Article by Captain Hamilton Ngubane, SA Army Corporate Communication
Photos by Staff Sergeant Chené Kruger, SA Army Corporate Communication

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo appreciated and recognised the hard work done by serving members of the SA Army during the medal parade at SA Army Headquarters on 29 March 2012. As this was his first medal parade, he emphasised that awarding medals was an age-old military tradition where soldiers are recognised for their loyalty, dedication and commitment to the SA Army’s objectives.

Address by Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo

SA Army Band

Ceremonial Guard

Lieutenant General Masondo congratulated the recipients on their achievements and loyalty to the SA National Defence Force. He recognised the outstanding long-term service in the SA Army with 20 Year Good Service Medals, 10 Year Good Service Medals and Unitas Medals. He also acknowledged commitment to national objectives and military operations by awarding Tshumelo Okatelaho with Peace Support Clasps, United Nation Medals and African Union Medals.

SA Army Medal Recipients

Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo and SA Army Medal Recipient

Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo and SA Army Medal Recipient

Moreover, the Chief of the SA Army extended his appreciation to the family members and loved ones of the recipients for their understanding and support of recipients while they were away on deployment and during other national commitments.

He encouraged the members of the SA Army Headquarters to follow the lead of those proud recipients and become disciplined soldiers. He emphasised that the SA Army was known for being a disciplined force, having soldiers who are willing to walk the extra mile for the attainment of SA Army core objectives.

In conclusion, he congratulated Senior Chief Warrant Officer C.A. Laubscher on his recent appointment as the Sergeant Major of the SA Army. Part of his duties will be to sow a seed of discipline in the SA Army and ensure that ill-disciplined elements are removed from this beloved organisation.

Sergeant Major of the South African Army, Senior Chief Warrant Officer Charles Alan Laubscher