Defence Legal Services personnel receive their medals

By: Kgabo Mashamaite
Photos by Cpl Itumeleng Makhubela
Posted 30 August 2012

At least 14 proud South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers and a Public Service Act Personnel colleague received their befitting accolades for their distinguished services during the Defence Legal Services Division medal parade on 30 August 2012 in Thaba Tshwane.

The objective of the parade was to honour soldiers and their civilian colleagues for the outstanding service rendered to both the division and the SANDF through medals such as the Southern African Medals, the Good Service medal (Bronze) for 10 years and the Tshumelo E Ikatelaho and the 10 years long certificate of the recognition of long service to the PSAP personnel.

In his speech, Chief of the Defence Legal Services Maj Gen Bailey Mmono said that the occasion was in line with the culture to recognise all those who provided extraordinary and professional service to the SANDF.

“A medal parade is a reflection of our diligent and professional behavior, which is in line with the military Code of Conduct which states that “I will strive to improve the capabilities of the SANDF by maintaining discipline, safeguarding property, developing skills and knowledge and performing my duties diligently and professionally:. These soldiers and civilians have indeed excelled in the execution of their daily duties and remain committed to the core business of the SANDF. The SANDF command cadres acknowledge the contribution that you have made to the growth of the SANDF over the years. As it is a common knowledge that the soldier does not boast about his/her service or contribution, the medals are our mouth pieces as they reflect the bearer’s history, bravery, merit and loyalty in support of various activities of the Defence Force. The medals that have been awarded are an indication of the calibre of members we have in the SANDF and that they are committed to their work and it is always a highlight in a soldier’s career to be honoured with a medal,” Maj Gen Mmono said as he congratulates the receipients.

Following are receipients of the Southern Africa Medal for members who distinguished themselves by gushed themselves by participating in cross-border operations during the period 1 April 1976 to 21 March 1990 while serving under the old South African Defence Force.: Brig Gen Nicholaas Jacobus Du Preez and Col Leon Gernandt.

Good Service Medal (Bronze, 10 years) awarded to the SANDF members who have distinguished themselves by long and efficient service of 10 years: Col Themisile Dwenga, Lt Col Lidette Kriek, Lt Col Mattjys Johannes Kleyn.

Tshumelo Ikatelaho which is awarded to the : Brig Gen Nicholaas Jacobus Du Preez, Brig Gen Glen Spammer, Lt Col Pheagane Elijah Matlou, Lt Col Oupa Williams Mocumi, Maj Levy Mabasa, Sgt Matshidiso Aaron Phetlhu, Cpl Porcha Jo-Ann van der Merwe, Pte Musa Connet Chuma and AB Kelebogile Ramokgopa.

Mrs Jill Nita Stark also received a 10 years long certificate for rendering an uninterrupted service to the division as a member of the Public Act Personnel

The members on the parade were from the 4 SAI Bn and the SA Military Health Area Military Health Unit Thaba Tshwane performed the singing of the National Anthem.