The Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula

Ministers and Deputy Ministers

The Chief of the South African National Defence Force, Gen Shoke,

The Secretary for Defence, Dr Gulube,

Generals, Admirals, Officers, Warrant Officers,

Non-Commissioned Officers

Recipients on the Parade,

Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Distinguished Guests,

Fellow South Africans,

I greet you all.  

Two days ago, on the 5th of December, this country and the world marked one year since the passing away of His Excellency, Former President Nelson Mandela, the first Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) in the democratic era and first democratically elected President of the Republic of South Africa.

The entire international community stood by our side as we mourned this great leader and supported us all the way beyond even the mourning period.

To this day, we remain grateful for this support, and as we heal, we continue to reflect on the many lessons that his life presented to us.

As we gather here today, one year after his departure, we remember Madiba as our liberator who led our nation from bondage to peace and a new society, working with the ANC leadership collective. 

Those of us, who were fortunate to share a life with him, remember him as an intelligent, energetic and selfless man who sacrificed all life’s comforts, for the course of freedom and justice.

It was through Madiba’s total devotion to the struggle that many other people were inspired to also intensify their activism, eventually leading to the freedom and democracy that we enjoy today. 

On 26 June 1961, Mandela appealed to the South African people from his hideout in his underground operation with the following words:

“I have chosen this course which is more difficult and which entails more risk and hardship than sitting in gaol. I have had to separate myself from my dear wife and children, from my mother and sisters, to live as an outlaw in my own land. I have had to close my business, to abandon my profession and live in poverty, as many of my people are doing… I shall fight the Government side by side with you, inch by inch and mile by mile, until victory is won… The struggle is my life.

I will continue fighting for freedom until the end of my days.”

Indeed Madiba fought for freedom with all his resolve until it was attained in 1994.

He was the first Commander in Chief of the revolutionary forces, Umkhonto We Sizwe, and became the first Commander in Chief of the Defence Force in the democratic era. 

Even though he conceded in 1961 that having to start the army without any war experience was a “daunting task for a veteran general” he undertook the task with diligence, innovation, commitment and remarkable fortitude.

He was a man of peace who was forced to take up arms against an illegitimate, racist and aggressive regime.

To Madiba, the military option was embraced because the regime was intransigent and was unleashing violence against defenceless oppressed people.

On his release from prison, he came to unite and reconcile a nation that had endured years of divisions and pain, occasioned by the cruel and evil system of apartheid.  

Through reconciliation and not retribution, he inspired this mighty nation to a new era of tolerance, peace, democracy and equality that is our abiding legacy today.

And one year on, after his passing, Madiba remains as inspiring as ever in our lives.

Fellow South Africans, 

We have gathered here today to remember Madiba by honouring and awarding medals to those of our men and women in uniform who took care of our gallant leader when he was ill.

The awards are also bestowed to the soldiers who participated in the burial preparations, the laying in state at the Union Buildings, and those who ensured that our beloved leader was accorded a befitting state funeral.

When Madiba departed this earth, the eyes of the world were on South Africa, looking at the kind of send-off we were going to give that revered global icon. 

I can say it with pride that the planning, execution and precision with which the SANDF performed its duties left no one in doubt about the capability of our armed forces to carry such a mammoth task.
 
The funeral indeed showcased the character of our national defence force worldwide.

It was performed with the poise and dignity it deserved. I would like to sincerely thank SANDF soldiers and those who were part of Madiba’s life.

Madiba served this country with dignity, integrity and distinction, and it was befitting that his remains be interred in the same manner.

Ladies and gentlemen, 

It is also correct that we remember the first anniversary of the passing of the first Commander in Chief in this manner.

Not only did Madiba unify the nation, but he also built the South African National Defence Force from seven disparate forces to what it is today.

He ensured that the SANDF became a single entity that is reflective of the South African society that it is today.

He inspired a calibre of soldiers who are committed to defending our constitutional democracy.

Compatriots,

This is a remarkable achievement and an inspiring journey indeed.

Men and women, who were sworn enemies in the battles that shaped our route to democracy, now stand side by side before us here, as patriots in a free and democratic South Africa.

Today the South African National Defence Force is a beacon of hope and a torch-bearer of peace and stability in the African continent. 

Our soldiers are highly regarded with regards to peacekeeping and post-conflict reconciliation missions under the auspices of the UN, the AU and the SADC.

We have indeed made an indelible mark in the field of Peace Support Operations and have become a key role player.

We played a very meaningful role in bringing peace and democracy in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Indeed the SANDF must take credit for the work done in Burundi to bring peace and stability. 

I dare say we did not disappoint Madiba but ensured that his legacy lives on because the people of Burundi are today living in a peaceful and secure environment because of his foresight.

As we gather here today, we commit ourselves to continue the work that the SANDF started under the leadership of our very first Commander-in-chief President Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela. 

Our men and women in uniform continue to display selfless and loyal determination in executing the various tasks in service of this great nation.

This continued dedication and sacrifice of our soldiers is a source of pride for us all.

I am really proud of my soldiers.

We are all proud of the SANDF, the spear and pride of the nation.

I once more take this opportunity to thank the leadership of the SANDF for the sterling work done during our nation’s bereavement.

We thank all members of our armed forces, both uniformed and civilian, and all those that saw our founding father through to his last day.

My gratitude goes to all the recipients today who were there during the most difficult times for the whole country.

We also thank all the medical specialists outside of the military who worked round the clock providing health care to Madiba. 

We also thank Madiba’s protectors from the South African Police Service who worked diligently, professionally and with undying commitment, looking after Madiba until the end.

We are proud of all of you.

With diligence, honour and dignity you served, and this is a mark of true patriots.

To the medal recipients, it is my sincerest hope that this gesture will inspire more diligent and loyal service among you and many of your colleagues across the ranks.

Lastly, my special thanks go to families of our recipients who endured long days of absence of their family members who were taking care of Madiba to the last day.

I wish all members of the defence force and their families a happy festive season and a  Prosperous 2015.

I thank you.