SA National Defence Force

10/06/2026

SA Air Force Museum Career Exhibition Broadens Horizons for Gauteng Learners.

The 2026 South African Air Force Museum Career Exhibition proved to be far more than a day of aircraft displays and military demonstrations. It became a platform where hundreds of learners were introduced to a world of possibilities, discovering careers they had never considered and engaging directly with professionals who once sat where they do today. Hosted at the SA Air Force Museum, the exhibition brought together learners from schools across Gauteng, educators, industry partners and members of the SA Air Force for a day dedicated to career awareness, mentorship and youth development.

The programme was opened by newly qualified pilot Second Lieutenant Mlungisi Dube of 41 Squadron, who welcomed learners and reminded them that the occasion was not only a celebration of the rich heritage of the SA Air Force but also an opportunity to inspire the next generation. Among the guest speakers was Mr Musa Vukeya, National Sales Manager at First National Bank, whose address resonated strongly with both learners and educators. Drawing inspiration from the eagle, he challenged learners to rise above their circumstances and remain focused on their goals. "The eagle is one of the most admired birds in the world, not because it is the biggest or the strongest, but because of how it thinks, prepares and responds to challenges," he said. Using the eagle as a symbol of resilience, vision and discipline, Mr Vukeya encouraged learners to face challenges head-on rather than retreat from them. He reminded them that difficult circumstances do not determine their future and urged them to stay focused on their ambitions. His message struck a chord with many learners, who later described it as one of the most memorable moments of the exhibition.

Lieutenant Eunice Lebelo inspired learners with her own story of determination. Growing up in Mamelodi and attending public schools, she recalled entering pilot selection with one distinction while other candidates had several distinctions, yet perseverance and discipline brought her to succeed. Lieutenant Lebelo encouraged learners to remain focused on their goals and cautioned them against lifestyle choices that could jeopardise future opportunities. Addressing young ladies in attendance, she reminded them that aviation is open to anyone willing to work hard. “The cockpit doesn’t care if you’re a boy or a girl. It only cares if you’re disciplined, focused and brave enough to try,” she said.

Deputy Chief of the SA Air Force, Major General Lancelot Mathebula, delivered the keynote address. Speaking on behalf of the Chief of the SA Air Force, Lieutenant General Carl Moatshe, he reminded learners that every professional standing before them once sat in a classroom, wondering what the future might hold. He highlighted the role of the South African National Defence Force in developing pilots, engineers, technicians, doctors, lawyers, communication specialists and countless other professionals. "Today is much more than seeing big aircrafts," he said. "It is about opening your mind to new possibilities, making the decisions that will affect your future." Major General Mathebula encouraged learners to take advantage of every opportunity available to them and thanked educators for the role they play in shaping future leaders. "We are not standing here because we are smart. We are standing here because teachers made us work hard, gave us vision and believed in us." The impact of the exhibition was evident in the responses from both educators and learners.

Camina Kruger, an Afrikaans teacher from Rhodesfield School of Specialisation, described the career exhibition as an important starting point for learners considering their futures. "The main purpose is giving them career opportunities and showing them how to move forward after high school," she said. Kruger noted that many learners left with a clearer understanding of aviation careers, engineering pathways and emergency response roles. For Grade 11 learner Maduvhor Khumunala, the exhibition completely changed her perspective of the military. "I came here thinking I would only see soldiers carrying guns," she said. "Instead, I discovered so many opportunities." Inspired by conversations with military personnel, Khumunala said she could now see herself pursuing medicine within the military environment.

Another Grade 11 learner, Braedon Mazimba, arrived hoping to see just aircrafts and left inspired by the possibilities available within aviation and engineering. "I learned that it's not only about flying. There are people on the ground doing important work and making everything possible," he said. For Pheletso Mpulenyane, the motivational speeches left the biggest impression. "I learned that perseverance is key and that your circumstances do not determine your future," he said. Many learners echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the presentations, aircraft displays and direct interaction with military personnel as the highlights of the day. Mathematics teacher Lucky Tsele from Ikamva Youth praised the exhibition for exposing learners to career opportunities they may not otherwise encounter. "You could see learners taking notes and asking questions," she said. "That tells you something. It shows they are thinking seriously about their futures."

