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

Letters:feedback from our readers

SA extends peacekeeping operations in Africa

Publications to keepcrews up to date

South Africa and Algeria foster ties

Defence attachésvisit Admiral Mudimu

2006Budget Cycle

The arrival of our first submarine

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20 Visit ofOpinion formers

Mobility/Exit Mechanism

New vision fora modern army

Join in the fun - - Navy Festival

Education:a dialogue

Adventureof flying

Taximplications

British cricket players defeated

Remembering fallen heroes of SS MENDI

Military veterans study English

South Africans diving in dry dock

Premier of the Eastern Capebecame Honorary Colonel

Spouses of generals provide guidance

First African woman coxswain for naval vessel

Halve poverty and unemployment by 2014

ExerciseDESEX

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STREET ADDRESS

Defence Headquartersc/o Nossob and Boeing StErasmuskloofPRETORIA

POSTAL ADDRESS

SA SOLDIERPrivate Bag X158PRETORIA, 0001

TELEPHONE

Tel: 012 355 6341 Fax: 012 355 6399email: sasoldier@mil.za

website: www.sasoldier.mil.za

EDITORIAL STAFF

Editor: Ms Nelda Pienaar

Editorial Staff: Ms Nomonde Vuthela F Sgt David NomtshongwanaSgt Lebohang LetaoanaRfn Arnaus Rakoma

Text Editor: Mr Eugene 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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Distribution: Mr Jim Tshabalala Tel: 012 355 6341

Layout & Design: Mr Werner v/d Westhuizen

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EDITORIAL BOARD

Brig Gen K.D. Mangope (Chairperson)Col L.W. MagxwalisaCol L. Xabanisa

Ms N. Pienaar Cdr B. StocktonMaj J. du ToitMaj R.M. MolefeMs J. Render

Mr W. van der WesthuizenF Sgt D. NomtshongwanaMs L. Phasha (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 neces-sarily represent those of the Department of Defence (DOD). Acceptance andpublication of advertorial and advertising matter in SA SOLDIER does not con-stitute DOD endorsement or warranty in respect of goods or services thereindescribed. The DOD does not assume any liability in respect of any claims madein advertisements.

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

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For the latest news on defence matters in South Africa,

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

FRONT COVER: Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence, and Lt Greylingvan den Berg, SO1 Internal Communication Naval Base Simon’s Towninspecting the Guard of Honour at the arrival of our first submarine, SASMANTHATISI. Read more about this joyous day on pages 16 to 18. (Photo: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole)

Some of the crew members of the S101 Submarine, SAS MANTHATISI, on their arrival at Simon’s Town.

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From the Editor's desk

elcome to the May 2006 edition of SASoldier. We are celebrating our fifthanniversary as the official monthly mag-azine of the Department of Defence! Wewill continue to inform and profile theworld of Defence as seen through theeyes of a South African soldier. Thank

you for being our readers and for your support.Never forget that SA Soldier is your publication andyour contributions will always be welcome.

This month's birthday edition is packed with hours ofblissful reading. In this edition we celebrate thehomecoming of our first submarine - the SAS MAN-THATISI. After 49 days and 6 600 nautical miles, thefirst of three submarines bought in terms of theStrategic Defence Packages, arrived in Simon's Townfrom Germany via Norway on 7 April 2006. Readmore about this emotional day on pages 16 to 18.

The South African Government has extended itstroop deployments in various peacekeeping opera-tions in Africa for another year. SA Soldier wants tothank our loyal soldiers on deployment for beingsuch great ambassadors for our country and conti-nent. Read more about this extension on page 10.

We would also like to welcome Ms NosimoBalindlela, the Premier of the Eastern Cape, as thefirst woman Premier to be appointed as an HonoraryColonel in the SAMHS and the first woman of theArea Military Health Unit Eastern Cape. Read moreabout this parade on pages 24 and 25.

Do not forget to read the informative article on thebudget vote on pages 14 and 15.

See the back page to enter our second Spot the Ballsoccer competition. Let those entries roll in!

Thanks to the Editorial Team of SA Soldier for theircommitment, passion and hard work. I would alsolike to thank the Editorial Board and all our readersfor their valuable contributions in making SA Soldiersuch a popular magazine.

Keep it up!

Nelda PienaarEditor

We a le amohela kgatisong ya Motshehanong2006 ya SA Soldier. Re keteka boteng ba ronaba selemo sa bohlano jwalo ka makasine wakgwedi le kgwedi wa semmuso wa Lefapha laTshireletso! Re se re kgwele letswele jwale rehahabela mohatong wa ho ya sekolong. Releboha babadi ba rona nakong eo re neng re sa

hola ka yona. Se ke la lebala hore SA Soldier ke kgatisoya lona mme diphehiso tsa lona di tla dula di amohelwa.

Kgatiso ya kgwedi ena e tletse dingolwa tsa ho ka balwadihorahora. Re boetse re keteka ho tla hae ha sekepe satlase ho metsi - SAS MANTHATISI. Kamora matsatsi a49 le dimaele tsa metsing tse 6 600, submarine ya pele hotse tharo tse rekilweng ho ya ka 'Strategic DefencePackages' se fihlile Simon's Town ho tswa Jeremane sefetile le Norway ka 7 Mmesa 2006. Bala haholwanyaneka letsatsi lena le neng le le monate maqepheng a 16 hoya ho 18.

Mmuso wa Afrika Borwa o ekeditse masole a ona bak-eng sa mesebetsi e mmalwa ya ho boloka kgotso Afrikabakeng sa selemo se seng hape. SA Soldier e rata holeboha masole a tshepahalang a thomong ka ho babaemedi ba baholo ba naha ya rona le kontinente. Balahaholwanyane ka keketso ena leqepheng la 10.

Re boetse re rata ho amohela Mof Nosimo Balindlela,Tonakgolo ya Kapa Botjhabela jwalo ka Tonakgolo yapele ya mosadi ho kgethwa jwaloka Kolonele yaHlomphehang ka hare ho SAMHS ebile e le mosadi wapele ka hare ho Area Military Health Unit Eastern Cape.Bala haholwanyane ka pareite ena maqepheng a 24 le 25.

Se ke wa lebala ho bala sengolwa se rutang ka tekanyet-so kabo (bajete) maqepheng a 14 le 15.

Sheba leqephe la ho qetela bakeng sa ho kenela tlhodis-ano ya bobedi ya bolo ya Spot the Ball. Romelangdiforomo tseo ka bongata hle!

Madume ho Sehlopha sa Bohlophisi sa SA Soldier bak-eng sa boitelo ba bona, lerato le tshebetso e matla. Keboetse ke rata ho leboha Boto ya Bohlophisi le babadibohle ba rona bakeng sa diphehiso tsa bona tse molemohore SA Soldier e be makasine e tummeng hakale.Tswelang pele!

Nelda PienaarMohlophisi

Ho tswaho Mohlophisi

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feedback

Winning letter

Make the world a better place

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

To be part of this world is one of thegreatest things to make one happy andto make others want to be associatedwith us because the Almighty gave usdifferent skills so as to make the worlda better place for all of us. We all havetalents that bring out the good in eachof us.

God created us and gave us theworld, intelligence and power to makelife better around us. He gave every-body a piece of sunshine to live for andto love ourselves and other people. Weshould therefore rather look after otherpeople and not look down on them. Healso gave us many talents to use andhelp us to live a better life and improve

Some would say that it was in the lineof duty. Others would just say theycame on account of their country's rep-utation and support or that they wereonly attracted by the money theywould earn and hence improve theirlifestyle.

These reasons have nothing wrongin themselves, but we should see thesacrifice of South African soldiers whowere deployed in peacekeeping mis-sion in Burundi with human eyes andtreat them more fairly. Those werepeople like all of us, who have got fam-ilies and other related responsibilities.They had to forget the rest and committheir lives to the people of Burundi.

I have always prayed hard not to bemarried to a soldier. By the time I cameto live with those brave people, whounlike the young men of the Bible,went, left everything else behind,including their spouses and children,for unknown destinations and came to

They really deserve praise and appreciation

us in this world. A typical example is achild, because when he is born hishands are closed, but later his handswill be opened to show that he is usingthe talent that God gave him. You cando your own thing with your skills tobe successful in life and live a betterlife. Stop looking at other people anduse the talent that God gave you.

If you keep on looking at other peo-ple, you will eventually forget that youare talented too and you will nevermake a success of your own life. Usingyour own talents will ensure that theworld becomes a better place for you -Rfn P.H. Damente, 6 SAI Bn (currentlydeployed with 9 SAI Bn in Burundi).

rescue the Burundians, I realised thateven the smallest thing that is taken forgranted is actually God's plan and gift.Those people were acting not for moneyor their country's reputation, but out oflove and humanity: anything wouldhave happened to those soldiers includ-ing losing their lives. Thanks to the VIPProtection Unit, so many Burundianswere confident enough to come backhome after a long period of exile rangingfrom less than five years to more thanthirty years.

Some people would treat them asevil, but I am here to testify for them.They integrated easily into familieswhere they were deployed despite thegap between Burundian and SouthAfrican culture and regardless of theirbackground. They could care for theprotected VIP and their families not as aburden they have carry, but as an activi-ty they really enjoyed and were willingto do it effectively and efficiently. They

would care even for the smallest mem-ber of the family: little kids. They couldplay with them as with their own chil-dren, nicknaming them as if they weretheir own kids or the kids they wishedto have once back home. They reallydeserve praise and appreciation!

These people suffered silently. Theyendured loneliness. When the worldcelebrated year end parties, Christmasand New Year, you could see how sadthey were. Some could endlessly callhome while those who were not strongenough (and given they were off duty)could just drink and smoke heavily totry to forget how happy the rest of theirfamilies were on these get-togetheroccasions, while they were in a foreignland where some would not evenrecognise their efforts or treat them justas mercenaries! They really gave thebest of their time and effort to the peo-ple of Burundi.

They are worthy of admiration,including their families who kept theirhomes running smoothly while theirspouses were far away, and above allthe South African Government, whichnot only facilitated the negotiation pro-cess, but also assured the necessary fol-low-up by deploying their means andmen to make peace in Burundi a reality.

May the Almighty God bless SouthAfrica and give lasting peace toBurundi and the whole of Africa -Marie Jeanne Ndikumana, Burundi.

I am Colonel B. Gqoboka, the DefenceAdviser to the Permanent Mission ofSouth Africa at the United Nations. It isvery important to me as DefenceAdviser always to maintain contactwith the developments and currentaffairs that are taking place in the DOD.

I therefore request that a monthlycopy of SA Soldier be sent to theDefence Adviser Office in New York -Col B. Gqoboka, Defence Adviser to thePermanent Mission of South Africa tothe United Nations.

* Thank you for your interest in ourmagazine. Your first copies of SA Soldierare already in the post - Ed.

With complimentsfrom SA Soldier

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On 24 November 2005 a new baby wasborn for the ASB Bloemfontein -Cheetah - the new magazine for ourbase.

According to Capt M.M.Se-maushu, the CommunicationOfficer of ASB Bloemfontein, it wasearly 2005 when she thought of havingsuch a magazine for her unit.

Cheetah is the official quarterlymagazine for ASB Bloemfontein.

The General Officer Commanding,Brig Gen M.M. Moadira, launched themagazine at Tempe Church.

The day was celebrated fully byunit members and we all enjoyed

Launch of Cheetah magazine

Flying from South Africa on 15 Oct-ober 2005 to the Sudan I saw differentpeople, animals, terrain and weatherchanging very drastically, and the veg-etation is so dispersed that to employsection or platoon attacks can makethings difficult. Thank God and ourDefence Force for the opportunity todeploy in the Darfur region of theSudan.

The Sudan can be described as adesert, a very hot and sandy country.

The Sudan - the country to talkabout:

People: Extremely dark in colour,lean and hungry (slender) and verystrong physically. The language is pre-dominantly Arabic and their religionis Muslim for the most part. Theyrespect their culture and they are verysecretive: it is not easy for them todivulge what is happening in theirlives in general. Donkeys are utilisedas transport, eg to fetch water, woodand reeds, and for movement from oneplace to another. Women use donkeysthe most.

Terrain: Sandy, mountainous inother place, eg Kutum where our RSANational Contingent HQ is situated toEl Fasher where the ForceHeadquarters (FHQ) is situated. But

from Mellit where the other compo-nent of our Protection Force is locatedto El Fasher the place is sandy and flat.Most of the mountains resemble thehumps of a camel. Driving in this ter-rain is difficult because there are noroads, only tracks. Only the 4x4 vehi-cles drive on these tracks.

Animals: Camels are everywhere.There are goats with big udders andsheep with long tails. Donkeys aremore numerous than any other ani-mal, and horses are used to pull carts.

Weather: Temperatures can rise upto 40 degrees Celsius during the dayand drop to 6 degrees Celsius duringthe night. All in all, the entire place isextremely hot. The season changesfrom December to February (winter)whereas back home it is hot summer.In my experience winter and summeris one and the same, because there isnot a vast difference, as it is alwayshot. In March dust can be seen almost300 feet up in the air and everything isdusty.

There is a lot I can write about thisplace (the Sudan), but time does notallow for that - Pte Gaobonewe M.Mothoagae, 10 SAI Bn (RSA NationalContingent in the Sudan: African Mission in Sudan).

Transformation Africa gatheredmomentum in South Africa on 21March 2001 at the Newlands RugbyStadium, when a record 45 000Christians prayed for Cape Town. In2002 Christians gathered in eight dif-ferent stadiums across South Africa. In2003 millions of Christians across 28African countries united in prayer andin 2004 all 56 African countries (includ-ing the islands) prayed for God's bless-ing on Africa.

Then Africa invited the world tojoin hands with the African continentin a Global Day of Prayer. On 15 May2005 Christians from all denominationsin more than 156 countries united inprayer to ask God to bless the nations…so that the earth will be filled withthe knowledge of the glory of the Lord(Hab 2:14). This event marked thegreatest Christian gathering in theworld, with more than 220 millionChristians praying together. People'slives where changed at these eventsand miracles occurred in churches,denominations and towns.

Now the second phase of this pro-cess will start: five years of global par-ticipation from 2006 - 2010. The mainobjective is to have all 220 countries inthe world participating to "GlobalisePrayer, revealing God's Glory" onPentecost Sunday of each year.

The following threefold strategywill be followed:1. 10 Days of repentance and prayer -

This will start on Ascension Dayand will end the day beforePentecost Sunday. One of the goalswill be to establish a "lifestyle ofprayer."

2. Global Day of Prayer - onPentecost Sunday: 4 June 2006.

3. 90 Days of Blessing - Local com-munities and the youth will takeownership in projects to transformtheir city or town.Transformation Africa invites you

to join hands with us to pray for theworld.

For more information visit: www.transformationafrica.com or phone(021) 856 3130 for the details from yourlocal organiser - Isabel Kilian, Transformation Africa Media Liaison.

Global Day of Prayer

ourselves. The magazine will be usedas a communication tool for ourmembers, who will be able to raiseissues and write poems and sto-ries to promote the image ofASB Bloemfontein.

It is a privilege for me to be thefirst editor of Cheetah. Lots of copieswere distributed to other units inBloemfontein.

To make this magazine alive weneed your inputs.

The second issue will bepublished on 1 April 2006 - Capt M.M. Semaushu, Communica-tion Officer ASB Bloemfontein.

Deployed in the Sudan

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Col Elvis Mfaniseni Mathaba took overcommand of DOD Mobilisation Centrefrom Lt Col Schutte, who was theActing Officer Commanding since thedeparture of Brig Gen S.J.W. vanSchalkwyk in December 2003. Brig GenVan Schalkwyk is currently the GeneralOfficer Commanding of Joint SupportBase Garrison at Thaba Tshwane.

The change of command paradewas held on 15 December 2005 and wasgraced by the presence of the GeneralOfficer Commanding DOD LogisticSupport Formation, Brig Gen J.T.Nkonyane and Col C.N. Mhatu, theOfficer Commanding of 44 ParachuteRegiment. This occasion followed the

Handing over the reignshanding and taking over that was held atDOD Main Ordnance Sub Depot Durbanon 2 December 2005 between Col E.M.Mathaba and Lt Col R. Goruknath, whowere also among the guests on 15December. Some of the OfficersCommanding of the various units undercommand of the Logistic SupportFormation also came to honour this occa-sion in support of their counterpart.

Col Mathaba was born at Empangeni(Cinci Reserve) on 8 October 1963. Hecompleted Std 8 at IkusasalethuSecondary School in Mtubatuba. From1981 to 1983 he worked as a machineoperator for Apex Foundry at Mandeni.He joined the South African Defence

Force in May 1983 at 121 Battalion. Hethen resumed his studies as a part-timestudent and passed his matric in 1987.

During 1990 he progressed to therank of a Sergeant in the OrdnanceService Corps. In 1999 he was amongthe first four black officers from 121 SAInfantry Battalion to undergo theOfficers Formative Course at ArmyGymnasium in Heidelberg. On comple-tion of this course he became aLieutenant and was selected for studiesat the Military Academy in Saldanha.He obtained a Bachelor of Mili-tary Science Degree in 1994 and wasvoted the best third-year studentin Economics. In 2001 Col Mathaba

During 2005 I had a chance to face therealities of deployment and as a facili-tator of leadership myself, I was taskedto watch and understand the chal-lenges our own forces had to facewhilst deployed, especially the leaders.Our soldiers made me proud dailywith their amazing commitment.

