By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has commended the exemplary selflessness, self-sacrifice and patriotism of the country’s armed forces.
Speaking at this year’s Armed Forces Day event held in Richards Bay in KwaZulu-Natal, Ramaphosa commended the soldiers’ highest level of discipline with which they discharge their duties even under difficult conditions.
Armed Forces Day is held annually on 21 February, in commemoration of the World War I naval tragedy in which 616 black South African troops died when the SS Mendi steamship sank on its way to France.
The day honours women and men who have lost their lives in the course of their patriotic duty in the country or on international missions.
It also seeks to expand public understanding of the role of the SANDF in the life of the nation and to demonstrate through live simulations of military action the capability of the army, navy, air force and South African Medical Health Service.
Armed Forces Day also showcases the different career paths that are available for young people in the SANDF to pursue.
Ramaphosa said the soldiers have picked up the spears of fallen heroes and heroines and continue the effort to give South Africans lasting peace, security and stability.
“I salute all of you who carry out tasks in times of disaster that literally stand between life and death. We are inspired by their bravery as we stand here in the face of grave challenges confronting our society.
“We are determined to emerge triumphant from the struggle against poverty, inequality, unemployment, gender-based violence, crime, disease and deprivation.
“While our armed forces are always on guard to defend our hard earned sovereignty and constitutional democratic order, they do much more than that,” Ramaphosa said.
Ramaphosa said the soldiers are found on rescue missions in times of disaster, building bridges where a desperate need exists and rehabilitating rivers from the effects of pollution.
“They have time and time again shown that they are a force for good and an integral part of all progressive humanity.
“By virtue of their calling and allegiance to the constitution, they act without hesitation whenever called upon to do so, when their country needs them most.
“We extend our appreciation and respect to our forces deployed in various missions across the continent,” the President said.
Ramaphosa said with the confidence and faith South Africans have in the capabilities of the armed forces, citizens are reassured as a people that no matter the circumstances, the SANDF will always be there to restore order, maintain calm, support people and defend the territorial integrity of the Republic.
Since last week, the small town of Richards Bay in the northern part of KwaZulu-Natal was a hive of activity when the SANDF members invaded the town to host this year’s Armed Forces Day.
Watch Live in the video below:
Vidoe Courtesy of Presidency.