By the end of the exhibition, what began as a career awareness programme had evolved into something much greater. Learners who arrived curious about aircrafts left with a broader understanding of the opportunities available within the SA Air Force, the defence industry and beyond. Whether inspired by the story of pilot Lieutenant Eunice Lebelo or the challenge to rise above life's storms like an eagle by Mr Musa Vukeya, many departed with a renewed sense of purpose. The SA Air Force Museum Career Exhibition succeeded in doing exactly what it set out to do: opening doors, broadening horizons and reminding young South Africans that their future is shaped not by where they come from, but by the choices they make today.

Disclaimer || Permission was obtained for the scholars' photographs to be taken during SA Air Force activities, and they also agreed to their publishing on the SA National Defence Force's social media platforms.

By Corporal Khensane Cheriz Nkuna, Ad Astra Magazine and Photographs by Sergeant Lunga Jele, 5 Air Servicing Unit, Photo Section.

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10/06/2026

Theme: The Eagle's Path: Celebrating Service, Freedom and Innovation.

The 🇿🇦South African Air Force is proud to host the much-anticipated annual Air Show on Saturday, 06 June 2026. Recognised as one of the premier aviation events in Africa, the Air Show showcases military aviation excellence, cutting-edge aerospace technology, youth development opportunities, and the rich heritage of the South African Air Force

"South Africa, prepare for lift-off!" said one of the media personnel from Newzroom Afrika who was present to cover the show.
The South African Air Force is hosting families at the Air Show of the year on Saturday, 06 June 2026, at Mobile Deployment Wing, formerly Air Force Base Swartkop. They gathered to witness breathtaking aerial displays, military aircraft, aviation technology, thrilling demonstrations, and an unforgettable celebration of service, freedom and innovation.

The South African Air Force Air Show 2026 – where aviation excellence meets national pride. Don't miss your chance to experience the roar of the skies up close!

The Air Show is family-friendly and suitable for all ages. This event celebrates service, freedom, innovation and aviation excellence. The youth is here explore aviation and aerospace career opportunities.
Visitors are experiencing military aircraft displays, exhibitions and interactive activities.

The Air Show provides a rare opportunity to engage directly with members of the South African Air Force and learn about their role in serving the country.

Article by Major Tebogo August || Editor Ad Astra Magazine and Photographs provided by Major Tebogo August.

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10/06/2026

🇿🇦Mission Readiness Training Prepares General Botha Regiment for Operation CORONA Deployment || Ladybrand, Free State 19 May – 05 June 2026

The Mission Readiness Training for the incoming Operation CORONA deployment was successfully conducted from 18 May to 05 June 2026 in preparation for the rotation of forces responsible for safeguarding the Free State–Lesotho borderline.

The training marked the conclusion of a highly successful deployment by 10 South African Infantry Battalion, commanded by Lieutenant Colonel S.V. Nakin, which served in the Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State Area of Responsibility from 26 October 2025 to 5 June 2026. During its tenure, the Battalion demonstrated exceptional commitment and professionalism in executing border safeguarding operations across the Free State and Lesotho borderlines, covering areas including Ladybrand, Ficksburg, Fouriesburg, QwaQwa, Hobhouse, Wepener, and neighbouring villages within the Kingdom of Lesotho. The Battalion recorded numerous operational successes, contributing significantly to the prevention of cross-border criminal activities and the enhancement of border security.

The incoming force, General Botha Regiment, together with its support staff and under the command of Lieutenant Colonel P.P. Segonyane from Infantry Formation, underwent comprehensive Mission Readiness Training to ensure operational preparedness prior to deployment. The training was designed to equip members with the necessary knowledge and understanding of the operational environment, command and control structures, administrative procedures, and mission-specific requirements associated with Operation CORONA.

