Article by Captain M.V. Khosa, Communication Officer 2 Field Engineer Regiment
Photographs by Candidate Officer O. Zwane, 2 Field Engineer Regiment

2 Field Engineer Regiment honoured the International Mandela Day be dedicating its time and effort to four crèches and the Regiment's adopted school. Glen Ash Combined School. It was Wednesday 18 July 2012, a very cold day in Bethlehem, but the sun was shining, when 2 Field Engineer Regiment members geared up to prepare themselves to engage with the local population, assist the community in need and serve their country with loyalty and pride.

The Regiment raised R 5 227,00 to purchase school uniforms for the identified disadvantaged students of its adopted school, Glen Ash Combined School. 2 Field Engineer Regiment members donated the money that was raised from their own pockets for assisting with the purchasing of the school uniforms. The Acting Officer Commanding of 2 Field Engineer Regiment, Major D. Njoko presented the school uniforms to Glen Ash Combined School Principal. Mr D.P.T. Kolokoto, in the presence of all Glen Ash learners and representatives from 2 Field Engineer Regiment.

The Acting Officer Commanding of 2 Field Engineer Regiment, Major D. Njoko presenting the School uniform to Glen Ash Combined School Principal, Mr D.P.T. Kolokoto

2 Field Engineer Regiment further assisted four local crèches, namely Karabelo Day and After Care, Zenzeleni Crèche, Nkgopoleng Crèche and Maranatha Crèche with renovation of the classrooms, decorating the children's playground, construction of extra classrooms and the fence and general cleaning of the crèches' premises.

21 Field Squadron members decorating the children's playground at Zenzeleni Crèche

All Squadrons arrived at their respective crèches with eagerness to give back to the community, the spirit of Ubuntu, not to mention the pride of being a uniformed member. The Squadrons worked simultaneously at their crèches of responsibilities. Each kid of the above-mentioned crèches received an orange and a packet of chips from the Regiment. The glow on the children's faces was so warm and welcoming.

Lance Corporal K. Laka with the children at Karabelo Day and After Care

The mission of the day was well executed and accomplished. There is nothing more exciting than giving back to the community. Let us make every day a Mandela Day.                                                                                                                                                     

22 Field Squadron members with children at Nkgopoleng Crèche