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

Friday, 21 September 2012, was a red-letter day for a few special ladies and gentlemen at the SA Army Headquarters, who received their 10, 20 and 30 long service certificates rendered to the South African National Defence Force.

The event was arranged by the SA Army Headquarters Unit. The Chief Army Corporate Services, Major General Sazi Veldtman, awarded the 20 certificates to civilian members of SA Army Headquarters.

Major General Veldtman congratulated the recipients and said that the civilians played role in the SA National Defence Force that should never be underestimated as the South African National Defence Force would be lost without them. He encouraged all the recipients to display their certificates with pride as they showed their dedication and commitment towards the South African National Defence Force. He also reminded the recipients that they were a vital part of the Pride of Lions and that they should be proud of the work they did even if they were clerks or cleaners.

The recipients included the very well-known and dignified Mr Armando Cambinda who is the SO2 Editing at the SA Army Force Preparation Directorate. Mr Cambinda was a rector of a high school in Menongue, now known as Cuando Kubango in Angola. He then joined the South African Defence Force in 1978 at the former 32 Battalion in Pomfret. Later he was appointed to the Directorate Language Services and today he is responsible to edit all our bulletins, articles, instructions, doctrine, etc. Mr Cambinda completed a BA degree in languages at UNISA in 2006 and is fluent in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. He said that one could not be in the South African National Defence Force without being able to speak Afrikaans.

Mrs Sarah Zwane who is a cleaner in the Chief Directorate Army Force Preparation environment received the 10, 20 and 30 long service certificates and said that she was proud to receive her certificates at long last. Mrs Ida Tlhabadira who had been working in the Generals Building for over 30 years is also a well-known figure. Over the years, she has seen many a major rising from the ranks to return as a Brigadier General.

The SA Army Headquarters Unit presented a very special ceremony for those hard-working members and paid an apt tribute to them. Major General Veldtman reminded all present to ensure that members receive their certificates in time.

Major General Sazi Veldtman and Mrs Phyllis Mavhungu, Ceremonial Clerk of the SA Army Headquarters Unit and her 20 years long service certificate	Mrs Sarah Zwane who received her 10, 20 and 30 years long service certificates

Mr Armando Cambinda, SO2 Editing, displaying his 30 years’ long service certificate