Staff members from Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State actively participated in the training programme. In the absence of the Officer Commanding, the Second-in-Command, Lieutenant Colonel O.J. Mosimanegape, addressed the incoming members and conveyed the Headquarters' expectations regarding discipline, professionalism, operational effectiveness, and community engagement throughout the deployment period.

The training further featured presentations by subject matter experts from various functional areas, including Logistics, Transport, Regimental Aspects, Monitor and Control, Counter Intelligence, Intelligence, Operational Communication, and Legal Services, among others. These presentations provided valuable guidance and ensured that all personnel were fully informed of their responsibilities and the operational framework within which they will function.

Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State acknowledges and commends the outstanding service rendered by 10 South African Infantry Battalion throughout its deployment. Their dedication, resilience, and operational achievements have significantly contributed to the success of Operation CORONA within the Area of Responsibility.

As General Botha Regiment prepares to assume its duties, Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State extends its best wishes to Lieutenant Colonel P.P. Segonyane and all members of the incoming Battalion. It is anticipated that they will continue to uphold the highest standards of military professionalism and build upon the successes achieved by their predecessors in safeguarding the borders of the Republic of South Africa.

Article by Captain Tshwanantai Tsolo || Staff Officer 3 Operational Communication Officer || Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State and Photographs by Joint Tactical Headquarters Free State Staff.

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10/06/2026

🇿🇦Joint Tactical Headquarters Eastern Cape Mission Readiness Training and End of Deployment Parade.

Joint Tactical Headquarters Eastern Cape, under the command of Colonel Thembinkosi Patric Ntobela, conducted a successful mission readiness training for the incoming company, Bambatha Rifles and an end-of-deployment parade for the 10 South African Infantry Battalion, Alpha Company, that concluded their deployment from 14 May 2026 to 24 May 2026.

These soldiers were deployed under OP CORONA in Republic of South Africa/Lesotho Border in Maluti Base. The outgoing company was deployed in the area for the past 6 months and conducted a successful deployment.

At the end of the deployment parade, the Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Eastern Cape, Colonel Thembinkosi Patric Ntobela, thanked the Company for their hard work and dedication toward national security. After the parade came a certificate ceremony where those members who have gone the extra mile in their line of duty received certificates of appreciation.
The incoming Company expressed their eagerness and determination to step up and continue the mission, taking over from the outgoing company from the same battalion. The thorough mission readiness training ensured that the Bambatha Rifles are prepared to face the deployment and carry out their mission with professionalism and dedication.

Article by Captain Poswa and Photos by Corporal Modiba and Rifleman Moletsane || Joint Tactical Headquarters Eastern Cape.

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10/06/2026

🇿🇦SA Navy || 🗺️World Hydrography Day Celebrations 2026 in 📍Durban, KwaZulu-Natal at the 📍City of eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality || 17 to 21 June 2026

• 📅12-16 June 2026 SA Navy Band Pop-up Concerts
• 📅19 June 2026 Hydrography Lecture
• 📅20 June 2026 SA Navy band Community concert
• 📅20-21 June 2026 Open Ships and Exhibitions
• 📅21 June 2026 Freedom of City Parade.

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10/06/2026

🇿🇦SA National Defence Force Chief of Staff Hosts Commandant of India’s National Defence College

The Chief of Staff of the South African National Defence Force, Lieutenant General Michael Ramantswana, yesterday hosted a courtesy call by the Commandant of the 🇮🇳National Defence College (NDC) of India, Air Vice Marshal Manish Kumar Gupta, during the delegation’s official visit to South Africa.

The engagement took place on behalf of the Chief of the SA National Defence Force, General Rudzani Maphwanya, and formed part of the National Defence College of India’s international study tour programme, aimed at exposing senior military leaders to strategic institutions and security environments around the world.

Welcoming the delegation, Lieutenant Ramantswana emphasised the importance of defence diplomacy and military education in strengthening relations between South Africa and India. Discussions focused on strategic leadership development, regional and global security challenges, defence cooperation, and the role of professional military education in preparing future leaders.

