Article and Photos by Major Merle Meyer, SA Army Corporate Communication

The SA Army Fittest Soldier, Lance Bombardier James Mashapu from the Light Artillery Regiment in Potchefstroom, had the honour to be interviewed by Gareth Cliff of 5 FM on Thursday 4 October 2012.

Lance Bombardier Mashapu joined the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) in 2008 and, in that same year he passed the parachute selection and completed the Basic Parachute Static Line Course at 44 Parachute Regiment in Bloemfontein. Since then he completed several artillery courses as well as the Physical Training Instructor’s Course presented by the SA Military Health Service in Pretoria.

Lance Bombardier Mashapu is very proud to serve in the SA Army. Besides doing his artillery duties at his unit, he also presents fitness training to members of the unit.

Lance Bombardier Mashapu won the SA Army Fittest Soldier Competition in 2010, 2011 and 2012. He attributes his success in this competition to discipline that following a set programme, including eating correctly. He also has an officer commanding who supports the fitness training of all his members.

James was invited to appear on the Gareth Cliff programme on 5 FM, as Gareth recently interviewed the members of Extreme Fighting Champions (EFC) whose competition is broadcasted on E-tv and in Numetro cinemas. Three EFC Champions participated in the SA Army Fittest Soldier Competition held at the SA Army Gymnasium in September 2012 and Gareth invited the SA Army Fittest Soldier to be interviewed. James shared the studio with Demarte Pena who is the South African EFC feather-weight champion who viewed the SA Army Fittest Soldier Competition as extremely tough and the SA Army soldiers as very fit. He was impressed with their determination and perseverance to compete for three gruelling days.

Demarte Pena will be fighting against Terrence Griessel at Carnival City on 19 October 2012 and the fight will be broadcast live on E-tv at 22:30. Let us all support him as well.

Gareth Cliff of 5 FM, Lance Bombardier James Mashapu and Demarte Pena of EFC	Lance Bombardier Mashapu being interviewed by Gareth Cliff of 5 FM

Lance Bombardier James Mashapu at the 5 FM studio