to throw

the 575 gram grenade as far as possible. Sgt

Dorvee from the US Army achieved a distance

of 75.9 metres, which is the best distance

achieved in the competition to date. However, his

accuracy let him down and he could only obtain

the fourteenth position.

The results for the day were:

Hand Grenade Throw

RSA

First place - Abel Seaman Franse, SA Navy

- Total 891Second place - Rifleman Busika, CTH

- Total 860Third place - Lieutenant Bukani, First City

- Total 859

Invitation Teams

First place - Corporal Nesengani, CISM

- Total 982Second place - Captain Beaurain, CISM

- Total 917

Land Obstacle

RSA

First place - Abel Seaman Muchlanga, SA

Navy - Total 778Second place - Lance Corporal Myeko, CTH

- Total 762

range. Despite sweat and dust in the eyes of the

competitors, they did exceptionally well and in

the rife shooting we had a few soldiers achieving

full scores with the R4 in the 100 metre prone,

kneeling and standing positions.

The shooting results for rifle and pistol combined

were:

RSA

First place - Second Lieutenant Murray, CTH

- Total 1140Second place - Captain Le Roux, 3 Para Bn

- Total 1108Third place - Rifleman Konstable, RWP

- Total 1028

Invitation Teams

First place - SFC Orabona, US Army

- Total 956Second place - Sergeant Kouwehoven,

Netherlands - Total 948

The afternoon session consisted of the water

obstacle course held at the Potchefstoom Dam

recreational area. Although challenging for some,

the cool water most definitely spurred the

soldiers on to achieve some excellent times. One

member had to be rescued by the lifeguard due

to total fatigue.

The results were as follows:

RSA

First place - Second Lieutenant Murray, CTH

- Total 983 Second place - Captain Le Roux, 3 Para Bn

- Total 926Third place - Lance Corporal Myeko, CTH

- Total 801

Invitation Teams

First place - Captain Beaurain, CISM

- Total 1034Second place - Sergeant Kouwenhoven,

Netherlands - Total 966


Second place - Gunner Moaneno, CISM

- Total 1926

RSA

First place - Sub-lieutenant De Jager, SA

Navy - Total 1281

Second place - Rifleman Swarts, CTH

- Total 994Third place - Rifleman Claasen, CTH

- Total 794

Men

Invitation Teams

First place - Captain Beaurain, CISM

- Total 4035Second place - Lieutenant Watkins, CISM

- Total 3628RSA

First place - Captain Le Roux, 3 Para Bn

- Total 4010Second place - Lance Corporal Myeko, CTH

- Total 3890Third place - Second Lieutenant Murray, CTH

- Total 3721

A training group of at least the ten best soldiers

will be selected. They will receive intensive

training before a team consisting of four soldiers

is selected to represent South Africa in Warsaw,

Poland during the CIOR summer congress in

August 2011.

The Cape Town Highlanders were once again

the winners of the best team trophy, and the best

team spirit trophy was awarded to Regiment

President Steyn.

.

The Armour Formation’s encouragement of their

units to support the competition is appreciated.

With the experience they gained this year, we

strongly believe that in 2011 they will be a force

to be reckoned with.

Third place - Captain Le Roux, 3 Para Bn

- Total 746

Invitation Teams

First place - Gunner Baird, Light Artillery

Regiment - Total 946Second place - Rifleman Mamagau, CISM

- Total 890

The cross-country race, 8 km for the men and 4

km for the ladies, was on the last day. The format

used was a chase, in which the day two leading

competitor starts first and the rest chase and try

to catch up to obtain first place.

On the third and last days the windy conditions

were really not ideal for good times. Major

Labuschagne of 3 Parachute Battalion came first

in 28 minutes and 59 seconds, a very good

achievement indeed in the heat and wind.

The results were as follows:

Cross-Country

First place - Major Labuschagne, 3 Para Bn

- Total 1031Second [place - Trooper Mabasa, Umvoti

Mounted Rifles - Total 981Third place - Leading Seaman Moloi, SA

Navy - Total 882

Invitation Teams

First place - Gunner Moaneno, CISM

- Total 1016Second place - Gunner Makobela, Light

Artillery Regiment - Total 1006

The Overall Winners of the competition were:

Ladies

Invitation Teams

First place - Rifleman Mabaso, CISM

- Total 2124


South Africa has sent teams to the CIOR

competition on a regular basis for the past three

years and has gone from strength to strength.

With the support of the Reserve Force Council

and the Defence Reserves, under the leadership

of Dr John Job and Major General Roy

Andersen, the competition is growing annually

and is at the stage that regional competitions

need to be considered. Our thanks also goes to

the SA Army for their support.

The Military Skills competition has become the

showcase competition of the Reserves and,

together with the Gold Cup shooting competition,

is at the top of the Reserves event calendar.

Lieutenant Colonel Willem Verheijen awarded the Cape Town Highlanders their trophy for the best team in the competition


Many fine men and women of all races and

creeds have served in its ranks with distinction.

As a continuously active element of this country’s

armed forces, this fine, wholly volunteer regiment

has served our country well, proudly wearing the

Defence Force uniform of the time, augmented

by the Regiment’s “black boots and balmorals”

when deployed, and kilts when on parade.

And in early May this year, the Regiment

celebrated and paraded in style.

The SA Army’s oldest kilted regiment, the

Cape Town Highlanders, recently marked

its 125th birthday with a weekend of high-

profile events in the Mother City.

Since its inception in 1885 - founded by a group

of volunteer soldiers who felt that this fast

growing port city should rightly have a Scottish

regiment – the Cape Town Highlanders has

certainly made its mark on the city and the

country.

Cape Regiment marks

Milestone Birthdayin style

– By: Capt Will Carter from the Cape Town Highlanders

The Executive Deputy Mayor, Alderman Ian Nielson (who once served with Durban Regiment)addressed the Officer Commanding Cape Town Highlanders, the Colour Party and Guard of Honour.

He is flanked by the Chief of Defence Reserves, Maj Gen Roy Andersen (left), and the Honorary Colonel of the Cape Town Highlanders, Col Pat McLoughlin


“On 10 October 1967, the Freedom of the City of

Cape Town was formally granted to your

regiment.

“This signal honour allows you the right to march

through the Mother City with bayonets fixed,

colours flying and drums beating.

“On behalf of the Mayor, Alderman Dan Plato,

and the Council of the City of Cape Town, I am

honoured today to reaffirm the right of the Cape

Town Highlanders to exercise their Right of Entry

to the city, as part of the celebrations of your

125th birthday.

“I congratulate you warmly on achieving this

milestone and wish the officers and men of your

fine regiment God speed, great fortitude and

good fortune in the years ahead …”.

The Guard of Honour and pipe band then

headed back to the Castle to collect the balance

of the battalion and an armoured column, and led

this full column in a highly visible circuit along

three of the city’s principle streets and back to

the City Hall, where the Executive Deputy Mayor

and Maj Gen Andersen took the salute.

Later that afternoon, the Cape Town Highlanders

staged a Beating Retreat Ceremony in the

Forecourt of the Castle, where the Western

Province Army Staff Band entertained guests as

the South African flag was lowered.

The Regimental Pipes and Drums then took

centre stage and gave an outstanding

performance of their extensive repertoire, much

of which has been gained from the pipe band’s

frequent appearance at the Edinburgh Military

Tattoo and similar events in Switzerland and

Korea.

