Goodwill visit to the city of Mahikeng

Article by LS Nkululeko Zulu
Photos by WO 2 Oupa Moraile and LS Nkululeko Zulu
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In 2004, the South African Navy (SAN) celebrated a Decade of Democracy by visiting all nine provinces of South Africa. During the SAN’s tour to parts of the country they had the opportunity to visit the Mahikeng Local Municipality whereby a strategic and invaluable relationship was forged. Based on this relationship established in 2004, the Executive Mayor of Mahikeng, Councillor Nomtsama Miga extended an invitation to the SAN to be part of the city’s renaming ceremony. To enhance the ceremony’s stature the SAN in conjunction with the Municipality would co-host a Gala Concert on the evening of 14 September 2012 which would culminate in a Freedom of Entry Parade on 15 September 2012.


Executive Mayor of Mahikeng, Cllr Nomtsama Miga and Deputy Chief Navy, Rear Admiral Samuel Hlongwane exchange a honourary plaque that signifies the Freedom of Entry into the town

The visit to Mahikeng would incorporate a two-fold approach. The first would encompass an awareness campaign on the SAN’s role and responsibility towards safeguarding the waters of the country to the citizens of Mahikeng. The second would be a career exhibition at various schools around the community. These initiatives would be spearheaded by SO3 Human Resources Plan, Sub Lt Kuhlase assisted by PO Selepe from 11-13 September 2012.

During the 11-12 September Sub Lt Kuhlase and PO Selepe visited the Lapologang High and Letsatsing Science High where they briefed over 200 learners on all facets about the SA Navy. On 13 September a SAN career exhibition was held at the Mmabatho Civic Centre were a 1000 Grade 11 and 12 learners from local schools were schooled on the requirements of joining the SAN.



PO Selepe briefing Kebonang students about opportunities available in the SA Navy

Sub Lt Kuhlase and Letsatsing Science High Grade 12 pupil Kereeditse Ikaneng enjoying each other's company

On 14 September there was a renaming ceremony for the city in which Mafikeng officially became my Mahikeng. In the evening there was a Gala Concert were the SA Navy Band dazzled the city with their array of musical performances.

The Goodwill visit to Mahikeng by the SAN was officially concluded on 15 September 2012 with a Freedom of Entry into the City Parade. The chief functionary on the occasion was Executive Mayor of Mahikeng, Councillor Miga and her counterpart was Deputy Chief Navy, R Adm Hlongwane. The Mayor had these words to honour the occasion “Now that we will be granting you our Navy the Freedom in to our Town, we will be inviting you to all our ceremonial events. All this we are doing is in the best interest of Mahikeng and its people”. Deputy Chief Navy, R Adm Hlongwane said a closing note on the behalf of Chief Navy in which he thanked the city of Mahikeng for all its hospitality and indicated that the occasion marked the beginning of a long and fruitful relationship.



Mahikeng Celebrity Ambassadors Stoan Seate and Mouth Molimi

SA Navy Band marching in Mahikeng

Proceedings were concluded by a March Past by the parade and a crowd pleasing performance by the Precision Drill Squad from Durban.

Fact File:

  • Mahikeng is a Setswana name meaning ‘a place among the rocks’. It was named after the large volcanic rocks found in abundance.

  • Town was originally called Molema in 1852 and later renamed Mahikeng in 1881.

  • The Barolong are Setswana speaking nation which traces its origins back to Kgosi (king) Morolong, a famed ironsmith who lived in the 13th Century

  • To ancient Barolong, the big rocks offered protection against enemies


SA Navy sailors on parade