The country’s National Armed Forces Day culminated in Thohoyandou on 21 February with an address by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The commemoration marks the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917, when members of the Native Labour Corps lost their lives.
Ramaphosa said people should regard members of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), both men and women, with respect.
“This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniforms, and we bow our heads in memory of soldiers who never return home from the horizon. We send our deepest condolences and sympathy to the families of those soldiers who passed away. There is no greater sacrifice than to lay down one’s life for others. Your sacrifices are deeply valued by all of us as a grateful nation,” Ramaphosa said.
He also praised the South African Military Health Services’ Project Owethu, a health outreach initiative aimed at delivering healthcare and wellness services directly to rural communities in Vhembe, Waterberg, and Sekhukhune in the lead-up to National Armed Forces Day.
“We are all aware of the recent heavy rains, devastating flooding, loss of life, and damage to infrastructure in this province, in Mpumalanga and beyond. The SANDF brought its expertise to assist in the relief efforts, working together with local and provincial authorities: deploying engineers to support disaster management, repair roads and bridges, purify water, and erect temporary structures for those affected,” Ramaphosa added.
The President extended special thanks to the Premiers, provincial agencies, local authorities, and SANDF members who have been on the ground in Limpopo, Mpumalanga, and Mozambique since the start of the devastation.
“To the young people present here today and watching across the country: I invite you to see the SANDF as a career and a calling. We need your capabilities in engineering, medicine, technology, strategy, and many other disciplines. Join the SANDF for the love of your country. By serving your people, you build your own future and contribute to a better nation. To our soldiers: continue to fly our flag high on all missions, guard our borders, and build the bridges that connect our communities,” he said.
Limpopo Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba said the day was especially relevant in Limpopo, as the province also lost many soldiers during the SANDF’s fight against M23 troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Of the 14 SANDF soldiers killed, eight were from Limpopo. The deaths occurred during clashes with M23 rebels around Goma in late January 2025.