STATEMENT BY DEPARTMENT OF DEFENCE HEADQUARTERS

STATEMENT BY SA NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE (SANDF) HEADQUARTERS PRETORIA: KNIGHTHOOD OF THE ORDER OF ST JOHN TO BE CONFERRED UPON THE SURGEON GENERAL OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE

Date: Wednesday, 23 July 2008
Embargo: None

On Saturday, 26 July 2008, the Knighthood of the Order of St John will be conferred upon the Surgeon General of the South African National Defence Force, Lieutenant General Vijay Ramlakan.

Other recipients of this unique honour include the President of the Republic of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, and Lieutenant General Rinus Janse van Rensburg, the former Surgeon General of the SANDF.

The order of St John has been serving humankind for over 900 years, and St John is active in England, Scotland, Wales, South Africa, New Zealand, Canada, Australia, the United States of America, and thirty-five other countries worldwide.

The first recorded work of the Order in South Africa was carried out in Grahamstown in 1884. Today, the Order brings relief to those in need through the St John Ophthalmic Foundation, Ambulance Foundation and Ambulance Brigade

Ends.

Issued by: Defence Corporate Communication
(Defence Media Liaison)
Pretoria

Enquiries: Major Denvin Naidoo
(012) 367 9014