Thulamela Mayor Athongozwidivha Rambuda said the municipality is ready to host the 2026 National Armed Forces Day (NAFD) in Thohoyandou on Saturday, 21 February.
Rambuda, joined by Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) General Rudzani Maphwanya and other military officials, welcomed the armed forces during a media briefing at the Thulamela Library Hall on 4 February.
“We are calling on the citizens of our municipality to give our visitors a warm welcome,” said Rambuda.
She said Armed Forces Day in Thulamela provides an opportunity to salute the courageous men and women who serve in the nation’s military, including active-duty members, reservists and veterans. She added that the day encourages citizens to reflect on the importance of national defence and to support the armed forces. It also allows the public to engage with the military through activities such as air shows, open days and educational programmes that build awareness of the SANDF’s role in the community.
General Maphwanya said Armed Forces Day serves a dual purpose: honouring serving members and remembering the approximately 600 soldiers who lost their lives during the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917. “It is a deeply sombre yet prideful occasion, balancing the modern excellence of the SANDF and the profound historical tragedy of the SS MENDI. This day is a celebration of courage of those who wear uniform and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the distant horizon,” he said.
He added that since 2013, the SANDF has commemorated the day in all nine provinces to expose communities to its work. The event will culminate on 21 February, featuring a career expo, interfaith service, sports clinics and a wreath-laying ceremony by President Cyril Ramaphosa in honour of SANDF members who died in service.