SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR · 2018-07-17 · Ramano farewell on page 14. Everyone at SA SOLDIER also bids welcome to our newly appointed Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke. According

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

Welcome to ourthird corvette

Letters:feedback from our readers

Our Chief visitedour sailors

Deputy Ministervisits our divers

Equip South Africa'slandward forces

The end of the career of the great stabiliser

The new Chief ofour Army takes charge

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16 War is not only about neutralising the enemy

Fly like a butterflyand sting like a bee

Women rugbytogs and all

Africa Aerospace andDefence exhibition

For the sake of peace, stability and progress

Impact of the corvetteson maritime warfare

Dealing withdisaster situations

2004 Budget and itsprogressive evolution

Remembering the fallenof Delville Wood

Focus on labour relatedpolicy framework

Working asa unifier

SAMHS sharpening their skills

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STREET ADDRESSDefence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESSSA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONETel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: [email protected]: www.mil.za/magazines/sasoldier

EDITORIAL STAFFEditor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Editorial Staff: Ms Nomonde Vuthela F Sgt David NomtshongwanaPO Dennis Ndaba

Text Editor: Mr Eugené Muller

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

Reproduction & Printing:Formeset Printers Johannesburg(Pty) Ltd, 44-66 Wriggle Road, Heriotdale, Ext 13, 2094Tel: +27 11 626 1330/2/3Fax: +27 11 626 1331

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Photo Processing:5 ASU Photo Section

Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARDCol P. Phiri (Acting Chairperson)Capt (SAN) R.W. HiggsLt Col D. Khumalo Lt Col T.L. Mokwena

Ms N. Pienaar Ms J. RenderMaj T.W. CheelaMaj J. du ToitMaj P. Lengoasa

Mr W. van der WesthuizenMr A. DzivhaniF Sgt D. NomtshongwanaPO D. Ndaba (Secretary)

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SA SOLDIER is published monthly - 12 issues per year. The views and opinionsexpressed by the authors of articles are those of the authors and do not necessarilyrepresent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance and publication ofadvertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not constitute DOD endorse-ment or warranty in respect of goods or services therein described. The DOD doesnot assume any liability in respect of any claims made in advertisements.COPYRIGHT: No article or picture in this magazine may be reproduced without thewritten consent of the Editor.

For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa, visit our website at: www.mil.za/magazines/sasoldier

FRONT COVER: The newly appointed Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen SollyShoke, took over the reins of command from the outgoing Chief of the SAArmy, Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano. Please read more about this on page 15.(Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana)

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S E P T E M B E R 2 0 0 4 S A S O L D I E R

Photo on page 2: L Cpl Anel Roos displaying her competence in rope work during thevisit of our Chief. Photo on page 3: Limpopo Province was chosen as the area of opera-tions for EXERCISE MEDFLAG 2004.

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From the Editor's desk

ll eyes were on the P Wall East Dockyard Simon'sTown at 14:00 on 31 May 2004, when SAS SPI-OENKOP made her grand entrance into Simon'sBay. Welcoming the third born in the family of ourcorvettes was Ms Thandi Modise, the Chief of theSANDF, Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of the SANavy, V Adm Johan Retief, families, well-wishersand the maritime community. It was the first time in

the history of the SA Navy that two corvettes, the SAS AMA-TOLA and the latest acquisition, SAS SPIOENKOP, sailedside by side in False Bay on this glorious day. Read all aboutthe welcoming of our third corvette on page 5.

We at SA SOLDIER salute our outgoing Chief of the SAArmy, Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano, and wish him all the best forthe future. As Chief of the SA Army he will be remembered asthe great stabiliser who created a firm base so that others cantake the SA Army into the second decade of defence indemocracy as Col Horst Schobesberger, SSO SA ArmyCommunication stated. Please read more about General'sRamano farewell on page 14.

Everyone at SA SOLDIER also bids welcome to our newlyappointed Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke.According to Maj P.I. Moeketsi from SA Army CorporateCommunications, General Shoke indicated in no uncertainterms that he wanted to crack the whip even harder than hispredecessor did. He will, as a point of departure, concentrateon issues of military discipline in the SA Army. "It is essentialto root out criminal elements and activities found in some ofthe Army units". Please read more about our new Chief of theSA Army on page 15.

SA SOLDIER also welcomes to the Department Mr VuyaniSipambo, who is the Chief Negotiator for Military LabourRelations in the DOD. Mr Sipambo acts as a representative forthe Department in all matters concerning military labour rela-tions. What makes this particular appointment unique is thefact that Mr Sipambo, since he started on 1 May 2004 in thispost, has made history because never before has theDepartment acquired a chief negotiator for military labourrelations. Please read more about Mr Sipambo on page 27.

Remember to visit the Africa Aerospace and Defence exhibi-tion 2004 at Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria over theperiod 21 to 25 September. It is a show that exemplifiesProudly South African and will showcase the tenth anniver-sary of our democracy - the first public day falls on HeritageDay, Friday, 24 September 2004. What a phenomenal way tocelebrate Heritage Day! Please read the most informative arti-cle on this prestigious event on pages 44 to 47.

Nelda PienaarEditor a la 31 Mei nako e be e le 14:00 kua Simon'town mahlo ohle a

AGo tšwago Morulaganyi

be a lebeletše tshetlegong boemakepeng bja bohla-bela ge SAS SPIOENKOP e tsena Simon's Bay. Bao babego ba le gona ke mohumagadi Thandi Modise,hlogo ya sešole sa Afrika Borwa, mogeneralaSiphiwe Nyanda, hlogo ya SA Navy, V Adm JohanRetief, maloko, bathekgi, le badiradikepeng. E be e lela mathomo historing ya SA Navy ge diketswana tšepedi SAS AMATOLA le setlaboswana SAS SPI-

OENKOP di ileng tša bonwa di sesa mmogo kua False Bay moletšatšing le la go ikgetha. Balang ka ga kamogelo yaseketswana sa boraro mo letlakaleng la 5.

Rena ba SA SOLDIER re saluta (dumediša) hlogo ya madirayoo a rotšego modiro, e lego generala Gilbert Ramano, le gomo akela mahlatse bokamosong bja gagwe. Kolonele HorstSchobesberger, e lego seboleledi sa SA Army o begile goregenerala, bjalo ka hlogo ya madira o tlo gopolwa bjalo kamotho yo a dirilego motheo wa go tia woo bahlahlami ba tlo ošomišago ge ba tsena ngwaga someng wa bobedi watšhireletšo mmušong wa demokrase. Balang ka ga taelo yagenerala Ramano letlakaleng la 14.

Rohle mo SA SOLDIER re amogela hlogo ye mpsha ya SAArmy, e lego generala Solly Shoke. Go ya ka majoro P.I.Moeketsi wa SA Army corporate communication, GeneraleShoke o laeditše botse gore o tlo šoma ka maatla go feta yo amo latelago. O tlo thoma ka go hlokomedišiša taba yaboitišo(discipline) mo madireng a Afrika-Borwa. "Go bohlok-wa go kumula disinyi le ditiro tša bosinyi tše di hwetšwagomephatong ye mengwe ya SA Army. Balang go ya pele ka gahlogo ye mpsha ya SA Army letlakaleng la 15.

SA SOLDIER e buša gape ya amogela Mna vuyani Sipamboyoo e lego morerišani mogolo wa dikamano mošomong(labour relations) mo kgorong ya tša tšhireletšo. Mna Sipamboo šoma bjalo ka mmoleledi wa kgoro mabapi le dikamanomošomong. Se se dirang gore thwalo ya Mna Sipambo e be yamoswananoši ke gore go tloga mola a thomang mošomo ka la1 Mei 2004, o dirole histori ka ge kgoro ye e se ya ka ya ba lemmoleledi wa dikamano mošomong wa sešole. Balang go išapele ka ga Mna Sipambo letlakaleng la 27.

Se lebaleng go etela Africa Aerospace le pontšho ya tšatšhireletšo ya 2004 kua tswane boemafofaneng bja sešole bjaWaterkloof go tloga ka la 21 go fihla ka la 25 septembere. Kepontšho ye e laetšago boikgantšho ka Afrika-Borwa gomme etlo pepentšha segopotšo sa mengwaga ye lesome ya demok-erase- letšatši la mathomo la batho bohle e tlo ba e le letšatši labohwa e lego tšatši la 24 Septembere 2004. A mokgwa wamabonwa wa go keteka letšatši la bohwa! Balang pego ka bot-lalo ka ga letšatši le la mabonwa mo matlakaleng 44 go fihla ka47.

Nelda PienaarMorulaganyi

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Welcome to our thirdcorvette

SAS SPIOENKOP.

By PO Dennis NdabaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

rare moment awaited thenaval community as the peo-ple's Navy lived up to itsexpectations. It was the firsttime in the history of the SANavy that two corvettes, theSAS AMATOLA and the lat-

est acquisition, SAS SPIOENKOP,sailed side by side in False Bay on 31May 2004. It does not matter howmany of them arrive, it still bringstears to most people.

The third of the VALOUR ClassMEKO A200 SA Navy PatrolCorvettes, SAS SPIOENKOP, wasnamed by the Chairperson of thePortfolio Committee on Defence, MsThandi Modise, in a ceremony thattook place inside the floating Dock 12at the Blohm and Voss Shipyard inHamburg, Germany, on 4 June 2003.The ship got its name from the famousbattle between the Boers and theBritish on Spioenkop Hill, near thebanks of the Tugela River, on 23January 1900.

SAS SPIOENKOP departed fromKiel, Germany, on 4 May 2004, andcommenced the long passage throughthe Kiel Canal. She docked in Brest,France, to load equipment and thensailed to the large Spanish Naval Baseof Rota, opposite Cadiz, to refuel andto afford the crew the opportunity torest. Two French naval officers sailedwith the ship from Kiel to Brest.

All eyes were on the P Wall EastDockyard Simon's Town at 14:00,when SAS SPIOENKOP made hergrand entrance into Simon's Bay.

Welcoming the third born in the

family of corvettes was Ms ThandiModise, the Chief of the SANDF, GenSiphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of the SANavy, V Adm Johan Retief, families,well-wishers and the maritime com-munity.

The proud Officer Commanding,Capt (SAN) Douglas Faure, said it wasan honour for him and the crew toaccomplish their first mission, whichwas to deliver the ship safely to theChief of the SA Navy.

The ship will be placed under thefunctional authority of the projectdirector and then return to adminis-trative commission to commence thefitting out of the weapon system andcombat suites.

In the meantime good progress hasbeen made on the fitting of theweapon systems of the first two patrolcorvettes.

A

For the firsttime in the

history of theSA Navy

two corvettes,the SAS

AMATOLAand the SASSPIOENKOP,

sailed side by side in False Bay.


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Winning letter

feedback

Turning dreams into realityDreaming to serve your country?Thirty children in the Free State wereselected to attend the Siyandiza YoungFalcon Programme at Bloemspruit AirForce Base to take the first steptowards their future. This programmewas held between 28 March and 3April 2004.

To me this was one of the best andworst weeks of my life. This was but adrop in the ocean and my state ofunfitness, did not make it easier. Itwas unbelievable.

I learnt so much, which I wouldnever have learnt at school. Wakingup to see that you are becoming yourdream, was the most satisfying feelingfor me and that was what kept megoing.

I must admit that I missed mymother's food and my own bed, but

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

most of all my sleep. Looking back at itnow - it was worth it.

Competing physically, not justmentally, proved to be quite relaxing.It taught me to work in groups and totrust myself.

The atmosphere was relaxed andfriendly. Everybody was treatedequally and attention was dividedequally. Overall, we felt at home - upto a point. At some stage I must admitI felt like just giving up, but the leadersand other children gave me thestrength to keep going to reach outand control my emotions and to con-tinue. Everybody was very supportiveand caring.

The exercising was very tiring, butalso presented in such a way that itwas enjoyable. At night some of uswere so tired, we did not even dream.

We were just concentrating on gettingmore sleep.

Nearing the end of the week,everybody became a bit tense aroundeach other and a few fights broke out,but Sergeant Nel quickly fixed that.And how!

The best experience I had, wasmeeting new people. I cannot forgetflying in the Oryx helicopter - whichwas awesome.

Saying goodbye was probably thehardest thing to do. There was a spe-cial bond that formed among all of us.As usual, all the girls cried and theguys acted really tough, but we couldsee the tears in their eyes.

Thank you very much for givingus this opportunity, Air Force, we real-ly appreciate it. Hope to see you soon- Sonja Fry, Sand du Plessis High.

Dedication and appreciationI would like, on behalf of 44 ParachuteRegiment, to thank the outgoing Chiefof the SA Army, Lt Gen GilbertRamano, for his patriotic commitmentand unwavering determination totransform the SA Army. To him theRegiment says: "Well done, tselatshweu! You have done our SA Armyproud". You have left an indelible mark andyour footprints will never be erasedfrom the soil of the grounds of the SAArmy that you have criss-crossed inthe last six years.

44 Parachute Regiment would liketo wish the SA Army Council, underthe able leadership of the new Chief,

Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the best of luck inthe performance of its duties and func-tions.

A hearty word of welcome isextended to our new Chief of the SAArmy. There is no doubt about the factthat Lt Gen Shoke will lead this Armywell and take off from the solidground that has been prepared by hispredecessor. He has the full support ofthe management and, undoubtedly,the members - Officers, Chaplains,Warrant Officers, PSAP, and men of 44Parachute Regiment. Let the goodwork continue unabated - Col C.N. Mhatu, Officer Commanding44 Parachute Regiment.

I salute all fallen heroes fromLesotho to the DRC.

I honour all fallen heroes fromhigh ranks to lower ranks.

I remember 14 April 2004 was asad day in South Africa when thebodies of our fallen heroes arrivedin our country from the DRC.

They will be remembered forthe good work that they did, secur-ing peace in the DRC.

Our hearts are full of sorrow.Farewell our fallen comrades…

We will always rememberthem… They have fought a goodfight.

They have finished their course.They have kept their faith.

The SANDF and families, alutacontinua.

The lions are still roaring! Maytheir souls rest in peace - Rfn B. Matlawe, Hartbeesfontein Commando.

We will remember them


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ASSUPOL ADPage 7

New Material

am working at 2 Field EngineerRegiment in Bethlehem, but am cur-rently deployed in Burundi, andhave been there since February this

year and soon I will be returning toSouth Africa. Being here for the pastfive months is a new experience for mesince it is my first external deploy-ment. To be deployed in a foreigncountry can be quite hectic becauseyou miss your family and loved ones.I have made new friends. It is quite anew experience to work with andinteract with other forces deployedhere, such as Ethiopia andMozambique. Since the UN has takenover, you find yourself surrounded byother different forces, such asPakistan, Nepal, Tunisia, Jordan,Nigeria, etc. South Africa should keepon playing the leading role during thispeace process in Burundi - L Cpl S. Solomons.

have been deployed in Burundisince February 2004. It has been myfirst external deployment with my

News from Burundiunit, 10 AA Regt in Kimberley and Ifind it very interesting being exposedto a truly unique, African environ-ment. I am currently working as thePersonnel clerk for the VIP Unit andStatic Guard Company and enjoy myjob immensely. I have made a wholelot of friends from all spectrums offorces being deployed here inBurundi, especially the Mozambicans,Ethiopians and even my very ownhome-grown, "Souza" colleagues. Ieven managed to sharpen my knowl-edge of my ancestral language, beingFrench, as my grandfather originatesfrom Madagascar. I am proud to beassociated with my country and thereasons why we are deployed here. Isalute my Government and especiallymy fellow colleagues for the immenseeffort being put aside in maintainingand working towards a true democra-cy in Burundi and I will go back witha proper image of what it is like to betrue ambassadors for our country,during this peace process - Sgt Neil Schippers.

hrough this long and challengingdeployment as a woman in com-bat, it is a good experience for mycareer. I enjoyed my stay in

Burundi, never mind hard times andfrustration you come across during themission as a woman. In the missionarea if you are a woman in uniformyou must co-operate with other fellowsoldiers because it is very difficult tocope with the situation, eg limited pri-vacy, cold water showers for sixmonths, limited telephone calls, lots ofmosquitoes and the poverty in thiscountry. Burundi is an evergreencountry with a good population, acountry destroyed by war, with manyinnocent casualties, hungry childrenwherever you go, begging for moneyand food… - how painful it can be. Iam a very strong-natured woman, butmy sense of survival is strongly beingtested when I left my fiancée and twolovely boys for six months to serve mycountry. As women in uniform, wemust show the whole country that we

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are strong and have the capabilities ofbeing deployed among men outsidethe borders of the RSA. It must havebeen difficult for me, but I am proud tobe a part of the African Union and theUnited Nations Mission in Burundi.We all have the potential to performwell in the deployments outside andinside the borders of the RSA, you canalso be a hero on your own. Give yourbody and mind what it needs to helpyou stay healthy and strong to reachyour goal in life. Combat women likeme know labour and are patient,which is why I enjoyed and acceptedto serve my country with pride anddignity in the peacekeeping operation.Tough times go… tough people stay! -Lt M.M. Molefe.

am working at 10 AA Regiment inKimberley. I have joined the SAArmy three and a half years ago. Itis my first external deployment and

I am here in Burundi for six months.At first, I did not want to comebecause it seemed so different fromwhat I am used to in my home coun-try, but at this stage, I do not regret mydecision even a bit. It took me onlytwo weeks to get used to the situationand environment in Burundi. For thewhole duration, I am an administra-tion clerk doing paperwork for, eg, theVIPs to go on rural trips. Being on thisdeployment and seeing how someBurundians suffer, I appreciate morewhat I am and what I have. I am proudto be here as a South African soldier,together with the Ethiopians andMozambicans, in this peacekeepingoperation - Gunner Lizel Immelman.

am 26 years old and fromHammanskraal Temba in the NorthWest province. Early January thisyear I was busy enjoying my leave

at home when I received a call frommy Officer Commanding, Lt ColDube, commanding me to cancel myleave and to report at my unit formobilisation to Burundi. I had mixedfeelings of excitement and fearbecause I was aware that beingdeployed outside the borders of RSAfor six months was not going to be aneasy task, but as a soldier I had to obeythe command.

When the aircraft took off fromBloemspruit airport in Bloemfonteinon 30 January, I was very excited tofly, although I cried because it was myfirst experience. I could not wait toland in Burundi in order to satisfy mycuriosity on how it is, as compared toSouth Africa. We landed atBujumbura, the capital city ofBurundi, and on our way from the air-port to the Palace Base (the RSA mili-tary base) I was welcomed by manythings, including driving on the righthand side of the road - I immediatelyconfirmed that I was in a foreign coun-try. As the only female officer in theStatic Guard Company of 10 Anti-Aircraft Regiment, deployed amongmale officers, my experience inBurundi was full of challenges. It wasa learning opportunity and also a toolfor my development in the militaryenvironment. I was utilised as platoonthree commander and was very fortu-nate to have S Sgt Lupuwana as myplatoon sergeant. My experience wasthat one needs to have someone onecan count on to share one's frustra-tions and happiness in such a long anddifficult deployment. We did not onlyshare a good working relationship, buthe was always there for me as a friendwhen I needed him. My days inBurundi were good and sometimesbad. There were times when there wasshooting incidents late at night aroundMutanga Noord (our deploymentarea). I always knew that, when I hearthe sound of bomb explosions andweapons, I immediately had to wakeup, dress in my uniform with a bullet-proof vest and go outside. We alwaysknew where to deploy ourselvesaround the yard to effectively defendourselves.