A key part of the concert was the band’s

performance of a special commemorative march

– “The 125th” written by the Pipe Major. A copy of

First off was a medal parade at the historic

Castle of Good Hope. The Chief of Defence

Reserves, Major General Roy Andersen,

presented operational and long service medals

to officers and other ranks and delivered an

address on behalf of the General Officer

Commanding SA Army Infantry Formation, Major

General Themba Nkabinde.

Thereafter, dignitaries – including Infantry

Formation Brigadier General Les Fouche -

walked the hundred metres across to the City

Hall to await the start of the Regiment’s Freedom

of the City Parade.

Before long, a Guard of Honour, led by the

Regimental Drums and Pipes and bearing the

Colours, appeared and formed up, facing this

magnificent Victorian edifice.

After inspection by the Executive Deputy Mayor,

Mr Alderman Ian Nielson (who once served with

Durban Regiment), accompanied by Maj Gen

Andersen and the Honorary Colonel of the

Regiment, Col Pat McLoughlin, the parade was

addressed by Mr Nielson who said (in part), “…

The regiment we honour today - the Cape Town

Highlanders – has come a long way since its

formation 125 years ago. In that time, the world

has changed remarkably, and not always for the

better. But the values and ideals that were in

place among your founding officers and other

ranks in 1885 appear to have remained intact

and indeed perhaps strengthened since those

far-off days. Certainly, your regimental mottos

“nemo me impune lacessit” (no man challenges

me with impunity) and the second, “bydand”

(steadfast), have been tested to the full through

the many campaigns and wars where your fine,

fighting regiment has been called to action down

the decades.

“The battle honours borne so proudly on the

colours you carry through the city’s streets today

are testimony to the fortitude and bravery of

those who have gone before you in service to

their city and their country.


the score is now part of the regimental archives.

Guests then moved through to the historic Lady

Anne Barnard Room at the Castle for the

Officers’ Mess Dinner, with close to 100 people

around the long table.

The following day, the Cape Town Highlanders,

in a private event, staged the Regiment’s annual

church parade with the usual column march from

the Castle to St Andrews’ Church in Greenpoint

for a rededication service, wreath-laying and

then the march back to the barracks.

Afterwards, the Officer Commanding, Lieutenant

Colonel Andre van der Bijl, said: “The ethos and

credo, in essence our commitment, of service

that has driven our regiment has altered little

over the last 125 years.

“Since its formation, we have deployed for

uprisings and ‘emergencies’, have stood guard

on our borders, been peacekeepers on the

Equator and have fought with valour in

campaigns and battles in southern, western and

northern Africa, as well as mainland Europe and

carry – with pride - the 24 battle honours on our

Colours.

“Today, the Cape Town Highlanders is still what

it always was, an active, fighting infantry

regiment manned by volunteer officers and other

ranks from the Mother City and across the

Western Cape, and is at the forefront of the SA

Army Infantry Formation’s mechanised

environment.

“With a personnel composition reflecting the

population profile of this land, we are a

disciplined, credible, reliable and combat-ready

element of our country’s landward defence

capability.”

Article from South African Soldier

Proud Cape Town Highlanders at the City Hall and awaiting the inspection party


As the pipers performed to a high standard

during rehearsals, they were requested to assist

other units in filling their ranks as required for

performances. The CTH pipers were also

deployed in VIP areas and restaurants in order to

entertain the crowds and advertise the tattoo.

The first street march was through the streets of

Freiberg, Germany, followed by a mini tattoo in

the city gardens. The bands were welcomed by

over twenty four thousand spectators who lined

the streets and assembled in the gardens.

This was followed by a march through the streets

of Basel, where over one hundred and forty

thousand spectators lined the streets to welcome

the thirty different formations who marched the

two km route. Owing to the number of spectators,

it was only possible for the band formations to

march six abreast!

The Pipes and Drums band of the Cape

Town Highlanders (CTH) recently

participated in the Basel Tattoo,

Switzerland, as well as a mini tattoo in Freiberg,

Germany, and several street marches through

Swiss and German towns. Other countries that

participated included the United Kingdom,

Mexico and Australia.

The CTH Pipes and Drums band were placed in

the centre of the massed pipes and drums

display whilst the Base Drummer, James

Canning, was selected as the mass pipes and

drums lead drummer and the Pipe Major, WO II

Charles Canning, was tasked with being the lone

piper for the tattoo. All these positions are

considered to be places of honour and the band

reflected pride in the recognition bestowed on

them.

Cape Town Highlanders Pipes and DrumsExcel at Basel Tattoo– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve – Photographs: Captain Ian Long

Cape Town Highlanders Base Drummer J. Canning and PipeMajor Warrant Officer Class II C. Canning

Drums & Pipes of the Cape Town Highlandersmarched proudly through the streets of

Basel. Note the South African flagflying in the crowd


Capt Ian Long, CTH, described his proudest

moment as a South African and serving officer in

“witnessing the CTH Pipes and Drums as they

followed the South African flag across the Rhine

River whilst playing Cock of the North”. This

display, along with the Afro-Cultural music

performance, resulted in a great spontaneous

applause from the crowd.

The Pipes and Drums of the Cape Town

Highlanders once again have proved that they

are an asset to their Regiment, the Infantry

Formation and the SANDF.

Precision drill by the Mass bands included The Cape Town Highlanders Drums & Pipes at the Basel Tattoo

The Cape Town Highlanders Pipes and Drums band at the

Basel Tattoo grand finale


Captain J. Murdoch welcomed the crowd whilst

explaining why CTH had chosen Touws Rivier.

The community were given a brief address on

the Unit, their unique dress and traditions, as well

as the importance of Madiba Day and the value

of channelling energy back into civil society.

A spokesman for the Breederivier Municipality

thanked CTH and elaborated further about the

significance of the day. By the time lunch was

served, there were well over one thousand two

hundred people in attendance. Warrant Officer

Class II Lockett performed the miracle “fish and

loaves” act by allocating the hotdogs to the

children and the soup to the adults. Some even

had a second helping!

The children were then introduced to a “chicken

parade” at a location in the community, where

Soldiers of the South African National

Defence Force (SANDF) are renowned

for bringing smiles to the faces of the local

people in the areas where they are deployed.

Whilst attending the training exercise at Touws

River, the Alpha Company of the Cape Town

Highlanders (CTH) used Madiba Day 2010 to

bring smiles to the people of Touws River,

especially the local children.

CTH soldiers set up a “kitchen” using a 75-man

cooker and pots at the local sports ground hall.

Initially, there were only a few excited children

standing around. However, word soon spread

that something exciting was going to happen and

people started streaming in.

Whilst things heated up in the kitchen the CTH

Corporals, under the initiative of Corporal

Peacock, divided the children into groups and

started impromptu drill lessons. Both the Non

Commissioned Officers (NCOs) and children

enjoyed this activity enormously. One young

man aged around five had a broken foot in

plaster, and was very disappointed that he was

made to do light duty!

As the older children started to arrive, rugby and

soccer games were played. This resulted in a

festival activity. There was a festive feel in the air

and the older members of the community

interacted with the soldiers and some assisted in

the kitchen.

