By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), President Cyril Ramaphosa officiated the Armed Forces Day commemoration at Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
The President commenced the ceremony by laying a wreath at the Thohoyandou Memorial Site.
Armed Forces Day seeks to deepen public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate, through live military simulations, the capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the South African Military Health Service.
Ramaphosa said the armed forces advance the values of the Constitution and safeguard the fundamental rights of South Africans.
The annual commemoration coincides with the anniversary of the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917, when 616 South African troops lost their lives while en route to France during the First World War.
Ramaphosa said it was recorded that the soldiers met their end “not with cries of fear, but with a death dance of defiance and unity.”
“The tragedy of SS Mendi reminds us of the importance of unity and solidarity, that despite great peril, those brave soldiers stood together as they faced their fate. Their courage and spirit continue to inspire us today.”
Armed Forces Day, the President said, also honours soldiers who paid the ultimate sacrifice both abroad and in internal operations.
“This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniform, and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the horizon,” he said.
He extended condolences to families and comrades of those who died, and told serving members: “Your sacrifices, bravery and commitment are deeply valued by a grateful nation.”
Ramaphosa described Armed Forces Day as more than a commemoration, calling it ‘a real-time simulation of the SANDF’s ability to mobilise personnel and equipment across the country, modelling various threat scenarios in defence of our territorial integrity.”
He said the day had evolved from a solemn remembrance into a demonstration of national pride and military capability.
Paying homage to historical figures, Ramaphosa told soldiers that they continue the legacy of leaders such as King Makhado, the Lion of the North, and King Thohoyandou, as well as those who fought at the Battle of Mutale River.
Ramaphosa said the military operates in an era of great geopolitical tension. He reaffirmed South Africa’s policy of non-alignment, stating: “We refuse to be drawn into the spheres of influence of competing global powers.”
”We assert our strategic autonomy and sovereignty. And we conduct all our operations under strict civilian oversight and in absolute adherence to international humanitarian law.”
He said the battlefield is shifting from traditional weaponry to high-tech autonomous and unmanned systems such as drones, digital warfare, and artificial intelligence, requiring a SANDF that is responsive, relevant, and agile.
He acknowledged public resource constraints but said additional budget allocations would address funding gaps and improve operational efficiency.