Article and Photographs by Lieutenant Lieutenant N.P. Moss, 1 Construction Regiment

The 18th of July was officially declared as Nelson Mandela International Day by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2009. The day has been celebrated annually, ever since. People around the world spend this day by positively giving back to their community in honour of the 67 years that Nelson Mandela’s contribution to peace through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, international democracy and reconciliation.

On 18 July 2012, 1 Construction Regiment dedicated its 67 minutes serving Duduza Primary School. Members started the day by having the roll call in the morning and immediately after roll-call they embarked on two Samil 50s and went to Duduza location. On arrival at Duduza Primary School they were welcomed by the School Principal Mr Zulu, the Duduza ward councillor, Mrs Mabena and school children at the assembly area.

Member’s of 1 Construction Regiment were divided into various groups which were the construction machine operators (CMOs), welders, painters, and construction workers. The construction machine operators under command of Warrant Officer M. Soldaka of Bravo Squadron graded and levelled the school sports ground using 2 Bell tippers, grader, TLB and a front end loader. The welders welded all the broken jungle gyms, the painters painted the school main gate, the kids’ playground equipment and construction workers did the chicken parade and gardening.

Staff Sergeant Temm welding the swing	1 Construction Regiment members painting the main gate

Construction machine operators in the school background	Playground after being painted by 1 Construction Regiment members

The highlight of the day was when 1 Construction Regiment hoisted the flag on the school premises and replaced a worn out flag with a new one. All the members of 1 Construction Regiment saluted as the flag was hoisted by Sergeant Ncapayi, while the school children sang the National Anthem. Immediately after that all members sang Happy Birthday Tata Madiba and they handed the old worn out flag back to the school principal.

Sergeant Ncapai hoisting the flag and the school children singing the National Anthem	Members of 1 Construction Regiment saluting as the flag is being hoisted