By 13h00 the PA system, supplied by the

community, crackled into life and CTH officer

Cape Town Highlanders bring smiles toTouws River on Madiba Day– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve– Photographs: Captain Ian Long

Corporals of the Cape Town HighlandersA Company mustered the Touws River children for

some military style fun


they and the CTH soldiers participated in

cleaning up the environment. The task was

undertaken with gusto by the local people and

the difference in the “before” and “after” was

remarkable.

While this was happening, Warrant Officer Class

II Alfie Wort addressed the teenagers about

opportunities in the SANDF Reserves. The day

ended with a drill show which resulted in

spontaneous applause from the crowd. Warrant

Officer Class II Dassie Lockett managed the

project successfully. His dedication and energy

to make this work went beyond the call of duty.

Many of the CTH soldiers who participated

remarked how spending time with the Touws

River community and performing practical

services for others made them feel proud of their

Regiment and the SANDF.

Corporals of the Cape Town Highlanders A Company mustered the Touws River children for some military style fun

Part of the crowd who attended the Cape Town Highlanders Madiba Day festivities at Touws River


Lieutenant J. Farmer, Staff Sergeant Mokoto and

Sergeant Moroko from the School of Artillery in

Potchefstroom travelled down to Cape Town with

three Samil 100 6x6 gun tractors and three GV5

Howitzer guns to train the members.

Presenting the training at Fort iKapa gave them

an opportunity to train with their own unit at their

In July 2010, specialised GV5 training was

provided to Cape Field Artillery (CFA) at their

regimental headquarters in Fort iKapa, Acacia

Park near Goodwood. They regularly undergo

refresher training and keep their physical fitness

levels high, in view of the strength required to

operate their guns. Members also receive

training in computer literacy.

Cape Field Artillery run out their guns

– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve and Ms Regine Lord– Photographs: Major D. Coetzee, Mr L. Steyn, Mr and Mrs Best, and Ms R Lord

The members of the CFA GV5 Gun crew performing their required task to ensure that the gun is prepared for battle in record time

CFA GV5 gun successfully deployed and prepared for firing


To commemorate this achievement and show off

the newly acquired skills, the Officer

Commanding CFA, Lieutenant Colonel Kees De

Haan, hosted an event where a GV5 gun was

deployed for action, including designating a

target .The gunners demonstrated their acquired

skills. He praised the newly qualified gunners for

their tenacity, hard work and the fine display of

their skills.

Major General K. Mokoape, Chief SA Army

Reserves, the VIP guests, family and supporters

of CFA attended the function to celebrate this

achievement. Major General Mokoape indicated

that he was very pleased that the decentralised

training was so successful and encouraged the

new gunners to maintain their skills and high

level of training.

Congratulations to all those who attended and

successfully completed the course. They now

look forward to putting these new skills into

practice when they have an opportunity to fire the

GV5.

own base. It was highly beneficial for the

members to have been trained at home and

group cohesion improved. This proved that the

facilities available at Fort iKapa are suitable for

training.

The practical aspects were dealt with first,

followed by the theoretical instruction, ensuring

that the gunners could identify their respective

roles, as well as the technical aspects required.

This approach to the training worked well with

the learners, as they were able to gain hands-on

practical experience, which significantly

enhanced their understanding of the theoretical

aspects. After three weeks of continuous

specialised GV5 training, twenty six members

qualified as gunners.

Lieutenant Farmer congratulated the learners on

their high level of discipline and the practical

hands-on component of the course.

Lieutenant Colonel J. K. Morake, the Staff Officer

1 Education, Training and Development from the

SA Artillery Formation evaluated the progress

and was very happy with the work done by the

learners.

A smiling Maj Gen Mokoape with Lt Col De Haan, Lt Col Conradie, guests and proud GV5 gunners of the CFA

The 69th Drumhead service of

Remembrance and Dedication was

recently held at Mount Collins Military base

in Johannesburg on Sunday the 21st of

November. The parade and service

commemorates the battle of Sidi Rezegh where

the Transvaal Horse Artillery (THA), Transvaal

Scottish, South African Irish and Regiment Botha

fought side by side against the Axis powers in the

western desert during World War II.

The parade and service were hosted by the THA,

with the Chief Dignitary Major General R.C.

Andersen, Chief of Defence Reserves and

Honorary Colonel of the THA in attendance.

Present on parade where platoons from the THA,

SA Irish and Regiment Botha with the ceremonial

gun troop of the THA, which fired two salvos to

mark the beginning and the end of the two

minutes silence. In addition the pipes and drums

of the Transvaal Scottish and the SA Irish were

on hand to perform the drumhead and play the

lament.

Wreaths were laid by the officers commanding,

the THA, Transvaal Scottish, South African Irish

and Regiment Botha, as well as the THA

Regimental Association, the South African Irish

Association and the Pipes and Drum of the

South African Irish.

Speaking after the event, the Officer

Commanding the THA, Major Albert Pestana,

said that he was extremely proud of how the

event was conducted and praised those

responsible for the parade and the gun salvos.

“It is important that we as serving members of

the SANDF remember those that went before us

and the sacrifices they made for our country and

for freedom.”

Sidi Rezegh Paradea success for

Reserve Regiments– By: Candidate Officer R.J. Hurst, THA




CGA’s winning team

Though men like them were hard to find; They’re

the ones we stand behind. (Words from ABSA

CAPITAL advert)

The Air Defence Artillery annual Gun Push was a

monumental exercise and achievement, brought

to a successful completion by Major Vidius

Archer who was the executive officer and Master

Warrant Officer (MWO) Danie Steyn the untiring

manager and project co-ordinator. The effort and

work which MWO Steyn has put in this task was

One day these men woke up and thought;

Today is the day the fight will be fought;

And they set their sights on a far away

place; And started to run; No matter what was

put in their way; They kept going and going day

after day; They ran further and further on and

on; Men in streets stopped and stared; They

questioned the men, they didn’t care; Walls they

saw but every wall; Was just a door to a better

place than before; They wouldn’t give up; They

would not give in, driven by forces deep within;

Air Defence Artillery Gun Push– From The Smoking Gun


colossal. He co-ordinated the gun push that was

brought to fruition within weeks of getting the go-

ahead. These entailed the active co-ordination of

all the different facets of the event, facilitation of

the co-operation and support of the City of Cape

Town under the aegis of his Worship the Mayor

of Cape Town, Mr Dan Plato and the events

management team.

The gun push took place on Wednesday 22

September 2010 on a glorious day which only

Cape Town can offer. Three teams from Cape

Garrison Artillery; Regiment Oos Transvaal-

ROT- 6LAA; ADA FMN mixed team; ADA

School; 10 AA Regt “a” team, are to be

congratulated for their sporting.

Under blue skies and with Table Mountain in its

emerald green, standing silent guard, nine teams

of “Ack Ack Gunners” took off at intervals from

the Grand Parade to undertake the arduous task

of pushing a 23mm gun along a pre-determined

route of approximately 7,5 Km through the

streets of the city. The local Gunners, sons of

Cape Garrison Artillery (CGA) outdid themselves

and took first and third place with 10 ADA

Regiment (Airborne) coming second. It was a

triumphal ending to an exciting week and just

reward for the hard training which the CGA

teams had endured under Captain Thys van

Nieuwenhuyzen. The joy at the finish was

uncontrollable.

Brigadier General Jabu Mbuli presented the

2010 Cape Town ADA Gun Push medals to all

the participants of the Gun Push event. He also

presented commemoration medals to the co-

ordinators, time-keepers and referees from CGA.

