In an emotionally charged memorial service, hundreds of SA Navy officers, friends and family of three fallen submariners gathered at the Wynberg Military Sports Centre on Wednesday 27 September to bid their final farewell.
Lieutenant Commander Gillian Elizabeth Hector, Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Lucas Mojela and Master Warrant Officer William Masela Mathipa tragically died when a wave swept them off a submarine near Kommetjie on Wednesday 20 September.
Addressing the assembly, Chief of the SA Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese revealed that three buildings at the naval base in Simon’s Town will be renamed in honour of the fallen officers.
“I know there is nothing that can bring these members back, however, we can honour them,” he said.
He announced that the Submarine Training Centre will be renamed to the Gillian Hector Training Centre, the Submarine Squadron Building will be renamed to Lucas Mojela Building and the Submarine Battery Workshop will be renamed to William Mathipa Workshop.
Lobese also voiced his frustration with the South African government for what he termed “continued budget cuts”, something that could mean more tragedies for the SA Navy.
“The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and SA Navy have for too long suffered with constant reductions in our budget. Although our budget is cut each year our constitutional mandate is not reduced and we are expected to make miracles with the little money we have.”
He said the incident should serve as a wake-up call to the SANDF, SA Navy and the government as a whole.
Also read: Three SA Navy submariners killed in tragic Kommetije incident, identified
In a special mention, Lobese thanked a Kommetjie couple only named as Mr and Mrs Oosthuizen for their spirit of ubuntu during the tragic incident.
“I would like to say thank you, from the SA Navy, for opening up your home to complete strangers to be a command post.
“Thank you to all the crews, paramedics, Air Force, and National Sea Rescue, this is the true spirit of ubuntu.
“We pay tribute to the three members who made the ultimate sacrifice.”
Calling six injured submariners who “did not hesitate” to jump into the ocean to help the victims, he commended them for their actions.
“By jumping into crashing waves to save their friends, it is the most selfless act.”
Lobese also confirmed that a board of inquiry will be looking into the incident and reveal its findings at a later stage.
“The finding of the board will serve as a guide for the SA Navy and submariners. We will always remember these heroes and heroines.”
Meanwhile, paying tribute to her colleagues, Warrant Officer Juanita Marais remembered them fondly.
“I was on board at the time of this tragic accident; today we gather in numbers I did not even expect to celebrate the lives of three extraordinary individuals.
“It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell but also with hearts filled with gratitude that we remember the instrumental contributions that they gave to our nation.”
She described Mojela as the one who could “light up any room” and the one you could count on.
“His kindness knew no bounds.”
Marais mentioned Mathipa as a proud and confident man who was “the rock of our crew” and his strength and determination were in everything he did.
“Gillian, my dear friend. What a shining example of tenacity and ambition.
“We shared countless moments and she was not just a friend but a role model to me.”
Seated in the front row, Hector’s husband Romero, with their son Tristan on his lap, pointed towards the large portrait of his wife displayed while whispering in his son’s ear.
Paying tribute to his sister, Steward Malouw described Hector as fearless, adventurous, courageous, confident, caring and creative.
“It is hard putting words together at a time like this. She went to sea doing what she loves. To all those who assisted in this (rescue) operation we thank you.
“My sister had the biggest, brightest aura that would put you at ease. We will miss you forever.”