There were two motivating factorsthat always made me stay strong andcalm in those situations. Firstly, as afemale, I had an obligation to prove tothe male soldiers that women are alsohighly capable in this field of work.Secondly, as a leader I had to lead byexample and believe that you cannever successfully control the situa-tion when you panic, therefore I had tostay focused. I sometimes wentthrough difficulties during the deploy-ment and the worst scenario waswhen my father was very ill. I flew

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back home. On my arrival in SouthAfrica, I only stayed for two days, andhe passed away. When I went back tothe mission area after the funeral, Imanaged to cope very well with thesupport of my commander, MajHlongwa, S Sgt Lupuwana and allmembers of platoon three. As women,we kept ourselves busy with recre-ational facilities, such as volleyballand netball. We normally competedwith the local population or amongeach other. We held women's forumsevery month where all women metand discussed issues relating towomen. We motivated each other andwe were very fortunate to have afemale chaplain and social worker andthey both form part of the forum.After every forum we always had abraai and enjoyed ourselves. This real-ly boosted the morale of the womenand I can say that I made a lot offriends through that. It was difficult tocommunicate with the local popula-tion because they can only speakSwahili or Kirundi, which are foreignlanguages to me.

I managed, as the time went by, tolearn some of the words of those lan-guages. Burundi is totally differentfrom South Africa. I missed a lot ofthings back home and throughout thedeployment I learnt to appreciate mycountry more and I can proudly saythat South Africa is a very developedcountry. We have to be thankful ofwhat we have in our country and takepride in being South Africans. Imissed my family a lot and especiallymy boyfriend, Olebogeng Maine,because he has also been deployed inBurundi since July last year until earlyFebruary this year. When I arrived inBurundi, I only saw him for a week,before he went back to South Africa. Icannot wait to meet all my friends athome and also in Kimberly. I am verygrateful that I was offered the oppor-tunity to serve in the Africa UnionMission in Burundi.

During my Basic Training Coursemy instructor used to say: "Join theArmy and see places", which wasexactly the case with my experienceduring the peacekeeping operation inBurundi. I am very proud to be amember of the SANDF - Lt M. Ntlatleng.

(Continued from page 7)

Casual Day


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The Department of Defence, in con-junction with Casual Day and Wielmagazine, will be hosting a packed-out programme called "Loslit enLa'waai" on Friday, 3 September 2004and Saturday, 4 September 2004, atZwartkop Raceway track in Pretoria.

Keep these dates open in yourdiary and come and enjoy a fun-filledday full of wheels. The project willstart on Casual Day with a militaryparade accompanied by the SA ArmyBand and will end on Saturday with amusic concert that will find favourwith all. To celebrate Casual Day, thefocus Friday will be on persons withdisabilities. They will be afforded theopportunity to fly in a helicopter, par-ticipate in a wheelchair race, or hitch aride in a racing car around the track.

Curamus will benefit by every per-son attending this event (whetherFriday or Saturday). Who is Curamus?Curamus (meaning: "We care") wasestablished in 1990 by the SADF. Thepurpose of the association was to carefor members who become disabledduring their service. At that time,many members were NationalServicemen who became disabled dur-ing the bush war in Angola. Since theintegration process in 1994, veteranswith disabilities resulting from thestruggle have been included in theirmember base. Most disturbing is thefact that the prevalence of disability inthe security forces at this stage isbecause of crime. Many of our police-men and soldiers are shot and end upwith a disability as a result of criminalactivities. All these people are current-ly at the mercy of Curamus for muchneeded aftercare.

Wiel magazine invites you andyour family on Saturday, 4 September,to come and enjoy a day filled withvarious activities - everything includ-ed in your entrance ticket.

Prepare yourself for the following:

For those of you who just wish tobe spectators - a static military dis-play, motorcar exhibitions, an airshow by the SA Air Force, a flea mar-ket, a radio-controlled car competitionrace and an Xtreme sports show.

For those who prefer to participate- rock climbing and bungee trampo-line.

For those who wish to fly - heli-copter rides in an Oryx helicopter andrides in military aircraft.

For those who want to drive - AudiAdvance Driving, Mercedes BenzAdvance Driving, go-karts, a formula1 simulator, 4x4 fun on the 4x4 trackand a fun rally race on the skid pad.

For those who want to enjoy listen-ing to music - music concerts (a smallconcert on Friday and the main eventon Saturday) with artists, such asAmor Vittone, Heinz Winkler and the

Zing-Top 10 finalists.For those who want to eat and

drink - a "Potjiekos" competition, avariety of food stalls and a "bring yourown braai"!

Get ready and be sure not to missthis event! All DOD members havereceived permission to attend thisevent on Friday (and are encouragedto take their families along onSaturday). It is time to supportCuramus. Who knows, you mightalso need their services one day…

Entrance: Friday - Only R10 foryour Casual Day sticker.

Saturday - R90 entrance and R10for your Casual Day sticker (= R100).Children under 12 free.

For more info please phone: (012) 663 8181 or email:[email protected] or visit thewebsite: www.casualday.co.za

events


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Our Chief visited oursailorsArticle courtesy Navy News

eneral Siphiwe Nyandarecently took time out of hisotherwise hectic schedule asChief of the SANDF totouch bases with the SANavy, certainly a welcomebreak and a great opportu-

nity to get down to the coast andunderstand a little more of this excit-ing Service of the SANDF first-hand.

Arriving with his entourage(which included the Chief of the SANavy, V Adm Johan Retief, FlagOfficer Fleet, R Adm Eric Green, ChiefDefence Corporate Communication,Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng, and the thenPSO of the Chief of the SANDF, BrigGen Manfred Mabusa) at Air ForceBase Durban by special flight at 08:00on 23 June 2004, he joined the OfficerCommanding Naval Station Durban,Cdr Dave Jones, for a briefing on thechallenges and opportunities facingthe Naval Station. They met over a cupof tea and refreshments before beingescorted on a whistle-stop tour of thefacilities on Salisbury Island. After"stand easy" they visited the InshorePatrol Vessel SAS TEKWANE andtoured the Naval Armaments Depot inDurban before visiting the Strike CraftTraining Centre up on the Bluff, over-looking the whole of the city, as wellas the vast expanse of the IndianOcean.

After lunch at Naval StationDurban the group was whisked awayto AFB Durban for the special flight toAFB Ysterplaat. En route to Simon'sTown, Gen Nyanda was given a drive-by tour of some of the other outlyingNaval establishments to give him abetter overall field of reference and tohelp orientate him for the briefingsand discussions which would follow.

Soon after leaving the air force base,they were briefed (without breakingstride) on SAS WINGFIELD, neigh-bouring Naval Stores Depot Wingfieldand the Naval Staff College inMuizenberg before reaching the pic-turesque coast road.

They passed Southern Floe SeniorRates' and Warrant Officers' Mess, (sit-uated practically on the beach in FishHoek) before cutting back uphill, pastthe V Adm Edwards Sports Complexto view the newly installed walls andgates along the main road through themilitary residential suburb of DaGama Park and back to the coast,again with a spectacular view of NavalBase Simon's Town from the hill aboveNaval Publications Unit.

Before unpacking his overnightbag for the stay at stately AdmiraltyHouse, Gen Nyanda visited theIzivunguvungu Sailing Project wherehe watched the youngsters showingoff their prowess on the water in thefailing light and inspected the class-room and other facilities which have

G

A total immersion

introduction tothe SA Navy.

been set aside for the children, beforemaking his way back to AdmiraltyHouse for dinner with the Flag OfficerCommanding Naval Base Simon'sTown, R Adm (JG) Koos Louw, hostedby Chief of the Navy.

The following day was spentexploring Simon's Town and thegroup began by visiting SAS AMATO-LA, the first of the Patrol Corvettesand consequently the furthest alongwith the fitting of her weapons' suitesand other systems. Gen Nyanda lis-tened attentively as each aspect of themassive warship's function and capa-bilities was explained enthusiasticallyin glowing, graphic detail. Next, thegroup visited the minesweeper SASKAPA, where Gen Nyanda had theopportunity of chatting with herOfficer Commanding, Cdr BravoMhlana. After a brief flip in one of the

Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of the SANDF, and R Adm Eric Green, FlagOfficer Fleet, on board of the SAS AMATOLA.


11

Deputy Minister visits our diversThe Deputy Minister of Defence, MrMululeki George, paid a visit to SASSIMONSBERG's Diving Centre on 20May 2004. He was accompanied bythe Chief of the SA Navy, V AdmJohan Retief, Flag Officer Fleet, RAdm E.M. Green and Flag OfficerCommanding Naval Base Simon'sTown, R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw. The visitwas aimed at providing an opportuni-ty for the Deputy Minister to gain firsthand experience of the enablementtraining for prospective Navy divers,as well as to see the sailing develop-ment project for young people frompreviously disadvantaged communi-ties run by Mr Ian Ainsley.

The Deputy Minister visited thenewly established enablement-train-ing centre in the historic DQ building(jail) where the divers receive tuitionin the theoretical side of diving. Hespoke to some of the prospectivedivers who were busy with computer-based mathematical training andencouraged them to do their best toachieve the high standards requiredfor becoming a SA Navy diver.Thereafter he spent time with the

divers who were busy with physicaltraining and practical swimming exer-cises.

The visit was concluded with asailing demonstration by youngstersfrom the Izivunguvungu Sailing Pro-ject. It was abundantly clear that the

young people were displaying excel-lent sailing skills while enjoying them-selves.

Mr George was impressed by thesefine efforts by determined young peo-ple. (Article and photo courtesy NavyNews)

S Lt N. Mahlangu (right) and S Lt N.R. Mtshali received their BridgeWatchkeeping Badges from Mr Mululeki George, the Deputy Minister ofDefence.

new small landing craft (LIMA boats)which gave everyone, usually trappedin their offices in Pretoria, the oppor-tunity to get some fresh sea air (and alittle spray) in their faces, the groupmoved over to the combat supportvessel SAS OUTENIQUA. Walking onboard through the huge roll-on-roll-off vehicle door they made their waythrough her massive tween-deckscargo area and after a cursory tour ofthe vessel, made their way to theWardroom (officers' mess) where aspread of light refreshments had beenlaid out.

The group moved ashore andviewed the site preparations forProject KLARINET, the new FleetCommand Headquarters Building,before moving on to observe theprogress on the upgrade to the FuelFarm. Next, it was off to MaritimeWarfare Training Centre to see all thesweeping changes there first-hand andhear about the exciting developmentsstill on the cards. The group then visit-

ed the Adult Basic Education andTraining Centre which has been estab-lished in Simon's Town's landmark"House of Many Chimneys", the oldDetention Quarters (DB) Building,which has been refurbished and thecells converted into intimate littlecomputer classrooms where learnerscan pick up vital skills in peaceful andprivate surroundings at their ownpace. The final call of the morning wasto the Diving Centre where GenNyanda was briefed on the function-ing of the VCentre and the servicesand facilities they provide to the Navyand the broader local public, beforeobserving classes of NavalGymnasium Trainees enthusiasticallyundergoing enablement trainingacross the sun-splashed beach and inthe chilly water in the hope of beingsuccessful candidates for possiblediver selection later in the year.

Most certainly suffering severeinformation overload from all thebriefings, the group moved back to the

secluded and hallowed confines ofAdmiralty House, where CPO Forbesand his crew of "galley slaves" pre-sented them with a memorable spreadin true stately homes tradition. Afterlunch they moved up Red Hill toSANAD, the Naval ArmamentsDepot, nestled in the hilltop valleyhigh above Simon's Town, and weretaken on a tour of the facilities and thebunkers being modified for the PatrolCorvettes' UMKHONTO missiles. Onthe way back to AFB Ysterplaat, thegroup finished off their "total immer-sion introduction to the SA Navy" byviewing the facilities and discussingthe many services provided by theNavy's Hydrographic Office from itshillside headquarters at Silvermine.By 17:00 they were winging their wayback to Gauteng, armed with at least agreater understanding of where theSA Navy is positioned in terms ofwhat resources and examples it has tooffer the other Services and the nationas a whole.


12

By PO Dennis Ndaba

The Army Gymnasium was estab-lished in June 1953 at Roberts Heights(later Voortrekkerhoogte and nowThaba Tshwane). This was a result of aneed that existed for a prestige unit,where young men could be trained formilitary life.

On 1 January 1994 the SA ArmyGymnasium was reinstated as a train-ing unit for junior leaders in the SAArmy. The rest of the base was organ-ised and named "Military BaseHeidelberg". With the closure of theSA Army Women's College in Georgeduring late 1998, the responsibility ofthe women's junior leader trainingwas allocated to the SA Army Gym-nasium. The intake of 1998 was thefirst ever joint male/female juniorleader intake in the SA Army.

Currently the SA Army Gymna-sium is responsible for the OfficerFormative Branch, Non-Commission-ed Officer Formative Branch, WarrantOfficers' Training Branch, as well asthe Military Skills Development(MSD) Programme training. The mis-sion of the SA Army Gymnasium is toprovide transformational leaders forthe SA Army.

The Chief of the SANDF, GenSiphiwe Nyanda, visited the SA ArmyGymnasium on 28 July 2004. His en-tourage included the newly appointedChief of the SA Army, Lt Gen SollyShoke, Chief Director Force Prepara-tion, Maj Gen Paul Ramahlo, ColMarthie Visser, representing the ChiefDefence Corporate Communication -Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng - and theWarrant Officer of the SANDF, WO1

that were being upgraded. The visitended with a drive through the unit.

Gen Nyanda said it was both anhonour and a pleasure to visit the flag-ship training unit of the SA Army. Healso said it was encouraging to see theyoung soldiers injected in the SAArmy through the MSD Programmedisplaying their skills, as it is theirDefence Force.

He urged the Officer Commandingand his staff to keep up the good workand wished them well on all theirendeavours.

Our Chief visited soldiers in trainingJakes Jacobs. On arrival, they werewelcomed by the Acting GeneralOfficer Com-manding of the SA ArmyTraining Formation, Col Deon Holtz-hausen, Officer Commanding of theSA Army Gymnasium, Col VuyaniLudonga, and the Warrant Officer ofthe SA Army, WO1 Eddie Sykes.

After the briefing by the OfficerCommanding, Gen Nyanda and hisdelegation visited the training areas,where they witnessed instructors andstudents busy with their training pro-grammes. They also visited facilities

Fltr, front: Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of the SANDF, Col VuyaniLudonga, Officer Commanding of the SA Army Gymnasium, and Lt Gen SollyShoke, the newly appointed Chief of the SA Army, mounting the podium atSA Army Gymnasium. (Photo: F Sgt David Nomtshongwana)

The Chief of the SANDF, Gen SiphiweNyanda, paid a goodwill visit to fourSANDF soldiers in 1 Military Hospitalin Pretoria on 10 June 2004. They wereinjured during an attack on membersof the SANDF in the Democratic Rep-ublic of Congo (DRC) on 6 June 2004.

Gen Nyanda was accompanied bythe Surgeon General, Lt Gen RinusJansen van Rensburg, the Chief of Cor-porate Communication, Maj Gen DanMofokeng, and the Warrant Officer ofthe SANDF, WO1 Jakes Jacobs.

Initially six soldiers were admitted

Strengthening our injured soldiersto 1 Military Hospital on 7 June 2004.They were suffering from minorinjuries and lacerations. Two soldiershave subsequently been dischargedand the other four were dischargedwithin a day after General Nyanda'svisit.

events


13

Equip South Africa's landward forces By Col Horst Schobesberger, SSO SA Army Communication

decade of partnership in pro-viding landward defencecapabilities for South Africaand the region."

This motto was thetheme for the third SA ArmyDefence Industry Day,

which was held at the CSIRConference Centre in Pretoria on 26May 2004. The conference was attend-ed by the then Chief of the SA Army,Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano, and seniormembers of the DOD, Armscor andthe Defence Industry.

Lt Gen Ramano, in his openingaddress, highlighted the fact that thisoccasion had become an importantmilestone for the SA Army and thedefence-related industry to re-estab-lish a long-term relationship andobjective to equip South Africa's land-ward forces for its military obligationsin the future African battlespace. Heconfirmed that, without our acquisi-tion agent, Armscor, and the DefenceIndustry, the SA Army would not bestrategically positioned to serve ournation and the region. GeneralRamano reminded the audience of theforthcoming end to his term in officeand took the opportunity to thank themajor role players in this strategicpartnership for their valuable inputsand contribution since 1994.

The Chairperson of the SouthAfrican Aerospace, Maritime andDefence Industries Association(AMD), Lt Gen (Ret) L. Moloi, recalledthe change of approach and role theDefence Industry has undergone dur-ing the past 10 years of "a decade ofdefence in a democracy". He statedthat the role of the Defence Industry,as stated in the Defence Review, estab-lished the grounds for the transforma-tion of the industry. Speaking about

Athe difficulties the industry is facingwithin our international involvement,he warned that there is a threat that inthe long term South African compa-nies may be reduced to marketingagencies for their international part-ners, leading to the demise of localexpertise. "We must guard againstthis," he said, "by ensuring that there issignificant transfer of technology andlocal customisation to maintain a corelevel of expertise in the local market."

Mr G.J. Smith, the GeneralManager Acquisition of Armscor, pre-sented a paper on "trends in thedefence acquisition environment".Discussing factors influencing theacquisition process, he stated threeimportant conclusions, namely:

Any defence-related industry com-peting for the production of arma-ments for the SANDF will, infuture, have to do so in competi-tion with the international market.The DOD and Armscor can nolonger afford protection to anymember that is not regarded asstrategically essential. Non-strate-gic members of the defence-relatedindustry will therefore have to becompetitive in the open market inorder to survive.The DOD and Armscor shouldconclude strategic partnershipswith specific elements of industryin support of identified strategical-ly essential technologies and capa-bilities. The input of the Army con-sisted of presentations by ColGrundlingh (CJ Ops) on theAfrican Battlespace and the Armyperspective on landward opera-tions by senior officers fromHeadquarters 43 and 46 SABrigades.The programme was enriched by

the address of Mr M.R. Ramfolo, DODChief Acquisition, and a paper pre-sented by Mr Moche, CEO of Denel, on

international control regimes andnational controls. Mr Griffiths fromArmscor Acquisition spoke about theissue of contractor source selection.Jane's Defence correspondent andwell-known author of military booksand articles on the African militaryenvironment enlightened the audiencewith presentations on trends in thedefence since 1990 and a prognosis onthe South African Defence Industry.