CGA has raised the proverbial bar of excellence

for this Gun Push event, to a level where it will be

very difficult for other units to equal or even

improve.

All teams: Three teams from CGA; Regiment

Oos Transvaal- ROT- 6LAA; ADA FMN mixed

team; ADA School; 10 AA Regt “a” team, are to

be congratulated for their sporting participation

which symbolizes the unity, brotherhood and

camaraderie between the Air Defence units.


In February 2010 Lieutenant Colonel Ray

Nesset of the Cape Town Rifles (Dukes)

commanded a composite battalion that

carried out two weeks (13 February to 27

February 2010) of conventional army training,

followed by an exercise, in the vicinity of Touws

River in the Western Cape. The rationale behind

the exercise was the South African Army’s vision

to have a combat-ready, conventional force

available for deployment at short notice.

The combined battalion comprised the Cape

Town Highlanders (Alpha Coy, led by Major

Robin Collins), the Dukes (Bravo Coy, Major

Marinus Boshoff), Regiment Westelike Provincie

(Charlie Coy, Captain Leon Carstens),

representatives of 71 Signals Unit (Second

Lieutenant Fortuin, a female officer), a South

African Air Force contingent, a section of

paratroopers from 3 Parachute Battalion’s (3

Para Bn) ‘C’ Company and a detachment of

medical personnel from 3 Medical Battalion.

Support was provided by DOD Log School under

Major de Bruin and 4 Maintenance Unit’s

Warrant Officer Class I Rayners. Lieutenant

Colonel Uys van der Westhuijzen (SO1 Force

Prep) and Colonel Tol Snyman of the Infantry

Formation were also present, offering

encouragement and advice. Prominent members

of the Battalion Headquarters were Captain John

Ecclestone (Second in Command), Master

Warrant Officer John Tuck (RSM) and Warrant

Officer Class I Samuels, who was responsible for

the kitchen together with Warrant Officer Class II

Tony Kinghorn. Chaplain Anthony Gregorowski

of the Dukes conducted the open-air services for

all ranks. He also doubled as a welfare officer,

supporting and comforting those with personal

problems.

Pre-deployment training for the main

components of the battalion was carried out at

– By: Captain John Ecclestone, Cape Town Rifles (Dukes)

Exercise Revelation: Touws River

ORYX troopcarrier and Rooivalk gunship hover above troops


Fort iKapa. Before the troops were transported

to the tented camp in the foothills of the

mountains an advance party under Warrant

Officers Class II Cairns and Kinghorn had

already paved the way.

The first week in Touws River saw the battalion

working on integration and getting systems in

order to ensure that all personnel were

functioning as a cohesive unit. The sub-units

carried on with corps training revision in the field,

with positive results. With the exercise taking

place the following week, it was necessary to put

the ‘men’ through their paces.

On 22 February 2010 the three companies were

tasked to send out patrols to their specific areas

of responsibility. It was not long before reports of

‘enemy’ activity within the area came through to

the Battalion Operations Room. Over the next

two days several ‘contacts’ were made and a

number of enemy soldiers were captured, the

necessary information regarding their role in the

region was gathered.

In close liaison with the Battalion Second In

Command and his company commanders, Lt Col

Nesset mobilised his forces in order to counter

the enemy’s tactics. It was evident that the

enemy was very resilient and looking for specific

targets and information. Making use of aerial

reconnaissance in the form of two BK117

choppers (Saron and Havoc were the pilots’ call

signs) the Battalion Officer in Command was

able to contain the enemy forces and restrict

them to Kuilshoek. This is where the battalion,

with Alpha and Bravo Companies in front and

Charlie Coy in depth, took on the remnants of the

enemy.

Apart from the three companies, the main force

included support weapons (12,7 Browning’s and

81mm mortars) under the command of Major

Stewart Bain of CTH. The reconnaissance group,

from 3 Para Bn, was led by Captain John Tawse,

who played a pivotal role in the final attack. The

field hospital was in the capable hands of

Captain Dion Barnard and his team.

On 26 February 2010 the main force moved to

the FAA. Under the command of Captain

Ecclestone, a two-up battalion attack was

launched on the enemy, with supporting fire from

Major Bain’s support group. An element of the

enemy managed to escape by road to Touws

River, but Charlie Coy successfully intercepted

them. The paratroopers proceeded with house-

clearing operations, thoroughly routing the

enemy.

The exercise was an unmitigated success and

Brigadier General Baartman congratulated all the

men and women on a job well done

SEMPER EADEM

Exercise Revelation Dukes troops at Touws River

An orphan being fed by a Corporal

The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles project leaders

The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles soup kitchen


During July the Regiment held a

Continuation Training Camp for a

Company at the unit’s tactical base at

Woodbrook, East London. The camp coincided

with the national campaign to get all South

Africans to devote time and assistance to help

the needy in commemoration of the 92nd

birthday of our past President Nelson Mandela.

As the Regiment was in camp at the time,

Infantry Formation approved the unit project

which was intended to support the national effort.

The troops were given the opportunity to decide

on what support they would give. They decided

to donate one day’s rations to provide food for

destitute children in the area, as well as to assist

institutions that required help. Donations of bread

(one hundred loaves), meat (fifty four kilograms),

vegetables (fourteen Banana boxes), twenty

bricks of Rama margarine and the necessary

packaging material were also received.

Lieutenant L.M. Dayimani was appointed as the

co-ordinator of the project and was assisted by

other officers. They were tasked to identify

institutions that appeared to be struggling to cope

with the ever increasing demands made on them

to carry out their mandate, such as providing

places of safety for destitute children, crèches,

hospital out-patient wards, etc.

On 16 July 2010, at the Tactical Head Quarter

base, the kitchen was bustling with excited cooks

and staff preparing a most palatable soup and

making sandwiches from the donations received.

The soup was then placed into hot boxes for

distribution. The Buffalo City Municipality

provided three buses, free of charge, to transport

the troops and the prepared food to the various

Buffalo Volunteer Rifles Madiba Project– By: Lt Col M.J. Cock, Officer Commanding

The Buffalo Volunteer Rifles

identified centres. The work parties were divided

into six groupings that went into different

directions in the field.

The troops were well received by the institutions,

as well as the community. Much singing and

dancing was the order of the day. To see the

delight and smiles on the faces of the little ones

was wonderful. At some of the centres the troops

assisted in cutting grass and helping in a general

clean-up of the area adjacent to these centres.

Over one thousand one hundred mouths were

fed and approximately five hectares of terrain

cleaned and tidied. The staff of the institutions

struggled to find words to thank the Regiment,

and the troops for their kind-hearted gesture.

In conclusion, it was a most wonderful and

fulfilling experience for all the troops involved.

They experienced what goodwill meant and what

could be achieved with it. All felt that it was well

worth the effort and sacrifice of one day’s rations

and were proud to honour Madiba, our great

statesman, in this way. The theme of the project

was “from the people, to the people, for the

people”.


The Officer Commanding, Lt Col Lock, and the team at Frere Hospital


Three Rondebosch Boys’ High School

(RBHS) Old Boys and active SANDF

Reserve officers returned to their Alma

Mater in uniform to attend the annual

Remembrance Day Memorial Service on

11 November 2010.

The RBHS Memorial School Hall was built after

World War II with funds donated to honour those

Old Boys who had paid the supreme sacrifice

during World Wars I and II. Annually the school

honours their memory and sacrifice and reminds

the young men of the futility of war.

