Long-service medals were bestowed on South African National Defence Force (SANDF) members from the Original Works Unit Western Cape and the Original Works Unit Eastern Cape during a parade at Youngsfield Military Base on Thursday 20 October.
Addressing the recipients at the event, Major General David Nyangasya, who was recently appointed as General Officer Commanding of the Defence Works Formation, said a medal was a sign of recognition given to troops for exceptional performance.
“A medal represents accomplishment, acknowledgement. The custom of giving medals is one of the cornerstones around which military pride and moral decor are built. May your efforts to deliver outstanding service influence to inspire your fellow colleagues,” said Nyangasya.
He added that during peacetime, it was difficult to view SANDF’s daily activities in the context of the military’s ultimate function, “the preservation of worthwhile life”.
“In a real sense, a soldier’s work is done best if he or she never have to fight and it is during so-called peacetime that we all have to strengthen our values. That is namely professionalism, honesty, integrity, loyalty and patriotism.”
Major General David Nyangasya addresses the medal recipients.
The Good Service Medal, Silver, was awarded to SANDF members who distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 20 years. Recipients are Warrant Officer Class 2 Vuyokazi Mazinga, Staff Sergeant Solomzi Bomvana, Sergeant Ntsikelelo Mani, Sergeant Yanga Mphalala, Corporal Lukas Alexander and Private Enrico Solomons.
The Good Service Medal was awarded to SANDF members who have distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 20 years. The recipients are Staff Sergeant Johannes Fourie, Staff Sergeant Nonceba Mbatsha, Petty Officer Cledwyn Basson, Sergeant Ayanda Baxa, Sergeant Parkside Damente, Petty Officer Sophy Mavuso, and Sergeant Mziwanele Nqeto,
The Good Service Medal was awarded to SANDF members who have distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 20 years. Recipients are Sergeant Felicia Ranelo, Petty Officer Joseph Rhoda, Petty Officer Nkosinam Stephans, Petty Officer Vincent Theunis, Corporal Xolile Mxwayo, Private Nomathamsanga Nini and Private Nomakhwezi Toni.
Nyangasya also thanked the families of the recipients present for their support.
“The military lifestyle can pose unique challenges for spouses and at times put strain on their families. It is in this view that I see it fit to acknowledge the support that spouses, partners and families at large provide to our soldiers in execution of their patriotic duties.”
The Good Service Medal, bronze, was awarded to navy members who distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 10 years. Medal recipients are Andiswa Ntshebe, Leading Seaman Mosele Rammutla, Leading Seaman Phuti Ramodike, Leading Seaman Sontaga Rasetsoke, AB Neil Davids, AB Pumeza Masiso, AB Authority Mhlongo, AB Queency Molo, AB Manana Mosia and AB Bathandwa Mtyana.
The Good Service Medal, bronze, was awarded to SANDF members who distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 10 years. Medal recipients are Leading Seaman Lebogang Dikhai, Leading Seaman Nthabiseng Gono, Leading Seaman Songezo Luhabe, Leading Seaman Jessica Mabasha, Leading Seaman Confidence Mathimbi, Leading Seaman Nklakatha Motlodisi, Leading Seaman Sinovuyo Mvuzo, Leading Seaman Phindile Ndubane, Leading Seaman Kholofelo Ngema, Leading Seaman Phootla Nhlapo and Leading Seaman Nzondelelo Nongomo.
The Good Service Medal, bronze, was awarded to SANDF members who distinguished themselves by long and efficient service for 10 years. Medal recipients are Lieutenant Colonel Clement September, Major Lorenzo Demingo, Major Viwe Zigoxo, Captain Mervin Gys, Warrant Officer Class 2 Lehlohonolo Sefara, Chief Petty Officer Conrad Abrahams, Chief Petty Officer Rani Keys, Chief Petty Officer Vuyokazi Mkonto, Petty Officer Themba Kaira and Petty Officer Lejara Sehume.