An interactive session by Maj GenDlulane from the Army Office round-ed off the proceedings. In a small cere-mony, Armscor and the DefenceIndustry said farewell to the outgoingChief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Ramano.

It was General Ramano's initiativethree years ago that brought the majorrole players of the Army, Armscor,DOD Acquisition and the industrytogether at an Indaba. This comingtogether has been a success as hasbeen shown by the Army IndustryDay 2004.

Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano during hisopening address at the SA ArmyDefence Industry Day.

“

focus on people


14

The end of the career of the great stabiliser

"We have progressed."By Col Horst Schobesberger,

SSO SA Army Communication Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

n 6 July 2004 the outgoingChief of the SA Army, LtGen Gilbert Ramano, hand-ed over command of the SAArmy to the newly appoint-ed Chief of the SA Army, LtGen Solly Shoke.

An impressive parade formed thebackground of this occasion. Theparade took place at the grounds ofthe Defence Sport Club in ThabaTshwane, Pretoria. The Chief of theSANDF, Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, andother senior DOD personnel hon-oured the occasion.

The sound of the seventeen-gunsalute echoed the end of the tour ofduty for Lt Gen Ramano as the Chiefof the SA Army. A tour of duty whichstarted six years ago at the samevenue and under the same blue wintersky. Lt Gen Ramano said farewell tothe SA Army at the same time whenwe celebrate a decade of defence indemocracy. He took over command atthe time when the SA Army faced itsgreatest challenge - the transforma-tion process. Real transformationstarted with him.

The achievements of the past sixyears of transformation are hisachievements. His now famous state-ment: "we have progressed" - are noempty words.

The SA Army, under the leader-ship of Lt Gen Ramano, took the leadin this process and also carried theheaviest burden. Incidents like theones at Tempe and Phalaborwa wereonly temporary setbacks. Lt Gen

Ramano's firm and balanced approachin overcoming these problems carriedthe process forward.

Visiting units and listening to theproblems of his soldiers gave him first-hand knowledge necessary to under-stand the issues the SA Army was fac-ing.

A new force design and forcestructure, including a difficult staffingprocess, put more pressure anddemands on the leadership of Lt GenRamano.

We have inherited a new systemand our task is to make it work, washis approach in overcoming difficul-ties. He paid a lot of attention to thefunctioning of the general supportbases.

His call to commanders and sec-tion heads to "take charge" and to "bein charge" will always be rememberedby the ones who attended his confer-ences.

Lt Gen Ramano looks back on 42years of military service. He left thecountry in 1962 to join the armedstruggle. It was the beginning of thirtyyears of hardship, suffering and dan-ger and not knowing if he would eversee South Africa again. The determina-tion to free South Africa from theoppressive system of apartheid and astrong will to overcome the most diffi-cult obstacles were the strongest moti-vators for the General.

As Chief of the SA Army he will beremembered as the great stabiliserwho created a firm base so that otherscan take the SA Army into the seconddecade of defence in democracy.

It is worth highlighting the guidingmessage Lt Gen Ramano gave to theuniformed and PSAP members of theSA Army:

Stay focused on what you aredoing. Do not be distracted by things thatyou cannot change.Follow the chain of command andlet your commanders solve yourproblems.Build your relations with others ontrust.Adopt a healthy lifestyle.Improve your educational status.Apply yourself in all situationsand be an example to the commu-nity."I would like to wish you all well,

and good luck. As members of thepride of lions, I urge you to serve theSANDF and the country with dignity,pride and loyalty. I salute you. Staywell and all the best for the future,"concluded Lt Gen Ramano.

O

Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano.

The new Chief of ourArmy takes chargeBy Maj P.I. Moeketsi, SA ArmyCorporate Communications, Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

n its quest to the seconddecade of defence indemocracy, the SA Armysaw the appointment of thenew Chief of the SA Army,Lt Gen Solly Shoke, whotook over the reins of com-

mand from the outgoing Chief of theSA Army, Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano, onthe morning of 6 July 2004 at thegrounds of the Defence Sport Club inThaba Tshwane, Pretoria.

Arising from Lt Gen Shoke's firstinterview as Chief of the SA Armywith L. Oelofse from Rapport(12/07/04), it became abundantlyclear that the new Chief of the SAArmy's mission would be to hardenand cement those aspirations of atransforming SA Army and to serveSouth Africa and its people. He indi-cated in no uncertain terms, that hewants to crack the whip even harderthan his predecessor did. He will, as apoint of departure, concentrate onissues of military discipline in the SAArmy. "It is essential to root out crimi-nal elements and activities found insome of the Army units".

On the basis of this assertion, theGeneral mentioned that he wouldascertain what is happening through-out the SA Army structures. A seriesof meetings with commanders and sol-diers will be arranged with the view offinding out from them what his sol-diers expect from their new Chief.

"You need good commanders whoknow how to maintain discipline with-out using it as a draconian manage-ment tool," said Lt Gen Shoke.

The General also highlighted theimportance of "new blood" especiallyin the now ageing SA Army, a fact hestrongly agrees to, realising his back-

ground as the former Chief Director ofHuman Resource Support Centre.

Lt Gen Shoke said the older gener-ation rendered an invaluable service tothe country, but a new generation isnecessary to "complete the SA Army'stransformation process". More trainedcommanders are needed in the middlemanagement level of the SA Army.

"We are negotiating with otherstate departments, including the SouthAfrican Police Service among others,to see if we cannot transfer some of theolder members to other departmentsand, in so doing, make place for thenew generation," said Lt Gen Shoke.Although he is satisfied with the con-tinuing process of affirmative action atmost levels of the Army, the Generalfeels the process must not be miscon-strued to imply "a mere replacement ofwhite faces with black faces. A com-plete change of doing things is neces-sary to ensure transition".

Lt Gen Shoke mentioned that hismain aim is "to deliver soldiers whoare combat ready", and will, as aresult, focus on force preparation andtraining aspects of the SA Army, aswell as the Reserve Force. In this way,an increase in the number of soldierswho are deployable can be actualised,bearing in mind the greater contribu-tion to the external peace support mis-sion of the SA Army.

"We also want to learn from otherdefence forces in the world. We wantto do further research to improve ourtraining."

Lt Gen Shoke was born on 15August 1956 in Alexander Townshipand later completed his schooling atOrlando High School. He received hismilitary training from Umkhonto weSizwe (MK) in Angola and thereafterunderwent officer's courses in Russia.

The General was a political com-missar and later became theCommander of the Transvaal UrbanMachinery of MK during the liberation

struggle. He was part of the nationalunderground leadership during theplanning of Operation VULA.

He also became the National Co-ordinator for the Peace Process duringthe negotiations and was part of thework group that facilitated the inte-gration of the former adversarialforces into the SANDF.

His Intermediate Staff Course wascompleted in 1993/1994 in Zimbabweand his Joint Command and SeniorStaff Course at the SA Army College.

He was, among others, Comman-der of the Southern African Develop-ment Community (SADC) forcesdeployed in Lesotho during OperationBOLEAS in 1998 to 1999.

Lt Gen Shoke is married to Char-lotte and has four lovely children. Heobtained a Diploma in Human Re-source Management from Damelin, aCertificate in Defence Managementfrom the University of the Witwaters-rand and a Certificate in PersonnelManagement from the Institute forPersonnel Management. GeneralShoke speaks nine languages and isfond of golf and soccer.

Lt Gen Solly Shoke.


15

O

For the sake of peace, stability and progress


16

South African delegates, fltr: Lt Col J. Coetzee, ColB.V. Martin, Cdr M.A.S. Denman and Col N.C. Madlala-Msimango.

insight

By Col Belinda Martins, SSO Promotions DefenceReserves Division

The ability of Burundian women toorganise and assemble at short noticeis admirable - (something we shouldlearn from them). 300 000 people havebeen killed since the conflict began,mostly women, children and theelderly.

The country is overpopulated withwidows, orphans and people with dis-abilities, directly resulting from theconflict. Presently 20 000 troops fromthe opposition FNL, who did not signthe peace agreement, assembled onthe borders of Rwanda, Tanzania, andthe Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and launched attacks on civil-ians in an effort to provoke the gov-ernment forces to an open warfare.Daily attacks take place on peoplearound the capital city, Bujumbura.

The women who comprise 52% ofthe population and who participatedin the process to achieve peace, inmobilisation and combat and in everyother civic structure, religion andbusiness, are presently being left outof the democratic process towardselections. They are grossly under rep-resented in the present governmentstructure. Women only occupy 17 ofthe 1 221 seats in their NationalAssembly. Of the 23 ministers, onlythree are women. Gender discrimina-tion is evident, and in discussionswith the different groups the womenthemselves say that they are veryaggrieved that they should be experi-encing this type of discrimination.

Other forms of discrimination thatthey are suffering cause humiliationand stifle their potential to be equalsin every sphere of decision-makingconcerning the laws of their country,especially laws applicable to women.

A Burundian woman cannotdivorce her husband. She is tied byConstitutional Law to a lifetime ofcommitment. Even if the relationshipis abusive, she cannot file for adivorce, as custom does not allow itand the courts would not even consid-er an application for divorce by a

Burundian woman.Though the economy in Burundi is

agriculturally driven and 90% of thissector is managed by women, they stillrepresent a fragment in organisedbusiness. However, much is beingdone by a movement that is alreadystructured and active among a numberof smaller organisations fighting forthe emancipation of women inBurundi.

At the time of our arrival inBurundi, we found that the women'sorganisations, totalling approximately127, were fragmented and workingtowards peace, political participation,representivity in decision-making andother aspects of civic concerns, reli-gion, business, children and othersocial matters. They were workingalong ethnic, and party political lines,but this weakened their bargainingpower. The men would tell them thattheir numbers do not constitute a quo-rum for recognition in government orin any other structure involved inmajor decision-making in the runningof the country.

Having realised this, we raised thisproblem to every women's organisa-tion, non-governmental organisation(NGO) and individuals with whomwe communicated. They also realisedthis during our debate. We mentionedthat a united women's front, thatincludes all parties across ethnic, reli-gious and other divides, might serve

the time being. We strongly agreedwith them that that was the way for-ward. We explained that we could notjust come and do things in their coun-try. Therefore, we, as South Africanwomen, would like to start by signinga declaration of peace and solidaritywith them.

The meeting was convened, andthe attendance was beyond expecta-tion. The drive and eagerness of theBurundian women were clearly dis-played that day. After the dialogue,and having the women introducethemselves (for they had never met insuch a manner before), they allrequested to unite before the end ofthe meeting and form a forum of allparties, comprising business, religionand other civic structures. Thus thecoalition (co-ordinating body) wasformed.

However, the women requestedthe delegation to return and to facili-tate a Peace Conference for them - thefirst to be held by women of all partiesin Burundi. They wanted the worldand Burundi to know that they weretired of war and wanted peace, stabili-ty and progress in their country - espe-cially in view of the fact that there wasstill a faction at war in Burundi.

South African and Burundianwomen were engaged in a dialoguethat was held at the Esselen ParkConference Centre, Kempton Park,over the period 19 to 21 July 2004.

to assist them inestablishing a forceto be reckoned with.

The outcome ofour discussions withthe various groupsthat we met resultedin all of these organi-sations requesting usto facilitate a meet-ing for them wherethey could form aunion of all organisa-tions and parties.However, they wereafraid to call it acoalition, and wouldrather call it a co-ordinating body for


17

UN Day in BurundiThe first of June will be rememberedin Burundi as United Nations (UN)Day. After months of preparations thisday dawned and the UN took overfrom the African Union (AU). Underthe umbrella of the AU three TroopContributing Countries (TCC) deploy-ed soldiers, equipment and civilianmanpower to keep the parties to theconflict at bay. South Africa, as themain leading country with Ethiopiaand Mozambique, also held the post ofForce Commander. Maj Gen D.M.Mgwebi led the transition from AU toUN, where more countries are to beinvolved in peacekeeping. As Maj GenMgwebi will work under the UN, a

parade was held in his honour.Guests at the ceremony included

Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma, theMinister of Foreign Affairs (SouthAfrica), with the Ambassador of SouthAfrica to Burundi, Mr Nhlapo, MrTsepe Motumi, Chief of Policy andPlanning, Lt Gen Godfrey Ngwenya,Chief of Joint Operations, Maj GenSipho Binda, the former ForceCommander in Burundi under AU, aswell as Generals from France,Ethiopia, Romania and other countrieswere present to witness their fellowsoldiers lead this country to peace.

The flag of the AU was loweredand the UN flag hoisted. The General

and all the troops under his commanddonned the blue beret.

Preparations for this event attract-ed most of Bujumbura's residents tothe stadium; the marquees hadalready been erected the previous day,while the drill rehearsals had alsobeen conducted frequently during thedays preceding the important event.With three countries marching to thesame orders, chaos was expected - butB Company of 9 SAI Bn, representingthe South African contingent, ren-dered a superb performance. Theyperformed according to South Africanstandards of drill. (Article courtesy ofDC Gossip.)

Fruitful and prosperous solutions…By Matshidiso PilaPhoto: Elmond Jiyane, GCIS

After intensive discussions held at theSA Air Force Headquarters in Pretoriaon 14 June 2004, it was time for SouthAfrican women, including those of theDOD to multiply their strength, be-cause they really needed to do that fortheir sisters in Burundi. Nobody criedor laughed, all they wanted was tocome up with solutions to the prob-lems in Burundi.

These brave women were togetherfor the Burundian and South AfricanWomen in Dialogue at Esselen Park,Johannesburg, over the period 19 to 21July 2004.

What they have realised is that nohuman being has the magic power toovercome problems in life, but that itis only God who can help us to reachfruitful and prosperous solutions. Asthe dialogue continued each minutegave hope to our Burundian sisters,who realised how much South Africahas been through and how much it hasachieved since its democracy ten yearsago.

No doubt the conference was heldin a safe place (country) and the out-comes would only be safer. One couldsee by their eyes (Burundian women)that it was what they needed, and ifthey were to make one wish it would

be to return to a peaceful Burundi.Among other important matters

that were discussed the one issue thatkept most of them awake was theissue of the Truth and ReconciliationCommission (TRC), because it is dif-ferent with them because of the geno-cide and also because one of the tribesmight want revenge should it not winthe elections.

R Adm (JG) Khanysile Litchfield-Tshabalala, the Director Fleet HumanResources, said that an important les-

son, which the Burundian nationcould learn, was not to compromisetheir priorities to avoid civil war. Thiscould be done by having an inclusivemanagement board from all the inte-grating parties and to discuss the val-ues, principles, objectives and cultureof the new Defence Force beforehand.

It is African tradition to offer soulfood to guests, and our First Lady, MsZanele Mbeki, invited the distinguish-ed guests for supper at the Presidencyin Pretoria on 21 July 2004.

Fltr: Ms Zanele Mbeki, our First Lady, Mr Jacob Zuma, the Deputy Presidentof South Africa, and Ms Gertrude Mongella, President of the Pan AfricanParliament.

insight

18

Impact of the corvettes on maritime warfare V Adm Johan Retief, the Chief of theSA Navy, delivered the followingpresentation to members attendingthe Joint Senior Command andStaff Course on 14 May 2004.

ith the acquisition of theMEKO A-200 Patrol Cor-vettes for the SA Navy,the Navy enters a newera as far as maritimewarfare is concerned.For South Africa, obtain-

ing new ships at regular intervals isproblematic. Hence, we seem to beable to acquire new ships at intervalsof approximately 30 years. For us,change in equipment and capabilitiesis not evolutionary, it is, in fact, aquantum leap.

The new corvettes bring with themthe technology of the twenty-first cen-tury with all its ramifications as to theintegration and future employment ofthese vessels in our Fleet. Not only isthe equipment new to us, the opera-tion thereof and the effect on how westructure the new crews and trainthem to operate the equipment are allchanging. To fully understand theimpact of the SA Navy PC on mar-itime warfare for the SA Navy, it isnecessary to look at some of the salientfeatures of this vessel:

W


…for the SA Navy.

DimensionsDesign displacementLength overallBeam overallDesign draughtComplement

3 500 metric tons (approx)121.00 m16.34 m4.4 m (approx)104 (+ 20 reserve bunks)

PropulsionCombined diesel or/and gas turbine driving through two controllable pitch propellers and a waterjet

1 x Gas turbine - Lm 25002 x Diesel engines (V16)Maximum speedCruising speed

20 000 KW5 920 KW each> 27 knots>20 knots (two diesel engines)

Sensors1 x Surveillance radar (3D)

1 x Integrated IFF

1 x Optical and Radar Tracker

1 x Electro-optical Tracker

2 x Target Designation Sights

1 x ESM/ECM System

1 x LF Hull Mounted Sonar

1 x Super Lynx Maritime

Helicopter :

Surface Search radar

Electro-optical Search Capability

Data LinkV Adm Johan Retief, the Chief ofthe SA Navy.

Command, Control and CommunicationCombat Management System

Link Control and Video switching System

Communications Suite (Satcom, HF, VHF, UHF)

Underwater Telephone

Navigation Subsystem (GPS and

INS)

Tilt Measurement System


19

DesignThe design philoophy was primar-

ily cost driven. First priority was givento the hull and propulsion. Therequirement being that the ship has tohave a life of at least 30 years in therough environment of the SouthAtlantic and Indian Oceans. Secondpriority was given to the sensor fit.With these in place, the SA Navy candevelop all the required tactical proce-dures for operation in our maritimeenvironment. Third priority was givento the weapons fit. Sufficient weaponsare fitted for the ship to survive in thelow threat maritime environment ofthe Southern African Region. The con-cept being that sufficient allowancehas been made for growth potentialwith regard to the weapons fit.

Further design features include the stealth design, primarily toimprove the soft kill ability of pas-sive missile defence; enclosed forecastle and quarter-decks, partly to reduce radar sig-nature, but also to reduce wear andtear on these areas due to highseastates, as well as to facilitate thewash down of these areas in caseof exposure to nuclear or chemicalcontamination;a propulsion system designed toprovide for the optimum mix ofpropulsors for the specific environ-ment in which the ship operates:For purposes of endurance theship can maintain a high cruis-ing/loitering speed on one dieselengine, running nearly as fuel effi-cient as a strike craft at the samespeed, at higher speeds both die-sels and the gas turbine can run inparallel, if a very quiet operatingmode is required, only the gas tur-bine and waterjet can be used. Thepropulsion systems (diesels andwaterjet) are mutually exclusive,should one suffer extreme damage,

WeaponsSurface-to-surface MissilesSurface-to-air MissilesMedium GunDual-purpose GunMachine gunsDecoy rocketsSuper Lynx

8 x Exocet Block II16 x Umkhonto VLS1 x 76 mm Gun1 x Twin 35 mm2 x 20 mm manually operated guns2 x LaunchersPotential to carry anti-surface mis-siles, anti-submarine torpedoes anda machine-gun.

the other can still bring the shiphome. The ship has a range >7 000nautical miles on one dieselengine;exhausts are so constructed to passall exhaust gases through the tran-som with a two-stage cooling sys-tem in order to reduce the infra-redsignature of the ship;a complete gas-tight citadel hasbeen constructed with over-pres-sure and filtering of the air circu-lated, a pre-wetting system allowsfor the wash down of the upper-deck should the ship have to passthrough a nuclear or chemical con-taminated area;a large flight deck and hangar hasbeen fitted, helicopters up to 10metric tonnes (Oryx or Rooivalk)can land on the ship and be stabledin the hangar, the ship can also sta-ble one Lynx and one LUH ifrequired;a 28 day endurance before replen-ishment is required;sufficient systems' redundancythat the ship can operate for longperiods (3 to 6 months) away fromits home base;an extremely high level of automa-tion and integration of systemsenabling a small crew to operatethe vessel.