RBHS had, two days prior to the service, opened

a permanent exhibition at the entrance to the

hall. The exhibition showcases the history of the

building and offers a tribute, with a photograph,

of each Old Boy and the teachers who had died

in World War I and World War II. Amongst them

were those who had served in the Cape Town

Three SANDF Reserve Officers attend

Remembrance Day at Alma Mater– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

Active serving SANDF Reserve officers and Rondebosch Boys’ High School Old Boys

market the Reserves at their Alma Mater Remembrance Day service

From left to right: Captain Ian Long (Cape TownHighlanders), Mr Steve Duffett (RBHS Old Boys’

Union), Mr Martin Barker (Headmaster), Captain JoeDorrington (Cape Town Rifles (Dukes)) and Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve

The Rondebosch Boys’ High School memorial display that commemorates the building of theMemorial School Hall and a tribute to each Old Boy and teacher who died in service during

World Wars I and II


Highlanders, Cape Town Rifles (Dukes) and the

SA Navy which were represented by the Old

Boys in uniform.

To add colour to the service and to ensure that all

who attended received a keepsake, Major

General (Ret) John Del Monte provided

traditional red poppies from the SA Legion’s

offices, when they entered the Memorial Hall.

The headmaster, Mr Martin Barker, remarked

that he was pleased that the three Old Boys had

participated in uniform as it added colour to the

service and he expressed an interest in

arranging a more formal role during wreath-

laying at the 2011 service.

The school’s awareness of the opportunities

offered by the SANDF Reserve was heightened

and the opportunities provided to young men and

women by the Young Lions (SA Army), Young

Falcons (SA Air Force) and Sea Cadets (SA

Navy) were highlighted. These organisations will

market themselves to local schools and expose

the youth to the possibilities available. This will

assist in ensuring that a continuous supply of

potential leaders is maintained to fill the ranks of

the SANDF Reserve.

Bravo Zulu to Captain Ian Long, Cape Town

Highlanders, for spotting the opportunity and for

laying the groundwork to ensure that the SANDF

Reserves received this positive exposure.

The Rondebosch Boys’ High School Memorial Hall roll of honour with the names of all Old Boys and teacherswho died during World Wars I and II


The “One Force” concept, as coined by

General George Meiring on his

appointment as Chief of the South African

National Defence Force, is as relevant today as

it was then. The Defence Works Capability

(Project LEBAKA) has embraced the concept.

Reserve Force members and Regular Force

members have effectively combined in

pursuance of short- and medium-term goals as

identified for the Defence Works Capability

(Project LEBAKA).

During the Department of Defence (DOD)

Strategic Work Session held from 21 to 23 June

2006, and the Minister’s Work Session of 23

March 2007, it was decided that the DOD should

establish a capability to maintain and repair its

own facilities. This led to the establishment of

Project LEBAKA (Defence Works Capability) with

Brigadier General D.J. Masters as the project

leader. The background, with to the

establishment of the Defence Works Capability,

is well documented.

In the DOD Strategic Plan for the MTEF FY

2010/11 to the FY 2012/13 the establishment of

the Defence Works Capability was again

articulated as one of the top priorities of the

DOD.

The progress made in effecting the strategic

intention, as articulated by the then Minister of

Defence, Mr M. Lekota, in 2007, can best be

described as phenomenal. The allocation of an

initial RM 7.8 in September 2007 to the project

made it possible to introduce a hundred

members to a reskilling programme.

While the establishment of the Defence Works

Capability was still in the project mode, it was

deemed feasible to commence immediately with

the training of serving Regular Force members

in the required construction artisan skills. In

January 2008, the training of the first hundred

members commenced. Currently, more than six

hundred and fifty members have undergone

training in all the construction artisan disciplines,

eg construction site supervisors, carpenters,

bricklayers, plumbers, welders, electricians, and

painters/tilers. At least a hundred and ten

members will be fully qualified by December

2010.

Various construction projects have also been

undertaken, of which the SA Army Hospice may

be considered as the most prominent.

Whilst still in the development phase, the training

required the project to be managed on three

fronts, viz project development, skills training and

maintenance and repair.

What has been achieved thus far would not have

been possible but for the contribution of the

Reserve members who have been recruited,

selected and appointed to sustain the project

development and skills training undertaken in

Gauteng, the Western Cape, the Eastern Cape,

Project Lebaka A Tribute to the Reserve Force Members

of the Defence Works Capability

– By: Col P.J.P. Freeman, Chief of Staff, Defence Works Capability


KwaZulu Natal, North West province, the Free

State and the Northern Cape. The Reserves are

specifically utilised for their expertise in

Organisation and Work studies, Command and

Control, Financial Management, Logistic

Procurement, HR Administration, and as

storemen and drivers.

In her budget speech on 4 May 2010, the

Honourable Minister of Defence and Military

Veterans referred to the essential role of the

Reserves during peacetime and indicated that

legislation to optimally utilise their services was

in process. This is particularly relevant to the role

played by the Reserve members of Project

LEBAKA (Defence Works Capability).

At this juncture, it is expedient to pay tribute to

the fifty-nine Reserve members who have

throughout rendered unconditional support to the

Defence Works Capability (Project LEBAKA).

To the Reserve Force members of the Defence

Works Capability (Project LEBAKA) “know thatyour commitment and contribution are highlyregarded and that you are part and parcel of awinning team. Without you, it would have beenimpossible to achieve our objectives to the extentthat has been achieved - “WE SALUTE YOU”.

Project Lebaka members


Field Post Office 111 –

SANDF “Exercise Seboka”

– By: Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Jim Findlay, Philatelic Society ofJohannesburg and the South African Military Mail Study Group

Exercise Seboka was the first occasion that the

new style 9-pointed Field Post Office date stamp

(diameter 28-29mm) was used. This is taken

from the shape of the SANDF, Army, Air Force

and Navy emblems. At the top of the date stamp

is the 11 Field Postal Unit emblem with the

numerical date as year-month-day in the centre

and FPO 111 in two lines at the bottom (See

Illustration 1). Although FPO 111 was operational

for the Southern Africa Development Community

Exercise Golfinho, 1 to 26 September 2009, this

date stamp was not in use.

The mail from FPO 111 was routed via

Postmasburg PO and to Kimberley PO, where it

received a very poor quality machine

Introduction


(SANDF) implemented a restructuring of

the army based on an analysis and

recommendation by Deloitte and Touché. This

resulted in the formation of two brigade

headquarters with the combat and support units

under their own specific formations, e.g. Infantry

Formation, Artillery Formation, etc. The allocated

task given to the brigade would determine the

composition of the combat and support elements

that would then be attached to the brigade. The

two brigade headquarters that were formed are

43 Brigade and 46 Brigade. (This restructuring

has not been totally successful and the army

organisation is currently under revue).

“Exercise Seboka”

46 South African Brigade, based in

Johannesburg, conducted “Exercise Seboka” at

the SANDF Combat Training Centre (CTC) at

Lohatla, Northern Cape, from 2 November to 4

December 2009. This was a conventional

mechanised infantry exercise with artillery and

armour support. There were approximately five

thousand servicemen and women involved.