We were deployed in Burundi dur-ing the country's transitional period ofelections and I experienced the pride ofour brave lions. My troops of 4 SAInfantry Battalion were always hungryfor challenges and they would go out inthe early hours of the morning to bringpeace and stability and I would bestanding at the Palace Base's gate salut-ing them and telling them to come backsafe to me because when we go home, Iwould like to go back with them to"Souza". Challenges were there, manyof them, but I realised that nothing wasimpossible if we all pulled togetherwith one heart, one aim and one visionand mission, which is to achievethe goal of our country and the Defen-ce Force of maintaining peace andstability on our continent. But all ofthese are only made possible throughleadership.

There are many definitions of lead-ership, but this one suits this contribu-tion best: "Leadership is the art of influ-encing people to do more than whatthey believe they can do". This defini-tion makes leaders realise that it is theirduty as leaders to ensure the produc-tivity of subordinates and the successof every mission to be completed.

Leadership versus DeploymentDeployment is also one of the many

tasks where the leader leads soldiers invery adverse conditions, compared tothe comfortable or rather familiar onesback at home. Soldiers during deploy-ment are out in a war-torn country torestore peace and serve their continent.The situation in itself is life threatening,uncomfortable and very lonely in mostinstances.

In a deployment situation, leadershave their work cut out for them to tryand influence soldiers to outperformthemselves daily and also to stay posi-tive at all times, no matter what the situ-ation might be. The large number of sol-diers under one's command, despite thestaff or lower management, chain ofcommand and the advantages of delega-tion also increases the workload as sol-diers might need to see the commanderface to face at times. In a deployment sit-uation men and women on the groundface many challenges.

The distance from family, the inabili-ty to attend to family challenges, such asa sick partner, a child or close relative oreven attend funerals of relatives, the lackof proper time to grieve the loss of aloved one and also of inability to get per-sonally involved in sorting out problemsfacing the family may bring a lot of ten-sion for individuals.

A leader faces these challenges andhe or she must influence soldiers to beable to function despite their challenges.In comparison to such psychological andfragile conditions a leader needs to beself-motivated and be able to push his or

her people to the limit to succeed in theexecution of the mission.

The scenario of a leader, who mightbe a laissez-faire leader, produces con-fused and frustrated managers whohave no direction and end up fightingeach other regarding their roles. Theyend up losing respect for the leaderwho, even when he addresses them,they choose to ignore. They end up nottrusting him or giving him any support.This might lead to managers not beingable to attend to the challenges of thesoldiers, and morale will go down withthe pressures on them. The situationmay lead to an explosion of many badthings in which lives could be lost andinfighting occurs. A lack of interest inthe work results such that people nolonger obey commands and the leaderdoes nothing about it and it becomesthe norm.

Groups might erupt, and lack ofcohesion and more and more frustra-tion for those trying to do the workmight increase. This might add to allthe pressures brought on by distancefrom families and the situation of thehost country and challenges that nor-mally happen between humans work-ing together, such that the success ofthe mission might be at stake. Thismight affect the image of the SANDF,and the country as well.

Leaders should be taught orreminded how to lead their soldiers intimes like these. Through the years theSA Army has come to know and under-stand the challenges that our soldiers

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Taking over the reigns Joint Tactical Head-quarters EasternCape held its sec-ond change of com-mand parade sinceits inception on 24February 2006.

Maj Gen BarneyHlatshwayo, GOCJoint OperationalHeadquarters, en-trusted Col Mon-wabisi Mbeki withthe command ofJoint Tactical Head-quarters Eastern

into the SANDF in 1994 he was postedto 14 SA Infantry Battalion. He servedas SO2 Ops and CompanyCommander at 14 SAI Bn from 1994 to1995. In 1995 he was appointed as SO2Ops at Group 46. He remained in thispost until 1998. He was CompanyCommander at 14 SAI Bn until 2000.From 2000 to 2001 he was the SO2Area Protection at Regional Joint TaskForce South and then SO1 Ops atGroup 46 until 2004. He did the JointSenior Command and StaffProgramme in 2004. In 2005 he wasappointed as the second in commandat Joint Ops Tactical Head-quartersEastern Cape and in 2006 he wasappointed as the Officer Commanding- By Mariet Vermaak, Joint TacticalHeadquarters Eastern Cape.

South AfricanSoldier ClassifiedsTo advertise in the South AfricanSoldier Classifieds, please write youradvert in fewer than 200 charactersand send it together with your contactdetails and force number to:SA Soldier, Advertisements, PrivateBag X158, Pretoria, 0001, or email:sasoldier@mil.za, or Fax: (012) 3556399. The Editor reserves the right towithhold any inappropriate material.Adverts could be published withinthree months. SA Soldier does notaccept any responsibility for any loss-es suffered or damages incurred as aresult of any published classifieds.

Attention

DOD members!Free of charge

and leaders face out there and mea-sures should be implemented to equipour deploying leaders to handle them.Leadership training should be an inte-gral part of retraining when soldierstrain for deployment. At least theBattalion Commander, Second inCommand, Regimental Sergeant-Major, Chaplain and CompanyCommander and his Second inCommand should have a three-dayrevision session on leadership to studythe transformational leadership anddelegation modules. The LCAMPSSection is a very important tool of theSA Army currently available to equipleaders with the necessary leadershipskills.

A transformational leader will notfind the work easier, but at least he willbe equipped to utilise different leader-ship styles to lead the soldiers and alsoto use or delegate his or her manage-ment to assist the soldiers to producequality work. Leaders must be awareof the impact their style of leader-ship has on their subordinates and themission.

Leaders should understand thatthe effectiveness of soldiers and thesuccess of the mission depend directlyon their leadership. Only the leaderwho is aware of himself or herself, andwho develops and equips himself orherself in his or her leadership stylewill be the best driver towards achiev-ing the mandate of the SA Army - Capt D.P. Mashigo, Army Office,LCAMPS Section.

Col Monwabisi Mbeki (left) and Col Zamile Vellem.

Cape with effect from 1 January 2006.Col Mbeki took over command fromCol Zamile Vellem. Col Vellem wasOfficer Commanding from 1 January2005 to 31 December 2005. Col Vellemwas appointed as the Officer Com-manding of 21 Squadron (Waterkloof AFB).

Col Mbeki was born in Libode on 6December 1956. He completed hisschool career at Victor Poto SeniorSecondary School in Libode. He startedhis military career in the TranskeiDefence Force on 16 February 1978. Hedid his officer's, platoon commander'sand company courses at the TranskeiSchool of Infantry. He was Headquar-ters Company Commander at a peaceforce contingent in Bloemfontein andJohannesburg in 1994. After integration

completed his Hons B Com (Eco-nomics) through Unisa. He is currentlystudying for his Masters in Organi-sation and Resource Managementthrough the Military Academy(University of Stellenbosch).

He served at 121 SAI Bn in variouslogistic capacities, including as logisticofficer up to the rank of Captain (1983-1996). He also served at Group 10 HQas a logistic officer up the rank ofMajor (1997-1999). Between 2002 and2004 he served at DOD Main Ordi-nance Sub Depot Durban as second incommand and Officer Commanding.

He then left to become the OfficerCommanding of DOD Mobilisation

Centre in Bloemfontein from January2005.

Col Mathaba has completed thefollowing military courses: all logisticcourses up to Module 8, the IntegratedSub Unit Commanders Course, theJCSD Course theory and practical andthe Senior Command and StaffCourse, which he did in Nigeria. Hehas been honoured with the followingmedals: the Pro Patria Medal, theSouthern Cross Medal, the GeneralService Medal, the Ten Years GoodService Medal and the UNITASMedal. He is married to Ethel andthey are blessed with five children - Lt Col E.S. Matomane, Lyttelton.

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Our soldiers off to the ComorosBy Lethube Phasha

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

On 17 March 2006 the first group ofthe SANDF left for the ComoroIslands where they will assist with theupcoming elections. To bid themfarewell and wish them good luckwere our country's Deputy President,Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, andthe Deputy Minister for Minerals andEnergy, Ms Lulama Xingwana,accompanied by the Secretary for

Article courtesy DOD Bulletin

The South African Government hasextended its troop deployments invarious peacekeeping operations inAfrica for another year.

The Government spokesman, MrJoel Netshitenzhe, gave the informa-tion to journalists after the executive'sfortnightly meeting in Cape Town inMarch 2006.

The Government took note of theoperations in Burundi, Côte d'Ivoire,the Democratic Republic of Congo(DRC) and the Sudan to bring peaceand democracy to those countries.

The Government pledged to con-tinue to support the processes byagreeing to the deployment of 950members of the South African

SA extends peacekeeping operations

Defence, Mr January Masilela, and LtGen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SAArmy (representing the Chief of theSANDF).

As our soldiers prepared to departto help safeguard the elections in theComoros the Deputy President, onbehalf of the President, the Govern-ment and the people of South Africa,thanked the soldiers for serving thepeople of South Africa and our country.

With this group a number ofMilitary Skills Development (MSD)Programme recruits also form part of

Front, fltr: Ms Lulama Xingwana, the Deputy Minister of Minerals and Energy,

Mr January Masilela, the Secretary for Defence, and the Deputy President,

Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, with the deploying soldiers behind them at

Waterkloof AFB.

National Defence Force (SANDF) aspart of the United Nations (UN) opera-tions in Burundi. This will be extendedto 31 March 2007.

It further agreed to the deploymentuntil 31 March 2007 of 46 members ofthe SANDF in support of the disarma-ment, demobilisation, reintegrationand mediation process in Côte d'Ivoire.

In the DRC the present deploymentof 110 SANDF members will beextended, and fourteen more memberswill be deployed, also until 31 March2007, in support of two projects for theintegration and military training of thearmed forces of the DRC.

The Government also agreed toextend the deployment of 339 SANDFmembers as part of the African Union(AU) Mission in the Sudan, again until

31 March 2007. The South AfricanGovernment approved the deploy-ment of 371 SANDF members from15 March to 30 June 2006 as part ofthe AU Military Force in the Comoresto assist in ensuring a secure envir-onment conducive to credible, freeand fair presidential elections,Mr Netshitenzhe said.

* The IsiXhosa version of this article isavailable on page 38. To obtain a transla-tion of this article or any article publishedin SA SOLDIER in any one of our officiallanguages, please make use of the profes-sional services rendered by Director-ate Language Services of the DOD. Forassistance contact Col Daan Vorster,Director Language Services, at tel no:(012) 392 3176 - Ed.

the contingent of soldiers that wereflying out. With them were a couple ofmembers of the Reserve Force servingtheir country. This is the DOD's way ofputting young blood into the SANDFand this is proving to be working well.It is the third time that MSDProgramme recruits are beingdeployed. The Secretary for Defencesaid that South Africa was the eliténation on this mission, meaning thatSouth Africa would be deploying 371soldiers. However, Rwanda will alsobe contributing forces. These soldierswill be deployed in all the threeislands, and our soldiers will be therefor a further two weeks after the elec-tions and the inauguration of the pres-ident on 26 March 2006. An additionaltwo groups flew out on 21 and 23March 2006.

* The Setswana version of this articleis available on page 38. To obtain a trans-lation of this article or any article pub-lished in SA SOLDIER in any one of ourofficial languages, please make use of theprofessional services rendered byDirectorate Language Services of theDOD. For assistance contact Col DaanVorster, Director Language Services, attel no: (012) 392 3176 - Ed.

clippings

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

11

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

The Minister of Defence, Mr MosiuoaLekota, and his counterpart, MrAndre Flahaut, the Minister ofDefence of the Kingdom of Belgium,signed the bilateral agreementbetween these two countries atDefence Headquarters in Pretoria on28 February 2006.

Mr Lekota said the longstandingpartnership between South Africa andBelgium was aimed at further devel-oping the agreement to continue mili-tary co-operation for an environ-ment conducive to democracy, pro-gress and development across theAfrican continent.

Both Belgium and South Africa arekey participants in the Security SectorReform (SSR) Work Group of theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)Partnership Group, which includesAngola, the Netherlands, theEuropean Union, the UK, the USAand France.

"This signing ceremony also

SA and Belgium agreement

Clockwise from left: Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Chief of the SA Air Force,

Lt Gen Sipho Binda, Chief of Joint Operations, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya,

the Chief of the SANDF, Mr January Masilela, Secretary for Defence,

Mr Andre Flahaut, Minister of Defence of the Kingdom of Belgium, and

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence.

affirms our common commitment tothe peaceful resolution of conflicts,whether internationally, continentallyor regionally.

This agreement is furthermore a

tangible outcome of the JointDeclaration made by President Mbekiand Prime Minister Verhofstadt inBrussels on 16 November 2004," saidMinister Lekota.

By Lt Maryke Lynn, Ad Astra

A project to provide reading materialin the form of magazines to Air Forcemembers, and especially helicoptercrews serving in Burundi, was initiat-ed by Director Helicopter Systems,Brig Gen H.T. Paine, in 2005. In theinterest of morale, since many of thesemembers spend up to three months ata time beyond South Africa's borders,it is important for members to beclued up and informed about what ishappening back home.

Mr Sagren Moonsamy, who is thePretoria Branch Manager of SouthAfrica's biggest magazine distributionorganisation, the Republican NewsAgency, got involved by supplyingthe SA Air Force with a variety of

Publications to keep crews up to date

Fltr: WO1 F.R. Schutte, Mr Sagren Moonsamy, Pretoria

Branch Manager of Republican News Agency, and

WO1 Whitey van Heerden.

m a g a z i n e son a month-ly basis. MrMoonsamysaid that itwas the dutyof the corpo-rate world tosupport thearmed for-ces. "This isjust one ofthe smallways inwhich wewould liketo show ourappreciation for what you are doingover there," he said.

In future these magazines will also

be sent to Air Force members in theDemocratic Republic of Congo (DRC)and the Sudan.

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12

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

South Africa and Algeria foster ties

Compiled by Lebohang Letaoana

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

he South African/AlgerianJoint Committee in charge ofco-operation in the field ofdefence held its second meet-ing in Pretoria on 2 and 3March 2006.

The meeting was led bythe two co-chairmen, the Secretary forDefence, Mr January Masilela, and theAlgerian Adviser to the Minister ofNational Defence, Maj Gen MohamedZenakhri.

In his opening remarks MrMasilela said: "I firmly believe that theestablishment of the SouthAfrican/Algerian Joint DefenceCommittee in 2003 was a very impor-tant confidence and security building

Tmechanism that played a critical rolein maintaining and expanding ourdefence diplomatic relationship".

He then added: "Since the estab-lishment of diplomatic relationsbetween the two countries in 1997,substantial progress has been madeand a lot achieved of which we can beextremely proud. Since then, bilateralcontacts at Head of State level betweenAlgeria and South Africa have beenfrequent and have grown consider-ably. These diplomatic relations andbilateral contacts resulted in the estab-lishment of a Binational Commissionfor Co-operation."

The meeting discussed the identifi-cation of the fields of co-operation thatcould be developed within the frame-work of the co-operation agreementsigned between the two countries andthe programme of activities to be

Fltr: Maj Gen Mohamed Zenakhri, Adviser to the Minister of National Defence (Algeria),

and Mr January Masilela, the Secretary for Defence (SA), celebrate the success of the

second meeting between these two countries.

implemented during the 2006/2007period.

After exchanging points of viewand discussions, the parties agreed asfollows:

Peacekeeping Missions - the co-operation to be developed willdeal with exchanging experiences,training, teaching, and the exercisecapacities required, as well as thedesign organisation and planningfor participation in peacekeepingmissions.Technical operations - exchangeof personnel staying for short peri-ods in operational units, SAR exer-cises, participation as observers inexercises and military and civilianco-operation in the management ofmajor risks.Technical logistics - exchanging ofexperience regarding maintenance

policy, notably repairand renovation of equip-ment, management andacquisition of equipmentand transport, ware-housing and security ofsensitive equipment, aswell as training in tropi-cal medicine andexchanging informationin the field of militaryhealth.In the field of training -the co-operation activi-ties will deal with thetraining of engineers inthe cutting edge tech-niques, hypobaric train-ing, and NBC protection,as well as training in theLaw of Armed Conflict(LOAC), and the preven-tion and management ofconflicts.Defence industry andtechnology - the co-

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

13

operation activities will deal withthe search for military productioncapabilities and partnerships.Strengthening of relationshipsbetween the armed forces of thetwo countries - the parties haveagreed to exchange high-level del-egations for the programmes ofactivities to be implemented in2006 and 2007.To realise these objectives the par-

ties will implement the following pro-grammes of activities:

For 2006: the activities to be devel-oped will deal with the exchange ofhigh-level visits by delegations, aswell as the organisation and planningof visits by delegations in relation topeacekeeping, technical operationactivities, training and the defenceindustry.

For 2007: the activities to be devel-oped will deal with visits by delega-tions in technical logistics and researchand development, as well as theorganisation of a study tour in SouthAfrica for the training of Algerian offi-cers from the Ecole Supérieure deGuerre.

Both parties agreed that the JointCommittee would hold its next meet-ing during the third quarter of 2008 inAlgeria, on dates and at a venue to bedecided on by both Algeria and SouthAfrica.

Chiefs of Services gather

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

ing Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the SA Air Force at Navy Office. On

31 January 2006 the Chief of the SA Air Force conducted a courtesy call on

the Chief of the SA Navy to discuss matters of mutual interest concerning

future endeavours of the SA Air Force and the SA Navy. The Guard of

Honour of the SAS IMMORTELLE proudly received Lt Gen Gagiano upon his

arrival. Lt Gen Gagiano was appointed as the Chief of the SA Air Force on 1

March 2005 and on the same day V Adm Mudimu was appointed as the Chief

of the SA Navy. (Article and photo by LS Jackie Pietbooi, SA Navy PR)

Defenceattachés visitAdmiralMudimuBy LS Jackie Pietbooi, SA Navy PR

The Chief of the SA Navy, V AdmJohannes Refiloe Mudimu, receivedfour courtesy calls from the newlyappointed Defence Attachés fromUruguay, Nigeria, the Ukraine andZimbabwe on 24 February 2006. Giftswere exchanged in the Chief of the SANavy's office, followed by a shortintroductory meeting with V AdmMudimu.

