As commander-in-chief of the armed forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa has praised the efforts made by the South African National Defence Force.
According to Ramaphosa, the SANDF continues to make sure that the nation remains stable. He was speaking to SANDF members at Richard’s Bay, KwaZulu-Natal.
He was addressing at the yearly memorial service for the roughly 600 black South African soldiers who perished aboard the SS Mendi during the English Channel collision with the steamer Darro.
The men were to be sent to France, where the First World War’s front lines were located.
While the public was not allowed to attend the wreath-laying ceremony, local resident Ntokozo Mthembu was able to see President Cyril Ramaphosa at the war monument in Empangeni.
“It was lovely to see the president with the SANDF behind him. He took his time to come in, and it is a beautiful day for. We saw soldiers as people who are approachable, helping, and the art that they show us, we love that about them. They made sure we see they are here to help us as a country, with an element of them helping the community as well.”
A much-needed boost for the town’s hospitality sector has been given as a result of the influx of thousands of visitors to the KwaZulu-Natal north coast over the last week in preparation for Armed Forces Day in Richards Bay.
Armed Forces Day honours the contributions made by SANDF troops and remembers those who have lost their lives while performing their duties.
The neighbouring Empangeni World War II memorial received a wreath this morning from President Cyril Ramaphosa.
“I’m sure and happy that especially in the tourism industry we have actually been boosted economically and we are grateful for that. We are also grateful for the fact that by the army being here it has maximized security for our residents, as stated by Umhlathuze.”
“Grateful to the president of the Republic of South Africa as Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces and the entire department of the Defense Force for having decided to host the Armed Forces Day here in the city of Umhlathuze in 2023,” says Umhlathuze mayor, Xolani Ngwezi.