Field Post Office 111

Field Post Office 111 from 11 Field Postal Unit

with staff from Field Post Office 3, Waterkloof Air

Base, was opened at CTC Lohatla for the

duration of the exercise.

Illustration 1: The Field Post Office 111 date stamp


cancellation, and into the civilian mail system

(See Illustration 5).

The South African Military Mail Study Group

prepared a commemorative envelope for the first

day of use. This has the emblems of the SA Army

and 11 Field Postal Unit, a Reserve Force Unit,

in colour. Below the SA Army emblem is the

wording “Exercise Seboka / LOHATLA / 2

November – 4 December 2009”. The standard

postage is the stamp of ex-President Kgalema

Motlanthe. Approximately one hundred and

twenty of these covers were prepared and

serviced by FPO 111 on the first day of use, 2

November 2009 (See Illustration 2). There were

approximately five examples with the stamp of

ex-President Nelson Mandela, as well as

approximately ten overseas postage covers

prepared. The FPO was requested not to put

these covers in the civilian mail system to avoid

receiving the messy poor quality Kimberley date

stamp (See Illustration 5).

Some covers have the 11 Field Postal Unit

cachet applied either on the front or on the

reverse, which were applied by request. The

cachet has the 11 FPU emblem and the wording

“11 FIELD POSTAL UNIT / AFB WATERKLOOF

FPO 3 PRETORIA 0106 / 2009-11-02 / TEL: 012

672 4185 FAX: 012 672 4718”.

There were 10 ‘last day of use’ covers of the

same design prepared with the standard postage

stamp of President Jacob Zuma (See Illustration

3).

46 Brigade prepared a postcard to be used by

the servicemen on “Exercise Seboka” that had

the 46 Brigade emblem (top left), the Signals

Formation emblem (bottom left), 11 Field Postal

Unit emblem (top right) and the SA Army emblem

(bottom right). In the centre bottom is a box with

the wording ‘EX SEBOKA / CTC LOHATLA’.

(See Illustration 4).

An example of the date stamps illustrating FPO

111 and the Kimberley transit machine date

stamp on a cover sent to the writer is shown in

Illustration 5.

Illustration 2: First Day of use of the FPO 111 datestamp, “Exercise Seboka”


Illustration 3: The last day of use of FPO 111 at “Exercise Seboka”

Illustration 4: 46 Brigade postcard posted from FPO 111 at Lohatla

Illustration 5: An example of the date stamp of FPO 111 and the Kimberley transit date stamp

Acknowledgements

The support given by WO 1 G. Botes and the staff of 11 Field Postal Unit and FPO

3 is greatly appreciated.


The Air Force

Reserve Squadrons– By: Col A. B. Bridgens. Doyen of South African Air Force Reserve

The long-advocated concept of reservist air squadrons by the Aircraft Owners’ and Pilots’

Association of South Africa became a reality In 1963. Twelve squadrons, (101 to 112), were

formed, all manned by civilian volunteers using their own or hired aircraft to undertake

communication flights, air reconnaissance for police and army units, supply and message dropping

and light transport flights.

In October 1968 they became substantive South African Air Force units under the then Light Aircraft

Command and were located at strategic points in the Republic, and in January 1976 a special

women’s squadron was added.

Members were required to hold at least a Private Pilot’s License, have a minimum of 500 hours flying

experience, hold an Instrument Rating, and own or have guaranteed use of a suitable aircraft.

Subsequent downsizing measures brought about the disbanding of some of these units; several of

the members were absorbed into the other squadrons. Their collective name underwent a number of

changes, and today they are known as the Air Force Reserve Squadrons and are located in regional

(provincial) context as nine separate Air Force Reserve units:

• 101 Air Force Reserve Squadron – Hoedspruit – Officer Commanding – Lieutenant Colonel (Lt

Col) F. Boshoff

• 102 Air Force Reserve Squadron - Makhado – Officer Commanding – Lt Col W.J. Roux

• 104 Air Force Reserve Squadron - Waterkloof – Officer Commanding – Lt Col M.J. Roets

• 105 Air Force Reserve Squadron – Durban –Officer Commanding - Lt Col A.J. Clarke

• 106 Air Force Reserve Squadron – Bloemspruit – Officer Commanding - Lt Col L. Wiese

• 107 Air Force Reserve Squadron –Bloemspruit - Officer Commanding – Lt Col J. Human

• 108 Air Force Reserve Squadron – Port Elizabeth – Acting Officer Commanding –Lieutenant E.

le Roux


• 110 Air Force Reserve Squadron - Ysterplaat – Officer Commanding - Lt Col J.J. L. van Zyl

• 111 Air Force Reserve Squadron - Waterkloof – Officer Commanding - Lt Col R.J. Mossom

The Air Force Reserve Squadrons are an integral part of the South African Air Force. The additional

resources that they bring to the SAAF are invaluable and include aircraft ranging from small two-

seater aircraft to executive jets which have been used to transport the President and other local or

foreign dignitaries on many occasions. Members of these squadrons come from all walks of life and

respond to calls 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Although at least a commercial license with an instrument rating is currently required to qualify for

membership of these squadrons, many of the present members hold flying qualifications far in excess

of this. It is still expected of members to own, or have guaranteed use of a suitable aircraft.

Most of the present flying done by the squadrons consists of, VIP transportation, operational support

to the Air Force by way of internal and external light transport flights, borderline and maritime

reconnaissance, and humanitarian support. They are expected to be skilled up to South African Air

Force standards, and to ensure this, these units follow strict formal training programmes, usually over

weekends. In 2009 the Squadrons flew some two thousand eight hundred and fifty hours.

The members of the Air Force Reserve Squadrons, as both soldiers and citizens, can always be

relied on in times of war and peace to make twice the contribution to their country.


Lt Col Wiese (OC 106 AFRS), Maj Walker, Col Opperman (OC AFB BSPT), Col Smith, WO I van Zyl, Lt Col Human, Maj Botha, Maj Bosman, Capt Theron

Colonel Graham Henry Smith was born in

Kimberley on 12 January 1950 and

matriculated at the Northern Cape

Technical and Commercial High School. He did

his National Service basic training in 1970 at the

Danie Theron Combat School in Kimberley. A

platoon section leader’s course followed, after

which he was transferred to Kimberley

Commando, where he served from 1970 to

1978. He was promoted to Second Lieutenant

and was the Adjutant of the unit. In 1977 he

trained the first womens platoon in Kimberley.

Because of his love of flying he requested a

transfer to the present 107 Air Force Reserve

Squadron, where he assumed duty as the

Squadron Adjutant in January 1978. He

obtained his wings in May 1982 and was re-

mustered to Pilot GD. He later became ‘A’ Flight

Commander and went on to become Senior

Operations Officer of the Squadron. On 1 March

1987 he was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant

Colonel and appointed as the Officer

Commanding 107 Air Force Reserve Squadron a

position he held until 31 March 2000. He was

appointed as a member of the Air Force Reserve

Council in 1999, where he served until April

2008. In 2000 he was promoted to the rank of

Colonel. He served in 107 Squadron until 31

March 2010.

Long-Serving member retires – By: Warrant Officer Class I J. van Zyl, Personnel and Operational Officer


The following medals have been awarded to

Colonel Smith: the Danie Theron Medal, Pro

Patria Medal, General Service Medal, Unitas

Medal, Ten-year, Twenty -year and Thirty-year

Good Service Medals. The Forty-year Good

Service Medal will be awarded to him in the near

future.