The relationship between South Africa and India’s defence institutions has continued to grow since the establishment of formal diplomatic relations in 1993. Over the years, both countries have expanded cooperation through defence exchanges, military training programmes, strategic dialogues and participation in multilateral forums such as IBSA (India, Brazil and South Africa) and BRICS. South Africa has regularly featured as a destination for Indian military study tours, reflecting the mutual respect and shared commitment to learning from each other’s experiences in peacekeeping, defence transformation and regional security.

As one of India’s premier institutions for higher military education, the National Defence College plays a critical role in developing senior military officers and government officials for strategic leadership responsibilities. Its study tours provide delegates with first-hand exposure to international defence, political and economic environments, enabling a broader understanding of global security issues.

The visit provided an opportunity for both countries to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening military-to-military relations and enhancing cooperation in areas of mutual interest. Such engagements contribute to the exchange of knowledge, the building of professional networks, and the promotion of peace, security and stability.

The SA National Defence Force remains committed to fostering strong international partnerships and advancing defence diplomacy as a means of addressing shared security challenges and promoting cooperation among nations.

Article and Photographs by Defence Corporate Communication || SA Soldier Magazine.

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10/06/2026

Profile || 🇿🇦Leaving No Soldier Behind: How Dr Zamokuhle Shabane Is Redefining Service Beyond the Uniform || Deputy Director of Human Resource Separation under the Public Service Act.

In most military stories, the defining moments are easy to identify: enlistment, training, deployment, command. They carry the drama, the ceremony and the public recognition. Far less attention is given to what happens when the uniform comes off, when service ends and uncertainty begins. Yet it is in that quieter, more difficult space that Dr Zamokuhle Shabane has built a career of remarkable consequence, helping South Africa’s soldiers leave not only with their benefits in order, but with their dignity intact and their futures more secure.

As Deputy Director of Human Resource Separation in the Department of Defence, Dr Shabane occupies a role that could easily have remained procedural, distant and invisible. Instead, he has transformed it into one of the most human-centred corners of military administration, guided by the conviction that those who have served the country should never be left to face retirement, resignation, or transition without guidance, honesty and care.

“We see the person before we see the rank,” he says. “When someone comes to us, whether they are a Private or a senior officer, we must remember that they have a life beyond the uniform. Our responsibility is to help protect that future.”

That philosophy has come to define not only the office he leads, but the man himself.

Born in Mandeni, KwaZulu-Natal, in 1981, Dr Shabane’s journey has been shaped by discipline, study and a steady sense of purpose. He completed matric in Mandeni Town in 1999 and went on to obtain a National Diploma in Human Resource Management from ML Sultan Technikon in 2002. For a time, he worked part-time as a bank teller at Absa, but the path that would ultimately define his life began in 2003 when he applied for the Military Skills Development System.

On 19 January 2004, he entered 3 SA Infantry Battalion for basic military training, beginning a career that would extend across several key administrative and human resource environments within the defence force. He served at 6 SA Infantry Battalion and 7 SA Infantry Battalion in Phalaborwa, and later at the SA Army Support Formation in Pretoria, the Directorate Human Resource Acquisition, and the Directorate Human Resource Career Management. It was work that demanded precision, patience and a deep understanding of how institutions function behind the scenes.

Over time, Dr Shabane earned a reputation not only as a capable officer but as a thoughtful and principled professional, someone committed to understanding the system well enough to improve it. In 2021, he achieved a significant academic milestone by earning a PhD, adding scholarly distinction to an already accomplished record of service.

By 2023, he had risen to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. For many, that would have represented the pinnacle of a military career. For Dr Shabane, however, it became the moment to choose a different but equally meaningful form of service. In order to take up the civilian post of Deputy Director of Human Resource Separation under the Public Service Act, he stepped away from the uniformed ranks.

“My transition was motivated by wanting to do more than what the rank allowed me to do,” he says. “I knew there was still more I could contribute, especially in helping members prepare for life after service.”