Maritime warfare capabilityThe strike craft era

For the last two decades, the strikecraft have provided the SA Navy's pri-mary warfare capability. These shipswere deployed primarily to establish apresence at sea and to do limited seacontrol. For the sake of efficiency,strike craft are deployed in pairs astwo-strike craft control four times thearea controlled by one strike craft.Strike craft have a range of 3 000 nau-tical miles and an endurance of sevendays, which can be stretched to 14

days if required. Quality of life in astrike craft is very poor. The ship lacksfacilities like dining rooms, recreation-al compartments and personal space.Due to its low freeboard, crewmem-bers are only allowed on the upper-deck in the area of the bridge and flag-deck when the ship is at sea. Both thestrike craft's weapons and sensors arehorizon limited.

The above does not in any waydetract from the fact that these littleships are the most effective surfacecombatants ever deployed by the SANavy. Their arrival rewrote the manu-als on tactics in the surface warfareenvironment. Accepting them intoservice was another quantum leap forthe SA Navy. These little ships arealso the most complex ships that theSA Navy ever had to operate, they areeven more complex than the corvettes.Due to the timeframe in which theywere designed and built, these shipswere fitted with both analog and digi-tal fire control and tactical systems,thereby standing with a foot in bothworlds. This is an important fact tounderstand, as complex as these shipsare and as small and vulnerable theyare in Southern Seas, the SA Navy hasbeen operating nine of them success-fully for a period of nearly thirtyyears! This should tell you somethingof the SA Navy's ability to operate thecorvettes in the future.

When the strike craft are finallyphased out in 2007/8 they will besorely missed, they are warships, builtto fight and they bred tough andclever sailors who could withstandthe rigors of the Southern Oceans,who could think rapidly and clearlyand who acted with aggression and ajust a touch of arrogance.

The corvette eraIt is necessary to take note of what

the SA Navy PC brings us in the envi-ronment of maritime warfare.Significant changes from the strikecraft era are the following:

The acquisition of over the horizon(OTH) sensors (the Lynx) andOTH weapons (Exocet) means thatthe area controlled by one corvetteis at least five times as large as thatcontrolled by two strike craft. If



20

one keeps in mind that the cost ofoperating a corvette at patrol andloiter speeds is similar to a strikecraft, it follows that the corvette isfar more efficient in the executionof the task. It also follows that thecorvette will be deployed alone inmuch of its peacetime missions.The surface-to-air missile (SAM),coupled to the two trackers, as wellas the 3D surveillance radar,brings the corvette a far greatersurvivability in an air threat envi-ronment. The fact that the SAMcan be deployed against up to fourtargets simultaneously increasesthe ship's survivability. Althoughthe Umkontho is not an area airdefence weapon, it can engage thefollowing targets in defence of ourcorvette: aircraft, anti-ship andmissiles, as well as medium andsmall surface targets.The addition of a low-frequency,hull-mounted sonar, which can beused for anti-submarine, as well asfor the passive detection of surfacetargets, creates new opportunities.The 35 mm dual-purpose gun canbe used in the anti-aircraft/anti-missile role as well as againstmedium and small surface targets.This gun is upgradeable to useAHEAD ammunition to greatlyenhance its accuracy versus air-borne targets.The corvette's size, sea-keepingcapability, the good quality of lifein the ship as well as its long rangeand endurance, place all areas ofthe South African EEZ within itspatrol range (the strike craft couldnot be deployed to the PrinceEdward Island Group due to thehigh sea states encountered in thatsea area). It also enables thecorvette to be deployed along thecoasts of SADC countries and evenfurther north.The fact that the corvette candeploy a range of helicopters,greatly enhances the ship's role inthe maritime warfare, but also inthe peacekeeping role.The corvette's forecastle and quar-terdeck are both enclosed. Thisprovides space for refugees/sur-vivors should the ship be required

to operate in the SAR or evacuationroles. It is estimated that up to 400people can be carried in thesespaces, albeit in some discomfort.This can be done without degrad-ing the ship's fighting capacity.Good boats and spare capacityonboard to embark sailors forboarding parties, means that theship has the ability to patrol andinspect ships at sea. It also pro-vides the capacity to appoint aprize crew should a vessel bearrested and to be returned to anRSA port. These boats and theircrews can be used to protect theship in exposed anchorages or har-bours where a terrorist threat mayexist.The fact that the corvette is fittedwith a data-link means that theship can add greatly to the mar-itime situational awareness of theRSA by relaying the surface pictureto its operational headquarters.The above facts are indicative of

the quantum leap the RSA hasembarked upon in the acquisition ofthe corvettes and how this leap influ-ences the warfighting environment ofthe SA Navy. There are many tasks wewill be able to do with the corvette thatwas denied the SA Navy during thestrike craft era. It also means that animmense amount of work will have tobe done to integrate these ships intothe SA Navy. Quite an extensive peri-od of operational evaluation is sched-uled after the first ship is operationallyaccepted in order to produce therequired operating and tactical proce-dures and manuals to optimise theemployment of these ships.

Shortcomings of the SA NavyPC

Budgetary limitations forced thedesign philosophy discussed earlier.Some of the significant shortcomingsof the SA Navy PC are listed below:

Peace Support. In the peace sup-port role, the addition of a landattack weapon would add a lot ofvalue. Currently the ship has a dif-ficulty to influence matters ashore.The ship is designed to be fittedwith a 127 mm main gun in placeof the 76 mm gun, but even the 127mm gun has quite a limited range.

One of the ways to counter thisshortcoming is to deploy aRooivalk helicopter onboard.Multi-national Task Force. Amajor shortcoming restricting theship in operating in a multi-nation-al task force, is the fact that thedata-link is in accordance withSouth African specifications (LinkZA). It is not compatible withNATO's data-links.General. In general, the followingadditional systems would berequired in the decade to come:

A longer range SAM which canbe used for force protectionagainst an air threat.An anti-submarine weapon,preferably a torpedo, whichcould be ship or helicopterlaunched, or both.An organic mine counter-mea-sures' capability.

However, these shortcomings areknown and are being managed bymeans of a delta-list controlled byNavy Office. It is also accepted thatduring the operational evaluation ofthe ship, certain other shortcomings oropportunities may be discovered.

ConclusionThe advent of the SA Navy PC is a

quantum leap for the SA Navy. Theyplace the SA Navy squarely within thetwenty-first century. From a cost-effi-cient point of view, they are consid-ered to be a bargain and should servethe RSA during the greater part of thefirst half of this century. The shipsopen many new avenues of maritimewarfare to the SA Navy and willensure that the SA Navy plays a majorrole in securing the safety of the sea inthe African sub-continent. However,there is a lot of hard work ahead forthe Navy before these ships becomefully operational. This is also anappropriate moment to express the SANavy's sincere appreciation for allwho have had a hand in building theseships, specifically the European SouthAfrican Corvette Consortium (ESACC,consisting of the German FrigateConsortium and African DefenceSystems and their many sub-contrac-tors), Armscor and the AcquisitionDivision of the Department of Defence(DOD).

(Continued from page 19)


21

Dealing with disaster situationsBy Lebohang Letaoana Photo: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

impopo Province was chosenas the area of operations forEXERCISE MEDFLAG 2004between the USA EuropeanCommand, the Department ofDefence and the LimpopoProvincial Government over

the period 3 to 19 July 2004. The aim ofthis exercise was to enhance the multi-disciplinary capability skills of theSouth African and American soldiersin a simulated disaster situation, andsimultaneously to provide medicaland health assistance to the local com-munities involved.

For two weeks 361 members of theDepartment of Defence and 214 mem-bers of the USA European Commandwere based in Hoedspruit andDitholo. A combined Department ofDefence/USA European CommandCombined Joint Task Force (CJTF) wasformed and deployed to the "crisis"area. This laid the platform to jointlyexecute and exercise a number ofobjectives and activities, including:

Conducting a mass casualty exer-cise.Training medical personnel of theUSA and South Africa in areas ofmutual interest.Enhancing the crisis responsecapabilities of and promoting long-term military relationships be-tween South Africa and the USA.Conducting realistic medical train-ing and providing civil engineer-ing and humanitarian civic assis-tance.Exercising medical logistics capa-bilities.Conducting Medical Civic Assis-tance Programme (MEDCAP) suchas patient care.Conducting Humanitarian Civic

Assistance (HCA) such as repairsto existing clinics.With assistance from the Limpopo

Province Department of Health anumber of MEDCAP activities tookplace, which benefit the local commu-nities during the exercise.

General medical, dental and pedi-atric care were provided at local clin-ics that were identified by theLimpopo Province Department ofHealth. More advanced care such assurgical consultations and dermatolo-gy were also offered.

Six local clinics were upgradedand about 6 000 local residents weretreated for various ailments. "Theevent was a success, but it is also anempowering exercise for civil ser-vants, the health sector, emergencyservices and disaster management.Employees from the Municipalitywere also trained, and the communityof Bohlabela also benefited in manyways," said Councillor CaswellMaluleke, the Executive Mayor of

Bohlabela. The exercise was also attended by

the newly appointed Chief of the SAArmy, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, and Lt GenTemba Matanzima, Chief of JointSupport.

The community came in numbersto watch as South African soldiers andtheir American counterparts play outsimulations of disasters, such asfloods, aircraft crashes, mass casualtyevacuation exercises, crisis responsecapabilities and humanitarian andmedical civic assistance. US Ambassa-dor, Cameron Hume, said he was veryimpressed with the exercise and thatthe United States will help to trainnearly 2 000 South African soldiersfor humanitarian and peacekeepingmissions.

During the casualty exercise Task Force members carry the body of a "victim", while the community watches with interest.

LEXERCISEMEDFLAG

2004.

insight


22

By Robert Wapenaar

he spirit of a people, its culturallevel, its social structure, thedeeds its policy may prepare - allthis and more is written in itsfiscal history, stripped of allphrases… The public financesare one of the best starting

points for an investigation of society,especially though not exclusively of itspolitical life - Joseph A Schumpeter.

These where the opening wordsby the Minister of Finance, Mr TrevorManuel, during the National Budgetdebate in Parliament on 18 February2004. He then continued by saying thefollowing: "The Budget, and its pro-gressive evolution, as one of the greatcommentators on economic develop-ment, Joseph Schumpeter, pointedout, is a powerful index of a society'svalues, not merely in its language andnumbers, but in the lived experienceof its impact on people, families,workers, businesses and organisa-tions".

In 2002, the Government tabled aBudget in which R63 billion wasadded to the three-year spendingplans; last year an additional R105 bil-lion went to national departments,provinces and municipalities. Thisyear National Treasury was able toadd a further R44,5 billion to the high-est priority public service deliveryprogrammes.

Last year, the budget provided forR13 billion in personal income taxrelief. This year, a more modest reliefof R4 billion could be accommodated.Last year, National Treasury projecteda budget deficit of 2,4 per cent for theyear ahead; this year it widens to 3,1per cent of GDP.

Taking into account the revisedrevenue estimate and provision for inyear adjustments to expenditure, thebudget deficit for 2003/04 was expect-ed to be 2,6 per cent of GDP, up from1,1 per cent in 2002/03 and slightly

higher than the 2,4 per cent estimate atthe time of the 2003 Budget. Therevised main budget framework pro-vides for an increase in the deficit to3,1 per cent of GDP in 2004/05. Themain budget provides for expenditureof R368,9 billion in 2004/05, increas-ing to R439,0 billion in 2006/07, at anannual average growth rate of 9,1 percent a year. Compared with the 2003Budget forward estimates, totalexpenditure is increased by R9,7 bil-lion in 2004/05. The main budgetincludes unallocated amounts of R1,0billion in 2004/05, R2,0 billion in2005/06 and R3,0 billion in 2006/07for black economic empowerment.

Main changes in Governmentspending over the next threeyears

An additional R3,2 billion goes toprovinces and municipalities forthe Expanded Public Works Pro-gramme and infrastructure devel-opment.R2,1 billion more for the HIV andAids treatment programme.R6 billion for broad-based BlackEconomic Empowerment Initia-tives.R2,2 billion more for municipalwater, sanitation, electricity andrefuse services.Provinces get an additional R19,7billion for social grants, schools,hospitals and clinic services.R910 million more for the restruc-turing of universities and tech-nikons.R700 million more for land reformand R750 million for a new farmersupport programme.R1,9 billion more for more policepersonnel, vehicles and IT infras-tructure in the fight against crime.A further R475 million to improvethe efficiency of the courts and tocater for vulnerable groups.An additional R1,1 billion toDefence for peacekeeping opera-tions in Burundi and the DRC.

2004 Budget

TMr Trevor Manuel, the Minister ofFinance.

…and its progressiveevolution.

Functional Composition of ExpenditureEstimated Principal Areas of Government Expenditure

(as % of total)

Education

Welfare

Interest

Health

Police

Defence

Housing

Comm Dev

2003/2004

19.9

14.6

13.5

11.3

6.6

6.4

1.6

3.0

2004/2005

19.6

15.5

13.1

11.0

6.6

6.0

1.6

3.1

2006/2007

18.8

16.5

12.6

11.0

6.5

5.5

1.6

2.9

1999/2000

21.3

11.9

19.9

11.4

6.8

5.4

1.7

2.0

1990/1991

20.9

6.9

14.8

9.1

5.6

13.7

1.5

0.9


23

R850 million more to Home Affairsto improve services to citizens,especially in rural areas.The Minister of Defence, Minister

Mosiuoa Lekota, made his budget

speech to the National Assembly on 8June 2004. The Defence Budget for2004 is R20,257,326,000. This is the firsttime the budget of the Department ofDefence exceeds R20 billion.

The process of modernising thedefence equipment of the departmentbegan when Cabinet approved thestrategic armaments procurement pro-gramme in September 1999. From2000/01 to 2011/12, this provides for 4corvettes, 3 submarines, 30 light utilityhelicopters, 24 trainer aircraft, and 28fighter aircraft. The budget allocationsobtained by the department to fundthis programme total R48,7 billion, ofwhich the largest annual projectedexpenditure is R7,0 billion in 2005/06,detailed under the Special DefenceAccount programme. In order toensure full operational capability ofthe corvettes, approval was obtainedin 2002/03 to procure four additionalmaritime helicopters. The first of thecorvettes arrived in Simon's Town on 4November 2003. The process of fittingthe vessel with combat systems willtake about 18 months. The remainingcorvettes will be delivered during2004. The light utility helicopters willbe delivered between 2004 and 2006.Delivery of the submarines is sched-uled for the period 2005 to 2007, whiledelivery of the trainer aircraft is sched-

uled for between 2005 and 2006. Thedelivery of the fighter aircraft is sched-uled to take place between 2008 and2011.

In the long term, the Departmentof Defence remains focused on attain-ing the optimal level of competencies,technology and force structure neces-sary to defend and protect theRepublic of South Africa and its terri-torial integrity. Over the mediumterm, the strategic imperatives are tocreate an affordable and sustainableforce structure and to rightsize andrejuvenate its human resources. It willfocus on modernising, optimising andbalancing its force elements, thusensuring alignment with constitution-al and government imperatives. TheDepartment's air and maritimedefence capabilities will be enhancedduring the medium term, by commis-sioning the weapon systems acquiredthrough the strategic armaments pro-curement programme and the acquisi-

tion of four maritime helicopters.Other capabilities will be enhanced byutilising the R300,0 million allocationfor the department in 2006/07 for gen-eral capacity-building.

In the short term, the focus is toprepare, maintain and employ defencecapabilities and to finalise the depart-ment's restructuring. The restructur-ing of the department began with thereview of the military strategy in 2001,which has since become an annualactivity. Reviews include the MilitaryCouncil periodically reprioritisingordered operations. Feasibility studieson a new force design and structurewere conducted in 2002/03 andCabinet and Parliament's JointStanding Committee on Defence isconsidering the implementation of thevarious recommendations of the stud-ies. The process is ongoing and the tar-get date for completing the implemen-tation of accepted proposals is 31March 2009.

Breakdown of Sources of Government Revenue

2004 DOD Budget per Main Programme

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, Minister ofDefence.

RetirementFunds

2%

Other8%

Personnel33%

Vat - 28%

Companies22%

FuelLevy5%

STC2%

Administration - 4%LandwardDefence - 16%

Air Defence11%

MaritimeDefence - 5%

Military Health Support - 6%

Defence Intelligence - 1%

Joint Support - 11%

Command &Control - 6%

Special DefenceAccount - 40%

events


24

Remembering the fallen of Delville Wood

Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng, Chief Defence Corporate Communication (left), andCol Z.A. Makalima, our Acting Chaplain General, after laying a wreath at theArques La Bataille war cemetery. (Photo: Mr Kenny Black)

By Lebohang Letaoana

he annual Delville WoodMemorial Service was held atthe Burgerspark in Pretoriaon 18 July 2004. The servicewas attended by guests fromthe USA, France and SouthAfrica, and was conducted by

Chaplain Sipho Tshelane. Brig GenStephanus van Schalkwyk laid awreath on behalf of the SANDF, andother representatives were called on tolay a wreath, to plant a cross or theStar of David on behalf of their organ-isations. Members of the public werealso called to participate in the service.The SA Air Force Military Band enter-tained the guests during the wreath-laying and planting of crosses.

Maj Gen Roy Andersen, Chief ofDefence Reserves, and Maj Gen DanMofokeng, Chief Defence CorporateCommunication, attended the annualDelville Wood Remembrance Day cer-emony in France on 19 July 2004. Thefollowing day they laid wreaths atLongueval, Delville Wood and ArquesLa Bataille war cemeteries.

The SANDF manages the DelvilleWood Memorial Museum in France,which was built to commemorateSouth African soldiers who died in thetwo World Wars and the Korean War.

The Battle of Delville WoodThis most famous battle was

fought by South African soldiers inFrance during World War I and isalways suitably remembered on theSunday closest to 16 July every year.

