The South African Navy celebrated 25 years of democracy on Thursday 19 September and Friday 20 September in Simon’s Town.
A campaign named Project Tshintsha reflected on the organisation’s achievements and challenges faced during this period.
Events held included a remembrance service for sailors lost in the line of duty.
A good service medal parade was also held at Martello Sports Field. The chief of the South African Navy, vice admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane, on behalf of the chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), general Solly Shoke, officiated at the event where 40 years and 30 years good service medals were awarded to members of the South African Army, South African Air Force, South African Navy and South African Military Health Service.
It was noted that the South African Navy – previously the least endowed service – was finally equipped with state-of-the-art frigates and submarines, which were commissioned into service between 2003 and 2008.