It was not merely a professional decision, but one rooted in a broader sense of purpose. That purpose is also anchored in family. His wife, Caroline, remains a serving Captain in the military, giving him a continued understanding of the institution from both inside and outside the uniform. Together, they are raising their three children, Okuhle, Njabulo and Mpumelelo, while balancing the demands of military and public service life.

Those who work closely with Dr Shabane describe his leadership as a rare combination of discipline and accessibility. He speaks with conviction, yet without self-importance. If anything, he is quick to shift attention away from himself and towards the people around him.

“This work is not about one person,” he says. “I have a committed team, and I value them very highly. They understand that what we do here affects people’s lives in a very real way. Without that shared commitment, we cannot serve members properly.”

He returns often to the same principle: Human Resource Separation is not simply about files, forms and final payments.

“These are human beings,” he says. “These are parents, breadwinners, people who have spent years serving the country. When they come to us, they deserve respect, they deserve clarity, and they deserve the truth.”

Under his leadership, the office has placed growing emphasis on retirement preparation, particularly for members aged 50 and older. Through national retirement seminars and Termination of Service roadshows, Dr Shabane and his team have worked to address a long-standing concern: too many soldiers approach retirement without fully understanding what it will require of them.

“We cannot treat retirement as an event that starts on the last day of work,” he says. “If you only start thinking about it when you are about to leave, you are already late.”

The consequences of poor planning can be severe. Dr Shabane has seen members leave service with little understanding of how long retirement may last, how quickly lump sums can be exhausted, or how deeply a lack of preparation can affect an entire family.

“Members must not plan for retirement as if they are going to die in their first five years of retirement,” he says. “That is one of the biggest mistakes people make. They spend too quickly, they underestimate how long they will live, and later they struggle.”

His message is direct because, in his experience, it needs to be.

“You must plan for longevity,” he says. “You must prepare now so that later you can live with dignity and not with regret.”

To strengthen that preparation, his office brings financial service providers, tax specialists and estate administration professionals into direct engagement with members. The aim is to treat separation from service not as a narrow administrative exercise, but as a major life transition with financial, legal and emotional consequences.

Dr Shabane is equally candid with those considering early resignation. In an environment where frustration can sometimes drive people toward irreversible decisions, he sees it as part of his responsibility to slow the process down and ensure that choices are made with full understanding.

“Sometimes members want to resign because they are tired, angry or disappointed,” he says. “But before you make that decision, you must understand the tax implications, the benefits you may lose, and what that choice means for your future. We owe people honest advice.”

That commitment to honesty has earned him respect across the institution. He recalls being invited by the now-retired Chief of the Air Force to present his insights for two hours before a major decision was taken. Yet if such moments affirm the value of his expertise, they do not appear to define his sense of accomplishment. He speaks just as seriously about the junior member who arrives distressed, uncertain and in need of someone willing to explain what comes next.

“Sometimes the first thing a person needs is not paperwork,” he says. “They need somebody to listen. They need somebody to help them understand their options. Once you give people clarity, you also give them dignity.”

Perhaps that is the clearest thread running through Dr Shabane’s work: dignity, not as a slogan, but as a daily practice. In an environment shaped by rank and hierarchy, he has cultivated an approach that does not erase those structures, but refuses to let them determine who is worthy of care. In doing so, he has helped reframe one of the least visible parts of military life as one of the most essential.

Asked whether he would want his own children to follow him into military service, he answers without hesitation. No one forced him into this life, he says, and he would not force them. They must choose their own path, just as he chose his.

It is a brief answer, but it reveals something larger. For all his commitment to service, Dr Shabane does not romanticise sacrifice or impose it on others. He understands that dignity begins with choice, and that leadership is measured not only by authority, but by what one does with it.

In a 🇿🇦Defence Force where attention is often drawn to the visible symbols of service, Dr Zamokuhle Shabane has devoted himself to the less visible task of protecting what comes after. He works at the threshold between one life and another, ensuring that soldiers do not walk out of the institution they served into confusion, financial distress or silence.