Col S.V. Ruzhitskiy, the incoming Defence, Military and Naval Attaché of the

Ukraine (right), accepting a gift from V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, the

Chief of the SA Navy.

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

14

2006 Budget CycleBy Robert Wapenaar and Engela

van Vuuren, Directorate Budgeting

ollow the Defence BudgetProcess Step by Step:

Planning Program-ming and Budgeting Seminar- 28 to 30 September 2004.

Budget HoldersCompile and Capture Budget - 20 April 2005.Budget Holders Submit Budget toDirectorate Budgeting - 29 April 2005.DPBEC Technical - 23 to 27 May 2005.DPBEC Proper - 7 to 24 June 2005.Submit MTEC Submission toNational Treasury - 3 August 2005.MTEC Hearings - 9 September 2005.Receive Final Allocation Letterfrom National Treasury - November 2005.Submit ENE to National Treasury - 9 December 2005.National Budget Speech - 15 February 2006.Defence Budget Speech - 31 March 2006.April Shift - 1 April 2006.

F

The Planning, Programming and Budgeting Seminar.

capture it, with motivations, on theFinancial Management System before26 April 2005.

Budget Holders Submit Budgetto Directorate Budgeting

The Budget Holder had to submit-ted his or her Budget Submissions toDirectorate Budgeting on 29 April

Planning and BudgetingSeminar

The Planning, Programming andBudgeting Seminar were held at theSA Reserve Bank in Pretoria from 28 to30 September 2004. The Minister ofDefence, the Secretary for Defence andthe Chief of the SANDF presentedthere guidelines personally taking intoconsideration the State of the NationAddress, International Re-lationsPeace and Security, Justice CrimePrevention and Security, Governanceand Administration Cluster prioritiesand Medium Term Budget PolicyStatement. The draft Planning andBudgeting Guidelines were discussed

It took

18 months to

complete.

Mr Trevor Manuel,

the Minister of Finance.

in detail.

Budget Holders Compileand Capture Budget

The Accounting OfficersGuidelines was issued on 12October 2004. Taking thisinto consideration the plan-ners within the Services andDivisions had to compile aMedium Term StrategicPlan/Business Plan. It wasthen the Budget Managerschallenge to convert the planinto financial terms and

2005. ThisB u d g e tSubmission hadto consist of acover lettersigned by theBudget Holderand BudgetManager andinput basedmotivations.

DepartmentalPlanning andBudgeting

Evaluation Committee Technicaland Proper

The personnel of DirectorateBudgeting had from 23 to 27 May 2005to scrutinise all 28 Budget Holdersbudgets for technical correctness. TheDepartmental Planning and BudgetingEvaluation Committee (DPBEC)Proper took place from 7 to 24 June2005 with the Chief Financial Officer,the Chief of Corporate Staff and theChief of Policy and Planning as co-chairs. The committee had the task ofevaluating the plans and budgets of allthe Budget Holders to ensure that it isin line with the priorities of theDepartment, national priorities, theWhite Paper on Defence and theDefence Review.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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Submit MTEC Submission toNational Treasury

After the DPBEC it was DirectorateBudgeting's responsibility to compilethe Department of Defence's MediumTerm Expenditure Committee (MTEC)Submission according to the guidelinesprovided by National Treasury. Thissubmission was submitted on 3 August2005.

MTEC Hearings The MTEC is a committee which

evaluates and considers department'sbudget proposals. The MTEC hearingfor the Department of Defence tookplace on 9 September 2005. The Depart-ment's delegation was headed by the

Provide members ofParliament with infor-mation on how depart-ments plan to spend themoney that is authorisedby the legislature.Help Parliament and so-ciety to keep depart-ments accountable to theservice delivery commit-ments made in each ofthe chapters.Provide parliamentarycommittees with a valu-able source of informa-tion that can assist themin performing their over-sight functions.

Department of Defence has a small func-tion to celebrate the event.

April ShiftThe system process where by the

Estimate for 2006/07 on FinancialManagement System (FMS) is changedto be the Vote (Whitebook) for 2006/07is known as April Shift. The April Shiftenables expenditure to take place.Director Budgeting and Director BudgetControl had a ceremonial handing overof the 2006/07 Budget on 4 April 2006 atthe Armscor Lapa in Pretoria. The ChiefFinancial Officer and the Chief DirectorBudget Management made inspiringaddresses to members present. The cer-emony was attended by the CD BudgetManagement, Directorate Budgeting,Directorate Budget Control, DirectoratePlan and members of SITA.

Mr January Masilela,

the Secretary for Defence.

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota,

the Minister of Defence.

National Budget Speech The Minister of Finance tabled the

National Budget in Parliament on 15February 2006. During his speech hehighlighted the priorities of the nationand where the nations revenue interms of taxes will be allocated.

Secretary for Defence.

Receive FinalAllocation Letter fromNational Treasury

The final letter of allo-cation was received fromNational Treasury on 23November 2005. The fol-lowing additional alloca-tions were provided to theDepartment of Defence forthe 2006/07 financial year:

Military Skills Devel-opment System - Rm 100.Information and CommunicationTechnology - Rm 50.Infrastructure Development - Rm 80.Health Support - Rm 26.General Modernisation Capacity -Rm 500 and RM141.Strategic Defence ProcurementExchange Rate Adjustment - (Rm 250).

Submit ENE toNational Treasury

The draft Departmen-tal Estimates of NationalExpenditure (ENE) wassubmitted to NationalTreasury on 9 December2005. The Estimates ofNational Expenditure istabled in Parliament inconjunction with theAppropriation Bill, andserves to:

DefenceBudgetSpeech

The Ministerof Defence tabledthe Defence Vote(Vote 21) in Par-liament on 31March 2006.

After the votehas been tabledand accepted thedelegation from

Mr B.J. Engelbrecht (D BUD) and

Mr J.J. Rautenbach (DBC).

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

16

The SAS MANTHATISI flanked by our two tugboats, INDLOVU and TSHUKUDU,

in Simon's Town harbour.

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

here are only two kinds ofvessels at sea: submarinesand targets," R Adm ErichTopp, Federal GermanyNavy (Submarine Service),said.

After 49 days and 6 600nautical miles S101, the first of threesubmarines - Class 209 Type 1400MOD diesel-electric submarinesbought in terms of the StrategicDefence Packages - finally arrived inSimon's Town from Germany viaNorway on 7 April 2006. For the fam-ilies of the 34 crew members it was anemotional day, as they could hardlywait to see their loved ones.

The purpose of this acquisition isthe rejuvenation of the SANDF - inthis case the SA Navy. "This acquisi-tion will improve and enhance ourstate of readiness," said Mr Mosiuoa

The arrival of ourfirst submarine

T

Lekota, the Minister of Defence. Another reason for these acquisi-

tions is that in terms of tonnage more

“

Fltr: Lt Gen Temba Matanzima, Chief of Human Resources, Mr Tsepe Motumi,

Chief of Policy and Planning, and Chief Lekunutu Mmota from the Batlokwa

Royal Family talking to Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence, while

V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, Chief of the SA Navy, shares a moment

with Ms Ruth Mompati, godmother of the S101 submarine.

than 95% of South Africa's importsand exports and over 80% in terms ofmonetary value pass through the

country's ports.The SA Navy'sprimary functionis to ensure thatits seaborne tradeis not threatenedin times of ten-sion or war. TheNavy is mandat-ed to fulfil itsobligation as stip-ulated in therecently ap-prov-ed ParliamentaryDefence Reviewby, among others,operating a mini-mum of threec o n v e n t i o n a lsubmarines.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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In his budget vote speech theMinister of Defence spoke about thereadiness of the SANDF and how itwill continue to be ready in the yearsto come. "As you know S101 has justcompleted a marathon passage fromGermany via Norway under the com-mand and control of our Navy person-nel - something many thought wouldnot be possible. Part of this passagewas also completed alone when SASDRAKENSBERG, her former escort,was called away elsewhere. This wasan epic voyage for any small conven-tionally powered submarine. Toachieve this in such a short time (justafter receiving the submarine) speaksvolumes for the kind of personnel onboard. This, more than anything else,proves the SA Navy's capability andreadiness to operate these submarineson such long deployments and to sup-port them over huge distances," saidMinister Lekota.

The S101 was delivered to theChief of the SA Navy, V AdmJohannes Refiloe Mudimu, by theOfficer Commanding of the S101, CdrGary Brian Kretschmer, who laterhanded over the submarine toMinister Lekota, who reported back tothe ship's company.

This year is the 50th anniversary ofthe Women's March against the passlaws in 1956. In order to celebrate thishistoric occasion Cabinet has decidedthat these submarines will be namedafter heroines of our country and S101was named SAS MANTHATISI, war-rior queen Manthatisi Batlokwa. TheExecutive Mayor of Naledi LocalMunicipality and the godmother of theS101 Submarine, Ms Ruth SegomotsoMompati, did the honours byannouncing the new name of the sub-marine S101: SAS MANTHATISI, andsaid she was honoured to be associat-ed with such a great human being.Mme Ruth, as she is affectionatelyknown, was one of the founder mem-bers of the Federation of South AfricanWomen in 1954 and she was an organ-iser and leader of the 1956 Women'sMarch on 9 August. Following therepression of that period and the ban-ning of the ANC, she left South Africa

V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, Chief of the SA Navy (left), and Ms Ruth

Mompati, godmother of the S101 Submarine(right), after announcing the

name of the S101 submarine: SAS MANTHATISI. Two female sailors proudly

displaying the sub's new name.

Here they are after 49 days of commitment and dedication - the crew of the

S101 submarine: SAS MANTHATISI

Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence, presented WO1 M.L. White,

Coxswain S101, with a medallion.(Continued on page 18)

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

18

(Continued from page 17)

and went into exile. Between 1962 and1964 she underwent military trainingas a combatant of Umkhonto weSizwe (MK).

Minister Lekota also reminded theship's company in particular and theSA Navy in general of the new sub-marine's role. "To the Chief of the SA

Fltr: Mr Mosiuoa Lekota, the Minister of Defence, Cdr Gary Kretschmer, Officer

Commanding of S101 MANTHATISI, Ms Ruth Mompati, godmother of the S101 sub-

marine, V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, Chief of the SA Navy, and Chief Lekunutu

Mmota from the Batlokwa Royal family.

contributing meaningfully tothe Accelerated SharedGrowth Initiative for SouthAfrica (ASGI-SA).

"Your Commander-in-Chief, President Thabo Mbeki,the Secretary for Defence, MrJanuary Masilela, the Chief ofthe SANDF, Gen GodfreyNgwenya, and myself are con-fident that the crew will utilisethe submarine to execute itstasks professionally, efficientlyand effectively".

"It is with these sentimentstherefore that we charge youall to continue with the excel-lent service you have been ren-dering to our country. To S101,we welcome you to the fleetwith the knowledge that youare fully aware of the chal-lenges that lie ahead. We com-mend you on your achieve-ments thus far and wish S101

Navy and the SA Navy in general, andto the officer commanding and crew ofS101 whose special day this is in par-ticular, I would like to remind you ofthe following: Your readiness is key ifthe department is to succeed in itssupport to Government's diplomaticinitiatives to help eradicate conflicts inthe region and continent, as well as

Finally at home: the S101, SAS MANTHATISI, arriving at Simon's Town Naval Base.

many successful deployments and along and illustrious career in the ser-vice of both the SA Navy and the peo-ple of our country," concludedMinister Lekota.

The new submarines replace thedecommissioned Daphne Class sub-marines that had been in use since the1970s.

19

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

Remembering fallenheroes of SS MENDIBy Nomonde Vuthela

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Thlaole

y grandfather, who died along time ago, long before Iwas born, was a soldier. Theplace I call home and where Isleep every night was onceupon a time his house. Thearea that I hail from in

Soweto, and still reside in to this veryday in the year 2006, is historicallyknown to have been a territory thathoused black soldiers, some of whomfought in World War I and II. Yet, I amashamed to admit that beyond thevague information I happen to possesabout my grandfather's soldiering years,lies much ignorance.

My attendance at the SS MENDIMemorial Service at the Mendi Mem-orial and Garden of Remembrance in theAvalon Cemetery in Soweto on 10March 2006 was purely coincidental.I was a journalist on the beat and sim-ply doing what I do on a daily basis, iemy job. This attitude would later changeas the SS MENDI Memorial Serviceunfolded.

The SS MENDI was a troop-ship thatcollided with another vessel on themisty morning of 21 February 1917. Thestricken SS MENDI which was en routeto France then quickly sank in theEnglish Channel, drowning over 600black South African soldiers - the"Native Contingent" on board. This hasbecome known as South Africa's great-est military disaster, because many valu-able lives were lost and little is under-stood of what eventually happened tothose that made it off the ship and sur-vived by clinging to the wreckage.

More than 20 000 men who were notallowed to bear arms volunteered forservice under the South African NativeLabour Contingent in support of theAllied armies in France.

On 23 March 1995 Her Majesty

M

R Adm M.H. Magalefa, the Naval Chief

of Staff (SANDF), at the wreath-laying

ceremony of the SS MENDI at the

Avalon Cemetery in Soweto.

of that historically tragic day. War vet-erans and their families, joined byGovernment officials, diplomats andrepresentatives of local and inter-national organisations, the businesscommunity and civil society commem-orated the day with a wreath-layingceremony.

Expressing her grief, Mrs JoyceKalaute of the Mendi MemorialCommittee and granddaughter to thelate Rev Isaac Wauchope Dyobha, who

Queen Elizabeth II and formerPresident Nelson Mandela togetherwith the then Premier of Gauteng, MrTokyo Sexwale, officially unveiled theMendi Memorial and Garden ofRemembrance at Avalon Cemetery inSoweto. The memory of those whogave their lives during World Wars Iand II lives on, and recently theGovernment of South Africa officiallyhonoured the fallen heroes of theMENDI by naming one of the nationalorders the "SS MENDI Order ofBravery" and also named one of thenew naval ships the SS MENDI.

The SS MENDI Memorial Servicepresented by the South African Legion-Soweto Branch and the MendiMemorial Committee on 10 March 2006was in actual fact the 89th anniversary

died on the SS MENDI, said shewas disappointed at the turnoutfor the memorial service.

"The place should be filledtoday with those who are descen-dants," said Mrs Kalaute. "Ourchildren do not know our histo-ry." She then challenged theMendi Memorial Committee togo out into the world and teachothers about the SS MENDI."Men left their families to goforth to France. I am very proudof these men because this iswhere our history started," saidMrs Kalaute.

"Altogether 680 men died asheroes and we respect you today;we have to teach the youngwhere we come from," MrsKalaute emphasised. Her grand-father, Rev Isaac WauchopeDyobha, also an ANC leader, issaid to have stood strong to thebitter end, comforting his fellowcountrymen as the ship wentdown.

The tragedy of the SS MENDI

History is for

the sake of the

future.

(Continued on page 25)

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By Lethube Phasha

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

he Department of DefenceDirectorate Language pre-sented an English course tofifteen military veterans fromthe Service Corps duringFebruary and March 2006.

The course facilitator wasMs Nomvula Ndwandwe, a LanguagePractitioner for the DOD. She said thatthe course was a National Qualifi-cation Framework (NQF) Level 2English and, the duration of the coursewas four weeks. To pass the courselearners have to obtain a minimum ofeight percent. The course deals with

Military veterans re-skill themselves

Thirteen of the fifteen military veterans who completed the English course.

the fundamentals of English as amedium of communication, and attimes it is an uphill battle as some ofthe military veterans left school a longtime ago. Even though they are devel-oping and adjusting to the standards,the set objective is too high for themand it would be better if the markcould be reduced to sixty percent.

SA Soldier spoke to the militaryveterans to hear their views on thecourse as a whole. Mr Melusi Mhambisaid that they wrote many tests at theService Corps, but so farCommunication/English seems to bethe most difficult in which to achievethe set pass mark. They all felt thatthey did not pass the test, becausethey did not have enough reference

material since there is no library at theCentre for Advanced Training (CAT).

On the positive side the militaryveterans feel they have gained a lotwith regard to grammar. They feelthat they can conduct themselves wellin English now. They are happy thatthey had this great opportunity, andwish others could also get this chance.

Another military veteran, MrAndries Zuke, said that even thoughthey have not passed all the tests theircommitment keeps them going.

The facilitator is pleased with herlearners' progress and determinationto learn. This goes to show that it isnever too late to learn, one just needsthe right amount of determination andall else can be overcome.

T

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

22

South Africans divingin dry dock

Article by kind permission of the

Eckernförder Nachrichten

2 South African naval officerscompleted their basic trainingafter 19 weeks as submarinersat the training centre for sub-mariners called "Ausbild-ungszentrum Uboote" (AZU)in Eckernförde. For the first

time the training and lectures havebeen presented in English and therehave not been so many studentsbefore.

Eckernförde - The good reputationof the German Navy and especiallytheir submarines is known all over theworld. The submarines have beenbuilt according to high standards ofsafety, a high level of quality andknow-how and with well-trainedcrews on board. Surely, it is for thesereasons that the SA Navy has orderedthree Type 209 submarines fromGermany. The AZU enables futuresubmariners to be trained on boardthe Type 206 and 212 and this con-tributes to the excellent reputation

2

RSA students who completed their submarine course in Germany.

language training and the trainingequipment has been adapted to meetthe new requirements," said CaptainSiegfried Föllner, Head of basic train-ing at AZU.

