Article by: Major Thérèse Bester, Corporate Communication, South African Army Headquarters
Photographs by: Warrant Officer Class 1 Hennie Booysen, Photographer, 1 Military Printing Regiment

General Oscar Izurieta Ferrer, the Chief of the Chilean Army, and his delegation paid a goodwill visit to Lieutenant General Solly Shoke over the period 14 to 20 February 2010. The visit was aimed at enhancing existing relations with the Chilean Army.

Chief of the Chilean Army, General Oscar Ferrer, and Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke

A presentation was given to General Ferrer and his delegation on the current status of the South African Army and its progress towards the Future SA Army Strategy.

The Chilean Army delegation and members of the South African Army Council

During their stay in Pretoria, Gauteng, the Chilean delegates were given the opportunity to visit Mandela House and the Hector Peterson Memorial situated in Soweto. They also visited one of South Africa’s defence industries, Denel Dynamics, and finally enjoyed a game drive in the Bakabung Lodge, Pilanesberg and leisure time at Sun City.

The South African Air Force flew the delegation to Bloemfontein. The Chilean delegation had the opportunity to experience the annual open day of Exercise YOUNG EAGLE at Air Force Base Bloemspruit, where a display was given of the South African Army’s and South African Police Service’s state of readiness for the 2010 FIFA Soccer World Cup. The Armour capabilities were displayed during the delegation’s visit to the School of Armour.

The delegates spent time in Cape Town, they were treated to a South African Air Force helicopter flight to Robben Island and a scenic flight over Cape Point towards the end of their stay in South Africa.