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Kwa-Zulu Natal Military Tattoo 2012
Article and photos by LS Hlobisile Ngcongo
Enquiries: 021 787 4697 |
The annual Kwa-Zulu Natal
Military Tattoo is a show that many look forward to
every year. With the first one taking place in 2007,
military tattoos have been successfully hosted in
various cities including Cape Town. In 2011 it was
hosted in Pietermaritzburg and this year the city of
Durban was awarded the pleasure and privilege to host
it. Various military bands and other participants began
arriving for combined rehearsals in preparation for this
prestigious event that took place from 11 July – 13 July
2012 at Natal Mountain Rifles.
KZN Military Tattoo 2012 finale.
The SANDF is an asset to the
country of South Africa and has earned a lot of respect
from citizens for its levels of dedication and
professionalism. Military tattoos create a good platform
which allows the SANDF to showcase continue projecting
this positive image through its high levels of
performance. The venue for this years’ tattoo was ideal
for an event of this nature as is situated behind the
famous Moses Mabida Stadium and afforded the guests a
perfect view of the stadium throughout the show.
Participants for the tattoo
were perfectly put together as each unit had a unique
performance. Spectators enjoyed the following
performances: 121 SAI Zulu Dancers, SA Army Band
Kroonstad, SA Airforce Choir, SA Army Band Polokwane,
Umvoti Mounted Rifles Equestrian Team, Combined Pipes
and Drums, Air Defence Artillery Gun Run, SA Military
Health Services Band, SA Navy Precision Drill Squad and
the Improvised Explosive Device Demonstration. On
Thursday there was a guest performance by the Royal
Hospital Band from the United Kingdom.
SA Air Force Choir.
Being in the province of Kwa-Zulu
Natal, it was appropriate to give the guests a
traditional ‘Zulu’ welcome through a display of Zulu
dancing. This was performed by the enthusiastic 121 SAI
Zulu Dancers. This performance was followed by an
entertaining performance by the SA Army Band Kroonstad
where three male band members entertained guests with
ballet. Riding a horse remains a sport that is fairly
unique and is still feared by many due to its potential
dangers. The Umvoti Mounted Rifles Equestian Team
displayed true discipline through mastering horse riding
using only one hand while creating beautiful formations
with the horses.
The SA Navy Precision Drill
Squad from Naval Station Durban is congratulated on
being one of the biggest highlights for the show. The
Precision Drill Squad enjoyed applause and cheers from
the spectators after every performance. They are
congratulated on continuing to fly the Navy flag high.
Ballet dancers from the Army Band Kroonstad delivered an
entertaining performance.
Various flag officers and
dignitaries came from various provinces to enjoy the
performances. All those who participated in ensuring the
success of the Kwa-Zulu Natal Military Tattoo 2012 are
congratulated on a job well done.
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