"The first course presented inEnglish has been a very successfulexperience. The co-operation has beenefficient and uncomplicated." CaptainFöllner would like to welcome moreforeign nations to train their sailors atEckernförde. The training would beadditional to the courses that are runfor German sailors and would have tobe co-ordinated in advance.

The South African sailors, mainlyjunior and senior ratings, will return totheir home country soon to continuetheir further education. Some of them,however, will come back to Germanyin the spring of 2006 to train on boardS101, the first of three Type 209 sub-marines ordered by the SA Navy. Thesailors will be part of the AZU teamtraining taking place at sea inEckernförde.

Lt Adriaan van Wyk, who wasdirecting the guests, said: "we are verythankful for spending time inEckernförde". He is also very proud ofhis soldiers, including two women,who learned a lot in Germany and whoexperienced German hospitality dur-ing their stay.

AZU, Ausbildungszentrum Uboote,Eckernförde: this naval training facility onland provides high quality training forsubmariners in different sections. AZUalso offers team training for crews at sea.

(Article first printed in theEckernförder Newspaper on 19 Nov-ember 2005 and submitted byMr Dirk Steinmetz.)

and high quality standard of the crew."We are very proud to have South

African sailors successfully startingtheir careers as submariners in ourAZU," commented Captain UdoMichel, Commander of AZU, as hecongratulated the South African par-ticipants. At the final ceremony theCommander emphasised: "The train-ing has been realised according toGerman standards. All South Africansailors were highly motivated andwent through a hard period to pass thetraining."

The training was possible owing tothe similarities in various componentsof construction of the Types 206 and209 submarines. Furthermore, thetraining provides basic and generalknowledge of submarines that per-tains to all types of submarines.

In previous years the individualsor smaller groups of naval person-nel who attended training at AZUwere all German speaking. "Because ofthe increasing demand from othercountries for the use of the AZU fortraining, the instructors went through

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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Military Academy admits Military SkillsDevelopmentSystem students

By Brig Gen T.Z. Manyama,

Commandant Military Academy

he Military Academy openedits Academic Year 2006 withthe usual grand parade inSaldanha on 25 January 2006.

The Commandant of theMilitary Academy, Brig GenT.Z. Manyama, delivered the

welcoming speech. Here follows anextract of his speech:

"The Military Academy has with-stood the test of time and deserves tobe referred to as the premier institu-tion, established 55 years ago, toserve, support and advance broadly,at least since 1994, the interests of thepeople of this country.

The DOD continues to pay maxi-mum attention to the development,growth and utilisation of this institu-tion with a view to serving the widersecurity interests of our rainbownation.

The institution has, for the thirdyear (2006) running, admitted a largeintake of Military Skills Development(MSD) System students. This intake ispart of the grand package to trans-form and rejuvenate the SANDF witha young, educated and enlightenedworkforce that will carry the flag ofpeace and security within our bor-ders, and further on our continent andthe world at large.

In an effort to live up to its ex-pectations, the Military Academyfocuses on the advancement of quality

TBrig Gen T.Z. Manyama,

Commandant Military Academy.

That opportunity comes but once.That good begets good.That evil begets evil.In conclusion, I call upon all of you

to continue to influence one anotherpositively for the good of everyone ofus, and to remember the buddy spiritin the Defence Force. As you do that,do not forget that where there is a willthere is a way.

Welcome one and all to the MilitaryAcademy. May your angels continue tofavour you, may they ceaselessly carefor you and guide you with wisdom tostardom in your career as military menand women in the South AfricanNational Defence Force," concludedBrig Gen Manyama.

learning and training in theSANDF, to prepare officers forthe security challenges of ourepoch.

It is a fact that we producehighly skilled and qualified offi-cers at this institution, and wewill continue to do so in loyalservice to the SANDF and SouthAfrica.

The SANDF is in need ofthink-tanks, planners, strate-gists, pathfinders, researchers,analysts, scientists, leaders andcommanders with insight andintellectual standing, who canmanage the security challengeswe face today. It is the task ofthe Military Academy to pro-duce this cadre of experts. Wecannot achieve this Utopia if thecharacter of our current learner ship isriddled with poor discipline that leadsto poor officer ship and poor perfor-mance both in military professionaltraining and academic training.

The onus for success also lies withyou the students. You are once againreminded of the following prescripts:

To make hay while the sun shines.That God's time is the best.That an idle mind is the devil'splayground.That time and tide wait for noman.That time lost is never regained.That procrastination is the thief oftime.That time is money.

focus on people

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

24

Premier of the Eastern Cape becamean Honorary Colonel

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

s Nosimo Balindlela, thePremier of the EasternCape, made history whenshe was inducted as thefirst woman Premier to beappointed as an HonoraryColonel in the SAMHS and

the first woman of the Area MilitaryHealth Unit Eastern Cape. This tookplace at the City Hall in Port Elizabethon 28 March 2006. The mandate toappoint an honorary colonel in a unitis derived from the Defence Act, 1957.

Her main responsibility will be toassist in maintaining the unit's tradi-tions, ie to foster esprit de corps, com-radeship, unit pride and high morale,and to represent the unit's interests.

M

Ms Nosimo Balindlela, the newly appointed

Honorary Colonel and Premier of the

Eastern Cape.

These responsibilities mayinclude fostering civilian, localand regional connections,goodwill and support, as wellas regimental alliances withinthe SAMHS.

Various dignitaries fromthe public sector and ourSurgeon General, Lt Gen V.I.Ramlakan, Maj Gen L.Z.Make, Chief of Military HealthForce Support, and Brig GenN.K. Moodley, GOC of theArea Military Health For-mation, attended the parade.Col Antoinette Alberts, theOfficer Commanding of theArea Military Health UnitEastern Cape, officiated at theparade and handed over theSymbol of Office to Honorary

Colonel Balindlela. "I accept this award withhumility and the affirmation that together wewill work to ensure that Government's man-date to fight poverty is fulfilled. I am very excit-ed with the work that you (SANDF) are doingfor our communities in the province. I havebeen informed that although you render amulti-professional health service to members ofthe SANDF, their dependants and retired mem-bers of the Defence, you also move beyond andwork tirelessly to service our province in gen-eral," said Honorary Colonel Balindlela upon

Lt Gen V.I. Ramlakan, the Surgeon General of the SANDF, and

Honorary Colonel Nosimo Balindlela after the parade.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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Women Power, fltr: Honorary Colonel AMHU Eastern Cape Nosimo

Balindlela accepting the Symbol of Office from Col Antoinette Alberts,

Officer Commanding of the AMHU Eastern Cape, and Brig Gen N.K. Moodley,

GOC Area Military Health Formation.

accepting office. In his speech theSurgeon General said he was humbledby the Premier's choice to join the

SAMHS above any other Service. "Wemay, with licence, speculate why youtook this brilliant decision. It is

because of the gender profile of theSAMHS where more than 85% of thewomen generals in the wider SANDFare in the same uniform you are wear-ing today or it is because we are thecustodians of Physical Training, Sportand Recreation, a portfolio which youheaded in the Eastern Cape ProvincialGovernment as the MEC for Sport,Recreation, Arts and Culture between1994 and 2004," said Lt Gen Ramlakan.

He also said the Colonel's appoint-ment was symbolic in the SAMHSbecause defence in a democracy dictat-ed that the civil control dimension ofmilitary management was to be accen-tuated. "Your willingness to beappointed as an honorary colonel inour organisation helps us in a very sig-nificant way to spread the gospel thatour SANDF belongs to the people ofSouth Africa," he said.

In conclusion, the newly appointedHonorary Colonel said she promisednot to make use of this rank outsideher military activities. "I will abide bythe conditions you lay down," saidHonorary Colonel Balindlela.

is history worth noting because with itcomes the appreciation of the valourand bravery that has existed amongblack soldiers and warriors for manyyears, proving that it is quite possiblefor the young in a new South Africa tofathom and understand the historicalvalue of the SS MENDI, said a descen-dent of Rev Isaac Wauchope Dyobha,Vuyisile Kalaute, who was part of theheart-wrenching ceremony. He readout loud the last words of his bravepredecessor:"Be quiet and calm, my countrymen, for

what is taking place now is exactlywhat you came to do.

You are going to die, but that is what youcame to do.

Brothers, we are drilling the drill of death.I a Xhosa, say you are all my brothers,

Zulus, Swazis, Pondos, Basutos, we dielike brothers.

We are the sons of Africa. Raise your cries,brothers,

for though they made us leave our weaponsat our home,

our voices are left with our bodies" -Rev Isaac Wauchope Dyobha.

Also addressing the gathering wasMr Ian Ransome (LGR), theChairperson of the Mendi MemorialScholarship Fund, which caters forabout 5 500 disadvantaged blackyouths at high school level at a cost ofan overall sum of about R9 900 000. MrRansome too maintained that thescholarship fund can and should beused as a vehicle to enlighten youngpeople about the SS MENDI.

"It is not known in schools aboutthe SS MENDI and that should be cor-rected," Mr Ransome added. The fundwas set up in the early 1970s.

The Programme Director andChairperson of the Mendi MemorialCommittee, Mr MK Malefane,announced that steps were to be takento have the official inquiry into theaccidental or deliberate sinking of theSS MENDI reopened.

A joint claim by families of the vic-tims of the SS MENDI for compensa-tion was lodged in 1917, but was neverreceived. This will also be looked into.Research into and the writing of a her-itage book and the production of atelevision documentary and drama

series on the role of blacks in WorldWars I and II will be conducted. Alsoto be looked at is the integrationof World War and struggle veteransinto older persons' empowermentprogrammes.

Mr Malefane added that July 2006will see a delegation of veterans andrelatives of the fallen SS MENDIaccompanied by traditional leadersjoin the 90th anniversary commemo-ration of the Battle of Delville Wood inFrance.

The delegation will also visit theWorld War I cemeteries in France andEngland where members of the SouthAfrican Native Labour Contingent areburied, and will lay wreaths atop thesite of the SS MENDI wreck in theEnglish Channel.

The hosting of the first reunionconference and celebrations of warveterans from all over Africa and thediaspora in October 2007 as part of theFestac 2007 World Summit for theaged are also on the agenda of issuesto be tackled.

May those who died when theSS MENDI sank rest in peace.

(Continued from page 20)

events

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

26

Spouses of generals provide guidance

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Thlaole

he spouses of generals andofficers in the SANDF haveformed a group - the SANDFSpouses Forum. It provides aprogramme that is sustainableand one that will at all timesprovide members with the

opportunity to learn and become well-equipped to play the part of wellinformed spouses.

Speaking to SA Soldier at theGeneral Meeting of the SANDFSpouses Forum at the WaterkloofOfficers Mess on 11 March 2006 MrsBusisiwe Ngwenya, wife of the Chiefof the SANDF, Gen GodfreyNgwenya, said that one of the misfor-tunes following integration was thefalling apart of a structure that used toexist for the women. On this particularday of the second General Meetingheld by the Forum, the issues ofSANDF ranks and conditions of ser-vice were at the top of the agenda.

"We are here as the spouses of thegenerals in the SANDF to try andempower ourselves as spouses,"emphasised Mrs Ngwenya. "Knowingthe conditions of service within theDefence Force will enable us in thehour of need to know exactly where togo."

"We came into the Defence Forceand nobody explained to us what washappening. Unless we know what isexpected of us, we cannot perform,"continued Mrs Ngwenya. "This Forummust not disappear, it must live forev-er, and for us this will be a legacy thatwe did something in the SANDF asspouses. What we had also requestedwas a presentation on etiquette and

Tprotocol because most of the time weget invited to functions or we go over-seas and we want to represent theDefence Force well."

"We are developing a constitutionfor this Forum and as part of the struc-ture the Chief of the SANDF's spousewill always be the leader".

Members of the Forum held for thevery first time a workshop inNovember last year to try to reformu-late and establish the group. "One ofthe important things that came out ofthe workshop was that we identifiedthree portfolios: social support, fund-raising and events management. Wealso identified aims and objectives."

Mrs Ngwenya explained that thegroup had to work hard to becomepopular and that without funds theaims and objectives of the group were

pointless, therefore many fund-raiseevents must still take place. "As gener-als' wives we are a leadership group,and we are expected to provide guid-ance," she said. "The social support isnot going to be only among spouses,but must also filter down to the lowerlevel officers, because they are theones who most of the time do not havethe means to support themselves."

Echoing Mrs Ngwenya's senti-ments was Mrs Charlotte Shoke, wifeof the Chief of the SA Army, Lt GenSolly Shoke, who said: "We need to

Co-founders of the SANDF Spouses Forum, fltr: Mrs Yvonne Mudimu,

wife of the Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu,

Mrs Leone Gagiano, wife of the Chief of the SA Air Force,

Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, Mrs Busisiwe Ngwenya, wife of the Chief of the

SANDF, Gen Godfrey Ngwenya, and Mrs Charlotte Shoke, wife of the

Chief of the SA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke.

All the best

to women's

empowerment!

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

27

understand better the service benefits,the structure of the Defence Force andour role to be supportive, helpful andassist in whatever way, because theSANDF is a family".

"Our husbands are pleased that wehave started something here and theywish us all the success," revealed MrsShoke, and added: "We have to beexamplary to other women in theDefence Force and show that what weare trying to do will benefit all theServices."

The Programme Leader at theevent and also a member of theExecutive Committee of the Forum,Mrs Leone Gagiano, wife of the Chiefof the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo

Gagiano, said that the group had tosupport spouses of members deployedall over Africa and also involvewomen to prevent their feeling forgot-ten. She said: "Part of it is to empowerour women into feeling that they tooare part of the SANDF, to feel specialtoo because we are always in the back-ground of the men and so this supportgroup is ideal. I am very excited," sheexclaimed.

"This is the second time we aremeeting and it shows you we aregrowing; there is a need and what wemust do is to satisfy this need. It willnot be overnight, it will take time, butin future I want people to say thatwhen my husband was away on

deployment and I had a need, otherwomen phoned and helped," addedMrs Gagiano.

Mrs Yvonne Mudimu, a memberof the Spouses Executive Committeeand wife of the Chief of the SA Navy,V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu,said the message the Forum wantedto bring across was that of sharinginformation.

She added: "It is always a momentof pride to be part of a conceived babyand we are trying to formulate ahuman being out of that baby and wewant to see the baby grow fromstrength to strength."

All the best to women's empowerment!

By Lt (SAN) P.G. van den Berg,

Internal Communication Officer

Photo: Sea K. Lebisi, Navy News

Great success was achieved onceagain in the transformation of the SANavy when Petty Officer NandiKotlolo was appointed as the firstAfrican woman to be a coxswain onboard a naval vessel. She was appoint-ed as a coxswain of one of the inshorepatrol vessels SAS TERN.

After completing her matric atHofmeyer High School in Pretoria in1994 this ambitious woman, who hailsfrom Atteridgeville in Pretoria, firstset herself the goal to become a teach-er. While she was busy with her stud-ies she noticed the smartly turned-outnaval personnel walking in Pretoriaand decided that she wanted to wearthe same uniform. She joined the SANavy in 1999 and commenced herBasic Training at SAS SALDANHA.At the end of her first year she wasselected for the Protection Force mus-tering.

Petty Officer Kotlolo completedher Protection Part 1 Course in April2000 and then served the Navy in var-ious locations, such as Cole Point Gatein Simon's Town, Silvermine in Tokaiand later at SAS WINGFIELD. Duringthis time she realised her dream ofqualifying as a teacher and obtained

First African woman coxswain for naval vessel

The message that she wishes toconvey to all the young women in theDOD and throughout the nation is"believe in yourself and, no matterwhat, there is always a light at the endof the tunnel. Never limit yourself, goout there and grab your chances. If Ican do it, so can you".

The Officer Commanding of theSAS TERN, Sub Lieutenant MarezaGreen, is very proud to have anotherwoman as her second in command ofthe vessel. "This vessel is an excellentplatform for somebody to learn therigours of command due to its smallsize. I am glad that women are gettingthe necessary recognition in the SANavy, because we can achieve just as

Sub Lieutenant Mareza, Officer Commanding

SAS TERN (left), and Coxswain Petty Officer

Nandi Kotlolo.

much as men can," said SubLieutenant Green.

Petty Officer Kotlolo is gratefulthat the SA Navy afforded her thisopportunity to prosper, but she alsosaid that the dedication and supportof her family had greatly influencedher success. As a coxswain on boardthe SAS TERN, Petty Officer Kotlolostrives to maintain the discipline andintegrity of the sailors on board hervessel. At the age of 30, this ambitiouslady is very keen to complete a BA(Education) degree through Unisa andalso to qualify in a military law course.She has done the SA Navy proud andwe wish her all the best for her futureaspirations.

her education diplo-ma through Unisa in2002. When the postof coxswain on boardthe SAS TERN wasadvertised, she knewthat she was the rightcandidate for the postand did not hesitate toapply. "Even thoughthe coxswain of a shipis usually a man, Iknew that as a womanI would be able to dothe job just as well,"said Petty OfficerKotlolo.

insight

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

28

Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiativefor South Africa

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photo courtesy GEPF

he core objective of theAccelerated and SharedGrowth Initiative for SouthAfrica (ASGI-SA) is tohalve poverty and unem-ployment by 2014. Webelieve that these objectives

are feasible - indeed we would hope tosurpass those objectives because of thesteady improvement in the perfor-mance and job creating capacity of theeconomy," said the Deputy President,Ms Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, at aMedia Briefing held on 6 February2006.

