WATCH: SANDF puts on mighty show for the president and his people

Today saw the culmination of Armed Forces Day commemorations, which generated an atmosphere of pride and appreciation for the country's military prowess

February 21, 2023

Dave Savides and Conelia Harry 1 minute read

The military cavalcade moves through the streets of Richards Bay Photos: Dave Savides

The pride of South Africa’s military might was on spit-and-polish display for residents of the City of uMhlathuze today, even as the impressive spectacle was being beamed across the national airwaves.

Two weeks in preparation after over 8 000 troops arrived for national Armed Forces Day community involvement, humanitarian input and exhibitions of the country’s military prowess, today saw the culmination of an event that generated an atmosphere of pride and appreciation for the country’s armed forces.

It was a day of pride and appreciation for the country’s armed forces PHOTO: Dave Savides

All branches of the SA Defence Force were involved in the celebrations, with a vast mechanised convoy led by troops and bands of the army, navy, air force and military health services members.

Receiving their salute at the head of the parade was the SANDF’s Commander-in-Chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa, after he had laid a wreath at the Empangeni war memorial in honour of those who died in battle.

The military band kept the formation in sync PHOTO: Dave Savides

“On this day we remember and pay tribute to all our fallen members in uniform who have lost their lives in the line of duty and specifically the members of SS Mendi, which sank on this day 106 years ago during the first world war,’ he said.

The Richards Bay CBD was a no-go zone for traffic as thousands of people lined the streets, and especially Bullion Boulevard, where the march ended and the proud president addressed the appreciative crowd.

The SANDF column marches in unison during Armed Forces Day commemorations PHOTO: Dave Savides

The president said Armed Forces Day is held annually to recognise and commemorate the immense contribution made by the members of our armed forces in creating a better life for the citizens of SA and the people of our region and continent.

Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force President Matamela @CyrilRamaphosa at Empangeni World War II Monument in KwaZulu-Natal, received by the Military Guard for the wreathlaying ceremony #ArmedForcesDay 🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/o2v8I6mNWB

— Presidency | South Africa 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 21, 2023

https://twitter.com/ZOPublications/status/1627954643224461313

ZO LIVE UPDATE | The City of uMhlathuze is abuzz with military activity as the SANDF commemorates #ArmedForcesDay https://t.co/33G8lObrGt pic.twitter.com/x3YQy7F9GD

— Zululand Observer (@ZOPublications) February 21, 2023

https://twitter.com/ZOPublications/status/1627958751570321409

https://twitter.com/ZOPublications/status/1627959614695243778

https://twitter.com/ZOPublications/status/1627962885811961856

ZO LIVE UPDATE | The military ceremonial flypast over Richards Bay to mark #ArmedForcesDay
Click the link below for all the latest updates: https://t.co/33G8lObrGt pic.twitter.com/PL2dkiCiiy

— Zululand Observer (@ZOPublications) February 21, 2023