Colonel Smith is the owner of a mining supply

company as well as a property investment

company. He has long been involved in the

South African Air Force Association, and is at

present Chairperson of its Kimberley Branch. He

is also the Regional Vice-President of the South

African Air Force Association in Central South

Africa, and a member of the local Shellhole of the

Memorable Order of Tin Hats (MOTH).

Colonel Smith is married to Sandra and is the

proud father of three children.

On 20 August 2010 a formal dinner and farewell

function for Colonel Smith was held at the

Kimberley Club.

Colonel Smith and Lieutenant Colonel Human


106 Air Force Reserve Squadron and 107

Air Force Reserve Squadron (AFRS) are

the two reserve squadrons that form part

of Air Force Base Bloemspruit. The reserve

squadrons give the base a fixed wing ability to

be utilized for the planning of operations with

clients in the area of responsibility, eg the South

African Police Service, border patrols and

transport of personnel.

Most of the squadron members have commercial

licences; the minimum requirement is a private

pilot’s licence with an instrument rating.

The reserve squadrons are a very valuable asset

of the South African Air Force (SAAF). Between

the nine Squadrons the SAAF has access to a

fleet of aircraft varying from a DC9 ( jet aircraft),

six to twelve seater light twin-engine aircraft, and

two to six seater single engined aircraft. The

advantage for the SAAF is that it is not

responsible for the purchasing and the

maintenance of the aircraft; they just remunerate

the pilots for the use of the aircraft.

The pilots work a minimum of twelve days a year

as reserves. The budgeted days for each of the

pilots amount to thirty days a year, and for the

Officers Commanding and Squadron Adjutant it

is ninety days each per year.

The squadrons plan six continuous training

camps a year. 106 AFRS normally has training

camps at Potchefstroom and 107 AFRS at

Kimberley. During the weekend of 28 January

2010 to 2 February 2010 the two Squadrons held

a combined training camp at George. Instrument

approaches were done on the ILS. The flying

conditions on Friday 29 January were actually

instrument flying conditions and the pilots gained

valuable experience.

The main reason Reserve members join the

SAAF is to deliver a service to the SAAF and the

country and to enjoy their passion for flying.

106 Air Force Reserve

Squadron And 107 Air Force

Reserve Squadron –By: Warrant Officer Class I J. van Zyl, Personnel and Operational Officer– Photographs: Sergeant Paul Job


Training camp at Upington and Vastrap

On 7 May 2010 members of 106 AFRS and 107

AFRS departed for Upington to attend a training

camp.

Lieutenant Colonel Human briefed the members

on the instrument flying training that was going

to take place at Upington. The authorization

books were completed and signed and the first

two aircraft departed for the flying sortie. After

they returned, the next two aircraft departed.

The Oryx from 87 Helicopter Flying Squadron

with Colonel Opperman, Lieutenant Colonel

Bellingan and Warrant Officer Class II Greyling

as crew and Lieutenant Colonel Rossouw from

6 Air Support Unit arrived to join the two Reserve

Squadrons for the training camp.

As only four fixed wing aircraft can be parked at

Vastrap all the aircraft assembled at Upington.

The members departed with the Oryx from

Upington for Vastrap. The facilities at Vastrap

were a pleasant surprise. Warrant Officer Class

I Van Jaarsveld and his staff are very

professional, and the meals served were of a

very high standard.

Early in the morning of 8 May 2010 the pilots

were briefed on the search and rescue flying

training, after which they planned their sorties.

After brunch the members returned to Upington

for the practical search and rescue sorties. After

completion of the sorties the members went back

to Vastrap with the Oryx. The debriefing was held

at Vastrap. It was a valuable and successful

camp. Major Bosman, who flew with Major

Viljoen in his PA 22 Colt, remarked that the Colt,

which is slower than his BE 60 Duke, was an

ideal aircraft for search and rescue missions.

On 9 May 2010 the members returned to

Upington and departed for their respective home

bases with their own aircraft.


Major Walker, Captain Theron, Major Botha and Major Viljoen busy planning the search and rescue sortie

106 and 107 Squadron members with the Oryx flying crew, with them are Lieutenant Colonel Rossouw (6 ASU)and Warrant Officer Class I van Jaarsveld (Vastrap) in front of the Oryx


The Reserve Management Centre (RMC)

provides support to the SA Navy’s fleet by

managing the Reserve members who

have volunteered for service.

Many SA Naval Reserve personnel have

assisted the fleet by serving in a variety of

capacities, especially technical, onboard and in

support of ships and units deployed in support of

Operation Kgwele which provided maritime

security iro the 2010 Soccer World Cup.

SA Naval Reserve members have been

contributing to the fleet by using their previous

training in a variety of roles including Maritime

Reaction Squadron, protection, stores, catering,

training, chaplain branches.

In addition, SANR personnel have managed and

staffed the Naval Co-operation and Guidance to

Ships (NCAGS) teams that were operational

during Operation Umkhumbi in support of

Operation Kgwele. The members of the NCAGS

teams, under the command of Captain Barnard

and Commander Kunyana, did the late Capt

“Doc” O’Shea proud by putting all their training

and exercise experience into practice.

In addition to this national role, several members

of the SA Naval Reserve are a long way from

home, serving as part of South Africa’s peace

keeping initiatives in the Sudan.

Petty Officer Zelna Fransman is constantly

updating the SA Naval Reserve members

contact details, as maintaining an accurate data

base is vital to the effective functioning of the

RMC.

“Keeping the bow waves of the fleet rolling”Reserve Management Centre– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, SA Naval Reserve– Photographs: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil

Left to right: Able Seaman N.V. Nazo, Able Seaman D.M. Mahlaba, Chief Petty Officer E.J. Hoogbaard, Captain E. Stanfield, Leading Seaman N. Barnard


TS Woltemade Sea Cadets that passed the accreditedcourse in Marine Fire Fighting (STCW 1995) facilitated

by Red Watch

The focus of the mid-year Sea Cadet Camp

at TS Woltemade in Lakeside was on the

new entry class, with the goal that they

would be proficient Seamen by the end of the

camp. In true naval tradition, they were

supported in their training by a selected group of

experienced Sea Cadets from Seamen, Able

Seamen and Leading Seamen.

WOI Andrew White, MAA, shared his leadership

and management knowledge with the Leading

Seamen promotion class to ensure that they

were able to take charge and put these skills to

good practical use during the camp. This, along

with the work of the officers and instructors,

resulted in all the new entries qualifying as

Seamen at the end of the camp.

In addition, ten members, Leading Seamen and

Able Seamen qualified in an accredited Fire

Fighting STCW 1995 course. This training was

provided at cost by Red Watch under the

guidance of Mr. Ken Parker.

The Sea Cadets learnt the theory and practical

skills required to put out fires with a variety of

items from newspapers, lids, fire blankets, fire

extinguishers and fire hoses. The qualification is

valid for a five-year period and can be used by

Sea Cadets

develop skills at 2010 Mid-Year Camp– By: Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil, Naval Reserve– Photographs Lt (SAN) Glenn von Zeil

Ensign Paul Jacobs, TS Woltemade congratulatesCadet P.O. Chante Taylor on her Mid-Year Camp

Cadet award

The newly promoted Able Seamen. Note all the smiling faces!