At the very media briefing theDeputy President indicated that SouthAfrica's economic growth averagedabout 3% during the first decade offreedom, and that since 2004 growthhas tended to exceed 4% per year,reaching about 5% in 2005. "Good eco-nomic policies, positive domestic sen-timent and a favourable internationalenvironment have created the oppor-tunity to consider our recent gains andprepare to take our performance to ahigher level," added Deputy PresidentMlambo-Ngcuka.

Ms Mlambo-Ngcuka also revealedthat with the improvement in thegrowth rate came rapidly improvingemployment creation, though unem-ployment remained high at over 26%,but that this figure was considerablybetter that the 32% unemploymentrate reached a few years ago. Therecent growth unfortunately remainsunbalanced, because it has not been

T

Brig Gen Dries de Wit, Director of

Human Resource Planning.

adequately shared and the levels ofunemployment are still too high. Thedivide between the "haves" and the"have-nots" has meant that the latterlive without any economic benefits.

She continued by stating that thechallenge to reduce unemployment to15% and halve the poverty rate couldnot be achieved without effective eco-nomic leadership from Governmentand effective partnerships betweenGovern-ment and other stakeholders,such as organised labour and business.

"In the course of exploring ouropportunities, Government consultedwith a range of stakeholders. On thebasis of these interactions,Government believes that South Africais ready for ASGI-SA to be a nationalshared growth initiative, rather than a'Government's programme'," theDeputy President announced.

ASGI-SA is therefore a directive! Itbeckons all key stakeholders fromGovernment departments, the busi-ness sector, Non-governmentalOrganisations (NGOs), all sectors ofsociety, including the ordinary SouthAfrican citizen to come along andwork together on a common nationalprogramme to speed up progresstowards a better life for all.

The questions then become "Whatcan the SANDF do to be part of thenational effort for faster and sharedgrowth"? And "How is driving theASGI-SA concept in turn going to ben-efit the DOD"? Charity begins athome! The SANDF must also benefitpositively through ASGI-SA in orderto add value and be of any good to therest of South Africa.

To halve

poverty and

unemployment

by 2014.

SA Soldier's quest for clarity and itseagerness to understand and thus topopularise the ASGI-SA conceptpointed us straight in the direction ofthe DOD Human Resources (HR)Section, where indeed "ASGI-SA" wasfound to be the new buzzword. Herewe met with the Director of HumanResource Planning, Brig Gen Dries deWit, who explained to SA Soldier thatword had come from the Secretary forDefence, Mr January Masilela, alertingthe Chief HR, Lt Gen Temba

“

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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Matanzima, to ASGI-SA. The chargeto research the concept in relation tohuman resources eventually fell toBrig Gen De Wit.

Clearly understanding that com-munication is critical to the ASGI-SAchallenge, SA Soldier then sat in on apresentation by Brig Gen De Wit toChief HR, his chief directors anddirectors at Defence Headquarters inPretoria on 16 March 2006.

"The aim of this presentation is topropose a strategic human resourceframework in support of a businesscase for the DOD's contribution to theAccelerated and Shared GrowthInitiative for South Africa (ASGI-SA),"said Brig Gen De Wit, introducing histopic.

"We are aware of Government'sinitiative in terms of ASGI-SA, andtoday's presentation must first of allsensitise senior HR officials to whatASGI-SA is all about," expressed BrigGen De Wit, and added: "And as wecome to understand the concept, thensay, how can the Department ofDefence contribute and participate insuch a programme and at the sametime try and secure some funds togrow our own initiatives. We knowthe Rand is strong and doing well.There are a lot of opportunitiesembedded in the ASGI-SA pro-gramme for the Defence Force and wemust use those opportunities."

"The HR component, which is thepeople working for this Department,are the most important, so it is notsuprising that this whole concept ofASGI-SA should start with HR," saidBrig Gen De Wit. To ensure the suc-cessful implementation of ASGI-SAwithin Defence, other sides to the con-cept will soon come into play, such aslogistical elements and finance. "HR isan important element becausehumans must make ASGI-SA workand they will make it work only ifthey are educated, skilled andtrained," noted the Director HRPlanning.

Some of the opportunities thatBrig Gen De Wit referred to includethe training and skilling of people

within and/or on the way out of theDefence Force, contributing to the fur-therance and growth of own pro-grammes of the DOD, and giving jobopportunities to those who want tojoin the SANDF. Interlinking with theASGI-SA programme will also resultin the development of SANDF youthprogrammes that are already in exis-tence. For instance, young people leav-ing the Military Skills Development(MSD) Programme should be educat-ed and trained sufficiently in order toenter the civilian labour market withconfidence.

Brig Gen De Wit reported that theMSD Programme introduced in 2003has since led to 12 500 young peopleentering the SANDF through this pro-gramme. Also currently run by theSANDF is the DOD Youth FoundationTraining Programme (YFTP) imple-mented in 2001 at the rate of 250 blacklearners per year.

This youth infusion, he confirmed,has significantly improved the rankimbalances in the junior ranks, butthat the above positive developmentsare, however, offset by a number ofnegative factors of a resource andcapacity nature. "It is therefore clearthat for the DOD to contribute robust-ly towards ASGI-SA from an HR per-spective, interventions are required,both in the form of increased resourceallocation and of partnerships withexternal stakeholders," he said, andcontinued: "This will enable the DODto create the necessary capacity andemployment opportunities for theyouth."

According to Brig Gen De Wit, fol-lowing the SANDF's 1994 integrationprocess, the DOD has downsized froma peak strength of 101 353 in 1996 to 77365 currently. Furthermore theapproval of HR Strategy 2010 gaveemphasis to two primary focus areas:HR rightsizing with the emphasis onthe rejuvenation of the SANDF andsimultaneous youth empowerment, aswell as the correction of employmentequity imbalances in the DOD.

Regarding personnel flow, BrigGen De Wit remarked that "the

SANDF should develop those peoplewho reach a career plateau and stag-nation within the military, to look atthem and see how we can find alter-native employment for them throughalternative skills so that they too canunderstand there is a life after the mil-itary. Maybe even in a new environ-ment where a person can even earnmore money."

"The other area is to bring to ahigher peak the intakes and growth ofthe MSD Programme and the YFTP,and get more money from the ASGI-SA resources so that we train artisansand engineers of tomorrow," addedBrig Gen De Wit.

"And then the economy will alsogrow: it is a snowball effect."

"I believe the DOD should driveASGI-SA maybe on a full-time basis,and implement it through an aggres-sive implementation plan, with mile-stones, a plan of action, etc. It must bedriven from the highest level, becausewe must not miss this opportunity,"Brig Gen De Wit stressed.

"We need good leadership todirect and be committed to this pro-cess. We need staff officers to whomyou will then allocate the resources ina proper way and drive those areasthrough a proper management andimplementation approach." Headded: "In the process we may alsohave to take tough decisions that arenot so pleasant, but in the long run wewill see a winning situation, becauseas we rejuvenate we do not want toput unskilled people on the streets."

"It is a win-win situation. So let ususe ASGI-SA to get there," empha-sised Brig Gen De Wit.

"I want to see Defence's HRSystem function in such a way that itis well imbedded and well integratedwith the ASGI-SA initiatives of otherGovernment departments, parastatals,other industries and private business-es, so that people should understandthat when they come into the militarythe SANDF cares enough to skill itsmembers for survival, even for theoutside world," concluded Brig GenDe Wit.

events

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

30

Exercise DESEX

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photos: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

could have sworn that my eyeswere deceiving me when I sawthe advanced warships at theVictoria & Alfred Waterfront inCape Town. I am talking aboutthe FSG Berlin from the GermanArmed Forces, together with her

sisters FGS Hamburg, FGS Rheinland-Pfalz and our own SAS AMATOLAassembled at the Waterfront on 3March 2006 to take part in ExerciseDESEX (Exercise Good Hope 2).

The SANDF and German ArmedForces (GAF) conducted the exerciseoff the southern coast of South Africaover the period 20 February to 14March 2006. The exercise was con-ducted in the spirit of "Joint andCombined" by the German and SouthAfrican Navies, as well as the Germanand South African Air Forces. Theships of both countries operated as a

joint force, conducting manoeuvresand tactical exercises, followed by"live" firing of ammunition.

The overall objectives of theSANDF in this exercise was to:

Enhance and maintain the compre-hensive defence capabilities withinthe organisation.Develop a common understandingof military interoperability andfoster mutual trust, respect and co-operation between the SANDF andthe German Armed Forces.Give the SANDF and other forcespractical experience in deployingand exercising their conventionalcapability.Upgrade operational means andmethods of multinational con-ventional forces by employing dif-ferent types of equipment whileconducting and exercising accord-ing to a common set of guidingprinciples.Enhance SANDF preparation and

combat readiness in the executionof missions as part of multination-al naval conventional operations.Examine and evaluate the compat-ibility of existing organisationalstructures and technical means toconduct multinational convention-al operations.SA Soldier attended the celebration

of the German Navy's 50th anniver-sary at the V&A Waterfront from 3 to6 March 2006. The celebrations startedwith a guard of honour for the Chief ofStaff of the German Navy, V AdmLutz Feldt, at Naval Base Simon'sTown. Later that evening, V AdmJohannes Refiloe Mudimu, the Chief ofthe SA Navy, hosted a function onboard the SAS AMATOLA. In hisspeech he said this was one of the exer-cises he would cherish as the Chief ofthe SA Navy and that he hoped whenthe exercise ended both countrieswould have learned from one another.The function was also attended by theChief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen CarloGagiano, and the German Air ForceChief of Staff, Lt Gen Klaus-PeterStieglitz.

On 4 March during the luncheonon board the FGS Rheinland-Pfalz, the

I

Fltr: The Chief of the SA Air Force, Lt Gen Carlo Gagiano, the Chief of the

SA Navy, V Adm Johannes Refiloe Mudimu, the German Air Force Chief of

Staff, Lt Gen Klaus-Peter Stieglitz, and the German Navy Chief of Staff,

V Adm Lutz Feldt, on board the SAS AMATOLA during a function.

The SANDF

and German

Armed Forces

conducted

the exercise

together.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

31

local residents were treated to a fly-pastdemonstration by the German AirForce (Tornado fighter jet) and theSouth African Air Force (Cheetah fight-er jet). The following day tourists andother members of the community hadan opportunity to view and take pic-tures of all the participating ships.

A group of VIP visitors were invitedto sail on the SAS AMATOLA for thesea and air phase exercise on 6 March. Italso happened to be the Chief of the SANavy's birthday. V Adm Mudimu waspresented with a bottle of champagneby the crew of the SAS AMATOLAwhile he was on the FGS Hamburg,courtesy of V Adm Feldt.

This exercise goes way back in 1996,when the German Navy came hereon a training voyage. In 1997 a tragicmid-air collision took place betweena German Air Force and a US AirForce plane off the Namibian coast.Maritime reconnaissance aircraft, theBREGUET ATLANTIC, and the frigate

AUGSBURG were used in asubsequent search operationinvolving co-operation with theSA Navy. At the time Com-mander (Senior Grade) EckhardBodecker was Executive Officeron the AUGSBURG.

The first joint exercise withthe SA Navy, Exercise CAPE OFGOOD HOPE, which waslaunched in 2000, symboliseddeeper co-operation betweenthe two countries. Both naviesprovided ships for a joint taskforce to facilitate the training ofcadet officers and to practisetactical deployment. As withExercise GOOD HOPE 2, the fir-ing of missiles off Overberg wasthe highlight of the exercise.

The advanced warships that

participated in Exercise DESEX,

the SAS AMATOLA (left) and the

FGS Rheinland-Pfalz at the

V&A Waterfront.

The SAS AMATOLA arriving at the V&A Waterfront. It was the first time that

the local residents and tourists had the opportunity to get a glimpse of our

naval vessel.

The FGS Rheinland-Pfalz.

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

32

Opinion formers visit the military in Cape Town

By S Sgt M.R. Ngozo, Directorate

Corporate Communication

Photos: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

n an effort to enhance a healthyrelationship and to promote theimage of the DOD, a group ofopinion formers were invited on ascheduled visit as guests of theChief of the SANDF, Gen GodfreyNgwenya, to military installations

in Cape Town from 23 to 24 February2006. The guests included directors,chief directors and director generalsfrom government departments, theInstitute for Security Studies, theNational Prosecuting Authority, theIndependent Complaints Directorate,as well as members of the media. Thevisit started at AFB Ysterplaat andended at the Military Academy inSaldahna.

The Chief of Joint Operations, LtGen Sipho Binda, the Chief of ForeignRelations, Maj Gen Dan Mofokeng,

the Deputy Chief Director ArmyCorporate Services, Brig Gen EnochMashoala, and the Director CorporateCommunication, Brig Gen KwenaMangope, accompanied the guests.

Welcoming the guests to thecorvette, SAS SPIOENKOP, at Simon'sTown Naval Base, Flag Officer Fleet, RAdm Hennie Bester, explained theimportant role that the SA Navyplays in protecting South Africa'scoastline. "The SA Navy's core busi-ness is to fight at sea, to win at seaand to be unchallenged at sea," saidR Adm Bester.

Navy Captains P. Smith and D.R.Faure and Commander M.J. Venter,gave lectures on how the corvetteworks and how the SA Navy conductsits operations at sea.

At Silvermine, Lt Col Archie Steynbriefed the guests on hydrography,the Navy's maritime area of responsi-bility and the operations conducted bythe Joint Tactical Headquarters. A

Brig Gen Kwena Mangope,

Director Corporate Communica-

tion, welcoming the guests at

Waterkloof AFB.

slide show on how illegal abalonepoaching is combated was shown tothe guests. Then they were taken to thebunkers where they were introducedto Operation ORCA and the air mar-itime control of aircraft.

The first day ended at the DODSchool of Logistics, after the OfficerCommanding, Col William Leukes,outlined the historical backgroundand the functions and roles of theschool, not only in the DOD, but alsoin respect of other defence forces inAfrica.

The Supply Support ActingTraining Co-ordinator of the School, LtCol Botha, presented lectures on theroles played by logistics in real war sit-uations. The guests were taken for aride in a Samil 50, after which Maj DeBruin and his team of instructors gavethe guests a demonstration of a deliv-ery point in the field.

The next day the delegation visitedAFB Langebaanweg. The OfficerCommanding, Col T.M. Khumalo,gave lectures on the historical back-ground, functions, resources and facil-ities of the Air Force, SAAF pilot train-ing, courses offered at AFBLangebaanweg and entrance require-ments for prospective trainee pilots.

I

The visitors on board of the SAS SPIOENKOP.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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By Lethube Phasha

Photo: Cpl René Naicker

The Mobility/Exit Mechanism (MEM)was specifically designed for uni-formed members of the South AfricanNational Defence Force.

SA SOLDIER had a follow-upinterview with Brig Gen Dries de Wit,the Director of Human ResourcePlanning, so that he could explain thecurrent status of this mechanism.

It was designed to give membersthe option of leaving the South AfricanNational Defence Force (SANDF) oncethey had reached a career plateau. BrigGen De Wit said that this mechanismwas an integral part of proper careermanagement. It is voluntary, so amember has the final say whether heor she wants to leave or remain in theSANDF. The MEM has been driventhrough the career management pro-cess of the four Services; therefore thecareer managers can recommend aMEM for members who they thinkhave reached their career plateau. TheSANDF also has the right to ask somemembers to stay on, if their contribu-tions are still needed in theDepartment of Defence (DOD).

Six months after implementing thismechanism the figures are still chang-ing daily. Even though this is a volun-tary mechanism the DOD has the rightto approve what it can afford as thiswas planned on an annual basis. TheDOD has to examine the financial

Update on the Mobility/Exit Mechanism

Brig Gen Dries de Wit, the Director

of Human Resource Planning.

means it has at its disposal. Brig Gen DeWit mentioned that the DOD hasreached its expectations for the currentfinancial year.

So far in the region of 550 membershave received ministerial approval toexit the SANDF during the 2005/2006financial year. As the MEM was alsoimplemented to promote transforma-tion in the SANDF it is vital to mentionthat of the approvals for 2005/2006,73% are white employees. Consideringrank levels it can be seen that largenumbers are from the senior levels,including WO1 and WO2, where theSANDF had a big stagnation problem.

Most members taking the MEM areover the age of 45, which serves as away to rejuvenate the force, eventhough other young people are alsoapplying for this mechanism. For thefinancial year 2006/2007 there havealready been 209 approvals (80% arewhite employees, mostly in the middlemanagement rank level, as well as WO1and WO2) and the number is expectedto grow as the year progresses.

Brig Gen De Wit said that thoughthe MEM was designed for uniformedmembers the Public Service has alsoapproved an exit package for civilianemployees, which will be implementedduring the 2006/2007 financial year.The two have similar principles. Thiswill provide the civilian members whoare currently employed in the comman-do units that are currently being closeddown with an opportunity to avail

themselves of a civilian package. Headded that they were pleased becausethe DOD was reaching all the goalsthat were set for the success of theMEM, which was designed to pro-mote the concept of through flow ofpersonnel, prevent stagnation andrejuvenate the Force.

Those who are interested in theMEM should discuss the matter withtheir career managers who will in turnprovide them with the necessary guid-ance. Currently the DOD is not regret-ting the implementation of the MEM,as it has proved to be very fruitful.Everyone is winning with the MEM.

For more information on the MEMplease contact the Career Managers of theServices and Divisions.

