Armed Forces Day in City of uMhlathuze: residents invited to attend
Armed Forces Day is one of the most significant events on the SANDF annual calendar
Richards Bay is set to be the battle ground for Armed Forces Day 2023, hosted by the SA
National Defence Force (SANDF), comprising numerous activities to which the public is invited.
Activities will be held from 6 to 22 February, and will culminate in President Cyril Ramaphosa officiating the main parade.
Throughout the event, members of the public who are not ordinarily exposed to the SANDF will be able to interact with the men and women in uniform, and their military equipment.
For this year’s commemorations, the SA Navy has taken the lead role in terms of the planning and execution.
Armed Forces Day is one of the most significant events on the SANDF annual calendar and is hosted in different provinces on a rotational basis.
It aims to honour members who serve the nation with pride, and pay special tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.
Among others, SANDF equipment on display will include the army’s heavy armoured vehicles and weapon systems, airforce aircraft and helicopters, and naval warships.
The SA Military Health Services (SAMHS) will also display their capabilities.
In light of recent public outcry over military activities, the SANDF, in partnership with the City of uMhlathuze, has assured the public that all efforts will be made to minimise the impact of military convoys and activities.
Traffic will be affected until the conclusion of Armed Forces Day activities.
Low-flying aircraft and shooting exercises are set to take place during commemorative operations, but the SANDF said no live ammunition will be used.
Programme
Supporting events include SAMHS outreach programmes from 6 – 17 February.
SAMHS will conduct community outreach in conjunction with the Department of Health (DOH) at various locations across the district.
These include:
• Eye care (6 – 10 February): Free cataract surgeries at Eshowe Hospital
• Veterinary services (6 – 10 February): These will take place in the Mtubatuba area from 6 – 10 February and eShowe from 13 – 17 February
• Opening fan park ceremony
(15 February at 10am): This will take place at uMhlathuze Central Sport Complex, symbolising the start of Armed Forces Week. The fan park will remain open from 15 to 19 February during which time military hardware will be on display, and career awareness and demonstrations conducted
• SAMHS will host recruitment drives at the University of Zululand (Unizulu) from 15 to 17 February at KwaDlangezwa and Richards Bay campuses. Career drives will commence at 9am. A mini capability demonstration will take place at Unizulu sport field
• SANDF sport clinics for Grade 5 and 6 learners at Umfolozi College sport grounds from 15 -17 February from 9am to noon
• Open ships: From 17 – 19 February at Small Craft Harbour, SA Navy warships SAS MENDI, SAS PROTEA, SAS KING SEKHUKHUNE I and SAS TEKWANE will be open to the public from 9am to 3pm daily
• Music concert on 17 February at 6pm: To be held at Unizulu’s King Bhekuzulu Hall, where military bands will treat the audience to a musical concert. To book, contact 082 8030619 from 7 February
• SANDF capability demonstration on
17 February: Anti-piracy demonstration will be staged for the public at 4pm at Naval Island
• 5km CISM/SANDF walk/run on
18 February: Races will commence at 8am at uMhlathuze Central Sport Complex
• SANDF interfaith service on
19 February at King Bhekuzulu Hall at 9am
• Night shoot on 19 February at Alkantstrand from 5pm to 7pm to include a variety of military weapons shooting toward the ocean. No live ammunition will be used
• Wreath laying 21 – 23 February at Empangeni Civic Centre at 10am: Commander-in-chief President Ramaphosa will lay a wreath in honour of the SS MENDI on which, on
21 February 1917, 614 South African men perished in the icy waters of the English Channel. The wreath will also honour other fallen SANDF members
• Main parade on 21 February: To be held on Bullion Boulevard and officiated by President Ramaphosa. Commencing at 10am, the route march will include mechanised columns. Roads linking with Bullion Boulevard will be closed for rehearsals and during the parade, on
20 and 21 February.
• Appreciation concert at uMhlathuze Central Sport Complex on 21 February: On conclusion of the main parade, the SANDF will host a music concert from 5pm to 7pm.
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