By Palesa Mofoti
The South African National Defence Force(SANDF) hosted their annual South African Air Defence Artillery (SAADA) Formation Gun Run which is a high-octane sport that brought together both SANDF teams and civilian groups.
The Gun Run was a celebration of the force’s excellence week, which was hosted from 8th until 12th December 2025.
Civilians who participate in the Gun Run are taken through a rigorous and intense training provided by the SANDF-SAADA. Health safety is also ensured to all participants prior to the competition.
The highlight of the four day programme was Gun Run, which was bought back this year after being stopped in 2019 due to the uncertainties of Covid 19.
The crowd puller Gun Run is an activity in which 11 teams participated, tracking around the CBD pulling a 23mm anti-aircraft gun with an estimated distance of over seven kilometers.
A weaker team is roughly estimated to complete their track in an hour and 45 minutes to finish, while a strong team would take 50 minutes to finish the race.
Amongst the participating teams were the 2019 winners of the same the competition, Galeshewe Community Team, which is a civilian group rigorously trained to get the medal.
Various stakeholder banners were spotted, Avbob, Old Mutual, Liberty Life as well as the Department of Sports and Arts and Culture, Traffic Department, Sol Plaatje Municipality, Firefighters and the South African Police Services (SAPS).
Lieutenant-Colonel KP Mabobo expressed with joy on how these events are to strengthen relations between the SANDF and the local community of Kimberley.
“This is a tradition for Kimberley, however not only is this for recreational purposes but there are also economic benefits to it because some people who participate aren’t from Kimberley so they would book guesthouses,” he concluded.
The even further paid homage to Sizwe Mondile of Kasi Pet, whom was described as a community leader and uplifter who was a big friend of the Gun Run.
Moses Motlhaping who is trainer of Galeshewe Community Team, said he started participating in the Gun Run in 2009. The main aim was to keep children occupied and ensure that they do not participate in crime or any form of substances.
He currently trains a total of 24 boys and girls, whom he is eager for to participate again on the next one in 2026.
The 2019 winners, Galeshewe Community Group, came second by completing the competition by 59 minutes.
The winning team was the 104 Battery of 10 Anti- Aircraft Regiment, who won by 55 minutes while third position was won by the 3SAI Battalion in 1hour5minutes.
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