In 1916, 1 SA Brigade found itselfpart of 9th Scottish Division at whatwas known as the Western Front inEurope, during the Great War 1914-1918. The South African Brigadeunder the command of Brig Gen H.T.Lukin, was made up of four infantryregiments, namely 1 SA Infantry

(Cape of Good Hope Regiment), 2 SAInfantry (Natal and Free StateRegiment), 3 SA Infantry (Transvaaland Rhodesia Regiment) and 4 SAInfantry (SA Scottish Regiment),mainly from the Transvaal.

On the evening of 15 July 1916, theSouth African Brigade was calledupon to assist in clearing the village ofLongueval and to capture DelvilleWood, adjacent to this village. Theywent in and after heavy fighting dur-ing which they were harassed byGerman snipers and intense bombard-ment, managed to recapture the vil-lage, which was by now reduced to afew ruins and rubble. They nowmoved into Delville Wood, which waslater described by some of the sur-vivors as "Devil's Wood", meeting upwith fierce resistance and intensebombardment.

There was a lack of reinforce-ments, much suffering, numerous actsof bravery, personal sacrifices and an

excessively heavy toll of human lives.It was in the rainy season and theexcessive mud increased the men'ssuffering and discomfort. On theevening of 15 July 1916, the SouthAfrican Brigade went in with 3 153men, 121 officers and 3 032 otherranks. On the morning of 17 July 1916only 750 men in total came out alive,out of that carnage in Delville Wood.Of these only 143 were relativelyunscathed and the remaining 607 werewounded. The wood itself with itsdense undergrowth also suffered fromthe heavy artillery shelling, and it wasreduced to a few stubs and brokenbranches, half buried in mud.

It is the task of the PretoriaMemorial Services Council to stagememorial services, such as this one - sothat the people here in the capital cityof our country can remember thebrave deeds of those who sacrificedtheir all for the security of all theworld.

T

Launching our Labourand Service Relations Co-ordinating Forum

Ms Thuli Manzini.


25

By Nomonde Vuthela Photos: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

he Department of DefenceLabour and Service RelationsCo-ordinating Forum waslaunched at the DefenceHeadquarters in Pretoria on21 July 2004. The Forum isdesigned to advise the top

management of the Department ofDefence on how to implement labourand service relations related policies.To ensure realignment with the policyframeworks of the Government.

The Forum will co-ordinate labourand service relations related matters inthe DOD and serve as an interfacebetween strategic direction, policydevelopment and execution. Thegroup is composed of representativesfrom all four Services, Divisions andspecialist staff.

Speaking to SA SOLDIER AdvSegokodi Thoka, Director Labour andService Relations in the Department ofDefence, said: "This is to give expres-sion to the approval by the PlenaryDefence Staff Council (PDSC) for theestablishment of this Forum". ThePDSC granted the approval for theestablishment of the Forum on 21 June2004.

Functions of the ForumAccording to the Constitution the

functions of the Forum are as follows:To serve as co-ordinating body onlabour and service relations relatedmatters.To analyse the regulatory frame-work and inputs from other StateDepartments/Institutions/NGOsand their implications on the DOD.To consider labour and service

relations inputs for consolidationand submission to higher authori-ty for further guidance and/orfinal approval.To advise the Human ResourceStaff Council, Services andDivisions on labour and servicerelations related matters.To consider inputs on labour andservice relations policy matters.To monitor tendencies and trendswith regard to labour and servicerelations related matters in theDOD.

Take Note - "The primary functions ofthe Forum are as stated in itsConstitution, therefore it is advised thatall labour and service-related mattersmust be dealt with in terms of commandchannels of the DOD," Adv Thoka empha-sised.

Adv Thoka and Ms Thuli Manzini,Director Human Resources PolicyManagement, are the Co-Chairper-sons of the Forum. The Forum willmeet bi-monthly.

T

The Department of Defence Labour and Service Relations Co-ordinatingForum.

Adv Segokodi Thoka.


26

The opening of Sebokeng complex By Col Horst Schobesberger, SSO SA Army Communication

When the outgoing Chief of the SAArmy, Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano, cut theribbon at the entrance to the newlyrevamped and renovated Sebokengcomplex and declared the facility offi-cially open, another symbol of ourachievements in a decade of defence indemocracy became visible.

The four formation headquarterswere previously located together withother formation headquarters andstructures of the Army Office in theBester Building at the Dequar RoadComplex in Pretoria.

The situation was not conducive toa good working environment, expect-ing our members to provide the neces-sary staff and administrative supportto their Level four structures.

Overcrowded offices in a buildingthat was built many years ago as atemporary structure created problems.The Government campaign of "BathoPele" spells out the principles of peo-ple first and service delivery. It is oneof the cornerstones of our new democ-racy and is also valid to our DefenceForce.

In creating excellent working con-ditions for our soldiers in the newcomplex, we applied the principle of"people first". This will enable them todeliver services of a high standard totheir formations, the SA Army and ourpeople as a whole. The core businessof the SA Army is force preparationand this new complex will play a criti-cal role in creating an environmentwhere planning, direction and controlof this process can take place.

It all started when, in the statusreport of Project COPERNICUSresponsible for consolidating and co-ordinating the housing requirementsfor headquarters and other structures,a decision was made in April 2001 toaccommodate SA Army type forma-tions in the Potgieter Street complex(the current Army Office). Shouldthere be insufficient space, other possi-ble options would be investigated inconjunction with the SA Army, forexample converting the Ad Astra

Mess into an office block. The firstmeeting in this regard took place on 16April 2001.

Various other facilities wereinspected. After the SA Air Forcemade the existing Ad Astra facilitiesavailable, planning started.

The total cost was R15,6 millionand the funds came from the operat-ing budget of the SA Army, a heavyburden if one takes the tight SA Armybudget into consideration. At a timewhen the Army is battling to maintainexisting facilities, the completion ofthis project is not only a relief in thisregard, but also a great achievement.

It is also important to mention thatall facilities in the complex are alignedwith prescriptive OHS rules and regu-lations.

An important issue in this projectwas the selection of the right name for

be taken against offenders. Anotherissue that needs the attention from allof us is the aspect of military security.Sebokeng must be out of bounds forthieves with keys. Access control,office security, key control and thesafeguarding of equipment must beenforced. Information must be pro-tected. The four formation headquar-ters must not become silos, but mustact jointly to overcome the above-mentioned problems".

General Ramano also thanked allindividuals, DOD structures,Government departments, institutionsand companies who contributed to thesuccess of creating Sebokeng. Theopening ceremony was attended bysenior DOD personnel. The NationalCeremonial Guard provided a colour-ful background in performing theirceremonial duties.

On 2 July 2004 Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano cut the ribbonat the entrance to the newly revamped and renovatedSebokeng complex, while Brig Gen MandlaNotshweleka, the GOC SA Army Artillery Formation,is looking on.

the building com-plex. It had to spellout our African her-itage and express thepurpose of the place.

The name"Sebokeng" was cho-sen. It is a word inthe Sotho language,which means "aplace where peoplewith different back-grounds and fromdifferent places stayand live togetherand work jointlytowards a commongoal". It is an excel-lent name highlight-ing the purpose ofthis complex.

On the issue ofsecurity and mainte-nance Lt GenRamano stated that"Vandalism, theftand other disorderlybehaviour will notbe tolerated. Sectionheads are responsi-ble for ensuring thatsuch incidents donot occur and disci-plinary action is to


27

A step further into the future

Mr Vuyani Sipambo, the ChiefNegotiator for Military LabourRelations in the DOD.

Working as a unifier.

By Nomonde VuthelaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

r Vuyani Sipambo is theChief Negotiator forMilitary Labour Relationsin the DOD. Mr Sipamboacts as a representative forthe Department in all mat-ters concerning military

labour relations. What makes this par-ticular appointment unique is the factthat Mr Sipambo, since he has startedon 1 May 2004 in this post, has madehistory because never before has theDepartment acquired a chief negotia-tor for military labour relations.

"My negotiations include repre-senting the Department when it goesto dispute resolution forums, such asthe Military Bargaining Council andthe Military Arbitration Board," saidMr Sipambo in an interview with SASOLDIER magazine.

Mr Sipambo is expected to negoti-ate in an environment where the par-ticipation of members in UNIONactivities is a relatively new aspect.According to him, many challenges lieahead in his new job because, as thefirst chief negotiator for militarylabour relations, he must now set andestablish a trend.

"There are a lot of challenges, bothon the side of labour and on the side ofmanagement. I think both parties havenot come to grips with what entailsengaging around the bargainingtable," he stated. "This places me in avery strategic position and it gives methe opportunity to work as a unifier, toact as a catalyst, where I must ensurethat the principles of the organisationremain intact and also that employeescontinue to enjoy their rights withoutany hindrances."

Happy to contribute in the makingof history, he continued: "This is a new

portfolio and I am charged with theresponsibility to entrench it and ensurethat it succeeds, I think it will be easierfor my successor. There are new chal-lenges that have been opened up formilitary management which were notknown before and those are the chal-lenges that I am faced with," MrSipambo continued.

He is confident that he is the bestman for the task - "It is up to me to seethat it works," he stated. "I like negoti-ations because there are no hard andfast rules. You need to be a pragmatistand you need to think on your feet andact."

Mr Sipambo's negotiation exploitsdate as far back as 1982 when heworked with Cyril Ramaphosa, aunionist turned businessman, andMarcel Golding, yet another reputablenegotiator in the mining industry."Two very fine negotiators that thiscountry has", Mr Sipambo said.

He had close working relationswith Mr Ramaphosa in the early daysof the formation of the National Unionof Mineworkers of South Africa. Hewas part of a group of members taskedwith recruiting for the union. "Peoplewere very sceptical and they did notunderstand the concept of unionismand Mr Ramaphosa relied on us torecruit," he said, thinking back. "First Iwas a unionist," said Mr Sipambo, aformer member of NUM.

He was later "headhunted" byGencor Mines and worked for thecompany in Venda as a senior labourrelations manager. "My background islargely in the private sector doing thesame job as a labour relations manageras I was called," he said.

In the years to follow, he thenworked for Fedix, a catering industry,as a labour relations manager andagain he was engaged with the unions."In my personal view that is where Isucceeded in terms of representing the

organisations because this was anorganisation that works as a contrac-tor," said Mr Sipambo. "The kind ofsuccess that still shines is that, while Iwas at Fedix, I never lost a case withthe unions," he recalled proudly. Healso worked for Molapo Technology -also as a labour relations manager.

Mr Sipambo was born in the FreeState and went to school in Matatielewhere he matriculated. He then trav-elled to the United States where hestudied and specialised in labour rela-tions. "I love reading and discoveringnew ideas, I regard books as peoplesitting and waiting to talk to me," hesaid humorously as he revealed a littlemore about himself.

"I also enjoy playing around withchildren because to me that also rep-resents management."

M

events


28

Mother Nature at her best

By Matshidiso PilaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

ne wise man once said thatpeople should alwaysappreciate what they have,because no matter howmuch money you have,nor how poor you are,there is one thing that we

may all share, and that is MotherNature. This might be the reason whyMother Nature is celebrated world-wide, be-cause she is so precious. Itdoes not matter who you are; shegives life to everybody.

By presenting the annual Environ-mental Awards event, the DOD recog-nises the importance of nature. TheEnvironmental Awards ceremonywas held at Army Support BaseDurban on 3 June 2004.

On the way to Durban the audi-ence from Pretoria, which includedthe Chief Financial Officer, Mr JackGründling, had the pleasure of wit-nessing Mother Nature at her best.They were afforded the opportunity tohonour Mother Nature during thewhole of that week - EnvironmentalWeek. When the guests visited theunits they were welcomed by the pop-ular divas of Durban, the Mahloko-door to door and wall to wall weremuch appreciated. The Master ofCeremonies was Maj Andrew Moeti.Mr Gründling presented the floatingtrophies and awards.

Army Support Base Durban wasawarded the first trophy - presentedby the Rand Water Award for WaterEfficiency. Army Support Base Dur-ban was chosen as the runner-up inthe Environmental Education andTraining and in the Integrated WasteManagement categories. Sterkrivier

Training Area also performed well bybeing awarded the Association ofClean Communities Award for Inte-grated Waste Management and bybeing the other runner-up in the En-vironmental Education and Trainingcategory.

The Endangered Wildlife TrustFloating Trophy for Ecological Man-agement was awarded to SAS SAL-DANHA. The fifth trophy to beawarded was the Caltex FloatingTrophy for Base Environmental Man-agement, which was awarded toNaval Base Simon's Town. Army Sup-port Base Potchefstroom was the win-ners of the Professor Kristo PienaarFloating Trophy for EnvironmentalEducation and Training. The SA Nat-ional Parks Floating Trophy MilitaryIntegrated Environmental Manage-ment was awarded to Air Force BaseOverberg.

The last trophy to be awarded wasthe Conservamus Floating Trophy forEnvironmental Services, which wasopen for individuals or teams employ-

Awards for life!

ed within the Department of Defence,or a civilian outside the organisation,whether involved full-time or part-time in military environmental mat-ters. The winner of this prestigioustrophy was Cdr Adri Liebenberg of theLogistics Division.

Mr Gründling congratulated AirForce Base Overberg for being the onlymilitary base that has fully implement-ed ISO 14000 and also the only militarybase that is ISO 14000 certified. "This isa major milestone in the history of theDepartment and ushers in an entirelynew frontier in Military IntegratedEnvironmental Manage-ment," MrGründling said.

"I am proud to announce the estab-lishment of an interdepartmentalDepartment of Defence WaterEfficiency Program-me with theDepartment of Public Works, theDepartment of Water Affairs andForestry, as well as Rand Water. Thisprogramme aims at consolidating andco-ordinating the efficient use of waterin the Department," he added.

O


29

Female Commander cares for Mother EarthBy Cdr Adri Liebenberg, SO1 Environmental Policy at Chief LogisticsPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

management tool for ensur-ing environmental compli-ance through personal andorganisational empower-ment.

The Department of Def-ence is subject to governance

by civil society represented by anelected legislative. In this sense theDepartment is subject to all legislationissued by Government, as well as anynational norms and standards fosteredby civil society in the spirit of healthycivil-military relations.

As is the case with any other legis-lation issued by Government, theDepartment is not exempt from anyenvironmental legislative provisionsthat have a bearing on its core businessand it is obliged to comply. This obli-gation is reflected in the CorporateEnvironmental Policy Statement forDefence, which states the following:

"The Department of Defence shall,in compliance with the environmentalobligations placed upon it by theConstitution, national and internation-al regulatory provisions and withinthe constraints imposed from time totime by nature of its business, protectthe environment through pro-activemeasures of Military IntegratedEnvironmental Management; acceptresponsibility for use of the environ-ment entrusted to it; minimise theimpacts of its operations on the envi-ronment by means of a programme ofcontinual improvement; promoteopen communication on environmen-tal issues to all interested and affectedparties; train and motivate its mem-bers to regard environmental consid-erations as an integral and vital ele-

Ament of their day-to-day activities."

In order to honour this commit-ment the DOD established an environ-mental policy capacity at level 2 toensure environmental compliancethrough the development, implemen-tation and monitoring of internal envi-ronmental policies based on nationaland international legislative provi-sions. This capacity is personalised inthe form of Cdr Adri Liebenberg, SO1Environmental Policy at ChiefLogistics. She is responsible for devel-oping departmental environmentalpolicies and for ensuring the imple-mentation of an EnvironmentalManagement System (EMS) forDefence based on the ISO 14 000 inter-national standard for environmentalmanagement.

She obtained her BSc (Hons)degree in Natural Sciences at theUniversity of Stellenbosch in 1988,after which she joined the SA Navy in1989. She was transferred to theFacilities Directorate in 1998 after serv-

ing a period of nine years at the NavyOffice as SO1 and SSO EnvironmentalServices, responsible for managingand directing the environmental func-tion within the SA Navy.

During the annual DefenceEnvironmental Awards ceremonyheld at the Army Support BaseDurban on 3 June 2004 Cdr Liebenbergwas awarded the ConservamusFloating Trophy for EnvironmentalServices in the DOD for 2003. Thisnomination was based on the develop-ment of a management tool for ensur-ing environmental compliancethrough personal and organisationalempowerment, a comprehensive user-friendly departmental guide to inter-national, national and provincial envi-ronmental legal compliance for all mil-itary commanding officers within allthe Services of the Department.

As Chapter 8 of the White Paper onDefence relating to land and environ-mental issues transfers the responsibil-

Mr Jack Gründling, Chief Financial Officer, awarded Cdr Adri Liebenbergwith the Conservamus Floating Trophy, while Brig Gen Sipho Ndabula,Director Facilities, looked on.



30

Equally important ranks

Being soldiers under training…

By Matshidiso PilaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

"May every soldier make his or hermark" - these are the words that the SAArmy Gymnasium in Heidelberg livesup to and that is why students trainedat this unit always keep their moralehigh.

On 19 April 2004 students of theMilitary Skills Development (MSD)Programme from 3 SA InfantryBattalion (3 SAI Bn) in Kimberleystarted with their weapons trainingcourse at SA Army Gymnasium toqualify in weapon training. They alsounderwent a "Vasbyt" field phase forthree days at Wallmannsthal at theend of May.

SA SOLDIER spoke to two of thestudents on their first day and afterthey have completed the "Vasbyt"phase. It became apparent that theirmorale has changed for the better -they were even tougher than before.They all looked forward to start work-

ing at their different corps. Shannon Snyders and Barry

Gordon, who are both non-commis-sioned officers (NCOs), said that theyare a bit disappointed for not qualify-ing as officers, but they now realisedthat the SANDF also need soldiers likethem, and that non-commissionedofficers and officers are equally impor-tant and needed in the SANDF.

Shannon said the experience in the

field - "Vasbyt" - has been tough andvery challenging, but with the supportof her friend and the instructors shehas made it. One needs to have lots ofresponsible friends in order to achievegood results during your training.Barry could not agree more.

Barry intends joining theEngineering Corps, while Shannonwould like to become a member of theIntelligence Corps.

(Continued from page 29)ity and accountability, directly tocommanding officers of militaryinstallations, to ensure that "the plan-ning and execution of military activi-ties will take account of the environ-mental implications and not jeopar-dise the long-term potential of theland and other natural resources".This tool is invaluable to empoweringthese members to ensure legal compli-ance relating to the environmentwithin their specific core functionsand thereby reduces the environmen-tal liability of every base and unitcommander in the Department.

It also guides these members andother military and PSAP personnel inthe Department to understand theenvironmental pressure relating totheir core business, to ensure theirenvironmental compliance and there-by ensures an acceptable level of envi-ronmental performance by the DOD.The guide is divided into sections,which relate to the environments ofland, air, marine and coast, as well as

a section on environmental educationand training.