At SAS SALDANHA the Com-manding Officer, Capt (SAN) K.Naidoo, welcomed the guests andintroduced them to the Military SkillsDevelopment (MSD) Programme andthe partnership with the Departmentof Public Works. He said that SASSALDANHA played a pivotal role inproviding military education, trainingand development for ratings so as tomeet the needs of the SA Navy.

The last pit stop was the MilitaryAcademy where the guests weregreeted by the sweet voices ofthe Military Academy Choir, led by

2 Lt T.G. Mthombeni, which left theguests clapping hands, whistling andululating.

The Military Academy Comman-dant, Brig Gen T.Z. Manyama,explained the goals of the academy,while the Dean of the Faculty MilitaryScience, Prof D.J. Malan, outlined theprogrammes offered and the relation-ship between the academy and theUniversity of Stellenbosch.

Lt Cdr D.R. Zozo briefed theguests on the Section MilitaryDevelopment, while Ms K. Huyssteeninformed them about the community

programme called Masiza, and LtK.V. Masopa told them about the roleof the Military Academy StudentCommittee (MASC).

The guests were flown from AFBWaterkloof to AFB Ysterplaat andfrom AFB Langebaanweg to Pretoriain a C130 Hercules military aircraft.

Most of the guests described thevisit as an eye-opener, an adventureand quite an experience. NationalPolice Assistant Commissioner, MrJoseph Ngobeni, was so impressedthat he requested to be invited againon such a visit.

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

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New vision fora modern army

By Nomonde Vuthela

Photos: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

toast to the future of the SAArmy! "We learn as we fight,"announced the Chief of theSA Army, Lt Gen Solly Shoke,as he officially unveiled plansto create a robust, high-tech,self reliant, responsive and

adaptive Army - Vision 2020 strategy.Vision 2020 will breathe new life intothe Army so that it will possess aneven greater ability to work in coali-tion and jointness with all Services andother role players in order to facetoday's and tomorrow's challenges.

Lt Gen Shoke introduced this newconcept of the SA Army - Vision 2020 -to the media and other interest groups.Speaking at the launch held in ThabaTshwane on 7 March 2006, Lt GenShoke presented this product, which

took fifteen months of planning sincehis inception as Chief of the SA Army.

Vision 2020 was formulated by atask team consisting of seven SAArmy officers and is still in the plan-ning stages. It is intended to give theSANDF a more defined idea of whatthe new SA Army wants to be: a morestreamlined, adaptable and mobileforce for its new role for the next four-teen years. Details of a new breed ofsoldier were outlined: this type of sol-dier would achieve for theGovernment an expanding economythat would stretch throughout Africa.The soldier of the future will carry agun, but also fight psychological wars,always bearing in mind that the keyobjective is to contribute to SouthAfrica's social development. The "newsoldier" would also serve to boost therealisation of an African Renaissance.

Breaking down Vision 2020 duringa presentation the Project Leader, Col

Eddie Drost, talked about "a cleanslate approach and future first".Outlining the mandate of the SAArmy, which is to "provide combat-ready land forces for the pursuance ofnational defence and to contribute tothe development and upliftment ofSouth Africa, its people and theAfrican continent," Col Drost envis-aged a professional and dynamicforce.

He added that it was essential thatthe SA Army understand the kind ofwar on which it was embarking, and"How should we prepare ourselves inorder to fight?" Vision 2020 isdesigned to contribute to the optimisa-tion of the use of the SANDF by reju-venating its military capacity; there-fore the SA Navy and SA Air Forcewill soon unveil their own strategies togrow and meet the demands of a mod-ern world.

Col Drost elaborated that Vision

A

Fltr: Maj Gen Louis Dlulane, Chief Army Force Structure, Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of

the SA Army, and Col Eddie Drost, Project Leader of Vision 2020, at the media briefing of

Vision 2020.

2020 was still at a con-ceptual and strategiclevel and that the taskteam was not workingon a document cast instone, but one thatwas susceptible tochange. "This strategycan be changed whenthe need arises," ColDrost added.

Col Drostexplained that thevision of the SA Armyenvisaged the futureAfrican "battle space"as one involving thepossibility of formalwar, but also "com-plex war fighting",which could be char-acterised by the pres-ence of women and

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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child soldiers, formal military forces,rebels, mercenaries, cyber hackers,attempts at genocide, urban warfare,famine and refugees. Col Drost contin-ued that the future "battle space"remains unpredictable and that oursoldiers can be better prepared to con-tend with the differing situations. "Wecan do better in this regard copingwith natural disasters, refugees andillegal immigrants," he stated.

There is also the issue of physicalcomplexity as the SA Army movesfurther and deeper into foreign territo-ry. "Can we optimise equipment andshould we optimise for all regions?"Vision 2020 also emphasises the SAArmy's wish to operate across a rangeof African zones - from tropical drysavannah to desert and semi-desertconditions, tropical regions andmountainous areas. South Africa iscurrently part of the United Nations(UN) peacekeeping effort in the tropi-cal wet region of the DemocraticRepublic of Congo (DRC) andBurundi.

"To be looked at is whether weshould optimise for desert and junglewarfare," he said. Feasibility studiesindicate that with rapid urbanisationacross the continent, future battles arelikely to move more towards urbanareas. "We need to keep up with theJones's," Col Drost emphasised in rela-tion to the issue of aligning the SA

Army with the rest of the world asmodern technology and weaponsbecome even more high-tech andadvanced.

According to the presentationurbanisation takes place in one or twometropolitan areas of a country, result-ing in the development of megacities.There are more than 2 000 new arrivalsin Johannesburg per day and the infras-tructure of the city is not developed forsuch large numbers, resulting in thelarge unserviced slum areas. TheSANDF is then posed with the chal-lenge of fixing the infrastructure, suchas roads and harbours to enhance pro-ductivity. The Chief of the SA Armyalso indicated that although it was tooearly to indicate all the financial impli-cations, the budget had to support theplans.

The environment in which theArmy of the future will have to operatecalls for a combat-ready force that cancombine contemporary weapons withspecialised and high-tech weaponry forgreater flexibility. The new Army willbe more central, and be an all-arms yetsmaller team or battalion, and closecombat will remain the key.

The new type of soldier will alsopossess the fundamental skills of deal-ing with human complexity: the soldierwill have the ability to take the public'scares, needs and pains after and duringwartime into consideration. The impor-

tant question will always be: Do thepeople you are fighting for or liberat-ing see you in a positive light?

The new SA Army will also seegreater jointness with the SA Air Forceand the SA Navy. Ground forces willprovide their own protection, mobilityand fire power and be able to call inheavier naval power and close air sup-port at short notice. All ground forceswill be expected to interoperate withforces from other states and the otherServices (SA Air Force and SA Navy).Urban conflict will involve more and,unprecedented co-ordination betweenaircraft and artillery.

Col Drost said: "Good leadershipwill be that which is sustainable evenin the absence of resources." It wouldbe the key to the success of the project.

Vision 2020 also takes into accountthe necessary change in the SA Army'sphysical structure. The new Armywill be structured in a manner thatwill increase the speed of decision-making and thus give the soldier onthe ground more authority to dealwith situations that may presentthemselves.

Vision 2020 is the answer to thequestion: Will the SA Army be pre-pared for future challenges? The year2006 will see the SA Army formulateand begin to implement plans to pre-pare its forces for the warfare of thefuture.

Front, fltr: Lt Gen Sipho Binda, Chief of Joint Operations, Maj Gen Paul Ramahlo, Chief Army Force Preparation,

two members of the National Ceremonial Guard, Mr Mluleki George, the Deputy Minister of Defence, and

Lt Gen Solly Shoke, the Chief of the SA Army and, in the second row, right: Maj Gen Louis Dlulane, Chief Army

Force Structure, at the launch of the SA Army's Vision 2020.

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

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"The secret of war liesin communication"

By S Sgt Maryna Botes,

Junior Training Wing at the

School of Signals

s reflected in its mission theSchool of Signals is a traininginstitution that provides highquality command and man-agement information systems(CMIS) learning programmesfor the Department of

Defence (DOD) members and otherapproved clients to ensure that theyhave all the necessary knowledge andskills to enable them to render valuableand worthwhile CMIS services in theDOD and in other fields of work whereCMIS services are also utilised.

The School of Signals is one of theoldest units in the South AfricanNational Defence Force (SANDF) andwas established on 1 October 1913 asthe School of Signalling at Tempe,Bloemfontein. During its existence ithas been responsible for advanced sig-nals training for South African Corpsof Signals (SACS) officers, other ranks,units undergoing training and for theSignal Recruit Training Depot. TheSchool of Signals also provides formalleader group training and ReserveForce training in the SACS.

Currently the School of Signalsforms part of the CMIS Division whereit is responsible for the functional

Arange from improving effectiveness toreducing facilitator fatigue.

The simulator training system rep-resents a real-life configuration ofequipment that also allows the facilita-tor instant feedback on the progress ofindividual learners. It reduces the needto carry large quantities of surplusequipment for training purposes, andthus reduces loss through damage ortheft. It enables a facilitator learnerratio of 1 to 40, at the same time allow-ing for personal attention.

All aspects of the equipment can becovered, from its assembly and use upto finding flaws, which again reduceslogistical implications. The structuresaves space, time and money, and isadaptable, as any peripheral dataequipment can also be integrated intothe system. All simulator training is fol-lowed by practical field exercises forthe further development of the learner'sskills.

Further simulator training enablesthe School of Signals to maintain thestandard of training and ensures that itremains constant and consistent. Thisenables the School of Signals to fulfilits mission and to promote the prin-ciples of tactical telecommunica-tions, namely reliability, flexibility,security, responsibility and liaison. AsNapoleon said: "The secret of war liesin communication".

training of officers, other ranks, juniorleaders, apprentices and artisans of theSACS.

Its long history, however, does notalways reflect its adaptability to thelatest trends in training methods.The School of Signals is structured toprovide training for its Senior Train-ing Wing, Junior Training Wingand Technical Training Wing. ItsHeadquarters at the Planning andTraining Office (PTO) Section pro-vides assessment services and learneradministration.

The School of Signals embraced theprinciples of outcomes based educationand is in the process of becoming a fullyaccredited training provider. Currentlyit has a temporary training status. Agood example of this approach is theutilisation of simulator facilities.

Currently the School of Signals hasclasses providing for, among others,high frequency (HF), data, computertraining, telex net simulator and an R4shooting simulator. These classroomsare situated in the Junior TrainingWing, where training is given in the C21High Frequency (HF) Radio, the B46Very High Frequency (VHF) Radio, theTactical Data Terminal (TDT) 200, theData Entry Terminal (DET) 170 DataEntry Services and the Harness (HAR)500 vehicle installation.

The advantages of using simulators

Erecting a VHF Discone Antenna. Simulator classes on TDT 200 and C21 HF radios.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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The Secret World ofElectronic Warfare

By Col Robert Zeelie,

SSO Air, Dir Tech Def Int

magine a lone DC-4 Skymaster fly-ing along a foreign coast. It is late atnight and the inside of the aircraftis abuzz with activity. It is wartimeand a team of specialists is hard atwork, monitoring the electronicorder of the battle. These special-

ists, highly trained Electronic Warfare(EW) operators, are searching for anyradar and communications activitiesand radar-guided air defence systems.

An EW co-ordinator who is a navi-gator with years of operational experi-ence is responsible for the monitoringof all the activities. A lone Bar Locklong-range early warning radar isactive near an enemy airbase. This isnormal for this time of the night.Nothing out of the ordinary is expect-ed. Suddenly, a Spoon Rest early-warn-ing radar becomes active. Then, a SideNet height-finder radar also startstransmitting. EW operators report onthe tracking of the aircraft by a Side Netradar. The co-ordinator follows theseactivities closely. EW operators thenreport activity on the airbase tower fre-quency, indicating fighter-aircraft com-munications. The co-ordinator sudden-ly realises what is happening. The air-base has scrambled a fighter aircraft tointercept the Skymaster. He immedi-ately informs the pilots of what is tak-ing place, indicating his assessment ofit being an interceptor, and it is comingtheir way, flying just below the speedof sound!

The captain of the aircraft reactsimmediately. Both Skymaster pilotsonboard are veterans of operational fly-ing. The pilot quickly takes the aircraftinto a tight, spiral dive. Inside the air-craft everyone can feel the increase inG-force as the aircraft continues tobank very tightly. After a few tensemoments the aircraft levels out over thesea, hugging the waves at less than 200ft above them. The aircraft departs

IIllustration by WO2 Adriaan Gerryts.

helicopter-borne communications andradar jamming equipment. These heli-copters fly tactical profiles on the battle-field from where they will selectivelyjam enemy emissions. Oryx crews aretrained to penetrate enemy airspaceundetected and expose themselves onlyat critical moments of the air battle.After the jamming of targets, the Oryxwill depart from the battlefield usingevasive manoeuvres, flying nap-of-the-earth to avoid detection and possibleinterception by fighter aircraft.

A wide range of EW activities willcontinue to play an important role in thecontinuous preparation for war. Most ofthese activities will, however, continueto be shrouded in secrecy. Only thoseintimately involved will know the truecapabilities of EW operations. EW oper-ators thus have to train continuously tomaintain the highest levels of proficien-cy. In future they might participate onthe battlefield unnoticed and undetect-ed, but their influence will be duly felt.

This article is a tribute to the smallgroup of passionate and dedicated EWoperators who have fostered a capabili-ty to fulfil unique Air Force needs. It is,however, also an attempt to spark theinterest of individuals to becomeinvolved in the activities of ElectronicWarfare. This is essential if we are tocontinue carrying the banner of thisimportant capability of the SA Air Forceinto the future.

electronic reconnaissance aircraft thatmade a forced landing in the People'sRepublic of China (PRC) is evidence ofthis. The crew of the Aries were con-ducting radar and communicationsintelligence gathering in internationalairspace, flying over the South ChinaSea. However, a PRC fighter aircraft wasfollowing the Aries very closely. One ofthe Chinese fighters then accidentallyhit the Aries's wing and engine, causingthe fighter to crash into the sea, killingthe pilot. The Aries was forced to makean emergency landing inside China.

The SA Air Force is also no strangerto the modern day world of electronicwarfare. EW operators are trained tocarry out these secret, and sometimesdangerous activities. Until recentlysenior EW operators also manned EWstations on SAAF Boeing 707C aircraft.These aircraft were equipped to conductlong-range strategic reconnaissance mis-sions. In this role they flew beyond thedetection ranges of foreign radars, fromwhere they could conduct clandestinecollection operations. Real-time moni-toring of radar and communicationstransmissions took place, while EWoperators were also ready to subjectenemy fighter aircraft to communica-tions jamming. At the same time theBoeing 707C provided an early-warningservice to fighter and other support air-craft flying over the battlefield.

Today EW operators also man Oryx

from the operational areaat best speed. These eva-sive manoeuvres succeedin shaking off the inter-ceptor and the Skymasterreturns to base withoutfurther incident.

Today this type ofelectronic warfare mis-sion continues all aroundthe world. Some activi-ties, such as electronicreconnaissance, takeplace on a daily basis. Forinstance the EP-3 Aries

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S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

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Eli nqaku ungalifumana

kwiphephandaba leSebe loMkhosi

woKhuselo. (Translated into

IsiXhosa by Ms N.P. Ndwandwe)

URhulumente waseMzantsi Afrikawongeze ixesha elingangonyakakumsebenzi wenkqubo yamajoniamiselwe ukugcina uxolo kwiindawoeziliqela eAfrika.

Ongumthetheli ka Rhulumente,uMnu Netshitenzhe, unike le ngxelokwiintatheli zamaphephandaba,emva kwentlanganiso ka vekimbiniebibanjelwe eKapa, lisebe lombusoelilawulayo, kwinyanga yoKwindla(Matshi) 2006. URhulumente uyewazithathela ingqalelo ezi nkqubozamajoni zokugcina uxolo nolawulomelo kumazwe anjenge Burundi, Côted'Ivoire, DRC kunye nase Sudan.

URhulumente wenze umqondisowokuqhubeka nokuxhasa loo nkquboyoxolo ngokuvuma ukuba kuthunyel-we amajoni angamakhulu asithobanamashumi amahlanu (950) eSANDF

UMzantsi Afrika wongeze ixesha lenkquboyamajoni amiselwe ukugcina uxolo e-Afrika

njengenxenye yeZizwe eZimanyeneyo(UN) eBurundi. Ixesha labo apho lizakuphela nge 31 kweyoKwindla 2007.

URhulumente uphinde wavumaukuba kuthunyelwe amanye amalun-gu amajoni angamashumi amane ane-sithandathu (46) e-SANDF amiselweukuyokuxhasa xa kuncitshiswaimikhosi, bekhululwa emkhosini,behlukanisa kunye nakwinkquboyokulamla eCôte d'Ivoire.

E-DRC, amajoni amiselwe ukugci-na uxolo alikhulu elineshumi,azokongezwa ngamanye amalungualishumi elinesine nabazokusebenzaapho kuze kube 31 kweyoKwindla2007, ukuxhasa imisebenzi emibiniyokumanya nokuqeqeshwa kwe-zomkhosi, kwiSebe loMkhosi laseDRC.

URhulumente uphinde wavumaukongeza ixesha lokusebenza ukugci-na uxolo lamajoni angamalungu e-SANDF njengenxenye yomsebenziwezithunywa ze AU e-Sudan, kuzekube sekupheleni ku 31

kweyoKwindla 2007. URhulumentewaseMzantsi Afrika uvumile ukubaamajoni angamalungu e-SANDF anga-makhulu amathathu anamashumi asix-henxe nanye, amiselwe kwinkquboyokugcina uxolo, ukusukela ngomhla15 kweyoKwindla ukuya ku 30kweyeSilimela 2006, njengenxenyeyoMkhosi woKhuselo lwe AU e-Comores. Amalungu la azakuncedisaukuqinisekisa ukuba abantu bahlalabengenaxhala kwindawo elungeleukhetho lukamongameli, olukhululek-ileyo noluthembekileyo, uMnuNetshitenzhe utshilo.

