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A Salute to a fallen SA Navy Hero
Article by LS N.C. Zulu
Photos by CPO M.J. Mbiza and AB T. Zekevu
Enquiries: 021 787 4697 |
THE CODE OF
CONDUNCT FOR UNIFORMED MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH AFRICAN
NATIONAL DEFENCE FORCE – “I serve in the SANDF with
loyalty and pride, as a citizen and a volunteer”. “I
will carry out my mission with courage and assist my
comrades-in-arms, even at the risk of my own life”. “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”.
On 23 May
2012 at approximately 15h00, Able Seaman Thulani
Emmanuel Mbuli of the South African Navy Maritime
Reaction Squadron was part of a combined boarding team
from SAS DRAKENSBERG as part of anti-piracy operations
conducted in the northern Mozambican Channel, that
boarded and searched a vessel of interest, the Iranian
dhow HOANE. Able Seaman Mbuli tragically lost his
footing on a ladder and fell into the sea during the
disembarkation from the vessel. Upon observing the fall
during disembarkation, Sub Lieutenant Maake from the
Maritime Reaction Squadron and two members of the
Iranian vessel dived into the ocean in a valiant attempt
rescue AB Mbuli. Unfortunately the attempt was in vain
due the weight of the equipment (inclusive of weapon and
ammunition) used by members of boarding teams embarking
on such operations.
Chief of the Navy giving his official address at the
Memorial Service of Able Seaman Mbuli
Upon
befalling of this tragic incident the SA Navy initiated
a series of interactions with the Mbuli family. Firstly,
during the late hours of the 23 May 2012, the Mbuli
family was informed of this unfortunate occurrence.
Thereafter, arrangements were ensured to fly the Mbuli
family from Newcastle to Phemba in Mozambique as
facilitation of their request to conduct a traditional
ritual and the SA Navy facilitated a wreath laying
ceremony onboard the SAS DRAKENSBERG at the place of the
incident.
Upon the
family returning from Phemba a coordinating meeting in
respect of the Memorial Service was conducted and it was
decided that the memorial service take place in Dundee,
Newcastle his hometown.
A memorial
service to honour the late Able Seaman Thulani Emmanuel
Mbuli was conducted in Dundee, Sibongile Township, New
Ext, at the Sibongile Community Hall on 16 June. The
occasion was a heart-wrenching affair as family members,
colleagues and community members all gathered to pay
homage to this remarkable sailor. The service was full
of songs, prayers and tributes befitting of this young
man’s achievements.
During the
service the father of Thulani, Mr Z.A. Mbuli had these
words of tribute in his son’s name: “If you knew
Thulani you would say we were brothers or friends in the
way we interacted with each other. We always did most
things together and people would be often confused
because of how much we resembled each other. I am proud
of what my son achieved in his short life and to see so
many people who have come to honour his name brings
fulfilment in me. I taught my son to worship and praise
God and I know where ever he is, the Lord is with him”.
Tributes
continued to pour in with AB Mbuli’s colleague and
friend from MRS, AB Mojapelo, also sharing her
experiences with him. “Thabo HP, as I affectionately
called him, was loving, friendly and clever person who
never gave up in what he wanted to achieve. He got along
with everybody and never said a word in anger or insult
and was very spiritual person. He constantly spoke about
his daughter Lwadle and how much he loved her. Thulani
was a dedicated and true soldier and will never forget
him”.
These
tributes were followed by more words of remembrance from
Maritime Reaction Squadron Officer Commanding, Capt
Malepe, who said Thulani passed away in the line of
duty, helping this country and continent eliminate the
scourge of piracy in our seas, for that he is a hero.
Tributes
culminated by an official word in AB Mbuli’s honour from
Chief of the SA Navy, V Adm J. Mudimu, who commemorated
this sailor’s life by saying, “This is the life of
which legacies are written, a life which must surely be
inscribed within our histories and our hearts. It is the
character of lives such as this which have inspired acts
of magnificent bravery throughout time, it is such
courage which has inspired the legends of our Continent,
and it is this spirit which has made our Nation great”.
Service
proceedings were concluded with a scripture reading by
Chaplain M. Coetzee and heartfelt sermon and closing
prayer from Chaplain L.E. Ngesi.
In
demonstration of the remarkable skills and knowledge AB
Mbuli had acquired in the SA Navy, the MRS treated the
community of Sibongile to a Precision Drill and Sunset
Display to conclude the day’s programme.
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These words were found on
a DVD cover in AB Mbuli’s belongings:
It was far from easy
BELIEVE ME
Thanks to my family for giving me
courage, most of all my parents, God for
giving me strength to face any
challenges that came my way and my
daughter as the only thing that keeps my
heart beating. Without you people I
would have given up a long time.
I Love you People
Lwandle 4 Daddy
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