Each of these sections discusses anumber of core and support activities,which have an impact on the specificenvironment. These activities are han-dled according to the following crite-ria:

List of national environmental leg-islation that applies to the activity.List of provincial legislation thatapplies to the activity.List of local legislation that appliesto the activity.Other legislation that impacts onthe activity.List of departmental environmen-tal policies that apply to the activi-ty.List of other departmental policiesthat impact on the activity.Minimum requirements in respectof the activity.Compliance indicators.Implications of non-compliance.The "Guide to Environmental

Compliance for Commanding Of-

ficers" has been distributed to approx-imately 700 commanding officers,environmental personnel and heads ofsections within the DOD. It is alsowidely used as course material on mil-itary developmental courses, such asthe Joint Senior Command and StaffProgramme, the Resource Manage-ment Course for Line Commandersand the Joint Warrant OfficersProgramme.

This was not the first time that CdrLiebenberg was awarded this presti-gious award. In 1993 she received thisaccolade for the development andimplementation of the first navalorder on the conservation of themarine environment. This includedensuring system adjustments in orderto manage different waste streamssuch as oil, garbage and sewage at seaand along the shore, requirements forthe disposal of waste at sea, and theprotection of marine life at sea.

For more information on this guidecontact Cdr Adri Liebenberg at tel no:(012) 339 5275.


31

SAMHS sharpening their skills

Medical evaluation during the competition. Photo: (Sgt Nicky Claase)

By Lt Marius Pretorius, 3 Med Bn Gp

"The SANDF is a weapon of nationalimportance, and I see the other ranksas the cutting edge thereof. It is there-fore meaningful to sharpen thisweapon by means of training and re-training. This competition is one of thebest ways to determine the degree ofsharpening that should take place. Ifurther believe that we owe it to thecitizens of this country to be the verybest we can be."

These were the words of theSurgeon General of the SANDF, LtGen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg, at theclosing ceremony of the Non-commis-sioned Officers' Operational SkillsCompetition presented at the SACombat Training Centre (SA CTC) inLohatlha. This annual event was pre-sented from 9 to 14 May this year.Once again this spectacular event waswell planned and organised by theSAMHS Warrant Officers' AdvisoryBoard under the watchful supervisionof WO1 Rodney Wilson, the WarrantOfficer of the SAMHS.

According to the speech deliveredby the Surgeon General, the aim of thiscompetition was to

achieve the necessary levels offorce contingent readiness;build a strong team spirit; andcreate zest for competitionbetween the different units withinthe SAMHS.In his opening address, the

Warrant Officer of the SAMHS stipu-lated a detailed outline on specificallywhat was expected of each individualparticipating team. WO1 Wilson elab-orated on the necessity of leadershipand the importance of teamworkthroughout the exercise.

For some of the competitors, thiswas their first visit to the SA CTC. Theteam spirit, although a bit shaky onarrival, was lifted through collectivesong and dance as the twenty-threeteams prepared to start their heli-copter evacuation drills. A verypatient Capt P. Botha (pilot and crewcommander), Lt D. Ridler (co-pilot)and F Sgt E. Teich (flight engineer) of22 Squadron spent most of their valu-

able time explaining the drills to theteams and assisting them with theirpreparations.

Once again, each team consisted offive members, of which one had to befemale. The competition consisted ofvarious evaluation exercises to whicheach team was subjected. The routemarches consisted of a given grid ref-erence that needed to be plotted withmilitary precision to ensure arrival tothe next evaluation checkpoint. Theevaluation exercises included deliber-ate fire with the R4 and R5 rifle, obser-vation skills, driving and maintenanceskills, using the Mfezi radio equip-ment, map work and navigation andlevel 3 protocol patient evaluation.

"I am a sucker for thrills, and thiscompetition truly makes me feel alive,like a soldier," a tired Pte CindyCoetzee from Area Military HealthUnit Limpopo exclaimed.

The routes they marched seemedmore accessible than those of the pre-vious year, as fewer teams werereported lost this year (except for thosewho hoisted their flags in the grave-yard). During these marches, little wassaid among the individuals, as thedetermination of going forward fastergrew visible on each tiring face.

At each evaluation checkpoint, noenergy was wasted on loose conversa-tions. Both concentration and skillwere equally applied as the team

members embraced their capacity todo better than their rival compatriots.

The SA CTC offered the ideal envi-ronment with all its hardship, present-ing extreme hot and sunny days andfreezing cold conditions at night. Atno stage during the competition didany of the participants enjoy the luxu-ry of indoor accommodation, as theyhad to endure the outdoors of theGreat Kalahari.

"We are the best and this is theactual opportunity we have where wecan apply our true skills," a confidentS Sgt Maope from Area MilitaryHealth Unit Free State said. The excel-lence of the teams' performances andskills are measured from both withinthe ranks of the SAMHS and by exter-nal specialists. "Much applause isactually needed, at unit level, to praiseeach participant as each individualgave his or her best to achieve suc-cess," said WO1 D. Steyn, RSM of AreaMilitary Health Unit Limpopo.

The formation sergeant majorstook ownership of the execution partof the competition. These memberswere seen leaving the base long beforesunrise only to return mostly aftersunset to ensure the fluency of thecompetition. Between the busy sched-ules, effective planning was executedto arrange a very successful surprisebirthday party for the Warrant Officerof the SAMHS.


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A barrier-free working environmentBy Nomonde Vuthela

The Chief Director Equal Opportunities, Maj Gen JackieSedibe, officially opened barrier-free facilities at GSBBloemfontein on 3 June 2004, which will enable memberswith disabilities easy access to amenities.

The official opening of the ramps and accessible toilets forpeople with disabilities in the Bloemfontein region is a smallpart of a project that the Equal Opportunities Directorate hasbeen engaged in.

The Equal Opportunities Directorate is currently instru-mental in the adapting of barrier-free access at nine units/bases to cater for the needs of people with disabilities in theDOD environment.

Considerable progress has been made in the nineunits/bases as the DOD further attempts to cater for theneeds of its employees with disabilities.

The Directorate finalised the barrier-free access planswith the support of the Chief Financial Officer, PlenaryDefence Staff Council and the Army Office.

Officiating at the ceremony, Maj Gen Sedibe said that theEOCD is passionate about putting diversity on the agendaand delivering results. She said: "This here today is the indi-cation of such commitment".

"Discrimination on the grounds of disability is essentiallyabout failure to accommodate the needs of people with dis-

Create your own world Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, the Chief of theSA Air Force, bestowed a commissionon Capt Edwin Jerry Williams, whobecame the first member with disabili-ties to be commissioned in the SA AirForce. The commission parade washeld at the SA Air Force College on 10June 2004. Capt Williams joined theSA Air Force on 10 January 1990 andrendered services at various units,such as AFB Potchefstroom, 10 AirDepot and Air Force Station ThabaTshwane. As a youngster he lovedsport and distinguished himself as asoccer player. Sadly his left leg wasamputated during October 1992owing to a soccer injury. He has serv-ed within the SA Air Force for the pastfourteen years. During 2002 he wasstaffed at SAAF HQ Unit as a warrantofficer class two. In the same year heobtained a diploma in PurchasingManagement at the Pretoria Techni-kon. "I believe in myself and I makeuse of opportunities granted to me.

God gives me power and strength toachieve my goals," said Capt Williams.During 2002 he applied for theOfficers' Formative Course and twoyears later he was accepted. He suc-cessfully completed the course, whichcommenced on 15 February andended on 11 June 2004. On his Com-missioners Parade he said he wasproud to be in the SA Air Force andwould like to thank the SA Air Forcefor the opportunity given to him toprove his capabilities. "Without a mis-sion one is lost; it is very important toset goals in life and work very hard toachieve those goals. Success does notcome easy, you must work hard tomake your dreams come true. It wasmy dream to become an officer oneday and it did happen. To the youthmy message to you is, do not let some-one create your world for you. You arethe master of your own destiny. Stayfocused on your goals and work hardto achieve them," said Capt Williams.

Maj Gen Jackie Sedibe unveils the barrier-free accessplacard at GSB Bloemfontein. (Photo: PO Eddie Kgomo)

Col C.D. Schoeman, OfficerCommanding SA Air Force College,and Capt Edwin Jerry Williams.(Article and photo courtesy of SAAir Force)

abilities and therefore employers have a responsibilitytowards them," Maj Gen Sedibe added.

She emphasised that the work environment has to be con-ducive to all members in order to maximise individual capac-ity and potential.

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33

By Nakedi PhashaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

frica is in motion from theeast to the west and from thenorth to the south. Indeed,Africa was in motion whendelegates from the youthcommission of all the nineprovinces came together for

a youth festival that was held at theMankgwe Military Base in Rustenburgfrom 11 to 16 June 2004.

Altogether 1 250 youths formedpart of the youth festival. Four trainswere used to transport the delegates toMankgwe Military Base.

Trains were chosen to symboliseand commemorate the movement ofyouth and their development through

the ten years of freedom. The aim of this festival was to com-

bine the youth from all the nineprovinces and to hear their views onthe country and to let them discussimportant issues about the country,such as the economy.

Every day the youth had a plenarysession where they discussed issuessuch as the cultural heritage of SouthAfrica, identity and understanding, aswell as how the Government works.Several organisations, such as theUnsombomvu Youth Fund, the SAReserve Bank, the South AfricanFreedom Park Trust and Governmentdepartments gave presentations onhow their organisations work and onhow the youth can benefit from them.

Pelisa Nkunjana from GautengProvince felt that as young leaders

Delegates from the nine provinces, front, fltr: Pelisa Nkunjana (Gauteng), Zolelwa Xawuk (Eastern Cape), Jo-ellenTaylor (Western Cape), Sherries Arries (KZN) and Gabriel Mabe (NW). Back, fltr: Lerato Mofokeng (Mpumalanga), GiratMolokoane (Free State), Nshengedzene Mabuda (Limpopo) and Nomathemba Machakela (Northern Cape).

A

Africa in motionthey need to speak with one voice sothat they could be heard, and as themajority of youth had voted, theyneeded to be taken seriously. ForSherries Arries it was a great experi-ence, especially because she had tomix with people from different cul-tures and backgrounds and learnedabout their cultures.

Capt (SAN) Rusty Higgs, SSONavy Public Relations, was also pre-sent - as he always says - to bring ourNavy to the people. He explained tothe youth what the SA Navy was allabout, and gave tips to those whowere interested in the SA Navy. Theyouth were very excited and could notwait to hear the speech of PresidentThabo Mbeki, which was deliveredduring the annual youth rally on 16June (Youth Day).

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34

The SANDF Group LifeScheme

Compiled by Brig Gen Sakkie Hurd(Ret), Manager of the SANDFGroup Life Scheme

he Group Life InsuranceScheme (the Scheme) wasinstituted in 1979 as a servicebenefit for military person-nel. The Scheme provides forimmediate financial supportfor dependants on the sud-

den death or disablement of a bread-winner. The Scheme operated on anon-profit basis and derives the majorportion of its income from monthlypremiums that are recovered from theinsured members of the SANDF. TheScheme was previously subsidisedfrom State funds.

The express need for immediatefinancial support for dependants onthe sudden death or disablement of abreadwinner led to the institution andimplementation of the Scheme in 1979.It was designed to provide death anddisability cover for all uniformedmembers of the SANDF performingmilitary service. The Scheme was insti-tuted in terms of section 87(1) (rA) ofthe Defence Act, Act No 44 of 1957.Furthermore section 2 of the FinanceActs Consolidation Act No 78 of 1992was promulgated to empower theMinister of Finance to enter into anagreement with an insurer to indemni-fy the latter against losses sustainedunder a scheme providing insurancefor persons rendering military service.

Since its establishment in 1979, theScheme has proved to be indispens-able in alleviating the distress of mili-tary personnel and their dependantsas a result of death and injuries sus-

tained in military action. Thousands ofbeneficiaries have enjoyed the flexibil-ity and speed with which insurancemoney has been made available.Claims of some R350 million havebeen paid to date (2003). The Schemeprovides the necessary confidence toall those joining or integrating into theSANDF, so that the risks they mayencounter are provided for.

The consortium of long-term insur-ers who administered the scheme gavenotice in late 1994 that they wished towithdraw from involvement in theScheme owing to the changed circum-stances of the SANDF, arguing that thecontinued existence thereof was inde-pendent on a consortium of insurersbecause of the changed circumstancesbrought about by the advent ofdemocracy in South Africa and theabolition of National Service.However, the Scheme still served avital role in compensating membersfor the high risks commensurate withmilitary operational service. After athorough investigation by the SANDFand the Department of Finance, it wasconcluded that, in addition to theabove, it was, especially important forservice in the Defence of the Republicand potential service in peacekeepingand peace enforcement missions. TheScheme was redesigned to operatewithout any direct State subsidy, sothat the underwriting of benefits bythe Sate, as provided for in section 2 ofthe Finance Acts Consolidation Act No78 of 1992, should be restricted toclaims resulting from service indefence of the Republic as defined inthe Constitution.

The basis on which the Scheme

T

operates is that it is operated and man-aged by a private institution appoint-ed by the Management Board, and thedeath and disability benefits are rein-sured with a single insurer who hassuccessfully tendered for the position.

Lt Gen Rinus Jansen vanRensburg, the Surgeon General.(Photo courtesy of Milmed)

…ItsManagement

Board ischaired by our

SurgeonGeneral.


35

Management of the SchemeThe ministerial responsibilities and

accountability for the Scheme lie withthe Minister of Defence as from thedate of the implementation of theDefence Act, 2002. The Minister hasappointed a Management Board interms of the regulations of the Schemethat are responsible for its sound man-agement.

The Board is currently chaired bythe Surgeon General, and consists ofrepresentatives from each of the fourServices, the Finance, Policy and Plan-ning, Defence Reserves, and JointSupport Divisions, the Sergeant Majorof the SANDF, and four representa-tives from Military Trade Unions.Assisting the Board are a number ofco-opted specialists, such as a medicaldoctor appointed by the Surgeon Gen-eral, a legal officer, a communicationsofficer and a principal officer appoint-ed by the Chief of Joint Support.

The principal officer is the linkbetween the Department of Defenceand the administrators of the Scheme.

Benefit and premium structureof the Scheme

The Scheme provides benefits tomembers of the SANDF under all cir-cumstances and guarantees death ben-efits to its members, irrespective of thecause or place of death.

The Scheme thus covers its mem-bers while they are on deploymentoutside of the RSA. As from May 2004the Scheme also covers PSAP employ-ees of the Department of Defence whoare deployed with the SANDF as pro-vided for in section 56 of the DefenceAct, 2002.

The Scheme has been designed toprovide benefits to two categories ofmembers, namely those with depen-dants and those without dependants.The 2004/2005 benefit structure of theScheme is as follows:

Death benefits:Members with dependants: A lump sum of R90 000.Members without dependants: A lump sum of R60 000.

Disability benefits:A R100 000 lump sum payment to

a member who is permanently andtotally disabled, directly and exclu-sively as a result of a bodily injuryor an illness and who is is totallyand permanently and continuous-ly prevented - even with further in-service training either with theemployer or any other employerfrom following the regular occupa-tion (occupational class) he or shepractised immediately before, andfrom following the occupationwhich he or she, in view of trainingand experience may reasonably beexpected to follow with anyemployer, and experiences loss ofincome (excluding pension). Thisbenefit will not be paid if the dis-ability is due to:negligent or wilful exposure todanger;participation in criminal activity; civilian detention;intentional self-inflicted injury,and cannot be cured by surgery or anyother medical treatment which canreasonably be expected to beundergone;A R50 000 lump sum payment to amember who is permanently andtotally unfit for further service inthe SANDF (commonly known asGP), and has been discharged fromthe SANDF by the Minister basedon the findings of a medical board,directly and exclusively as a resultof a bodily injury or an illness andis totally and permanently andcontinuously prevented - evenwith further in-service training orre-mustering within the SANDFfrom following the regular occupa-tion of a soldier in any post com-mensurate with his or her rank,training and education.The two categories of members

pay a different premium on a monthlybasis.

It is the responsibility of eachmember to pay the correct premium asfollows:

Members with dependants pay amonthly tariff of R100-37, of whichthe operational risk reserveaccount pays R7-53 (7,5%). Themember thus pays a premium of

R92-84. Members of the Reserves,and PSAP deployed with theSANDF, pay a daily tariff based onactual days deployed or called up.Members without dependants paya monthly tariff of R69-91, ofwhich the operational risk reserveaccount pays R5-24 (7,5%). Themember thus pays a premium ofR64-67. Members of the Reserves,and PSAP deployed with theSANDF, pay a daily tariff based onactual days deployed or called up.Dependants are defined a the

spouse (or spouses) and include a lifepartner of a member, his or her chil-dren of any age, his or her parents, orany other person who the membermay feel is his or her dependant. Thisdata is not kept on PERSOL, and it isthe responsibility of the member toensure that the correct premium ispaid every month.

The Scheme also does not requireany member to undergo a medicalexamination before he or she is accept-ed for cover, and death benefits willbe paid out within 24 hours of theadministrators receiving all therequired claim documentation fromthe Department of Defence.

The payment of disability claims isa much longer process as all the med-ical evidence has to be obtained andevaluated by the SAMHS and theinsurer before a decision is made.

Claims procedureThe procedure for claiming bene-

fits is as follows:In the event of your death, theDepartment of Defence will auto-matically institute a claim onbehalf of your dependants. Forthis reason it is important thatyour unit is aware of who yourdependants are and where theymay be contacted. Should you become disabled youmust institute a claim yourself. Aclaim form is available from yourunit for this purpose.

If you require more information, youshould contact your unit, or write to thePrincipal Officer of the Scheme via thenormal service channels.


36

Participants of the International Humanitarian Law Course.

War is not only about neutralising theopposing forceBy Capt (SAN) E. van der Walt,SSO CommunicationMilitary Legal Service DivisionPhoto: WO2 Tania Kettles

During May 2004, the headlines of alllocal newspapers brought to our atten-tion the atrocities allegedly committedby the invading forces in Iraq.

At the same time the MilitaryLegal Service Division presented anInternational Humanitarian LawCourse at the SA Army College thatwas of current interest. The partici-pants attending the course came fromall over the country and representedall four Services and different spe-cialised fields of expertise.

Although the course was focussedon the training of military legal per-sonnel, the attendance of other officerswas imperative to ensure cross-polli-nation of knowledge and experience.

The lecturers were officers of theMilitary Legal Service, namely Col P.Mardon, Col A. Retief and Capt (SAN)D. Gillespie. All three are internation-ally qualified and are regularly invitedto lecture in other countries. The Headof Delegation of the International RedCross in Southern Africa addressedthe course as guest speaker.

The aim of the course was to equipthe participants with comprehensivespecialised knowledge of the Law ofArmed Conflict (LOAC) as integralpart of International HumanitarianLaw. In essence, the LOAC aims toprovide principles that allow com-manders to wage war against anopposing force with maximum effect,but at the same time minimise the suf-fering of those who are caught up in awar without being any threat to thewarring parties.

