South African Army Gender Conference and Women's Day Celebration, 6 and 7 August 2009, Thaba Tshwane Town Hall

Article and photos by Lieutenant Johannes Mokou, South African Army Corporate Communication

The South African Army held a Gender Conference and Women’s Day Celebration at Thaba Tshwane Town hall on 6 and 7 August 2009. South African Army Formations supplied quite a number of people in an effort to fully support this initiative. The hall was filled to capacity. This year's event was quite different as it focused not only on women and their celebration, but also emphasized the Gender equality within the Department of Defence.

Women in uniform listening attentively to the Chief of the South African's Army opening address

Women listening to the presentation South African Army's structure with eagerness

The event unfolded over two days; with the first day event focusing mainly on Gender issues concerning women's development within the Department of Defence and measures proposed as to how gender equality can be practised on the ground, particularly senior executive positions. In his opening address, Chief of the South African Army highlighted that gender equality should never be misinterpreted. He said that gender equality is not only about promotion of women but mainly of development, deployment and other status of women.

Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke during the opening address Gender Conference and Women's Day Celebration

After the Chief of the South African Army’s departure, Director Army Human Resources, Brigadier General M.A. Kula, who is now with the Directorate of the Career Management presented the Army structure. During this presentation Brigadier General Kula cleared a number of uncertainties as far as women are concerned.

South African Army Director Career Management, Brigadier General M.A. Kula presenting the structure of South African Army during the Gender Conference and Women's Day Celebration

Women taking notes during the presentation of South African Army Structure at the Gender Conference

Members asking questions to the South African Army Director Career Management, Brigadier General M.A. Kula after his presentation

Colonel S.N. Lekalakala of South African Army Infantry Formation giving answers as they arise from the floor

Colonel M.T. Leketi of South African Army Support Formation giving answers as they arise from the floor

South African Army Headquarters, Senior Staff Officer Staffing, Colonel K.C. Motlhabane, giving a vote of thanks to all the participants

The second day of this event brought about entertainment rather than a conference and serious talk. From the opening, the atmosphere was that of enjoyment and having fun for the sake of our very own women. The National Ceremonial Guard Band, Choir from the South African Army Gymnasium and Poets were in a nutshell, some of the many entertainers who came all the way to grace the event. The guest speaker of the day: Honorary Colonel J.R.J. Jullienne, Chief Executive Officer Veterans Foundations and Chairperson BEE Foundation PTY Ltd spoke sternly about women taking pride in what they do. He emphasized that without self-motivation, one is doomed to fail.

Choir from South African Army Gymnasium showcasing their vocal talents

An opening song of glory, before the Chaplain opened up the event by prayer

Women posing for a picture, just before the celebration commences

Dancing for the love of it: Women dancing on stage as the Military Ceremonial Guard Band play their music

In full uniform: South African Army Gymnasium Choir pouring sweet words into the audience

Women enjoying the day

South African Army Gymnasium Choir: Singing their favourite song "There is a big wheel, running in my heart"

Selected few that won a big prize: each one of them received a flower!