(The first Armed Forces Day was held in 2010 as reported by Digital Journal). Since then, it has been held on the 21st of February. This is the day before the memorial to those lost on the troopship SS Mendi in 1917 on their way to the Western Front in WWI.
The proceedings began with the awarding of a special medal for service relating to the burial of South Africa’s first democratic president, the late Nelson Mandela.
Current president Jacob Zuma then addressed what turned out to be a rain-drenched crowd, stressing the assistance provided by the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to the people of Mozambique during floods earlier this year. The SANDF has also, in conjunction with the police, helped to improve security in rural areas and farming communities, as well as safeguarding the country’s borders.
Beyond the borders, the SANDF is assisting with training other armed forces on the continent and has promised a battalion to the newly-established African Capacity for Immediate Response to Crisis (ACIRC). It is also contributing troops to peacekeeping operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sudan.
The president also mentioned the Defence Review, which calls for a major beefing up of the SANDF and is currently beyond the country’s capabilities, but some elements need to be included to keep the force viable.
The march past included the Presidential Guard, marching bands from the four arms of service (Army, Air Force, Navy and Military Health Service) as well as flypasts by Gripen fighters, Hawk trainers and helicopters of various types (26 in all).
Over 80 military vehicles, including Infantry Fighting Vehicles
The event moves from province to province each year and is organised by a different arm of service. This year’s event was arranged by the Air Force, while next year’s falls to the Navy.