* The English version of this article isavailable on page 10. To obtain a transla-tion of this article or any article publishedin SA SOLDIER in any one of our officiallanguages, please make use of the profes-sional services rendered by Director-ate Language Services of the DOD. Forassistance contact Col Daan Vorster,Director Language Services, at tel no:(012) 392 3176 - Ed.

Mokwadi ke Lethube Phasha

Setshwantsho ka F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana. Mofetoledi

(Translator): Sengadi Moshapo

Motlatsaporesidente wa naga, mohu-magadi Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka,motlatsatona ya diminerale le maatlamohumagadi Lulama Xingwana,mokwaledi wa tsa tshireletso RreJanuary Masilela mmogo le leftenentegenerala Solly Shoke ebong tlhogo yamabotho a dinao yo a neng a tlile falegatong la tlhogo ya SANDF ba nnileteng gotla go laela le go eleletsamasego setlhopha sa ntlha sa SANDFse se bololetseng kwa Comoros ka la17 Mopitlwe 2006 fao ba yang gothusa mo ditlhophong tse di tla nnangteng gautshwane.

Fa masole a rona a ne a

Masole a rona a bololetse Comorosipaakanyetsa go ya go thusa kapabalesego ka nako ya ditlhopho kwaComoros, Motlatsapresidente, molegatong la ga Presidente, puso le set-shaba sa Afrika Borwa, o lebogilemasole ka gobo ba direla batho baAfrika Borwa le naga.

Setlhopha se se ne se akaretsa mal-oko a military skills development pro-gramme (MSD). Gare ga bone go nego na le maloko a Reserve Force ao adirelang naga ya ona. E ke yone tsela ee dirisiwang ke lefapha la tshireletsogo akaretsa baswa mo SANDF mmego bonala e dira sentle. Ke lekgetlo laboraro maloko a MSD a dirisiwathomong.

Mokwaledi wa tsa tshireletso obuile gore Afrika Borwa ke naga e ekgethegileng mo thomong e, se serayang gore Afrika Borwa e tla romela

masole a le 371. Naga ya Rwanda leyone e tla romela dikwatla tsa yone.Masole a a tla romelwa ditlhaketlhak-eng ka boraro jwa tsone, mme masolea rona a tla tswelela go nna fao sebakasa dibeke dile pedi ka morago ga ditl-hopho le peo-semmuso ya presidenteka la 26 Mopitlwe 2006. Ditlhopha tsedingwe tsa tlaleletso di bolotse ka la21 le 23 Mopitlwe 2006.

* The English version of this article isavailable on page 10. To obtain a transla-tion of this article or any article publishedin SA SOLDIER in any one of our officiallanguages, please make use of the profes-sional services rendered by Director-ate Language Services of the DOD. Forassistance contact Col Daan Vorster,Director Language Services, at tel no:(012) 392 3176 - Ed.

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Join in the fun - SA Navy Festival

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

imon's Town was the place tobe on 24 to 26 March 2006,when the annual SA NavyFestival was hosted in thisbeautiful town. For three daysthe public had the opportuni-ty to get in touch with the SA

Navy.On 24 March the corvettes were

open to the public for the first time.There were also a dog show, a firemancompetition and a diving display. Themajor event for the day was the NavyBand dry dock concert, which was heldon the Dry Dock East Dockyard. Theshow was packed to capacity and theband played as if it was their lastperformance.

The dog show was very popular, asthe spectators packed the main arena towatch as the two dog units of the SANavy (Naval Stores Depot Wingfield inGoodwood and SA NavalArmourment Depot in Simon's Town)showed their capabilities. "The dogs atthese units were bred at 12 SA InfantryBattalion in Potchefstroom. Puppytraining is introduced when the dogsreach the age of six months. The year tofollow is very important as it is duringthis time that it is determined in whichdiscipline the dog will be utilised," saidAB Alroy la Meyer, the dog handler.

The next day started with the free-dom of right of entry parade intoSimon's Town. The chief functionarywas the Chief of Naval Staff, R AdmM.H. Magalefa, who officially declaredthe Navy Festival for 2006 open. "Eachyear we are pleased to host this festivalas it provides us with the opportunityto show and demonstrate to you, thepeople of our country, what yourPeople's Navy has in its inventory tofulfil the roles of protecting our countryand its people," said R Adm Magalefa.

He said that as the People's Navythey are not only committed to the

Sthought about the Navy Festival, ByronTodd (16) from Simon's Town said: "It'sfantastic, especially the boat rides. Itwas my first time inside the SASSPIOENKOP. Hopefully when I finishmy matric I will join the SA Navy", MrWilliam Rouibain from Mitchell's Plainsaid, he had a good time at the festival,but he was disappointed that therewere not enough seats at the mainarena.

Again the Navy Band gave alunchtime concert and they got every-one singing and dancing to differentsounds, such as the marimba. The high-light of the day was the night gunneryshoot at the Lower North Battery; itwas a beautiful sight to see those tracerbullets.

Other supporting activities thatpeople enjoyed were the muzzle load-ing guns firing every hour, food andvarious stalls, children's activities andstatic displays. African DefenceSystems (ADS) sponsored the festival.

protection of the country's territorialintegrity and sovereignty, but alsoaccept social responsibility for the peo-ple of South Africa. This includes theProject ISIVUNGUVUNGU SailingAcademy, the Fishing Academy, andmusical training of youth who haveformed a band, all of which has led tothe development of the youth of thelocal community and is proof of thepotential we have within our commu-nities. One of the members developedthrough Project ISIVUNGUVUNGU isnow a member of the crew of the SouthAfrican contender for the AmericasCup on board the yachtSHOSHOLOZA. Alderman NikiHolderness, the Ward 61 Councilor atSimon's Town, said they were alwayspleased to host the SA Navy festivalbecause the Navy had put Simon'sTown on the map.

After the parade everyone headedback to the main arena to enjoy theactivities of the day. Asked what he

AB Melvin Clifton Samdaan and his dog Gero deliver a demonstration at the

SA Navy Festival.

events

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

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Education needs to be a dialogue

By Lethube Phasha

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

ilitary Health TrainingFormation held its thirdacademic opening toenhance the performance ofthe academics on 16February 2006.

This day was set asideto give credit to military academicfacilitators and their civilian counter-parts. Guests included members of thefour Services and military attachés.Cpln N. Nkosi opened the event withScripture reading.

The keynote speaker at this func-tion was Mrs Palesa Makhale-Mahlangu, who is a clinical psycholo-gist in private practice.

She currently chairs the Board ofEqual Opportunities and AffirmativeAction for the SANDF. (The boardadvises the Minister of Defence onequal opportunities and affirmativeaction issues.)

Mrs Makhale-Mahlangu beganher speech by saying: "As an Afri-can woman, when I see beauty Imust acknowledge, Halala macabaneHalala!"

She reminded the academics thateducation needed to be a dialogue,and as academics we always need toquestion what we learn. She thenquoted a piece from Dr CarterWoodson's book, Miseducation of theNegro.

She told the academics that educa-tion should not only give us stature,but also enhance the community welive in.

According to her, educationshould be a vehicle that takes us to the

future, and she illustrated this on thebasis of Masslows' hierarchy of needs.

Mrs Makhale-Mahlangu said thatit was sad that we had educated peo-ple who looked down on those whowere not on a par with themselves,forgetting the point that "our elderlymay not have education, but they pos-sess God-given knowledge".

Though the Surgeon General couldnot attend the ceremony, he was ablyrepresented by Maj Gen Abie Land-man, Chief Director Military HealthForce Preparation, who delivered themessage of goodwill.

He reminded the academics that a

"medic" provided medi-cal care not only for thesoldier, but also for hisdependants.

He mentioned thatwe had the bestequipped life-supportassimilation laboratoryin the country, whichwas donated to us bythe USA.

He added that thefuture of SAMHS wasnot in the hands of theSurgeon General andother generals, but thefacilitators of the Mili-tary Health TrainingFormation.

Maj Gen Landmansaid that it was at thisformation that MilitarySkills Development(MSD) Programme stu-dents were given theskills to go out and bedisciplined young SouthAfrican citizens. Then

M

Brig Gen Lulu Siwisa, GOC Military Health

Training Formation, in her academic regalia at

the academic opening.

he thanked all the universities that arethe Formation's partners in training.

In his closing remarks he urged thestudents to study continuously, andalso said he eagerly awaited Masterdegrees in Military Medicine. Hiswords of encouragement were: "Takepride in what you are producing…keep up your good work - I saluteyou."

To quote Mrs Makhale-Mahlangu:"If you are meant to be a corporal, doyour work as well as Eskia Mphahlelewhen he writes his poetry." Walk thisroad with pride; God knows you canwalk this road with pride.

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

41

By Pte Arnaus Rakoma

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

Besides being actively involved in thedefence of our country the SA AirForce and the SANDF also have a car-ing and softer side. On 27 January2006 a group of underprivileged chil-dren from the Charisma CommunityChurch in Mamelodi East in Ekagengvisited 28 Squadron (Waterkloof AFB)to experience a once in a lifetimeopportunity to feel the magic of flying.

A good Samaritan by the name of2Lt Lea Miles from 5 Air Supply Unit,a fourth year Industrial Engineeringstudent at the University of Pretoriaand a TUKS rag queen debutante,made a request for the children to betaken on a C130 flight, as none of themhad ever flown before. TUKS ragorganisation raises funds in supportof various charity organisations andupliftment projects. Accompanyingthe children were their caregiver,

Adventure of Flying

The visitors experience the magic of flying in a

Hercules C130 transport aircraft.

Church in Mamelodi East as a centerthat offers care and support to desti-tute children. "The children from fami-lies affected by HIV/AIDS and pover-ty are welcomed at the centre eachafternoon, Monday to Friday, wherethey are given a cooked meal andhelped with their homework.

"They participate in daily worship,interact in educational and outdoor

games and are given care and encour-agement. The church has four volun-teers to prepare the meals and to bementors and guides to the children,"said Ms Maja.

Let us make the world a betterplace for young children and encour-age them to learn and follow theirdreams. Learning rooted in experiencebecomes wisdom.

Ms Doris Maja, andthree other studentsfrom the Universityof Pretoria. MajHein van Stadenwelcomed the visi-tors and gave abrief history of AFBWaterkloof (28Squadron) and itsresponsibilities andbasic roles.

Ms Majaexplained the pur-pose of the Cha-risma Community

By Lt Maryke Lynn, Ad Astra

Practice makes perfect! An aviation safety and training dayto sharpen their skills and keep them up to date with thevarious types of aircraft was held on 4 February 2006 for thepilots of the Air Force Museum's fleet of aircraft.

The aircraft flown in their training sorties were theSiyandiza Puma, Harvard, Kudu, Alouette II, Dakota C47,the Vampire and Bosbok. The SA Air Force and, in particu-lar, the Air Force Museum, also had the opportunity to opentheir hearts to some 25 children from the childhood cancerfoundation "Choc" on this day. A number of these childrenare terminally ill and, since time was of the essence, the SAAir Force made use of the first available opportunity tomake their wish to fly come true. Brig Gen John Church, thecommander for the day, Lt Col Rassie Erasmus, the co-pilot,and WO1 Pierre du Toit, the flight engineer, took the chil-dren and their support systems of family and friends on ashort flight over the Hartbeespoort Dam and surroundingareas in the Siyandiza Puma. As encouragement for anoth-er dream, L Cpl Mpho Keetile, who is currently working atthe museum and striving to become an aviator in the SA AirForce, was given a flip in the Vampire with Lt Col GlenWarden, a Reserve Force member.

Dreams come true

Children from the childhood cancer foundation "Choc"

had a wonderful day during the aviation safety and

training day.

insight

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

42

Tax implications ofsalary restructuringBy Lt Col H.A. Mpshe, SO1 Legal

Advice and Litigation Army Office

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

n 26 October 2005 DirectorMilitary Personnel Utilisa-tion issued a document enti-tled "Implementation of thenew inclusive flexibleRemuneration PackageSystem for South African

National Defence Force members onsalary level 11 and 12".

Paragraph 2 of the said documentreads as follows: "This communiquéserves to provide you with an overviewof the new inclusive flexible remunera-tion package system, (hereinafterreferred to as the Middle ManagementService System) that is being imple-mented for members on salary level 11and 12 and members on salary level 10or lower who are awarded a remunera-tion package that falls within the scalesof MMS level 11 and 12 and the impli-cation thereof on your position".

The flexible package mentionedabove allows members to structure theremaining component of their flexibleportion into the following remunera-tive allowances or benefits: motor vehi-cle allowance, 13th cheque and non-pensionable cash allowance.

While the aforementioned docu-ment deals with the implementationimplications of the new inclusive flexi-ble remuneration package system formembers' salaries, this article willattempt to deal with the tax implica-tions thereof. Paragraph 11 of the docu-ment of Director Military PersonnelUtilisation instructions specificallystipulates: "As this salary adjustmentwill affect your taxable income, you areencouraged to consult with your finan-cial advisor to determine the optimalcomposition of your remunerationpackage".

This article is not intended to

provide solutions to all the questionsmembers may have, but rather is intend-ed to provide basic guidelines on thetax implications of one's salary restruc-turing.

Structural outline of the taxation of employees

The payment of income tax is regu-lated by the provision of the Income TaxAct 58 of 1962. In general terms, everyresident of South Africa is obliged to payincome tax on his or her gross income.

Gross income is defined in relation toany year or period of assessment as thetotal amount in cash or otherwise,excluding receipts and accruals of a cap-ital nature, received by or accrued to ataxpayer during a particular tax period.The tax period refers to the periodbetween 1 March of each year and 28February of the succeeding year.

The definition of concepts such as"capital nature, received or accrued,total amount", etc are beyond the scopeof this article and will not be defined. Itmust, however, be mentioned at thisstage that salaries received by membersof the SANDF constitute an amount incash or otherwise, and such amounts arenot of a capital nature and constitutegross income subject to taxation.

Tax implication of structuringpackage

As mentioned above members onsalary level 11 and 12 were given vari-ous options to structure the remainingflexible portion of their package. Theoptions were between the 13th cheque, anon-pensionable cash allowance and amotor vehicle allowance. Each of theseoptions, with more emphasis on theirtax implications, will be discussed here-under.

13th cheque optionThe practical implication of 13th

cheque structuring is that a member will

receive lump sum payments on anannual basis. These lump sum pay-ments will be taxed at an applicablerate. The taxpayer is, however, givenan option to spread the tax payableover a twelve-month period. When thetax payable is spread over twelvemonths, such tax will not be reflectedseparately from other tax payable onthe member's salary advice, but willform part of the composite tax payableduring that month.

The adverse implications of thisoption from the tax planning perspec-tive are that while a taxpayer wouldhave paid full tax on the lump sumpayment, such member would not beentitled to deduct any tax benefit fromthe tax already paid.

Non-pensionable cashallowance

The non-pensionable cashallowance simply means that the tax-payer has structured his or her packagein such a way that additional cashamounts will be paid to him or her overand above his or her normal salary.This amount will not be used for thepurpose of calculating the employer'scontribution to the member's pension.

The tax implications for non-pen-sionable cash allowances are the sameas the implications for the 13th cheque.

Motor vehicle allowanceStructuring for a motor vehicle

OAttention -

Members

on Salary Level

11 and 12…

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

43

allowance offers an employee or tax-payer a tax advantage in the sense thatwhile other allowances and benefitsare taxed fully, only 50% of the motorallowance is deemed to be remunera-tion and is therefore subject to amonthly employee's tax. The fullallowance, however, is subject to taxon assessment.

Any other amount received froman employer in addition to a travellingallowance for vehicle related expenses,such as fuel, maintenance, repairs,insurance or capital repayment formspart of the travelling allowance. Fiftypercent of this is also subject toemployee's tax.

It should be noted that the Act usesthe word travel allowance. I assume,without necessarily concluding, that itis so, that reference to travel allowancerefers to motor vehicle allowance. Anyreference to travel allowance in thisarticle should be construed as referringto motor vehicle allowance.

Although only 50% of theallowance is subject to monthlyemployee tax, the full allowance willbe disclosed on your IRPS certificateand included in your gross income forthe year! At the end of the tax year youshould claim a deduction for the costsof your business travel and the deduc-tion will then be set off against yourtravelling allowance in your incometax return. The result is that only thatpart of the allowance that has not beenexpended for business purposes willbe taxable in your hands. (Businesstravel for this purpose refers to officialtrips.) Thus if your deduction for busi-ness travel is less than 50% of yourallowance, you will probably have topay in tax on the difference (in otherwords, the amount by which 50% ofthe allowance exceeds your businesstravel deduction). If the deductionexceeds 50% of your allowance, youwill have paid too much employee'stax and may be entitled to a refund.

Claiming deductions for business travel

On submission of your tax return,you may claim your business travelexpenditure as a deduction againstyour travel allowance. The claim forbusiness travel expenses may be for-mulated in one of the following ways:

Actual business kilometres multi-plied by the actual costs.Actual business kilometres multi-plied by the gazetted rote per kilo-metre.Deemed business kilometres multi-plied by the actual costs.The claim for business travel will

consist of two components, viz expen-diture incurred, which may either beactual expenditure incurred orgazetted, and kilometres travelled.

