the sandf Department: Defence REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA

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1 the sandf Department: Defence REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA The Official Opening of the 2017 Rand Show- Not just another hero Article by: Ms R.D. Khashane,Defence Reserves Division Pictures by: Sgt Malatji, Defence Reserves Division Nasrec takes the centre stage once again as thousands of families from various parts of South Africa migrate to the City of Gold to experience the unlimited carousing. The first day of the annual Rand Show delivered ten tons of fun for the show-goers, shoppers and fun-lovers to set the tone for the remainder of the show. The Rand Show got underway on Friday 14 April This year s theme is Not just another Hero. The SANDF s participation comprises internal and external exhibitions, an Arena programme and a joint SANDF elements capability demonstration. Secretary for Defence, Dr Sam Makhudu Gulube, was the main factionary who officially opened the Rand Show on behalf of Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula. This year, the SANDF participates here in the Rand show under the theme: Not just another hero, a theme that seeks to celebrate the selfless service that our men and women in uniform render to their country even at the risk of their lives. We say not just another hero because the sons and daughter of South Africa who responded to the call to become soldiers are not ordinary heroes, said Dr Ngulube during the official opening ceremony. The SANDF s four arms of service and the divisions are well represented and again provide the public and aspiring soldiers with important information about the Defence Force through their exhibition stalls. The capability demonstration was one of the drawcards for the opening day of the show. The SANDF Reserve Force aims to utilise the platform to: Enhance and promote the image of the SANDF Reserve Force, Market the SANDF Reserves to the public and create awareness of the necessity of the Reserve Force System amongst captains of industry, and the public.

2 The Show presents the Defence Reserves with the opportunity to interact personally with the people in and around Gauteng, the South African Youth as well as international guests that will visit the Reserve Force exhibition stall. Such interaction will give the broader public as well as learners the opportunity to better understand the role and function of the Defence Reserves. SANDF Reserves will hand out Reserve promotional material, such as magazines, forms, pamphlets, and brochures. The Reserves stall is located at hall 10 together with other SANDF Services and Divisions. Do not miss out-only eight days left- See you there!!!

3 The Opening Ceremony Secretary for Defence, Dr Ngulube, during his address at the ceremonial opening of the 2017 Rand Show. Senior military members who attended the opening ceremony.

4 Surgeon General of the South African Military Health Service, Lieutenant General A.P. Sedibe; CEO of the Johannesburg Expo Centre, Mr G. Newman and the Department of Defence Head of Communication, Mr S. Dlamini, formed part of this event. National Ceremonial Guard on parade.

5 The Exhibition Stall Group photo of Maj Gen Andersen and SCWO Jan Vijioen, Defence Reserves Warrant Officer, with the Reserve Force communicators during his official visit to the stall. The delighted Dr Ngulube, with SANDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General V.R. Masondo; Chief SA Navy, Vice Admiral M.S. Hlongwane and Director Defence Corporate Communications, Brigadier General M. Mgobozi, appreciating the level of service he received during his visit to the Reserves Stall.

6 Chief Defence Reserves, Major General Roy Andersen, on arrival at the Defence Reserves stall greeting the communicators who are manning the stall. Maj Gen Andersen, warmly welcoming the two officers from the Johannesburg Metro Police Department who visited the Reserves stall while he was there.

7 Maj Gen Andersen and Lt Col D. Shibambo, presenting a Reserve promotional T- Shirt to Lourence Grobler, who came all the way from Parktown to spend the day with his SANDF heroes.

8 The Capability Demonstration Colonel William Dixon, exercise coordinator initiating the simulated attack. Mamba, Infantry Personnel Carrier from 21 SA Infantry Battalion taking up a defensive fire position.

9 Members from 44 Para Battalion, Pathfinders coming into action with 81mm Mortar Fire Group after they just debus from the Oryx Helicopter. Path Finders securing the objective to ensure a secured deployment of troops.

10 60mm Conventional Mortar taking up an indirect firing position. Mortars in action.

11 Infantry deploys in an all-round defensive position while the Ratel 90mm provides direct fire support to suppress the enemy actions on the battle field. Simulated effects of the Rooivalk attack helicopter s devastating fire.

12 Members from 6 Medical Battalion Group (a Reserve Force Unit) executing hot extraction of an injured pilot. Oryx Helicopter extracting a Gecko Multirole Vehicle after a successful battle.