The SA Navy is officially at the helm of a new chief after Vice-admiral (retired) Mosiwa Hlongwane handed over command to Vice-admiral Monde Lobese during a change of command parade held in Simon’s Town on Tuesday 6 December.
Hlongwane, the former chief of the SA Navy, said it was a very emotional day.
“This day was very emotional, after eight years of having led the organisation and the South African people, it means a lot to me because it shows the trust the leadership had in me.”
Speaking about the legacy he would be leaving behind Hlongwane said one of his achievements was replacing Offshore Patrol Vessels (OPVs) which was also one of many challenges due to budget constraints.
“I would say the legacy that I am leaving the navy is the projects, the replacement of the OPV and our hydrographic facility.
“The first vessel was commissioned in June this year in Durban and the second vessel in September, the last vessel will be christened next year and it will be commissioned in 2024.”
He added that this was his main achievement as the navy’s strike craft is no longer operational.
“This is my achievement, taking into consideration that our strike craft are no longer operational and these are the vessels that we are looking forward to being able to assist the navy in terms of patrolling our waters.”
He added if there were no budget constraints a lot more could have been achieved.
“We were supposed to acquire the OPV which is Offshore Patrol Vessels, the plan was to acquire six and six inshore patrol vessels, but due to budget constraints we couldn’t do that and we ended up acquiring only three IPVs.
“Budget constraints have been a challenge for the SA Navy and not only the Navy but the Defence Force as a whole.” He added that the Navy plays an important part to ensure the safety and security of the country.
“We cannot have a situation whereby the water is not patrolled.
“Everyone comes and plays in our waters and does as they please which is not supposed to be the case.
“So, it is high time that the leadership realizes that SA needs the Navy and they must look after their Navy.”
Hlongwane further wished his successor well in his new role.
“I wish him well and may God give him the strength and may he get the support that he needs so that he can fulfill his mandate.”
Commenting on his new role, Lobese said it never dawned on him during his career that he would ever be at the helm of the SA Navy.
“I have been a sailor and soldier for more than 37 years, since I started my military career in March 1985, it had never dawned on me that one day I will be bestowed with this honour to lead the SA Navy.
“I have always seen myself as a simple sailor that is ready to serve but now that the country has this confidence in me, I am ready to take up the challenge and lead the SA Navy to greatness so that we are able to return to our former glory of taking our ships to sea.”
He added that they are mindful of the government facing economic challenges.
“It is challenged in providing the necessary resources for us to be able to defend the maritime coastline of our country.
“Government and my leadership in the defence force are doing all in our power to get the necessary resources we need for us to keep our ships at sea to provide the long-term defence of this country.”
Lobese says his key focus area would be to take the Navy back to sea.
“With the little resources we have been allocated we will do our utmost best to maintain our vessels, ships and submarines so that we will be able to provide the maritime defence that we need for the country,” said Lobese.
