Men and Women in Uniform Defy Weather
Conditions, 3 South African Army Infantry
Battalion, 8 - 12 June 2009
Article by Lieutenant Colonel Mafi Mgobozi,
SA Army Corporate Communication
Photos by Sergeant Botha, 3 South African Army
Infantry Battalion
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members
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The parades took place in
different units all over the country over the
period 8 – 12 June 2009. The largest passing-out
parade was held in Kimberley at 3 South African
Army Infantry Battalion on 11 June 2009, where
more than one thousand recruits graduated. The
main functionary was the Chief of the South
African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke.
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members |
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members |
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From left Right: Chief of the
SA Army, Lieutenant General
Solly Shoke and Officer
Commanding 3 South African Army
Infantry Battalion, Lieutenant
Colonel Zweni |
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Salute by Chief of the South
African Army, Lieutenant Colonel
Solly Shoke |
Spectators included family
members of the men and woman on parade. The
spectators cheered when Master Warrant Officer
Momkhulade led the Limpopo Military Band onto
the parade ground followed by nine companies
consisting of the new graduates.
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Spectators |
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Spectators |
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Spectators |
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Limpopo Military Band |
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Limpopo Military Band |
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Limpopo Military Band |
During his address Lieutenant General Solly
Shoke said; “it is very encouraging to see our
youngsters swelling the ranks of the defence
force”. He told recruits that they are going to
be expected to do things that normal people in
civilian life cannot do. Danger is part of our
job description, even if it is not written in
black and white. He thanked everybody who made
it possible for the recruits to succeed,
including families who supported them throughout
the training. He welcomed them to the ranks and
wished them well during their career in the
defence force.
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Chief of the SA Army,
Lieutenant General Solly Shoke |
During the ceremony, various trophies were
handed out to the best of the best graduates.
One of them was Recruiter Motshidisi Nicolette
Hlakoane from Free State, who scooped the award
for being the fittest soldier. When asked how
she managed to beat all her male counterparts,
she said, ”dedication, courage and
determination”. She further explained “I knew
that I was out of my comfort zone so I prepared
my mind for everything which I will encounter”.
She thanked her colleagues for supporting her
during the training.
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Trophies and Awards |
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Recruiter Motshidisi
Nicolette Hlakoane |
Similar parades were held at 1 SA Army
Infantry Battalion in Bloemfontein, 9 SA Army
Infantry Battalion in Eersterivier in Cape Town,
14 SA Army Infantry Battalion in Mthatha, 10 Air
Defence Artillery Regiment in Kimberley, 4
Artillery Regiment and 1 Tactical Intelligence
Regiment in Potchefstroom, Infantry School
Oudtshoorn and the School of Engineering in
Kroonstad. A total of three thousand members of
the Military Skills Develop System (MSDS) 2009
Intake graduated.
These members will now continue with the
corps training at their individual units. Some
will take part in Exercise SEBOKA later this
year and others will be selected for parachute
training at 44 Parachute Regiment.
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members |
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members |
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South African Army Military
Skills Development System
Members |
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