Chief of the South African Army Formal Guest Evening, 26 June 2009, Paratus Club South African Army College

Article by Major Thérèse Bester, South African Army Corporate Communication
Photographs by Staff Sergeant Yolande Snyman

The Chief of the South African Army showed his gratitude towards the Army Council, Army Command Cadre and their spouses by hosting a formal guest evening on 26 June 2009 at the Paratus Club, SA Army College.

A silent guard from the National Ceremonial Guard executed the necessary compliments to the arriving guests.

The Silent Guard, from the National Ceremonial Guard

Chief SA Army Force Preparation, Major General Vusumuzi Masondo and Mrs Dinah Masondo on arrival

The guests gathered and socialised amongst each other, which formed part of the relaxed atmosphere that was present during the whole evening of the event.

From Left to Right: Colonel Charles Bosiki and Vice President, Colonel Sydney Zeeman

From Left to Right: Ms Cordelia Bosiki and Ms Rosaliea Magasela

From Left to Right: Director Acquisition, Brigadier General Chris Roux and General Officer Commanding South African Army Intelligence Formation, Brigadier General Job Magasela

Front, From Left to Right: Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke and General Officer Commanding South African Engineer Formation, Brigadier General Spinks Nobanda

From Left to Right: General Officer Commanding 43 South African Brigade Headquarters, Brigadier General Lawrence Smith, Ms Kathleen Smith, Ms Ruanda Gildenhuys and General Officer Commanding South African Armour Formation, Brigadier General Chris Gildenhuys

From Left to Right: Ms Charlotte Shoke, Mess President, Major General Louis Dlulane and Ms Magdeline Dlulane

From Left to Right: Chief Army Reserve, Major General Keith Mokoape, Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke and Mess President, Major General Louis Dlulane

Club Manager Paratus Club, Captain Thabo Halom announcing dinner

Staff Officer Class 2 Communication Support South African Army, Major Thérèse Bester reading the Code of Conduct

Guests standing during the reading of the Code of Conduct

Mess President, Major General Louis Dlulane led the proceedings during the formal dinner, whilst the Vice President, Colonel Sydney Zeeman assisted him

Guests seated in the dining room during the formal dinner

Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke during his speech

Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke delivered his speech and focused on the following

"We have gathered here this evening, conscious of our call to serve the people of South Africa with diligence and great distinction. Most importantly, we are fully aware of the great responsibility placed upon our shoulders to build the future Army. As the Army Command Cadre, the nation bestowed upon us the authority to lead and shape the future Army in such a manner that it can successfully engage in major combat operation, operations other than war as well as contribute toward the socio-economic upliftment and skills development of our people.

The South African Army is a national asset and if we fail to realise this mandate, history will never forgive us.

It is in this spirit that we will see the Army changing from its current design and structure to a more pragmatic Command and General Staff system. It is crucial that we communicate these changes with our soldiers and families at all times.

Any changes process is bound to effect a corresponding level of uncertainty but this can be overcome by a transparent communication effort. This process should be concretised further in our long term plans as we also prepare for the medium term planning cycle.

As we prepare the Army to participate in the multinational Exercise GOLFINHO, remember that all eyes will be on you. Time has come to demonstrate that realistic individual and force training enables the provision of dynamically led, combat-ready land forces capable of conducting successful operations across the full spectrum of conflict. Let us rise to the occasion.

To our distinguished guests, thank you very much for honouring this occasion. You will always occupy a special place in hearts."

The Mess President, Major General Louis Dlulane showed his gratitude towards the Paratus Club Staff for all their hard work behind the scenes and for a well received and delicious dinner.

South African Army College, Paratus Club Staff, who rendered the hospitality services during the event

South African Army College, Paratus Club, Ante Room

South African Army College, Paratus Club, Dinner Room