If most military careers are remembered for how they begin, Dr Zamokuhle Shabane’s legacy may well be defined by how he helps them end. In the quiet but vital work of guiding soldiers through retirement, resignation and transition, he has transformed administration into a form of care, and public service into an act of protection. Long after the uniform is folded away, his work remains in the clarity he gives, the dignity he restores, and the futures he helps defend.

🇿🇦And that, too, is service.

Article by Corporal N. Mabanga and Photographs by Corporal N. Mabanga and Ms A. Rosslee || Defence Corporate Communication || Visual Communication.

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10/06/2026

🇿🇦A Legacy of Faith and Service: The Final Farewell to Chaplain Trevor Links.

Vredendal, 🇿🇦South Africa – The South African National Defence Force and the broader community recently bid a poignant farewell to Chaplain Trevor Links, a revered figure whose ministry profoundly impacted both the church and the military. The funeral service, held in Vredendal, was a testament to a life dedicated to faith, service, and unwavering commitment to those he served.

A Ministry of Compassion and Strength – Chaplain Links was celebrated for its significant contributions within the SA National Defence Force, where its spiritual guidance and leadership were highly valued. His ministry was often likened to the biblical prophet Elijah, symbolizing a steadfast defense against adversity and a profound identification with the marginalized. As noted by Professor Jacques Beukes during the service, Chaplain Links' mantle was one of embodying the Confession of Belhar, believing in a God who stands with the destitute, the poor, and the wronged.

General Masweu, Chaplain-General of the SA National Defence Force, lauded Chaplain Links' ministry within the Defence Force, emphasizing his humanity and the profound impact of his work. General Masweu highlighted that while Chaplain Links faced personal complexities, his presence in the pulpit was marked by clarity and the delivery of the good news. The SA National Defence Force's chaplaincy had significant plans for him, which tragically coincided with the week of his funeral.

Personal Tributes and Unwavering Support – The journey from the hospital to the final resting place was marked by the presence of dedicated colleagues who provided continuous support.
Mathurin Issie, a close associate, recalled being constantly approached by Chaplains Smuts, Lereti, and Van de Ross. Their presence and the support they offered were a source of great strength, spanning the difficult days from the hospital to the grave.

The service itself was a blend of sorrow and inspiration, with eulogies delivered by various religious leaders and colleagues. Among those who contributed were the moderators Hendry Tromp and Johan Julies, liturgists Pedro October, Angelique Ghall, and Chaplain Van Der Ross, and preacher Jacques Beukes. Their tributes underscored Chaplain Links' profound influence and the lasting legacy he leaves behind.

A Strong Message of Hope – During the military memorial service, Chaplain Vass delivered a powerful and resonant message. Chaplain Vass's words served as a call to action and a source of healing for the grieving community, emphasizing the enduring impact of a life lived in service to others and the hope that transcends even the deepest loss.

Chaplain Links' passing is a significant loss to both the spiritual community and the South African National Defence Force. His life of service, marked by compassion, leadership, and an unwavering faith, will continue to inspire those who knew him and benefited from his ministry.

HE WILL BE REMEMBERED
🕊️Rest Easy Soldier.

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10/06/2026

09/06/2026

The Chief of the South African Army Sends Best Wishes to the 🇿🇦SA Army 2026 Comrades Marathon Team

Lieutenant General L.K. Mbatha, Chief of the South African Army, conveys his sincere best wishes to all members of the SA Army Comrades Marathon Team, who will represent the Army with distinction in the 2026 Comrades Marathon.

“Your selection to participate in this prestigious event reflects your dedication, discipline, resilience, and commitment to excellence. Whether you are a first-time participant or a seasoned Comrades runner, you carry with you the pride, honour, and spirit of the South African Army. As you take on the Ultimate Human Race, run with courage, integrity, and determination. May your hard work and sacrifice be rewarded with a successful and memorable race.”

Article by || SA Army Corporate Communication.

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