The sky is the limit for SANDF Women Article and photos by AB Lizzy Hange Enquiries: 021 787 4697

In honouring the women of this country, the Chief Directorate Transformation Management hosted the second annual South African National Defence Force (SANDF) Women’s Parade on Friday, 24 August 2012 at Thaba Tshwane Sports Ground in Pretoria.

Flypast by the Airforce welcoming the Minister

The four arms of services’ women namely the SA Army, SA Air Force, SA Navy and SAMHS, beautifully dressed in their respective uniforms with pride, proudly welcomed the new Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula as officiator of the parade.  The day’s proceedings were conducted by women. “I was very emotional; I never thought I would see such beauty from women in the Defence Force”, said the Minister in a media briefing after the parade. 

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula giving a speech at the Women's Day Parade	Future women of the country marching past the Minister

The Department of Defence’s theme for this year’s celebration was “Women Unite in Fighting Inequality”.  The parade offered a platform of recognition of the efforts and progress made by the women of this country in the military.  The vision of women who protested in 1959, of a non-sexist and non racial society has and still continues to live on as women are acknowledged as equal and active partners in building of a new and prosperous South Africa.  This is evident through the selfless dedication of SANDF women on deployment, as to date the SANDF has the largest contingency of women on deployments in the continent, a feat acknowledged by the United Nations Department of Peacekeeping Office.

General Salute, present arms	The SANDF Women on parade prepare to march past the minister

The Minister extended her gratitude to the women in uniform and the families that support them while carrying their duties.

SA Navy women fly SANDF flag abroad on peacekeeping missions with Nosiviwe Maphisa-Nqakula, Minister of Defence and Military Veterans

“To all the women in uniform here today, please know that you stand as a strong example for others to follow, not only in this country but in the continent as a whole. Wear your uniform with pride and patriotism, as you took the ultimate pledge to serve your country with your lives, indeed you are SPECIAL kind of servants”, said the minister.

Malibongwe igama lamakhosikazi. Makabongwe onke amakhosikazi!