The Military Academy held its prestigious annual Awards Evening on 9 December 2015 at the Military Academy Combined Club in Saldanha. The students who excelled in their studies received certificates, gifts and trophies as a token of recognition for their hard work during the academic year. In addition to the students' acknowledgement, the members of the Faculty of Military Science who excelled in their academic and professional development were also awarded.
The event was attended by 180 guests, with Prof Johan Bakkes (Lecturer at Department Accounting at the University of Western Cape) and Prof Nico Koopman (Vice-Rector: Community Interaction and Personnel at Stellenbosch University) as the guest speakers. Also in attendance was the Chief of the South African National Defence Force(SANDF), General Solly Shoke, senior officers of the SANDF, Stellenbosch University management, sponsors as well as members of Saldanha Bay Municipality.
At the event, Captain Uri Badenhorst stole the limelight when apart from several other rewards; he obtained the P.J.G. de Vos Medal for the undergraduate student who obtained the best results over three years of studies at the Military Academy.
On 10 December 2015 the Military Academy hosted the annual Passing-Out Parade for the third year group, MA15. This event not only marks an important day on the national military calendar, but also in the West Coast.
Students who have completed their three years of academic learning and military professional development are rewarded for their achievements in the presence of their peers, families, lecturers, community and political leaders as well as the senior staff members of the South African National Defence Force. This year, the unit had the privilege to have the Chief of the SANDF, General Solly Shoke as the functionary for the parade.
The best candidates in the various Services were awarded with Service Trophies and the overall best candidate, combining both military prowess and academic work, is presented with the Sword of Honour.
Captain Uri Badenhorst was the star of the day, receiving the Sword of Honour, as well as the trophy for the best Air Force Student. The other trophy winners were Lieutenant Mondli Makhanya (Best Army student), Ensign Riaan Arendse (Best Navy student) and Lieutenant Yolika Kleynhans (Best Medical Health student).
Also during this parade, the outgoing (2015) Student Captain, Candidate Officer Collen Mathieledzha handed over the "student reigns" to the incoming (2016) Student Captain, Captain Tumelo Motse.
The parade was concluded by an air display from Air Force Base Langebaanweg with Silver Falcons entertaining the crowd.
General Solly Shoke, Chief SANDF, addressing the parade
SA
Army Band Youngsfield
"Discendo Armemus"
By Maj Engela Meintjes
Photos by FSgt Debbie Guthry
