The South African National Defence Force Thanks the South African Football Association, 29 July 2009, Phalaborwa

Article by Lieutenant Colonel Mafi Mgobozi, South African Army Corporate Communication
Photos by Captain Matthew de Jager

People at Phalaborwa, Hans Merensky Hotel, were standing in small groups whispering "it is him". This happened during the visit by the Chairperson of the Local Organizing Committee for 2010, Doctor Irvin Khoza, on 29 July 2009. He was there on the invitation of the South African National Defence Military Command Council (MCC). As he was walking, everyone wanted to have their photo taken with him.

Front from left to right: Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General G.N. Ngwenya and Doctor Irvin Khoza Back form left to right: Chief of the South African Air Force, Lieutenant General Carlo Gagiano, Chaplain General, Brigadier General M. Cornelissen and Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke

In the evening, he attended the function hosted by Chief of the SA National Defence Force, General G.N. Ngwenya. During the function, General Ngwenya explained the reason why the South African Military Command Council invited Doctor Irvin Khoza. "Doctor Khoza, the South African National Defence Force wants to thank South African Football Association for bringing the 2010 Soccer World Cup to our Country and to thank you for a well organised Confederation. We understand your tireless effort during the run-up to the announcement in May 2004. We want you to know that the South African National Defence Force fully supports the South African Football Association".

Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General G.N. Ngwenya

Token of appreciation

Chief of the SA National Defence Force, General G.N. Ngwenya then presented a token of appreciation to Doctor I. Khoza on behalf the South African Military Command Council. During his address, Doctor Irvin Khoza, who is also an honorary colonel in the Defence Force, said "I am really surprised by this token of appreciation".

From left to right: Chief of the South African National Defence Force, General G.N. Ngwenya and Doctor Irvin Khoza

He thanked the SA National Defence Force for its contribution to the success of the Confederations Cup in June. The Confederations Cup shows that we are really a rainbow nation as different people of colour attended this event. It was not like the previous when the British Lions were playing where we saw a predominance of white people and a few blacks, it was not like Afcon where we saw a predominance of black people and a few whites. The Confederations Cup united both black and white. " The attendance was well balanced" said Dr Irvin Khoza. Federation International Football Association gave us seven out of ten for hosting the Confederations Cup; academically, that is a distinction as we started with zero out of ten before the start of the Confederations Cup.

Doctor Irvin Khoza

He concluded by telling the story before the run up to Federation International Football Association announcing the country that was going to host the 2010 Soccer World Cup. It was not as easy as other people thought. At the end of his speech, thirty five soccer balls were released. One, which was signed by all the members of the Military Command Council, was given to Doctor Irvin Khoza. This shows that the South African National Defence supports the 2010 Soccer World Cup. Everyone wanted Dr Irvin Khoza's autography. 

From left to right: Doctor Irvin Khoza and Lieutenant Colonel Mafi Mgobozi

From left to right: Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke and SA Army Chief Director Corporate Services, Major General Les Rudman

Warrant Officer of the SA National Defence Force Master Chief Warrant Officer F.J.S. Scheepers

Major General N.E. Memela-Motumi

Acting Chief of Logistics, Major General J.T. Nkonyane

Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke