Chief of the SA Army Host a Prestige Event, Thaba Tshwane Town Hall, Pretoria, Gauteng
29 November 2009

“What a spectacular evening!”

It was the first time that Lieutenant General Solly Shoke, Chief of the South African Army hosted a Year-End Ball. This prestigious event was presented at the Thaba Tshwane Town Hall on Saturday evening, 29 November 2008.

The invited guests consisted out of special guests, Plenary Defence Staff Council, Defence Staff Council, Army Command Cadre, Military Attaché and Advisory Corps, as well as members from the Defence Industry.

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke, Chief of the SA Army during his address

During Lieutenant General Solly Shoke’s address, he expressed his sincerest appreciation to all the Strategic Partners and Stakeholders for the support they gave to the South African Army throughout the year. Furthermore, “I also wish to thank my General Staff, Commanders, soldiers and civilians at all levels of the Army for their dedication in serving the nation. By performing your duties diligently throughout the year you have earned my respect.”

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke highlighted some of the achievements in 2008:

• He conveyed his appreciation towards Peace Support Operations, in the Democratic Republic of Congo where history was made on 3rd of October 2008 when the first of three battalions that received training under Mission THEBE was officially handed over by the newly appointed Minister of Defence, Mr Charles Nqakula to his counterpart Mr Cikez Diemu, the Minister of Defence and War Veterans in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
• On the home front the South African Army supported the South African Police Service to establish a safe and secure environment as well as erecting tents as temporary shelters for foreign nationals displaced by Xenophobic violence.
• Thanks and appreciation were given to the strategic partners through, AMD, who contributed to the relisation of the SA Army Palliative Care Centre with the breaking of the soil ceremony that was officiated by the former Minister of Defence, Mr Mosiuoa Lekota on 9 May 2009 at the Military Base Lenz in Johannesburg.

Lt Gen Solly Shoke concluded by saying: “We do comprehend that the profession of arm is a risky venture and the possibility of death is very much part of us. In this regard, I wish to convey my heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the heroes and heroines who fell in the line of duty. You paid the highest price for the sake of lasting peace and stability both within and beyond our borders. I salute you!”

Piper, Eddie Watson, South African Irish Regiment, performing "The Highland Cathedral"

After the speech, a Piper, Eddie Watson from South African Irish Regiment performed the Highland Cathedral while tribute was given to members of the SA Army who lost their lives whilst deployed in active service during this year.

National Ceremonial Guard Jazz Band

Parret Band

The National Ceremonial Guard Military Band the National Ceremonial Guard Jazz Band as well as the Parrett Band, performed during the event and provided a relaxed atmosphere during the evening.

This was an event enjoyed by all guests who attended and who were acknowledged for their support and contributions to the SA Army in the past as it prepares itself for its future role in Southern Africa and beyond.

Article Compiled by Major Thérèse Bester, SA Army Corporate Communication
Photos: Staff Sergeant Nico Jacobs, 1 Military Printing Regiment