Practical training by means ofgroup discussions of various practicalscenarios afforded the participants theopportunity to apply the knowledgeacquired during the lectures and toarrive at possible solutions in accor-dance with the LOAC.

Many perceptions exist regarding

the LOAC - some people regard theLOAC as a humanist concept whichonly restrict commanders in the wag-ing of war, while others regard theLOAC to be aimed at the mitigation ofhuman suffering caused by war or tohumanise war. However, the LOAC isa compromise between military essen-tiality and humanity without under-mining the objective of the applicationof military force. The most importantprinciples of the LOAC that guide theconduct of operations, are the princi-ples of military necessity, no unneces-sary suffering and proportionality.There should always be a clear distinc-tion between combatants and civilians,as well as between military objectivesand civilian objects. Commandersmust comply with the principles of theLOAC during the planning and execu-tion of military operations.

Compliance with the LOACaddresses the interests of all humanbeings, as the LOAC is in accordancewith basic morality. When a combat-ing force acts according to the rules itenhances the reputation and conse-quently the influence of that nation.An important aspect of the course wasthe proper behaviour when handlingprisoners of war or civilians duringarmed conflict.

As spelled out in the Geneva

Conventions of 1949 and additionalprotocols, civilians, prisoners of war,wounded and sick people, medicalpersonnel and chaplains are entitled torespect for their lives and dignity.They must be protected and treatedhumanely. This should be true for allwarring nations, but is it?

South Africa is a party to theseConventions and Protocols and thecountry, as well as all its subjects istherefore bound by it. Non-compli-ance will not only undermine the cred-ibility of the nation, but will also havelegal implications in that it will resultin criminal and civil liability. TheSouth African Law places a duty onthe SANDF and its members to com-ply with the LOAC. The essence ofthis all is to sharpen the minds of theparticipants to the principles of theLaw of Armed Conflict and to sensitisetheir hearts to the fact that war is notonly about neutralising the opposingforce and achieving military objec-tives, but it is also an often unavoid-able part of human interaction and assuch, should be approached ashumanely as possible. Ultimately theLaw of Armed Conflict allows soldiersto attain military goals effectivelywhile minimising the terrible effects ofwar on innocent people and humanityin general.

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37

Celebrating ten years of democracyBy Maj M. van Staden, Service Corps Regional Office PE

Democracy is such a buzzword inSouth Africa these days, but do weknow what democracy really means?If we look at the explanation of theword "democracy" in the dictionary, itstates that democracy is firstly a gov-ernment in which the supreme poweris exercised by the people directly orindirectly through a system of repre-sentation involving free elections.Secondly, "democracy" is the absenceof class distinctions. I thought for amoment about the meaning of all thisand I asked myself: is South Africaafter ten years of democracy reallywhat the word is meant to be? I mustsay yes, I truly think so. Looking at theSANDF - I must say that we havecome a long way since 1994. I thinkthat we have walked down the rightpathways since then. However, it wasnot an easy road without obstacles andstumbling blocks.

Everybody is afraid of change andafraid to be changed. However, inmost of the cases, change is for the bet-ter. Looking at the integration of allforces into the SANDF, the same thinghappened - people were scared anduncertain, but in the end it was worth-while. People of different groups arenow integrated as one, they are nowequal. Everybody gets opportunities,which they may grasp and make thebest use of. People are more empow-ered and free to express themselves.

On 23 April 2004, we as soldiers inthe Port Elizabeth area had our ownparade to celebrate ten years ofdemocracy in our country, SouthAfrica, and also to celebrate ten yearsof democracy in the SANDF. It was aparade in which all four Services wereintegrated. It was a stirring moment tosee all the forces combined on oneparade ground, and I felt proud to bepart of this new democratic SANDF.In addition to the parade there was anexhibition where the SA Army, the SAAir Force, the SA Navy and the SAMilitary Health Service had their placein the sun and where the people couldlearn a little bit more about them.

After the parade, the public wereinvited to attend a SHIELD functionsponsored by the Reserve ForceDivision. During this event, peoplewere told more about the SANDF -how we could be of service to themand how they could be part of us -democracy that reaches out over bor-ders. The whole day was one to beproud of.

Feedback by Lt Mark Kelbrick

A very large static display comprisingequipment from all four Services wasplanned to coincide with a reviewparade that also had members of thelocal units involved. The parade wasattended by members of the public,local government and schools in thePort Elizabeth area. In true SANDFtradition, the parade was conductedwith the precision that has come to beexpected from the SANDF. The staticdisplay was also very colourful, withan SA Air Force Harvard and plenty offlashing lights from the EmergencyServices and the Military Police. TheSA Navy and the Reserve Force werealso well represented by SASDONKIN.

Visitors at the exhibition to celebrate ten years of democracy.

Feedback by WO2 A.L. Smith

On 23 April 2004 Port Elizabeth Com-mando held a display at Army Sup-port Base Port Elizabeth to celebrateour 10 years of democracy. PortElizabeth Commando displayed threearmoured troop carriers called "Veld-skoen" and a Mamba. Different weap-ons were also displayed and werevery popular with the public, teachersand learners who attended the cele-brations. Camouflaged uniforms andstep-out dress were draped aroundtwo dummies that looked very smart.A video was also shown throughoutthe day, highlighting various aspectsof the Reserve Force. A few of the eat-ing utensils were also displayed, eg a"varkpan", and a "dixie". This raisedquite a laugh from the visitors.Promotional items were handed out tothe guests, as well as brochuresexplaining the reasons why a ReserveForce should be in existence. Distanceeducation training was also displayedand numerous questions regardingthis aspect were asked and answeredby Cpl S. Groenewald and RfnJ. Erasmus, who manned the stall.

clippings


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"Take-a-girl-child-to-work"By Capt T.N. Snyman, SO2 Communication SA ArmyCombat Training Centre

Cell C launched a national campaignto introduce schoolgirls to possiblecareer opportunities provided by theSouth African workforce. The SAArmy Combat Training Centre joinedthe "Take-a-girl-child-to-work" initiativeby Cell C and invited twenty school-girls from Postmasburg and Postdeneto spend a day with the SANDF atLohatlha.

On 27 May 2004 the excited girlswere transported in two Ratels toLohatlha where, upon their arrival,they were treated to snacks andrefreshments and introduced to theirtour guide. Soon after they returned tothe Ratels and were whisked off to theindoor shooting range. Sgt Jackie Eloffbriefed them on the R4 and R5 rifles

and then the girls got the opportunityto test their shooting skills. Whilesome of the girls were shooting, therest of the group was kept occupiedwith some weapon drills to strengthentheir biceps muscles.

Sticking to strict timings, a vitalmilitary custom, the girls were thenrushed to the simulators for a crashcourse in Driving-and-maintenancePractice Part 1 on Ratels and trucks!Under the watchful eye of the ChiefTester, Maj Johan Joubert, twentywould-be drivers were enticed to seri-ously consider an adventurousMilitary Skills Development (MSD)Programme in the SANDF.

Fortunately, before the girls couldbe issued with military drivers' licens-es they had to scuttle to attend theirnext appointment, a farewell parade,as VIP guests of the outgoing Chief ofthe SA Army, Lt Gen Gilbert Ramano!

Their conduct was impeccable!Pretty soon these VIP guests receivedabout just as much attention from theofficial photographers and camera-men as the dignitary did. Their accom-panying officer explained the proceed-ings and customs of the mechanisedparade to them and pointed out cer-tain interesting actions during theparade.

After the parade the girls got backonto the Ratels and set off for the AirOperation Training Centre inLohatlha, from where they were air-lifted by an Oryx helicopter and flownback to their schools after a briefing bythe co-pilot. The inquisitive girls whoremained behind after the first troop-ing had left were clearly very excited.Judging by their questions the SANDFmight soon have more female gunnersand drivers than we anticipated. Realgirl power?!

AviationBy Lt Zola Nombida, Corp CommOfficer, SAAF Museum Photo: Sgt V.K. Vaarland

The Air Force Museum has taken thelead in educating learners about avia-tion and its heritage. More than 3 000learners from over thirty schools visit-ed the museum from January to June2004. Of those 90% were from pre-dominantly black schools fromGauteng, Mpumalanga, the Free State,the Northern Province and theNorthwest Province. Our objective isto reach all nine provinces so that alllearners can become educated aboutaviation and the heritage of the AirForce Museum. We are managingwith a degree of success to take ourmessage to the learners and studentsbecause our aviation orientation edu-cational programme does accommo-date all school grades, from crèche,day care centres and tertiary institu-tions. We also inform the learnersabout Siyandiza and the Young Falconprogrammes, which offer betteropportunities and understanding ofthe SA Air Force to aviation enthusi-

Children from Little Lamb Crèche in Thaba Tshwane, Pretoria, enjoying theirvisit to the Air Force Museum with members of the SA Air Force.

asts. When learners from grade 9 to 12visit the Air Force Museum, Siyandizarepresentatives from the SiyandizaCentral Office, which is also situatedat the Air Force Museum, are alwaysinvited as part of the programme tobrief the learners about the SiyandizaProgramme. As a result the learnersdo benefit from these briefingsbecause most learners outside the

Gauteng province still do not knowabout the Siyandiza Programme - letalone the Young Falcon Programme.

Schools are encouraged to makebookings prior to their visit to Lt ZolaNombida at tel no: (012) 351 2314 or351 2290 or cell no: 073 142 0536. Formore information about the SiyandizaProgramme phone Cpl Pillay or anystaff member at tel no: (012) 351 2210.

A healthy mind in a healthy body - Gen Siphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of theSANDF, leads by example - definitely ready for the greens…

Different and magnificentBy Matshidiso PilaPhoto: Courtesy of 5 ASU PhotoSection

arious VIPs from the differ-ent sectors of society attend-ed the Chief of the SANDF'sannual Golf Day, which wascombined with a visit to mili-tary units in Phalaborwa inJune 2004. The aim of these

events was to inform the guests aboutour Defence Force and to give them acomprehensive overview of the capa-bilities of the military in Phalaborwa.

This year's Golf Day of GenSiphiwe Nyanda, the Chief of theSANDF, was different from the previ-ous ones. It began with a visit on 10June 2004, which was held at HansMerensky Estate in Phalaborwa. FromPretoria the guests flew to HoedspruitAir Force Base to experience not justthe SANDF on the golf course, at theServices Golf Club, as is the custom,but to experience the SANDF oraspects of the SANDF in general.

The visitors were enthralled by thedemonstration of the Special Forces,who staged a counter-attack in a crisissituation, and a vlermuis attack. "TheSpecial Forces are my strategic asset -they are the 100% combat ready unit ofthe SANDF, ready 24 hours for anyeventuality," Gen Nyanda informedhis guests.

The next day was set aside forplaying golf - four-balls. "Military peo-ple, you should know are straight talk-ers, even though their golf shots arenot that straight," was one of GenNyanda's remarks. He had askedmembers of the general staff and othersenior members of the Department toform groups with the guest players.Gen Nyanda did this so that at the endof the visit his guests should under-stand more about the Department ofDefence in general and about the SANational Defence Force.

During the prize-giving function

that evening Gen Nyanda said: "Thespreading of leaders of the DefenceForce and the Department of Defencemight well have affected the results ofmany a four-ball. But this visit is moreabout acquaintance, friendship andunderstanding than winning".

He also said that it would beremiss not to spare a thought for thecourageous men and women of theSANDF who are deployed in the vari-ous theatres of conflict on the conti-nent, in particular those in Burundiand the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC), especially because of theincreasingly precarious nature of theirdeployment.

"Nearly a week ago, two of themlost their lives in an accident, whichinvolved a shooting incident. Theyhave not yet been laid to rest, and thewound of loss is still fresh with us.Ladies and gentlemen, I ask you toobserve with us a moment of silence intheir memory," Gen Nyanda requestedhis guests at the prize-giving function.

"These young men and women areyour ambassadors in uniform. Theypioneer the path of the African

V


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Renaissance. They are the harbingersof the economic regeneration of thecontinent through their selfless sacri-fice. If you see many enterprises, suchas Vodacom, Mvelaphanda, MTN,Escom begin to make forays into theDRC and other former conflict areas,it is because of these intrepid trail-blazers. If you see the stature of ourPresident rise in international affairs,it is in great part due to the sacrificesof these patriots. Their lives should becelebrated because they usher in thedawn of the African Renewal," GenNyanda continued. He also thankedthe main sponsor, Microsoft, as well asall the other sponsors that made theevents memorable.

To conclude, Gen Nyanda men-tioned that recently he had received aphoto of a four-ball he played. It hadan interesting quotation, which heparaphrased: "All good shots are acci-dents, and all bad shots are good exer-cise."

"Collectively, on average there-fore, in fact in all probability, we atleast had a very good exercise - canwe toast to that!"

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Fly like a butterfly and sting like a beeCapt Michelle Strauss, a 29 year oldPhysical Training Instructor of CapeTown, who works at the SouthernMilitary Police Regional HQ and SgtDennis Bogenhagen, a 35 year old fire-fighter of Bredasdorp, who works atthe Test Flight and DevelopmentCentre (TFDC), are both members ofthe Cape Town Military Martial ArtsClub.

Capt Strauss and Sgt Bogenhagenattended the SA Championships at theCarousel near Pretoria in September2003, as members of the WesternProvince Kick-boxing Team. Bothwere selected for the South AfricanNational Kick-boxing Team to repre-sent South Africa in the World Kick-boxing Championships held on CorfuIsland, Greece, in May 2004.

Almost 1 500 world-class kick-box-ers, representing more than 65 coun-tries, participated at the World Kick-boxing Championships. The standardwas exceptionally high, as could havebeen expected at this level of competi-

tion. Capt Strauss and Sgt Bogenhagendid South Africa and the SouthAfrican National Defence Force proudby performing better than ever. Alltheir hard work and dedication overthe past few years paid off.

Capt Strauss participated in theFull-contact Kick-boxing and Thai-boxing divisions, winning a silvermedal in the Full-contact Thai-boxingdivision and a bronze medal in theFull-contact Kick-boxing division. SgtBogenhagen became the world cham-pion by winning the Light-contactKick-boxing division.

S Sgt Josh Cloete, the trainer ofCapt Strauss, feels honoured andproud of the achievements of bothfighters. "They left a sting in the fleshof their opponents…"

Both fighters want to thank theSANDF sponsors and individuals whocontributed financially to their expens-es. Without financial support thesefighters' dreams would have remainedonly dreams. They would also like to

extend special thanks to friends fortheir support and contributions.

Within the last four years the CapeTown Military Martial Arts Club hasproduced five members who receivednational colours for martial arts.

Capt Michelle Strauss and Sgt Dennis Bogenhagen.

Invite to the Oyama karate tournamentThe KZN Military Oyama KarateClub is to host its annual tournamentat Lords Ground Military Base, OldFort Road Durban, opposite McDon-alds Restaurant, on 16 October 2004 -the fourth of its kind. Registrationsstart at 08:30 and close at 10:00 - 10:30is the first bout.

The following divisions will becatered for, males: under 50kg, under

60kg, under 70kg and Open category,as well as females: under 65kg andOpen category.

The event is organised in the nameof the military club and may not beopen to monopoly whatsoever,although the event is open to all. AllSANDF members interested in attend-ing, may contact Cpl B.S.S. Chamaneat tel no: (031) 369 1414 so that a letter

of invitation can be forwarded tothem. Over the past two years thetournament has been blessed with thepresence of Brig Gen Lindile Yam, theDirector of Physical Training, Sportand Recreation, who is once againinvited. Any enquiries may be directed toCapt Alfred Linda, Chairperson KZNMilitary Oyama Karate Club, at tel no:(031) 369 1013.

Badminton Air Force ChampionshipsAir Force Base Makhado hosted theannual Air Force Badminton Champ-ionships from 17 to 21 May 2004.Players came from different parts ofthe country representing their units.The tournament was graced by thepresence of Brig Gen Wallis who is thePatron of Badminton in the SA AirForce. Two teams were set to play

against the Limpopo Invitation Teamon 19 May.

The SAAF B Team lost while the ATeam played a draw with the Limpo-po Invitation Team. The prize-givingceremony was held at the AdamsApple Guesthouse. The Inter Unitresults were as follows: the winnerwas AFB Waterkloof and the runners-

up were South Side (AFB Ysterplaatand AFB Langebaanweg) with AFBMakhado in the third place. The topthree Senior Men were: F Sgt J.Scheepers, WO2 J. de Klerk and Sgt J.Strydom and the top three SeniorLadies were: Maj D. van Rensburg,WO1 A. Palmer and Maj M. Botha.(Article by Sgt Ntsiki Mantshongo)


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By Capt Anet Veldsman and Capt Shelley Venter, both membersof the Pretoria Defence Women'sRugby ClubPhoto: PO Eddie Kgomo

well-established PretoriaDefence Women's RugbyTeam is yet again performingexcellently.

The Pretoria DefenceWomen's Rugby Team wasestablished in January 2002,

and competed for the first time in his-tory in the SANDF Rugby Week inUpington. The team won the tourna-ment for women. Eleven women fromthis team were selected for the SouthAfrican National Defence ForceWomen's Team.

The team then took part in the 2002Blue Bulls Women's League.Altogether seven teams competed andthey achieved third place in theleague, which was a tremendousachievement. From this league sixPretoria Defence women were selectedfor the Provincial Blue Bulls Women'sTeam.

The 2003 season kicked off withsimilar achievements. Again the teamtook part in the Blue Bulls League. Theleague was split into an A and a B divi-sion, of which the Pretoria DefenceWomen's Rugby Team won the B divi-sion with great match statistics.

Another highlight for 2003 was thevisiting England Women's Team,which played against the Blue BullsWomen's Team in Pretoria, as well asthe Washington Furies from America.Five women from the PretoriaWomen's Rugby Team faced theseferocious players who had been play-ing rugby for twenty years in America.This event was proof of the commit-ment of SARFU to Women's Rugby inSouth Africa.

It is 2004 and the women rugbyplayers are still going strong…Intensive training has taken placesince January this year. The team getstogether for training every Monday,Tuesday and Thursday from 18:00 to20:00. This has resulted in its winningthree of the four warm-up gamesplayed to date.

The league started on 16 April2004 and the Pretoria DefenceWomen's Rugby Team played againstthe Correctional Service Women'sRugby Team, which has been a well-established team since 2000. Althoughthe Correctional Service Women'sRugby Team won the game, creditwas given to the Pretoria DefenceWomen's Rugby Team for the excel-lent rugby they played.

The league is still confronted withmany challenges, but the PretoriaDefence Women's Rugby Team looksforward to each one of them.

Other provinces are encouraged toestablish women's rugby teams. Ourfirst ever Springbok Women's RugbyTeam has been selected and will playin the 2006 Women's World Cup.

During the 2004 season the WalesWomen's Team toured South Africa.

The SANDF Rugby Week againtook place this year in Durban overthe period 27 June 2004 to 3 July 2004.SANDF women rugby players fromall over the country were included inthe Rugby Week.

There the SANDF Women's RugbyTeam was selected. This team willplay against the Natal SharksWomen's Rugby Team prior to aVodacom match.

The Pretoria Defence Women'sRugby Club would like to thank

Amandla CMM, Manitau SA, ABLogistics, Virgin Active and PeriWiehahn for their much appreciateddonations.

Capt Ingrid Botha was selected forthe Springbok Women's Rugby Team,while her twin sister, Capt NatashaBotha, was selected for the Blue BullsWomen's Rugby Team.

S Sgt Heidi van der Berg and SgtCharmaine Swart were selected forthe Blue Bulls Women's Rugby Team,while Maj Marnene Smit was appoint-ed as the assistant coach in training.

Women rugby togs and all

ANo where to go - good defence from scrum half, Arlene, and centre, Fiona.


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By Col Zirk Lourens, the PRO forthe Comrades Marathon

There are few events on the SA sport-ing calendar that generate as muchinterest, excitement, pride and nation-al unity as the Comrades Marathon.The exact distance of the 2004Comrades Marathon is 86,75km, about600m longer than the last "up run",held in 2002. A Comrades Marathon"up run" is by no means a race for thefainthearted. It consists of 54km ofenergy-sapping, uphill running andprovides the ultimate test of humanendurance. Many runners claim toprefer the "up run" over the "downrun", but logic dictates that when allelse fails, gravity will pull you down-hill, while only sheer guts and flag-ging energy reserves can power a run-ner uphill in the final stages of aComrades Marathon.

On 16 June 2004, as the DurbanCity Hall clock struck 05:30, thousandsof runners began their epic journey of87km to Pietermaritzburg. A journeythat stretched body and mind to thelimits, a journey in which athletes willexperience many highs and lows. Ajourney in which the athlete fights abattle, not against a team or opponent,but against himself. A journey inwhich all men and women are equal,as all have the same hills to climb andthe same road to tread to be able toachieve their goal - a challengingevent that is a great leveller. TheComrades Marathon changes foreverthe lives of all those it touches. It pro-vides valuable experience which par-ticipants are able to take forward intheir daily lives. It provides a lesson inassessing and accepting a challenge,planning and preparation, dependingon your fellow beings, looking defeatin the eye and yet not accepting it. Itmakes one realises one's hidden talent.

A total of ± 12 100 athletes enteredthis year’s race. Altogether 220DOD/SANDF runners completed therace.

The Defence Force had a specialstand at "The Oval" in Pieter-maritz-burg where all the families and friendsof the runners got together watching

the race.The first SANDF athlete to cross

the finishing line was PO NhlanghlaKhanyille from the SANDF AthleticClub KZN (Naval Station Durban).His overall position out of ± 10 108competitors who finished, was 102ndin a time of 06:41:00.

In the second position was ColGideon van Zyl from the SANDFAthletic Club Bloemfontein (RFIN) ina time of 07:07:59, an overall positionof 260th and in the third position wasCpl Kgosietsale Taele from SANDFCG (35 ING GR) in a time of 07:13:10,an overall position of 305th.

The first woman running for theSANDF was S Sgt Michelle Niewoudtfrom SANDF Athletic Club Durban(GSB Ladysmith) with a time of10:40:40 and an overall position 6 216and the 743 position among the ladyrunners.

The first Defence Reserve Forceman were Mr Sheldon Wiggil of NatalCarbineers Athletic Club in a time of08:12:37 in an overall position 1 076.Also from Natal Carbineers AthleticClub, as the first lady, in a time of08:31:28 and an overall position 1 462and the 65th position among the ladyrunners was Ms Vicky Brookes.Col Zirk Lourens (08:49:03) and

Col Zirk Lourens and Mr Richard Hammill congratulate each other on their achievement of 20 consecutive Comrades Marathons, with their"Double Green Numbers".

From dawn to dusk

Richard Hammill (10:45:05) complet-ed their 20th consecutive ComradesMara-thon. The last SANDF runner tomake the cut of time of 12 hours wasRfn Milenyane Thomas Kholumo ofSANDF AC Bloemfontein, in a time of11:59:15.

The following ten runnersobtained their green numbers by com-pleting their tenth ComradesMarathon: Sgt Johnny Malgas fromthe SANDF Athletic Club EasternProvince (07:49:38), WO2 LlewellynCoetzer from the SANDF ACBloemfontein (08:33:32), Rfn PaulosMosiea from the SANDF ACBloemfontein (08:49:25), WO2 JamesMollentze from the SANDF ACBloemfontein (09:28:13), Mr SeanPhillip O'Flaherty from the ReserveForce - Natal Carbineers (09:30:02), MrThembinkosi Mkhize the ReserveForce - Natal Carbineers (09:59:56),WO1 Marthinus Janse van Rensburgfrom the SANDF AC Bloemfontein(10:07:04), CPO Wilson PerumalGovender from the SANDF ACDurban (10:40:42), Sgt Franco Swartfrom the SANDF AC Pretoria -Reserve Force (11:46:57) and CPOGonasagren Moonsamy from theSANDF AC Western Province(11:56:17).

events

the race as the run-ners enter the stadi-um. The stand couldbe identified withthe National Flag,SANDF flag and ourfour Service flags.Banners were dis-played in front of thestand for easy identi-fication. Members ofthe Area MilitaryHealth Unit KZNprovided physiother-apy services at theSANDF stand locat-ed at the "Finish" andassisted persons whowas in need of medi-cal care on comple-tion of the race. Theyalso manned a waterpoint at 40km into


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Congratulations MILMED

Impressive running careerCol Zirk Lourens, Officer

Commanding 10 Air Depot,Mainholding Depot for SAAF, startedhis running career during 1983, whilehe was seconded to the previousCiskei Defence Force, as the OfficerCommanding of the Composite Depotof Ciskei Defence Force. He was alsoone of the founder members of CiskeiDefence Force Road Running Club.

The first Comrades Marathon, inwhich he participated, was held in1984. Since then, he has completedtwenty consecutive ComradesMarathons over a distance of 87km to90km. His best time was 07:44 min in1993. Col Lourens has run over 39000km during the last twenty years inpreparation for the ComradesMarathon. His training normally takesplace at 04:30 (winter and summer) for± 1 hour to 1½ hours, during themonth of January to June, after whichhe rests for six months. In so doing hehas also completed fourteen "Om dieDam" Ultras (50km), fifteen "WallyHaywards" (42km), eleven City to CityUltras (50km) between Pretoria andJohannesburg and seven Two Oceans

Marathons (50km) and ± 120Marathons (42km) as part of his prepa-ration for the Comrades Marathons.

Col Lourens has also beeninvolved in road running administra-tion since 1984. He has served on theSANDF Road Running Associationand is presently a co-opted member tothe committee. He is also the PRO forthe Comrades Marathon, Two OceansMarathon and the "Voet" of AfricaMarathon. During the Comrades andTwo Oceans Marathons, Col Lourensconducts live television interviewsregarding the SANDF participation inroad running in the RSA and he writesarticles for SA SOLDIER on the aboveevents.

He said that "Comrades" has beena passion for him and a way of livingand that he sincerely believes it isindeed both a privilege and a blessingto finish or even take part in this annu-al pilgrimage between Durban andPietermaritzburg. He believes thateach year the Good Lord shares thewonderful experience with all of thosewho take up this challenge to com-plete the "Ultimate Human Race".

Col Lourens' next goal is to com-

plete twenty-five consecutive Com-rades Marathons.

Another sterling running careerAssistant Director Richard

Hammill, Budget Manager DefenceIntelligence, began running marathonsin 1983 as part of endurance trainingfor soccer. Over the past 21 years hehas completed over 48 000km, whichincludes 142 races of 42km (marathondistance) and longer.

Richard has to date completedtwenty Comrades Marathons with abest time of 07:59. Other races whichhe has participated in include fourteen"Om die Dam" Ultras (50km), twelve"Wally Haywards" (42km), twelveCity to City Ultras (50km), twelve"Jackie Mekler Ultras" (50km), ninePretoria marathons (42km), nine "Jockof the Bushveld Ultras" (54km), sevenTwo Oceans Ultras (56km), seven"Korkie Ultras" (56km), five Iron ManTriathlons (163km) and two 100-milers(160km).

He serves on the committee of thePretoria Military Marathon Club, ofwhich he has been a member for thepast 21 years.

By Tshidi PilaPhoto: F Sgt DavidNomtshongwana

MILMED magazine, the periodical ofthe SA Military Health Service, cele-brated its 20th birthday on 25 June2004.

As this is a major milestone in thehistory of the SA Military HealthService, the Surgeon General, Lt GenRinus Jansen van Rensburg, launcheda special birthday edition of MILMED.Retired members, colleagues, andfriends of MILMED and the SAMHSwere present to witness the momentand to share in the festivities.

The Surgeon General encouragedthe MILMED staff to keep up theirgood work and asked SAMHS mem-bers to write even better than beforewith the pens, which were distributedduring the celebration. In closing, heshared the following prayer:

"Lord, thank you for languages

that impart ideas, describe dreams,convey compassion and enableexpression of thoughts and feelings.May we be careful in our communica-tion, respectful in our conversation,tolerant in our differences, patient in

Lt Gen Rinus Jansen van Rensburg, the Surgeon General, cutting the birthday cake with Maj Gen (Ret) Ken Ingham, Col Paul van der Merwe andMaj Gen (Ret) Giep Booysen (fltr) looking on.

understanding, and mindful of thedignity of each person you have creat-ed. Amen".

He then invited his former col-leagues to join him in the cutting ofthe birthday cake.

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44

Africa Aerospace andDefence exhibition 2004

"Vision with-out action is

just dreaming,action with novision is justpassing time,

but with visionand action,

you can changethe world" -

formerPresidentNelson

Mandela.

By Col Bobby Keller,SANDF Chairperson Recreation

reparations are once againunder way for the staging ofAfrica's premier aerospaceand defence exhibition atWaterkloof Air Force Base inPretoria over the period 21 to25 September this year. It is

by far the largest event of its kind inAfrica, and this year it promises to beeven bigger and better than any of itspredecessors.

The first three days of the exhibi-tion are reserved for trade delegationsand invited VIP guests, followed bythe two public days that will offer asuperb flying display in addition tothe static exhibits. A great deal ofinterest is being shown by local andsome overseas industries in exhibitingtheir products, including many small-er companies who have innovativeitem-specific product lines aimed atthe commercial aviation sector.

PPutting together an exhibition of

this magnitude is certainly no easyassignment; consequently a team ofdedicated experts has been assembledto manage this mammoth task. Thereare four main stakeholders that consti-tute the Africa Aerospace and Defence(AAD) organisation, namely theCommercial Aviation Association ofSouth Africa, Aerospace and MaritimeDefence Association (AMD), Armscorand the SA Air Force.

The management of the exhibitionis made up of several committees, thePolicy Committee being the mostsenior, followed by the Executive com-mittee, which appoints a ShowDirector to co-ordinate the activitiesnecessary to plan and organise theexhibition. The championship of thesetwo committees is rotated among thefour stakeholders with every exhibi-tion, 2004 being the Air Forces' respon-sibility. Lt Gen Roelf Beukes, the Chiefof the SA Air Force, heads up thePolicy Committee while the GOC Air

Command, Maj Gen "Lappies"Labuschagne, chairs the ExecutiveCommittee.

South Africans can look forward toan exhibition and air display of inter-national standard that has no equal onthe African continent. It is a show thatexemplifies Proudly South Africanand will showcase the tenth anniver-sary of our democracy - the first publicday falls on Heritage Day, Friday, 24September 2004. More informationregarding the AAD 2004 can be foundYouth Programme busy with scale model, “Make and Take”.


45

on the exhibition's official website at:www.aadexpo.co.za.

Youth programmeA policy decision to improve the

corporate social investment of theAAD has led to the establishment of ayouth committee under Col BobbyKeller of the SAMHS, a committee thatis working hard at many youth relatedactivities. Youth programmes and theAAD are synonymous with the highlysuccessful aviation awareness pro-gramme of the SA Air Force -Siyandiza, which will be presented atthe show.

A new approach is envisaged for2004 with an integrated youth pro-gramme, which will also allow partici-pation by all youth at the show. Thefocus of the youth programme is sci-ence, mathematics, technology, as wellas awareness of careers in the defenceand aviation industry. The followingparticipation is planned:

Programmes for the land, sea andair industry. High school Grade 10 to 12 learn-ers to participate. Presenting a "Scale Model Makeand Take" for a thousand childrenof the Youth Programme.Youth participation during thepublic days.

The projects available for the youth

to participate in will be:The creation of a 1 by 2 m art panelin any medium depicting "10 Yearsof Freedom" or "Defence in aDemocracy".The building and painting of aplastic scale model kit of a 1/72-scale model armoured vehicle, a1/72-scale model aircraft and a1/700-scale ship model. A paper plane diorama made ofscrap material. Design, building and demonstra-tion of a science, mathematics ortechnology project of a futuristicdefence or aviation solution.Pipe or brass bands of schools,wargaming tournaments, personalcomputer LAN strategy and virtu-al aviation competition. The youth will present their pro-jects at the stalls for judging, aswell as communicate them to thetrade delegations on the trade daysand to the general public on thepublic days.

SANDF RecreationChampionships 2004

The first SANDF RecreationChampionships was held in 2003, asthe start of the activation of recreation-al activities for soldiers in their leisuretime. The event was hosted by theSAAF Museum, Zwartkop, and fiftymembers from units countrywide

entered the various categories.The next championships will take

place from 21 to 25 September 2004during the AAD at Waterkloof AirForce Base. Services, Divisions,Formations and Units are invited toprepare their teams in advance for therespective categories and are chal-lenged to compete against the currentchampions at the 2004 event. The fol-lowing categories will be presented atthe championships:

Virtual Aviation. A competitionflight plan will be flown over thefive days and all virtual aviatorsare invited to enter the competi-tion. Battlefield re-enactment. A varietyof eras and forces will be enactedas demonstrations and as part ofthe competition. Militaria collecting. A wide selec-tion of items will be on displayand entered as part of the competi-tion. Wargaming. Team and individualwargamers are invited to enter forthe various tournaments.Warhammer, Mechwarrior, DBM,ancients, etc will be available. Scale modelling. During 2004 alarge competition is envisaged forall the SANDF scale modellers. Acompetition for all scales andclasses will be available.For SANDF members who want to

make a start in the above recreationactivities there will also be develop-mental projects. Members will beissued with scale models to build andpaint, workshops, etc will be present-ed on wargaming, virtual aviation andwargaming. There are a large numberof modellers, wargamers, militariaand battlefield re-enactment enthusi-asts in the Reserve Force that can par-ticipate. We hope to see increased par-ticipation from members of theReserve Force in 2004.

Other recreational activitiesplanned for SANDF members dependon the registration and interest:

Slot car racing track will be avail-able for a championship race.LAN gaming network will beavailable for a strategy game com-petition.Doll's house collecting competi-


SANDF Recreation Championships.


46

Africa Militaire.

tion will be available.Restored military vehicles andequipment by SANDF membersand museums.There will be awards, prizes and

trophies available in all categories forindividuals, formations and units.There are many members activelyinvolved in these activities in theSANDF, who are not yet registeredwith the recreation chairperson to par-ticipate in recreational activities. Forgeneral information about recreationand to register for the championshipcontact the SANDF ChairpersonRecreation, Col Bobby Keller. To findout more about the recreational activ-ities please contact the following:

Virtual aviation - Lt Col HarryMole at tel no: 012 312 2767.Battlefield re-enactment - ColTrevor Dawes at tel no: 012 6723596.Militaria collecting - Col DudleyWall at tel no: 012 674 5574.Wargaming - Maj Conrad vanRensburg at tel no: 012 312 2610.Scale modelling - Lt Col WilliamMarshall at tel no: 012 674 5638.

Masibambisane The Recreation Championship

participants during the event willshow their support for the DOD'sHIV/AIDS awareness campaign bywearing their Masibambisane T-shirtsas official dress for the event. Thetheme for the 2004 RecreationChampionships is: "Contributingtowards a Healthy MilitaryCommunity". The theme confirmsthat recreation forms an integral partof military training to contribute tothe development of personality, theattainment of good health, and theimprovement of physical attributes,greater personal fulfilment and a bet-ter and more wholesome utilisation ofleisure time.

The identified potential aviators ofthe AAD Youth Programme willeventually end up in careers in theDOD. It is therefore imperative thatthey adopt a healthy lifestyle at anearly stage to ensure a good healthstatus by the time they report for ser-vice. Various activities are planned forthe youth programme to create aware-

ness for HIV/AIDS.

Africa Militaire 2004Africa Militaire will join this nation-

al ten years of democracy celebrationprogramme by planning the largestscale modelling, model train, toy, col-lectables, militaria, book, multimediaand military preservation show everto be presented in the SouthernHemisphere. A few highlights so far:

Revell will be appointed as thePatron of the First Plastic ScaleModelling World Championshipto be presented.A special feature will be the dis-play of the internationallyacclaimed "Suffering of War" pho-tographic portrayal of the Anglo-Boer War hosted by the WarMuseum in Bloemfontein. Alaunch of the book, signed by theauthors, containing the 182 pho-tographs, will be done during theAfrica Militaire.The following will be on display at

the AAD:The display and competition of3 000 scale models will be comple-mented by unique scale modelclinics and workshops.MILCON: A national levelwargaming championship with a"Golden Zulu" model competition. Working model train layouts. A slot car racing championship.Display of restored military vehi-cles and motorcycles.International and national model

(Continued from page 45) and militaria traders with books,magazines, comics, collectables,cards, toys, etc.Exhibitions by military museumsand historical societies.A LAN gaming and virtual avia-tion network.Battlefield re-enactment demon-strations including the "Age ofArtillery" exhibition.A variety of veterans, ReserveForce, military, cultural and histor-ical exhibitors with military bandsperforming.The following prestigious awardswill be available:Best of class winners - Shaka ZuluStatue.Best category winners - AfricaMilitaire Shield.Special Awards - The Sword of JobMasego and The Spear of Africa.

Contact details For more information about the

Youth Programme, the SANDFRecreation Championship and theAfrica Militaire contact the followingpersons: Col Bobby Keller at tel no: 012671 5493, 083 661 5694 or email: [email protected] or Capt KobusKapp at Cell no: 083 450 8905 or email:[email protected] or AnelgaPenwarden at tel no: 012 671 5493 orfax no: 012 663 8552. Please visit ourweb site: www.africamilitaire.net foron-line registration to participate inthe various programmes and informa-tion about all the events.

Armscor Advert (Repeat page 48

Aug 2004) now on page 47

Page 48use AAD Ad

(Repeat Advert, Aug 04,page 47

now on page 48)

Documents

SSAA SSOOLLDDIIEERR · 2018-07-17 · Ramano farewell on page 14. Everyone at SA SOLDIER also bids welcome to our newly appointed Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke. According