Article by: Major Thérèse Bester, South African Army, Corporate Communication
Photographs by: Warrant Officer Class 1 Hennie Booysen, Photographer, 1 Military Printing Regiment
Sergeant Elias Mahuma, Photographer SA Soldier

The South African Army is committed to serve this country and all the people who live in it. Although its primary task is landward defence, it has a responsibility to both external and internal communities. Kiddy College forms part of the South African Army’s internal communities.

The South African Army subscribes to the statement by Malcolm X that, “Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today” and reaches out and invests in our children.

As part of the South African Army’s social responsibility, the Chief of the South African Army raised funds during the annual prestige golf day on 13 November 2009. The donations received from the various sponsors will contribute towards the rejuvenation and development of Kiddy College.

During the morning of 25 March 2010, the Chief of the South African Army hosted a donation ceremony at Kiddy College, Tek Base, Lyttelton. Amongst the guests were members of the Army Council, sponsors, members of the media and personnel from Kiddy College, as well as the toddlers from Kiddy College.

Chaplain Ronald Stanton gave a heart-moving sermon that focused on the special guests, the toddlers. The focus of his sermon was, when you give to or share with people you will receive more back. The children as well as the invited guests enjoyed the sermon.

Chaplain Ronald Stanton sharing sweets with the toddlers

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke during his address

During Lieutenant General Shoke’s address, he emphasised that:

“We also recognise our unique responsibility to the families and children of our soldiers. As such, the South African Army acknowledges its social responsibility to render support in taking care of our children. We have identified this crèche, Kiddy College, as one of many institutions related to families of the South African Army.

My annual golf day was hosted at the Services Club, Thaba Tshwane on the 13 November 2009. At the golf day I requested the golf players to pledge money, which would contribute towards the rejuvenation and development of Kiddy College.

I would like to give recognition to all the sponsors who each pledged an amount of money and contributed to the total amount of
R 75,420.00

Even though we are ceremoniously handing over a cheque to Kiddy College today, the South African Army also undertakes to provide the following ongoing support:

• To provide planning expertise to assist in the planning and spending of the money.

• The management of the funds through a trust fund established at the SA Army Foundation, which will also allow for further donations to be accepted.

• The SA Army Spouses’ Association has been approached to take up the Kiddy College as one of their future projects”

After the address, the Chief of the South African Army handed over a ceremonial cheque to Ms Elmien Viktor, the representative of Kiddy College, who sincerely appreciated the gesture.

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke and Ms Elmien Viktor with the ceremonial cheque

The honorary guests of the day, the toddlers, entertained the invited guests with a few songs and they thoroughly enjoyed their performance.

The toddlers during their performance

The toddlers during their performance

Lieutenant General Shoke personally handed over a red beanie to each toddler, in total, twenty one toddlers patiently waited for their turn, their smiles and surprised reactions demonstrated their true appreciation.   Thereafter they enjoyed a meal while the invited guests gathered together over a cup of coffee and refreshments.

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke handing over a beanie to a toddler

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke handing over a beanie to a toddler

Lieutenant General Solly Shoke placing a beanie onto one of the toddler’s head

From left to right: Staff Sergeant Chené Kruger and Major Thérèse Bester handing out the kiddies’ meals to the toddlers

Lieutenant Genernal Solly Shoke sitting amongst the toddlers while they enjoy their meal

This day is a day that will be remembered by each person who attended this event, for it touched each of the guest’s heart.  By working together we can do more by investing into our future leaders!

Toddlers from Kiddy College

One of the toddlers