Articles by Captain Hamilton Ngubane, SA Army Corporate Communication
Photographs by Sergeant Leshaba, SA Army 1 Military Printing Regiment
and Frans Setlauon

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo hosted the SA Army Gala Evening on 2 December 2011 at Denel Land Systems Production.

Inner layout where tables were laid ready for the Chief of the SA Army Gala Dinner

On the main entrance guests were greeted with the teeth of arms (SA Army land equipment) displayed to show the face and functions of the SA Army

South Africa's own G6 (SA Artillery heavy gun) became a dominant figure to all guests who entered the venue as it was displayed alongside the performance area

On arrival, guests were served with the HORS D'OEUVRES with the Pride of Seven Seas to start up the meals prepared for the event

This event afforded the Chief of the SA Army an opportunity to interact with the sponsors who finance SA Army events, various committees within the Department of Defence, retired SA Army Generals and former members of the SA Army Council in the same venue.

A special tribute was paid to all SA Army members who passed-on in the year 2011. The Mass Band follows the names of the SA Army fallen heroes with a condolence musical item

Guests were treated with spectacular performances and music extravaganza from the SA Army Bands (Kroonstad Band, NCG Band, Transvaal Scottish and Irish Band). On welcoming, SA Army Gymnasium choir ensured that guests were well entertained with their musical performances.

2011 Military Tattoo Champions, South African Irish Pipes and Drums Band were also present to entertain the guests during the Chief of the SA Army Gala Dinner

Code Red Drum Corps from Johannesburg were among the bands that entertained the guests with their amazing skills during the Chief of the SA Army Gala Dinner

SA Army Band Kroonstad treated the guests with marvelous songs performance, which amongst others, included "Waka-Waka" (2010 Soccer World Cup[ song by Shakira) and local songs

National Ceremonial Guard (NCG) Band performing their musical items on stage

The Mass Band with Transvaal Scottish Band on the right paying tribute to the SA Army fallen heroes during 2011

Lieutenant General Masondo thanked sponsors, members of various committees and retired SA Army Generals for their contribution to the SA Army thus far. He also bided a farewell to few SA Army Generals who have left the SA Army domain to further their careers in other Divisions and Services.

Lieutenant General Masondo urged SA Army members to soldier on, take up the challenge and responsibility lying ahead of the SA Army as motivation to be in the Department of Defence. He guaranteed members present that his leadership will follow on the tracks of the great leaders the SA Army had produced.

The Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo addressing the guests during the Chief of the SA Army Gala Evening that was organised at DENEL Land Systems Production Hanger on 2 December 2011

In conclusion, he passed his festive message and his warm wishes to the families of all SA Army members and sponsors. He wished them a prosperous Christmas and a happy New Year. He further passed his condolences to the families of the soldiers and heroes whom the SA Army lost in the year 2011.