Only business kilometres travelledcan be used for the purposes of adeduction against travel allowance. Itis important to have an understandingof what constitutes private travel for anemployee, so as to distinguish betweensuch travel and business travel.

Private travel for income tax pur-poses includes:

Travel between one's home andplace of employment or business,andany other travelling done for theprivate or domestic purposes of theemployee or office holder con-cerned. Expenditure on either cate-gory of private travel is deemed nothave been actually expended ontravelling on business.A travel allowance granted to an

office holder or employee to enablehim to defray expenditure in relation toa motor vehicle used by him will bedeemed to have been expended forbusiness purposes on an amount calcu-lated as either:

Business travel (ie total travel lessprivate travel) multiplied by a rateper kilometre for the category ofvehicle used. This does not applywhere the taxpayer has been grant-ed the right of use of the vehicle bythe employer, in which case actualexpenditure must be claimed. TheMinister of Finance fixes these ratesby notice in the Gazette. Businesstravel for this purpose will be equalto the difference between the totalkilometres travelled, but notexceeding 32 000 km. (Where morethan one vehicle has been usedinterchangeably for business pur-poses by the recipient of theallowance, during any one year,and one or more of the vehicles con-cerned was not used primarily forbusiness purposes, all vehicles

must have the 32 000 and 14 000km limits applied separately, irre-spective of the extent of businessuse.)The actual expenditure incurredduring the year on running thevehicle concerned, apportionedbetween business and privatetravel. This actual expendituremust be based on accurate data,which must be furnished by therecipient of the allowance.It should be noted that if you have

not kept a logbook (showing the pre-cise details of your private and busi-ness travel) then the first 14 000 kilo-metres travelled in a year will bereported as private travel. The balanceis then regarded as business travel,but the maximum amount that can beattributed to business travel is restrict-ed to 18 000 kilometres.

Keeping a logbook is thereforeadvisable if you travel more than 32000 during the year and if more than18 000 kilometres of that travel is busi-ness travel. Similarly, if you travel lessthan 14 000 kilometres a year, it isadvisable to keep a logbook.

Generally, any employee who isrequired to use his or her vehicle forbusiness purposes and whose privatetravel is more than 14 000 kilometresper annum, may derive a tax benefitfrom a travelling allowance. At theend of the tax year employees areexpected to complete their fax returnsand, depending on how they struc-tured their flexible packages, theymay either be entitled to a refundfrom SARS or may have to pay SARSa huge amount of money.

As a member of the SANDF, youare reminded that the structuring ofthe flexible portion was backdated,and thus if you have structured for amotor vehicle allowance, tax on suchallowance would be calculated on thebasis that the allowance accrued noton the date of the implementation, buton the backdated date.

For further enquiries contactMaj H.A. Mpshe, the writer, whoholds a Masters degree in Tax Law, attel no: (012) 355 1566.

* The views expressed in this articledo not reflect the official position of SARSor CMLS.

sport

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

44

By Lebohang Letaoana

Photo: Cpl Lebogang Tlhaole

The British Royal Corps of Signalsembarked on a tour to South Africa toplay against a South African NationalDefence Force cricket team on 18March 2006. This was their secondtour in our country; their previoustour was in 2002. The Command andManagement Information Systems(CMIS) Division was appointed as thehost for this tour.

Before playing against our men theBritish went on a township tour toMamelodi where they played againsta development cricket team of theMamelodi cricket club on 17 March2006. "Teams from Mamelodi cricketclub need to play as many games aspossible against teams of your calibrein order to gain more experience, asthey are still a developing team," saidMr Joe Vuma, the Chairperson of thecricket club in his welcoming speech.

Both teams played with dedicationand commitment, and the Mameloditeam managed to beat the BritishRoyal Signals by five wickets. Afterthe game Brig John Thomas, Signal

British defeated by SA cricket players

The Captain of the SANDF cricket team,

Maj Eksteen Quintus, received the winning trophy

on behalf of the team from the Chief of the CMIS

Division, Maj Gen Ashwin Hurribunce (right).

excellent opportunity to further fos-ter relationships between us. It willbroaden the education of those of-ficers and soldiers lucky enough tovisit such a beautiful country," saidBrig Thomas.

Lt Col R. Nicholson, theChairperson of the British RoyalCorps of Signals Cricket Club, said thesuccess of the last tour had resulted ina strong desire to return quickly andagain enjoy the delights of this won-derful country. The big day arriv-ed and our cricket team did not

disappoint us as they gave their coun-terparts a good game, which theBritish lost by six runs.

ResultsPlayed 20 overs151/3 - British Royal Signals

Cricket Club152/5 - Mamelodi Cricket Club

Played 50 overs271/8 - SANDF Cricket Club266/9 - British Royal Signals

Cricket Club

Officer in Chief(Army), handed overcertificates to theMamelodi team mem-bers and the RoyalSignals also gave theircricket kit to them.

"I am delighted atthe kind of supportthat Maj Gen AshwinHurribunce (the Chiefof CMIS Division) hasgiven my Corp's crick-et team to have achance to go on tour toSouth Africa. It is an

By Maj Pierre Hamman, SANDFCA

For the third year running loyal crick-et players from the SANDF weregiven recognition for their continuousgood performances during theSANDF Cricket Championships heldin Bloemfontein in December 2005.

Their reward: Participation in theSANDF Cricket Association (SANDF-CA) annual inland tour to PortElizabeth and the Eastern Cape oninvitation of the Eastern ProvinceCricket Board (EPCB) from 10 to 19March 2006.

This was the third annual inlandtour that the SANDFCA has undertak-en over the past three years and, afterfeedback was received from all partiesinvolved, it was established that thiswas the most successful tour of theSANDFCA over the past three years.

Cricket tour to Port ElizabethTwo teams, a SANDF XI and a

President's XI, and the necessary offi-cials were selected upon completion ofthe SANDF Cricket Champion-ships.They enjoyed the tour organised bythe SANDFCA Executive Committee.

The tour party arrived in PortElizabeth on 11 March from all overthe country. The following day the twocoaches, S Sgt C. Gous and WO1 A.Dido, took the players for a practicesession in gale force winds that thefriendly city has become known for.

It could be seen at the practices thatthese two teams meant serious busi-ness and that they were not going tolet the SANDFCA down in the fourrepresentative matches. The playersshowed excellent team spirit, guts anddetermination, which promised onlygood things for the following week'stour matches.

Four matches were played duringthe tour and the results were as fol-lows:

13 March 2006: SANDF Pre-sident's XI vs EPCB Gold XI(SANDF President's XI won by 65 runs)14 March 2006: SANDF XI vsEPCB Classic XI (SANDF XI lostby 15 runs)16 March 2006: SANDF XI vsEPCB Gold XI (SANDF XI lost by2 wickets)17 March 2006: SANDF Presi-dent's XI vs EPCB Classic XI(SANDF President's XI won by 28 runs)The SANDFCA would like to

extend a word of thanks to all therelevant role players for makingthis tour such a success - it is highlyappreciated!

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

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By S Lt (SANR) Glenn von Zeil

This year four SA Navy Bosun dinghiesand one from the Simon's Town sailingacademy, Isivunguvungu, and twoentries from the SA Air Force compet-ed in the annual MAC24, a 24-hourdinghy endurance race, held at RietvleiDam and hosted by the MilnertonAquatic Club.

Entrants included teams sailingBosuns, Sonnets, Mirrors and GP14swith the Cape wind favouring thelighter boats. The objective of the raceis to complete as many laps during the24-hour period. Crews can beexchanged as often as is necessary,which gives many members an oppor-tunity to test their sailing skills. Duringthe 24 hours the wind speed variedconsiderably, with an average lap tak-ing around 10 minutes. However, inthe dead of night, when the winddropped, a single lap was known totake over an hour!

The final minutes of the race werehair-raising for the Navy 2 Bosun, witha crew from SAS SALDANHA, as theyhad to complete two penalties.

SA Navy sailors excel at MAC24

The SAS SALDANHA Bosun's crew.

Town crew) came 24th and Navy 1(Simon's Town crew) ended 25th - allwith 138 laps.

The SANDF Interforce Trophy wascollected by SAS SALDANHA, whileUnitie Too was awarded the Fabrinox

Trophy for sportsmanship.The Bosun floating trophies were

awarded in bronze, silver and goldto Air Force Base Langebaan, SASSALDANHA, and Isivunguvungurespectively.

Although theteam worked thedinghy they un-fortunately mis-sed the cut-offby seconds andcould not moveup the final fleetorder. The spec-tators were, how-ever, treated to afine display ofsailing and sea-manship skills.

Navy 2 (SASS A L D A N H Acrew) finished17th overall, com-pleting 150 laps,Unitie Too (SANavy Reservecrew) ended 23rd,Unitie 1 (Simon's

By Maj Elize Lizamore,

SA Army Foundation

In the true spirit of Batho Pele the SAArmy Foundation presented a chequeof R2 000.00 to the Executive NationalSecurity Programme (ENSP) 13/06.The ENSP is a unique programme thatfocuses mainly on national security.Selected top-level SANDF officers andofficials, members of internationaldefence forces and other governmentdepartments have the privilege of util-ising the South African NationalDefence College (SANDC) as a learn-ing environment.

The SA Army Foundation cele-brates its 50th year since its inceptionin 1956 and is proud to be associatedwith the academic status of the SouthAfrican National Defence College."The funds will be utilised to purchasereference books for the library of the

Donation to buy reference books for college

Fltr: Mr Henk Redelinghuys, Sales Supervisor of the SA Army Foundation,

Mr Jaap van der Poll, Product Administrator of the SA Army Foundation,

Maj Gen Keith Mokoape, General Manager of the SA Army Foundation, and

Col Zakes Msimang, the Regal of ENSP 13/06.

College and are very much appreciat-ed," said the SSO Education, Training

and Development of the SANDC, ColMariëtte Hartley.

S A S O L D I E R M A Y 2 0 0 6

46

By WO2 Karien Hills,

Section Head of Leave Office

Photo: F Sgt David

Nomtshongwana

The personnel of the Human ResourceSupport Section JSB MOD working inthe leave section are very happy withtheir renovated office. The opening ofthe renovated leave office took placeat Defence Headquarters in Pretoriaon 28 March 2006.

Since they moved into this office inMay 2005 they had to improvise tohave a counter to serve their clients.They also had various problems withold equipment that had a negativeimpact on service delivery to clients.

This office serves more than 1 200clients and can give specialised adviceon any leave related matter. The officeis open for clients daily between 09:00and 15:00 (in-post training and gener-al administrative tasks are done whenthe office is not open to clients).

Leave applications are captur-ed and printed directly on thePERSOL system. Clients are request-ed to ensure that their signed leave

Opening of renovated leave office

The renovated leave office (clockwise, from top left): Capt Chimoné

Lambrechts, Cpl Selo Kenosi and a third unidentified client applying for

leave, WO2 Karien Hills, Section Head of Leave Office, L Cpl Christopher

Gama, Cpl Wilfred Inama, Cpl Siphiwe Simelane and Cpl Felani Masambuka

(all leave clerks).

"new" office, all clerks agreed thatthey felt proud to work in a more pro-fessional environment. The clerksreceive in-post training on a regularbasis in order to give the best possibleservice to clients.

(The Sepedi version of this article isavailable at the bottom of this page.)

applications are returned to the leaveoffice within four working days. It isimportant that the work attendanceregister keeper should be informedabout approved leave because he orshe needs the leave number for theregister.

After their first day's work in the

Ka WO2 Karien Hills, Hlogo ya

Lefapa Ofising ya Llifi

(Translated into Sepedi by

Mr Pat Mabala, D Lang)

Bašomedi Karolong ya HumanResource Support JSB MOD lefapengla llifi ba thabišitšwe ke ofisi ya bonayeo e mpshafaditšwego. Pulo ya ofisiyeo e mpshafaditšwego e phethaga-ditšwe ka la 28 Matšhe 2006 DefenceHeadquarters, Pretoria.

Ka ge e sa le ba thothela ofising yeka Mei 2005, ba ile ba swanelwa ke goitirela khaonthara ya lebakanyana yeoba tlogo šomela go yona ge ba thušabatho. Gape ba bile le mathata kadidirišwa tša bona tša kgale tšeo diamilego tšweletšo ya ditirelo gampe.

Go bulwa ga ofisi yeo e mpshafaditšwegoya llifi

Ofisi e thuša batho ba 1200 ka goba fa tshedimošo ya maemo a godimomabapi le se sengwe le se sengwe sago amana le llifi. Ofisi e bulwa letšatšile letšatši magareng ga 09:00 le 15:00go abela batho tirelo (tlhahlo o-le-mošomong [in-post training] lemešongwana e mengwe ya tshepedišoya kakaretšo e dirwa ge ofisi e sabulelwa go thuša batho).

Dikgopelo tša llifi di lokelwakhomphutheng, gwa tšweletšwakhopi thwii ka go šomiša PERSOL.Batho ba kgopelwa go netefatša goredikgopelo tša bona tša llifi tšeo disaennwego di bušetšwa ofising ya llifipele matšatši a mane a mošomo a feta.Go bohlokwa gore moswari wa retšis-tara ya bašomi a tsebišwe ka dillifi

tšeo di dumeletšwego gobane o nyakanomoro ya llifi ka retšistareng yeo.

Letšatši morago ga go šomela ofis-ing e 'mpsha' bao ba šomelang go yonaba dumetše gore ba ikwa ba ikgantšhaka go šomela lefelong leo la seprofeše-nale. Bašomi ka ofising yeo ba fiwatlhahlo o-le-mošomong kgafetšakgafetša gore ba abe thušo e kaone.

* The English version of this article isavailable at the top of the page. To obtain atranslation of this article or any articlepublished in SA SOLDIER in any one ofour official languages, please make use ofthe professional services rendered byDirectorate Language Services of theDOD. For assistance contact Col DaanVorster, Director Language Services, at telno: (012) 392 3176 - Ed.

clippings

M A Y 2 0 0 6 S A S O L D I E R

47

God's Greatness andHuman Dignity

By Cpln (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya, Acting

SSO Ministry and Spirtual Support

boy was sitting on a parkbench with one hand restingon an open Bible. He wasloudly exclaiming his praiseto God. "Hallelujah!Hallelujah! God is great!" heyelled, without worrying

whether anyone heard him or not.Shortly afterwards a man came whohad recently completed some studiesat a local university. Feeling himselfvery enlightened in the ways of truthand very eager to show his enlighten-ment, he asked the boy about thesource of his joy.

"Hey" asked the boy in return witha bright laugh, "Don't you have anyidea what God is able to do? I just readthat God opened up the waves of theRed Sea and led the whole nation ofIsrael right through the middle." Theenlightened man laughed lightly, satdown next to the boy and began to tryto open his eyes to the "realities" of themiracles of the Bible.

"That can all be very easilyexplained. Modern scholarship hasshown that the Red Sea in that areawas only 10-inches deep at that time.It was no problem for the Israelites towade across," he said.

The boy was stumped. His eyeswandered from the man back to theBible lying open on his lap. The man,content that he had enlightened apoor, naive young person to the finerpoints of scientific insight, turned togo. Scarcely had he taken two stepswhen the boy began to rejoice andpraise louder than before. The manturned to ask the reason for thisresumed jubilation.

"Wow!" exclaimed the boy happilyand said: "God is greater than Ithought! Not only did He lead thewhole nation of Israel through the RedSea, He topped it off by drowning the

whole Egyptian army in 10-inches ofwater!"

When one meditates on the great-ness of God, one does not lose amoment marvelling about the acts ofthe Almighty God. The Scriptures con-stantly point out to us some actionsthat are not possible to link to a humanbeing's creative mind. An example iscited by the Psalmist when he says:"Oh Lord your greatness is seen in allthe world... you appointed man rulerover everything you made. You placedhim over all creation; sheep and cattleand the wild animals too; the birdsand the fish and the creatures in theseas," (Ps. 8:1; 6-8).

The message behind this passage isthat everyone is unique before God.That knowledge makes you and mehave self-esteem and develop our-selves to what we want to achieve. Thelittle boy was not disturbed by otheroutside messages (10 inches deep) thatcame his way that sought to distracthim from his abstract knowledge ofthe greatness of God. The boy was soencouraged that he reminded me ofanother young man who wouldexclaim in a church while a preacherwas preaching.

An elder seated next to himnoticed that he had no shoes and saidto him, "if you do not exclaim I willgive you some boots to wear." As thepower of the Holy Spirit engulfed thepreacher, the young man was alsorestless and wanted to shout with aloud exclamation. The young manstood up and said: "Boots or no boots...Amen". Such is the greatness of Godin human beings.

This was also heard and recog-nised from one of the Xhosa elders(Ntsikana) in 1868 when he exclaimedto his subjects about a message he hadreceived. He said: "Lento indingeneyoithi mandithethe... this message that iswithin me forces me to speak."

Again one marvels at the powers

that prevail in people through theirnegotiating with God. These forcesenable a person to reveal some otherattributes of God that are sometimestaken for granted by everyone. Here isan example:

That God is so great and a humanbeing has been made a little inferior toGod, is to say to a person: "Don't loweryourself". Walk tall and acknowledgeyourself thus.

That a human being has beengiven authority over all other crea-tures is enough to say to a person,"You are the co-creator together withthe Creator". Smile and be positive.

Therefore to finish up this mes-sage, allow me to say: "Human being,it is enough for you to know that youcannot do anything without acknowl-edging the greatness of the One whocreated you".

God bless!

Cpln (Dr) R.M. Ngwanya.

APsalm 8 - "God

is Greater than

I thought!"