The Sea Cadet Colour, proudly displayed during the march past at the final parade of the 2010

Mid-Year Camp

Three young chefs, proudly wearing their new aprons.They prepared the majority of the meals in the galley

Captain (SASC) Rupert Toms, the Senior Officer SeaCadets, and Commander (SASC) Philip Miller, the

Officer Commanding TS Woltemade, inspecting theSea Cadets at the final parade


Matriculating Sea Cadets in finding employment

after their schooling.

Owing to a lack of wind, the theoretical sail

training was supplemented with pulling. The

discipline and practical skills learnt will assist

these members in all areas of their lives.

The traditional Sand Vlei endurance hike was a

highlight. The Sea Cadets covered the route,

including the water obstacles in record time

under the watchful eyes of the instructors and a

rescue boat.

The camp concert provided some light relief with

singing, dancing and humorous skits of a high

quality. Two of the sea cadets with natural talent

will no doubt be competition for local Cape

comedians Mark Lottering and Nic Rabinowitz!

The victuals for the eighty odd Sea Cadets,

instructors and officers were prepared on site in

a newly kitted-out galley by cadet chefs. On the

odd occasion, they were supplemented by food

prepared by willing parents.

A special thanks to benefactors, mainly South

African National Defence Force / South African

Navy Reserve Officers, who supported the Sea

Cadets financially by ensuring that all the Cadets

who wished to attend the camp were able to do

so.

Bravo Zulu to Commander Philip Miller, Ensign

Paul Jacobs, Midshipman Lucille Jacobs,

Midshipman Bertram Groenewald, Staff

Instructors Abel Seaman Mertz and Graham

McKenzie who gave up their time to manage the

camp and provided opportunities to the youth

who have an interest in the sea.

Anyone wishing to provide assistance to the Sea

Cadets is welcome to contact Commander Philip

Miller at [email protected] or 083-658-

1666.

The Mayor Alderman Dan Plato handingover the scroll to Colonel M.A. Skiti

The parade

3Medical Battalion Group (3 Med Bn Gp)

celebrated their 121st birthday over the

weekend of 22 – 24 October 2010.

Celebrations started with a formal dinner on

Friday 22 October 2010. The invited guests and

unit members, with their partners, shared the

joyful event.

The highlight of the weekend was when 3 Med

Bn Gp – the most senior of the three Reserve

Medical Battalion Groups – exercised its “Right

to Freedom of Entry” into the City of Cape Town

on Saturday 23 October 2010. The City’s

Executive Mayor, Mr. Alderman Dan Plato,

handed over the official scroll to the Officer

Commanding, Col M.A. Skiti, at a ceremony in

front of the City Hall. This was followed by a

parade, which started at the Castle of Good

Hope. The participating members proudly

marched through the streets of Cape Town with

the unit Colours, followed by horses and cart and

a stretcher drill team that displayed the yester

year system of medical assistance and

equipment, and also the modern ambulance

vehicle. This event was really a great honour for

the Battalion.

The weekend celebrations were concluded with

the annual Church Parade at the Dutch

Reformed Church, Goodwood. This was a

memorable occasion and the Battalion members

confirmed their capabilities and readiness for any

occasion.

3 Medical Battalion Group

Birthday Celebrations– By: Sergeant J. Jacobs, Communication Clerk 3 Med Bn Gp – Photographs: Sergeant J. Jacobs



Training for the Reserves– By: Ms I. Lategan– Photograph: Sergeant J. Jacobs

Training of the Reserves has faced unique

challenges over the years. The

Department of Defence (DOD) has

emphasized the importance of Reserve training,

and decentralised, modularised distance

learning has been instituted. This training

includes computer based training in the different

regions.

In the Western Cape the computer based

training for the Reserves is presented at the

Distance Learning Centre at Fort Ikapa. This

learning opportunity was made possible by the

joint efforts of SA Army Infantry Formation, 3

Medical Battalion Group and SITA. The training

allows learners to study at their own pace, during

the week or over weekends. Training consists of

study material as well as practical interactive

exercises. On completion of the modules

learners have a knowledge and understanding of

computer hardware and software, and can

effectively utilise the standard DOD approved

operating system and software.

The following modules are presented:

• Introduction to PC’s and application Software

• Windows XP Fundamentals

• Microsoft Word

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft Power Point

• Lotus Notes

The training centre also presents approved

PERSOL courses; the training schedule of which

is available on Milqual. The aim is to broaden the

range of decentralised courses and computer

based training available to further enhance the

capability of the Reserves in the Western Cape.

3 Medical Battalion Group members successfully

completed the computer based training at the

training centre.

Computer Based Training 2010

Chaplains deployed onOperation Kgwele– By: Chaplain T. Shange, Joint Tactical Head Quarters KwaZulu Natal

2010 has been a year of many happenings

and opportunities. I, a Reserve Chaplain,

had the opportunity to be deployed during

Operation KGWELE for the FIFA World Cup

Soccer tournament. What an honour.

As the Joint Tactical Headquarters Chaplain, I

was part of the order group. It was a dream

come true to see the security forces uniting and

working harmoniously, striving for one goal,

namely to host a successful World Cup. The

harmonious working relations between the

Reserve and the Regular components

impressed me. To me that was the fulfilment of

Psalm 133 because for the past 15 years of

democracy, although we have been working

together, we have struggled to find mutual

acceptance. Operation KGWELE brought us

together.

The legacy of the past disappeared and I believe

we even forgot about our differences. I never

imagined white people driving in the streets of

Soweto and enjoying themselves. I thank God for

the spirit of unity and freedom seen during the

Soccer World Cup.


demonstrated its professionalism in making our

country a haven of safety. This was the operation

with the most motivated and enthusiastic

members that I have ever experienced since I

joined the Reserves. During the ministry the

following was clearly visible:

• We do have patriotism. Our soldiers

displayed devotion and loyalty towards our

country and the Defence Force.

• The event uplifted the morale of members,

who were motivated by the fact that our

country was successfully hosting the Soccer

World Cup. They were deployed where the

events were taking place.

My role as chaplain was made easier because,

rather than concentrating on lifting morale, I

could focus on keeping the members motivated.

My office changed from being an office of

complaints to a place of action group

encouragement.

The South African National Defence Force has

irrevocably demonstrated that we have the ability

to make the country safe and we can work

together. We should strive to enhance the

continuity of the capabilities demonstrated during

the Soccer World Cup, and together keep

building a healthy Defence Force.



New York State Partnership Programme Conference

3 – 6 December 2010

DELEGATION: Maj Gen R.C. Andersen – Chief Defence Reserves

Brig Gen S.D. Molefe – Director Defence Reserves

Brig Gen T.S. Madumane – OC Waterkloof Air Force Base

Brig Gen A.N.C. Mamenzi – Director SAMHS Reserves

R Amd (JG) E. Pentzhorn – Director Naval Reserves

Col (Rev) M.A. Mothopeng – SSO Reserve Force Chaplain

Col B. Molefe – SA Army Reserves

Ford NottinghamFord Nottingham

Highland andHighland and

Traditional GamesTraditional Games

Documents

SANDF Reserve Force 2011 bk8:Layout 1 · 4 RESERVE FORCE, THE SANDF’S EXPANSION CAPABILITY T he year 2010 has brought with it significant progress in the development of a viable