Remarks by Honourable Mec Chabane on Behalf of Limpopo Premier Mr Sello Moloto During

REMARKS BY HONOURABLE MEC CHABANE ON BEHALF OF LIMPOPO PREMIER MR SELLO MOLOTO DURING THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE RESERVE GALA EVENING, IN POLOKWANE - LIMPOPO

The Honourable MEC Collins Chabane who holds the portfolio for Economic Development, Environmental Affairs and Tourism in Limpopo

The Premier’s speech was read by The Honourable MEC Chabane.

“It is always a great pleasure to officiate in the company of men and women in uniform, who are tasked with the responsibility of defending the Constitution and the sovereignty of our country. As the provincial government of Limpopo, we are indeed very proud to be associated with the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) during this exciting time in its history. All of us are happy to know that our dedence force is stable, united and, most of all, professional in executing its functions. While in the past the Defence Force was used to destabilize South Africa’s neighbours, the new Defence Force in the era of democracy is much involved in a spectrum of activities that encompass peacekeeping, peace enforcement, disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Col Ferdie van Rooyen hosted the function and welcomes the guests

All of these are being carried out in the spirit of our Constitution, and to protect our hard-won freedom and democracy.

Therefore none of us should doubt the tremendous amount of change which our Defence Force has undergone since the integration process started in 1994. The SANDF has become a home for us all, and it is no longer an exclusive terrain for the few as it was during the past. Everyone is now welcome to join the various Services and to contribute to the building of peace and stability in our country and the continent.

As with any other Defence Force, we understand and accept that, the primary task of the military during peacetime would be to prepare for war. Hence, during peace, emphasis is laid on training, and on improving the State of Readiness. Naturally this would involve equipping the Defence Force, recruiting more soldiers, and building on human endurance. It is said that an army that prepares for war during peacetime would rarely have to go to war. It is further said that a soldier cherishes nothing more in his/her lifetime, than to live in peace.

By implication, this means that the work of the SANDF should not only be prominent when there is wartime, but should also be visible when there is peace. Our government holds you in high esteem as you’re the best protectors of our people, and all that lies within the boundaries of our country. Our nations look up to you to protect not just our political interests, but also our economic, environmental and social interests. Your crucial role in support of our foreign policy, and especially the NEPAD programme, is highly appreciated by our government.” End.

Invited guests at the dinner

The Honourable MEC Collins Chabane added the following:

“Too often we forget that the military is not just a war machine, but has within itself various Services that our country needs for its development. One such programme is the Defence Reserves.

The Reserve Force is important for expanding the capability of the Regular Force when additional strength is needed or called upon. It is cost-effective; members are only utilized when their services are needed. There is absolutely no doubt that South Africa needs a trained, healthy and prepared Defence Reserve during both peacetime and wartime. Like all sectors of our society the Defence Force also faces having to deal with the debilitating scourge of HIV and AIDS, which has become very costly in terms of human life.

The Honourable MEC Collins Chabane MEC Limpopo Province and officers of the SANDF

We must accept that there will always be a constant demand for warm bodies to man the ranks and file of our Defence Force from time to time. This is why we call upon every healthy and fit person to utilize the opportunities now available in the Reserve Forces to help regenerate new life in the military. Every citizen has the right to volunteer to serve in the Reserve Forces of our country as Reservists.

All of us gathered here carry the responsibility for ensuring that this information is disseminated throughout all sectors and corners of our society. A programme such as this can go a long way in harnessing the hidden talents of many of our people who lack the exposure and funding for them to enter the world of work.

However, we must understand that being a reservist is very different from being a conscript. The difference is that while a Reservist joins the military voluntarily (usually out of love of his/her country); a conscript has no option but to join the military due to pressure from the laws obtaining during a particular time, for example as was the case during Apartheid.

Our call on the people of the province is that, they must start considering a part-time career in the military. Opportunities are abound for young and old people to become reserve soldiers, sailors, airmen or medics in their free time. Members can join either the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy or SA Military Health Service as well as the Command and Management Information Systems (CMIS).

Once you have joined, you will be able to serve your country proudly until such time as you decide to terminate your service, resign or reach compulsory retirement age.

Apart from enjoying the privileges that go with one’s association with the Defence Force, reservists can also benefit from the many skills and vocations taught there. Of paramount importance is the teaching of discipline, which has become critical in our moral regeneration project. Added to these are other skills which are beneficial to the economy, such as carpentry, welding, motor mechanics, bookkeeping, engineering, nursing and communication.

As government, we reiterate our support for this programme, which we believe to be critical, not only for the strengthening of our national security system, but also for advancing the spirit of good citizenship and patriotism amongst our people.

There is no better place for young people to be taught the importance of discipline, respect and service than in the South African National Defence Force.

We wish to thank the Reserve Forces for the role they continue to play in defending our sovereignty and our hard-won freedom. Not least important is the critical role you played during last year’s public sector strike when you were called upon to render community care in our public hospitals. As usual, the Defence Force never disappointed our people; it rose to the challenge, and lived up to the expectation of what it meant to be the holders and protectors of people’s dreams. For these we thank you.

In conclusion, I with to salute all of you in your order of precedence for having found the time within your busy schedule to grace this important occasion. May you leave here rejuvenated and inspired about the need to serve your people and country.

I thank you most sincerely”

Cdr J. T. Magonono hands a token of appreciation to the Honorable MEC Chabane at the conclusion of the proceedings