Article by Major Merle Meyer, SA Army Corporate Communication
Photographs by Staff Sergeant Chené Kruger, SA Army Corporate Communication

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Vusi Masondo, honoured several SA Army members with medals at a parade held at the SA Army Headquarters on 27 July 2012.

Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo addressing the parade	The medal recipients

Those medals included the Tshumelo Ikatelaho with the peace support clasp awarded to Warrant Officer 2 Solly Ntshekisang and Staff Sergeant Abel Noko who both deployed twice to the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Staff Sergeant Nkululeko Dani who deployed to Sudan, while the African Union Medal was awarded to Corporal Abram Thola for his deployment to Burundi.

Lieutenant Colonel Silwer receiving her medal	Staff Sergeant Noko receiving his medal from Chief of the SA Army

Lieutenant General Masondo said that it was an honour for him to award the members with the medals as they are “members who have shown that they are dedicated, loyal and professional; members who are proud to serve in the SA Army and proud to form part of the pride of lions”. He also reminded the members that he would not tolerate ill-discipline and that he demanded the highest level of commitment and dedication.

Lieutenant General said “A defence force where soldiers are cared for, promoted on time, given medals and awards awarded on time, is a defence force where the soldiers are motivated and always willing to walk the extra mile and work harder and smarter”. He also encouraged all members to take care of our equipment, vehicles, furniture, uniforms and even prevent the misuse of telephones. Lieutenant General Masondo encouraged all the members to wear their uniform with pride and dignity and to approach their work in a precise, accurate and conscientious manner.

He also thanked all the SA Army members who supported Mandela Day by painting, working in the gardens and cleaned vast areas while also donating with an open hand.