South Africa: On 13 December 2022, the SA Army Gymnasium had the honour of presenting the last Officers Formative intake Pass out Parade for the year 2022 at the Gymnasium in Heidelberg.
The Chief of the S.A. Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, was the main functionary. Upon arrival, the Chief of the S.A. Army and his entourage were welcomed with a military ceremony in the form of a toast to the colours before the parade; as part of military customs and traditions, the toasting and uncasing of the colours takes place before a parade for good wishes.
The 84 proud Candidate Officers delivered a successful parade to the Chief of the S.A. Army and spectators under the leadership of Major T. T. Dlodlo as the parade commander. The Chief of the S.A. Army took to the podium to deliver his address.
In his empowering speech, the Chief of the S.A. Army welcomed the new Officers into the Officer’s Corps and encouraged the new Officers to empower themselves through education and opportunities offered by the Defence Force like Study at State Expense and the Military Academy in Saldanha which offers qualifications through the Stellenbosch University.
The Chief also awarded top achievements during the parade.
The following top achievers from the intake were given the following awards:
- Warfare:
1st place went to Candidate Officer M.F. Mphekgwana and 2nd place to Candidate Officer T. Ntlawuzana.
- Communication studies:
1st place was Candidate Officer K.P. Sekgobela and 2nd place was Candidate Officer K.E. Small.
- Prof Mastery:
Candidate Officer A.B. Motsosi was 1st place, while Candidate Officer B. Kriel took 2nd place.
1st Place was Candidate Officer M.F. Mphekgwana, and 2nd place was Candidate Officer A. Mdingwa.
- Leadership:
1st Place was Candidate Officer M.F. Mphekgwa, and 2nd place was Candidate Officer R. Earle.
- The Fittest male was Candidate Officer T.J. Pitso, and the Fittest female was Candidate Officer R.T.L. Damons.
- The best shootist was Candidate Officer R. Earle, while the most disciplined learner went to R.T.L. Damons.
The Neatest learner was Candidate Officer M.B. Motloung, and the Best research paper went to Candidate Officer K.P. Sekgobela.
The best learner in Theory once again went to Candidate Officer M.F. Mphekgwana, and the Best learner in practical went to Candidate Officer B. Kriel.
The Best Overall learner trophy went to Candidate Officer M.F Mphekgwana. The second Best Overall learner trophy went to Candidate Officer R.T.L. Damons, and the 3rd Best Overall learner went to Candidate Officer K.P. Sekgobela.
This auspicious event concluded with a luncheon where the Officer Commanding S.A. Army Gymnasium, Colonel N.M. Zama gave feedback to the Chief of the S.A. Army as he reflected on the training and the success of the course.
The course Chairperson 2Lieutenant C.M. Motibane, thanked the Chief for the privilege of availing himself of the parade and then gave feedback to the Chief of the S.A. Army on the hopes and aspirations of the newly appointed officers.
The course chairperson concluded by asking the Chief to please come forward and receive an unexpected gift and token from the July 2022 Officers Formative intake.
The Chief of the S.A. Army and the Pride of Lions would like to wish the newly appointed officers a long and fulfilling service in the S.A. Army.