Article and Photos by: Lieutenant Colonel Mafi Mgobozi, South African Army Corporate Communication

The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Solly Shoke is currently visiting South African Army units. On 9 June 2010, he visited 4 South African Infantry Battalion and Army Support Base Mpumalanga.

The main aim of these visits is to brief the soldiers on developments in the South African National Defence Force and to listen to soldiers’ problems and concerns.

South African Army Soldiers

South African Army Soldiers

When Lieutenant General Shoke addressed 4 South African Infantry Battalion he reminded the soldiers about the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Dr Lindiwe Sisulu’s first budget vote in 2009, during which she said that she wanted to improve the service conditions of soldiers. She did the same thing while she was still the Minister of Intelligence. She improved the service conditions of the Intelligence community.

Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General S.Z. Shoke

Lieutenant General Shoke addressed the issue of allowances for those members who are deployed during 2010 FIFA World Cup and cleared up any confusion.

The Chief of the Army stressed the issue of discipline. He said that our soldiers were doing good work all over the country, even on the continent, but there was a small group that tarnished our image and good work. He further mentioned that those individuals would not be allowed to tarnish the image of the South African Army that they would be dealt with. When come to discipline the South African Army won’t compromise.

He warned the soldiers against certain people who had hidden agendas. He acknowledged that there were problems but that the South African National Defence Force was addressing them.

He paid a surprise visit to 7 South African Infantry Battalion company that is deployed in Nelspruit during the Soccer World Cup. He told them that the South African Police Force was very pleased with their state of readiness. He encouraged them to keep up the good work and make our country and the South African National Defence Force proud.

Chief of the Army, Lieutenant General S.Z. Shoke during his visit