- Details
- Category: Military Events
Armed Forces Day 2023
Richards Bay
The annual commemoration of the sinking of the SS Mendi, with the associated huge loss of life of South African soldiers in the English Channel on the 21st of February 1917 was held in Richards Bay. After the major restrictions that the covid-19 pandemic had caused with the cancellation of the 2021 event and a very scaled down 2022 event. With the lifting of covid-19 restrictionst the 2023 iteration returned to its former glory.
Established in 2013 by the then President of South Africa as a commemoration honouring the fallen soldiers of our country, it has expanded greatly to its current format. Around 8500 troops, with their associated equipment descended upon Richards Bay for the weeklong showcase. The event is more than a military show of capability as numerous associated social responsibility initiatives are conducted in the region, Medical, both human and veterinary health care clinics criss-crossed the region providing primary, and where possible secondary health care to the poorest of our nation. This initiative, now called Project Owethu, is not a once a-off and is planned to run for the next 5 years in the region.
Events
A theme park with exhibits from all branches of the SANDF was setup with thousands of visitors streaming through to get up close and personal with the equipment our military use, in addition interested parties could ask questions about careers within the defence force and apply for positions available. An action arena had various precision displays by the military. Simulated attack scenarios were executed as well as displays by the Air Force.
Adverse weather in they region with heavy rain and flooding caused the cancellation of the planned Capability Demonstration due to safety concerns but the “night shoot” was not affected. A huge crowd gathered at a local beach to witness the power of the SANDF’s hardware. Starting with the impressive display by a Rooivalk attack helicopter over the sea.
Parade
President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated the parade. This started with a national salute and gun battery firing before the president presented medals of bravery to several special forces member who had distinguished themselves in battle. Included in this was the very first recipient of the Nkwe ya Gauta - Golden Leopard , the newest South African medal of bravery. In a very poignant ceremony three families received posthumous medals for South African military personal who lost their lives in the line of duty.
- Details
- Category: Military Events
Exercise Vukluhlome 2023
Lohatla Military base, located in the Northern Cape Province is home of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Combat Training Centre (CTC). This vast facility, larger than the state of Israel is one of only ten such permanent ranges in the world. The vast area allows the SANDF to conduct realistic training and practising of their military doctrine. Multiple units of the SANDF spend up to three months in training at this base to develop an integrated cohesive military force. Exercise Vukluhlome is the culmination of this training and numerous distinguished guests from regional and international armies as well as military attaches are invited for the open day.
Most of the guests were flown to the Sishen airfield with transportation via a bus to the base. A portion of the media team were afforded the opportunity to be airlifted directly to the base’s airstrip with a South African Air Force (SAAF) Casa 212-200. Little did we know that this was to cause some angst later in the day.
The demonstration consisted of various activities that the SANDF would perform ranging from crowd/riot control as well has hostage release through to the end of the day battle where all branches of the mobile brigades integrate on the battlefield,
The South African Air Force (SAAF) performs an integral, essential role in supporting the ground forces. A pair of SAAF Gripens initiated the battle when they dropped bombs on the target area, this was followed up by two Hawks also dropping bombs. Pathfinders were inserted via a parachute drop from the CASA 212 and the battle was in full swing. The big heavy guns from the 155mm equipped G5 and G6 gun systems, supported by the awesome Valkyrie rocket system performed indirect fire on the target whilst various other weapons were also engaging the target. Anti-Aircraft guns were in evidence as they showcased their capability in denying enemy aircraft access to the area. A SAAF BK-117 helicopter performed rescue activities with hoisting whilst an Augusta A-109 performed overwatch with a sniper on board. The BK-117 also showcased its airlift capability when a cargo was attached to its sling for transport. The skill that this pilot has is impressive, he flies under guidance of his flight engineer to a perfect position so that the troops on the ground can attach the cargo to the sling whilst he hovers mere feet above them. Both pilots must have utter trust in his engineer and ground troops, in the pilots flying abilities, as they are directly under this hovering helicopter. One mistake and the potential for serious issues exists.
Disaster
Unknown to us at the time but our Casa suffered a landing incident and was damaged. Medical assistance was dispatched quickly to the scene but fortunately no injuries were suffered by the crew, but now the media team was in trouble. Our ride home was no longer available. The army then kicked into high gear to plan a return for us, to our home base. Unfortunately, there was only a single seat available on the aircraft in Sishen and after discussion by the group the most pressing was given the seat. The Army then kicked off multiple plans to provide us a means of return. Plans included placing us on commercial flights from Sishen (none were available,) commercial flights from Kimberley, road transport back to Gauteng (deemed high risk due to heavy vehicle traffic at night). this was all to be confirmed during the evening. Now to find accommodation. In the end the four of us were transported to accommodation in Kuruman. A late-night message from Brig Gen Mumanyi informed us that a SAAF aircraft was being dispatched from Waterkloof in the morning to collect us. The Chief of the Air Force (CAF), General Wiseman Mbambo had tasked a SAAF Falcon 50 to be our ride home. Upon arrival at Waterkloof we were met by the CAF for a brief chat and apology for the inconvenience caused. I thank Brig Gen Mumanyi (SA Army), Lt-Colonel Wiltshire (SAAF) and the two drivers for the support and personal attention provided in ensuring our comfort due to the incident.
