Pretoria, 21 February 2021 (TDI): South Africa celebrated Armed Forces Day in Mbombela and Mpumalanga, South Africa. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, as the Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force, joined and addressed the ceremonial event.
Likewise, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise, Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thabang Makwetla, Secretary for Defence Sonto Kudjoe, and the Chief of the South African National Defence Force General Rudzani Maphwanya also attended the event.
President Cyril Ramaphosa laying a wreath at the World War Memorial site in Barberton, Mpumalanga, commemorating victims of the naval tragedy, the SS Mendi troopship that was sunk in the English Channel on February 1917.#ArmedForcesDay 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/ywYMGVSkc8
— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 21, 2022
Activities in the Celebration Ceremony
President Cyril Ramaphosa officially started the event. He laid a wreath at the Barberton World War Memorial Site. Moreover, he paid tribute to the heroes of both world wars of the 20th century.
Then, the South African Armed Forces conducted a parade at the event. Likewise, the South African Military Health Service (SAMHS), the Navy and South African Army, participated in the parade.
The parade started with the South African National anthem. Then, South African Air Force aircraft’s Flypast over the commemorating ceremony. South African Armed Forces paid tribute with 21 Gun salute.
Furthermore, South African President delivered the State of the Nation Address to the South African Nation. In the speech, President praised the South African National Defence Forces role in tackling the COVID 19 pandemic and other national disasters.
Likewise, he commended the Armed Forces for protecting borders, ensuring internal security, and giving lives to the country’s defence. Further, President Cyril Ramaphosa commended the military leadership and said,
” I commend the leadership of our military and all members of our armed forces for fulfilling their responsibilities even as we grapple with funding challenges that affect various defence programmes and development activities”.
South Africa Armed Forces Day
South Africa celebrates Armed Forces Day on 21 February. Moreover, it is observed to commemorate the sinking of the South African SS Mendi steamship commemoration in 1917.
It was one of the biggest tragedies of World War I for South Africa. The ship sank when it was on the way to France, and more than 600 South Africans died.
){kind=link}