Chief of the South African Army Recreation Day, 18 September 2009, South African Army College, Thaba Tshwane

Article by: Major Thérèsé Bester, South African Army Corporate Communication
Photos by: Sergeant Leonard Xaba, 1 Military Printing Regiment

The Chief of the South African Army has created a climate for social and physical interaction between the Defence Act Personnel (DAP) and the Public Service Act Personnel (PSAP) from the South African Army Headquarters as well as the formation and brigade headquarters. The emphasis was placed on maximum participation and enjoyment, which contributed towards morale and esprit de corps of South African Army members.

Major General Louis Dlulane, Chief Army Force Structure, on behalf of the Chief of the South African Army, officially welcomed all members present and encouraged them to relax and enjoy themselves during the day at the South African Army College.

Major General Louis Dlulane, Chief Army Force Structure during his address

The day started off with a mass aerobics demonstration, which was staged by instructors from Virgin Active, and the event was thoroughly enjoyed by the South African Army members who participated.

Virgin Active instructors leading the mass aerobics session

Members of the South African Army participating in the mass aerobics

From as early as 07:00 that morning, participants started with their preparations for the Cultural Potjiekos Competition. The food was evaluated on the presentation, the taste as well as the spirit and enthusiasm of the participants.

Members of South African Army Infantry Formation preparing the potjiekos

Members of the South African Army Engineer Formation preparing their area

Various indigenous sport codes were presented during the course of the day and were supported with enthusiasm.

Marabaraba, a board game

Ncuva, movement of stones to different holes

Kgati, rope skipping

Jukskei, throwing a skei at a peg

Intonga, stick fighting

Dibeke, running ball game

Well-known sport codes such as volleyball and soccer were also enjoyed by the members

Members participating in volleyball

The hand-to-hand combat activity was demonstrated by a member of the Shido Club, Mr Arno Pienaar the chief instructor of the company Firefly Stimulations. The three opponents were instructors from the Shido Club and the other three members were instructors from 4 Artillery Regiment, Potchefstroom.

Instructors of the South African Army are currently involved in a training programme consisting of beginners, intermediate and advanced courses in hand-to-hand combat skills. The training package for mixed martial arts consists of a range of skills for offensive and defensive hand-to-hand combat tailored to suit the specific operational requirements of the South African Army.

Hand-to-hand combat is the combination of mixed martial arts techniques such as iakido, judo, taekwando and shido which are used in the close combat environment. Pressure points are used to neutralise the opponent. The demonstration made members of the South African Army aware of how to protect themselves during a close-combat situation.

Hand-to-hand combat

Hand-to-hand combat

Hand-to-hand combat

Hand-to-hand combat

Last but not least, the results of the Potjiekos Competition, was announced by Major General Louis Dlulane, Chief Army Force Structure:

• First: South African Army Infantry Formation
• Second: South African Army Armour Formation
• Third: Shared by the South African Army Intelligence Formation and the South African Army Engineer Formation

Overall winner of the potjiekos competition, South African Army Infantry Formation, dressed in attire according to their theme