Obonearatile Lekhehle
The Kimberley Military Sports Club grounds came to a spectacular halt earlier this month as the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Angie Motshekga, officiated the pass-out parade of more than 2,500 new South African National Defence Force (SANDF) recruits.
This historic occasion marked a major milestone for the department, serving as the first-ever joint basic military training graduation. The unified programme brought together recruits from the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy, and SA Military Health Services under a single training initiative.
The thunderous sound of marching boots echoed through the air in perfect unity, while jubilant families in the stands watched in admiration, singing praise songs and waving flowers as the troops marched past. None seemed to be deterred by the baking in the scorching Northern Cape sun.
Dignitaries from National, Provincial and Local Government also bore witness to the historic milestone.
The recruits completed a 12-month training programme, after being scouted from all nine provinces.
The Northern Cape had 242 recruits, KwaZulu-Natal 301, with Gauteng in the lead with 625.
The Eastern Cape consisted of 300 recruits, Free State 275, Limpopo 293, Western Cape 211, and North West 201, while Mpumalanga had 149 recruits.
Welcoming the recruits, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, delivered an impactful speech and referred to them as ‘officers.’ Maphwanya said discipline must always be a watchword and inspire others to follow. “Planting the correct seed from now on, let us uphold and live our lives as respected military officers,” added the General.
Family and friends who attended the event expressed pride in being part of the historic moment.
Some said they could not get a proper glimpse of the march, and the sound was poor, so they could not hear what was being said.
A mother who travelled from Durban to see her daughter said they only caught the last hour of the event after being stuck in traffic for almost 3 hours.
“We struggled to get accommodation as the guest houses were fully booked. However, we are proud to be here, and will not trade this moment for anything in this world,” she said, shedding a tear of joy.
Another parent from Pretoria said the vibrant energy did not only start at the sports ground, but the excitement could be felt through the slow traffic leading to the venue.
“My 22-year-old son has made me proud and has proven that he can take and face anything in life. If he could survive this 12-month training, surely he can survive anything life throws at him,” he said.
Pictures: SA National Defence Force Facebook Page
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