The Chief Navy’s farewell dinner for R Adm (JG) Louw Article by Sea Mongezi Zieka Photos by LS Nkululeko Zulu, PO Nkosi Enquiries: 021 787 4697

Chief of the SA Navy’s Farewell Dinner for R Adm (JG) J.E Louw was held at the SA Army College in Thaba Tshwane on 07 August 2012.  Senior officers of past and present gathered to celebrate this special and important evening with R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw and Mrs Louw.  The purpose of the farewell dinner was to honour the great work that R Adm (JG) Louw had done in the years that he had spent in the SA Navy.

R Adm(JG) Louw bidding his farewell

Admirals and friends made speeches and shared their experiences with R Adm (JG) J.E. Louw.  Apart from serving at sea for a long time and improving a lot of facilities, R Adm Louw was particularly instrumental in fighting the challenges of poverty within the Simon’s Town local community.  He was particularly the brains behind the SA Navy’s involvement in the young sailing development project called Isivunguvungu.

Master At Arms of the SA Navy, Senior Chief Warrant Officer P. Moodley thanked R Adm (JG) Louw for giving him an opportunity of being the Directing Staff after he had completed his MTR3 course in SAS SALDANHA.  SCWO Moodley mentioned that he learned that you must grasp every opportunity that you get, learn and inspire others.  SCWO Moodley said R Adm (JG) Louw used to lead by example, he made efforts to make things happen and he used to assist young sailors.

Chief Navy, V Adm Mudimu saying his last farewells to R Adm(JG) Louw	Mrs Mudimu hands over a token of appreciation to Mrs Louw for the support and contribution she gave to her husband and the SA Navy

“R Adm (JG) Louw was a role-model to lot of people in the SA Navy and his history in the SA Navy will be forever captured.  He taught people to always smile because if you smile the world will smile back at you and to be a sailor is to be responsible and take pride in the military culture” said R Adm (JG) Gumede.

Chief of the Navy (C Navy), V Adm J. Mudimu said “it is a great pride to talk about a leader, friend and colleague such as R Adm (JG) Louw, a man of perseverance, a leader of integrity” and C Navy mentioned that he knew from the first engagement with R Adm (JG) Louw that they will make a great team.  “R Adm (JG) Louw’s work will be long remembered and his kindness never forgotten” reiterated C Navy.

R Adm Teuteberg saying his farewell sentiments about R Adm(JG) Louw	R Adm(JG) Gumede expressing her experiences with R Adm(JG) Louw

“R Adm (JG) Louw leaves a footprint of loyalty, respect and love.  He made possibilities to become realities and created a foundation of legacy that will never be forgotten.  He pursued his academic aspirations and has participated constructively for social developments throughout society.  His is a man that never said I can’t, it’s impossible or there’s no money” said C Navy in honour in this remarkable stalwart.

R Adm(JG) Louw and Mrs Louw the honourary guests during the evening

Bidding his farewell R Adm (JG) Louw said he had spent 41 years in the SA Navy and one would ask why or was it worth it? But the important thing is that he has done his work and people achieved what they were supposed to achieve from him.  He loved the military and the chance to meet people of different cultures and languages that worked with him in the SA Navy.