The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is hosting Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2019 in Cape Town from 16 to 21 February 2019. The event is aimed at honouring the brave men and women who sacrificed their lives on the line of duty and those who continue selflessly serving our country. The AFD 19 is the highlight on the SANDF event calendar. This annual celebration by our country’s armed forces is hosted on a rotational basis by each of South Africa’s nine provinces.

The event also coincides with the commemoration of the fateful sinking of the SS MENDI on 21 February 1917 when over 600 South African men perished in the icy waters of the English Channel, of which 607 were from the South African Native Labour Corps and 33 crew members.

The event also serves to create consensus on defence by taking the SANDF to the people. During AFD, the public is afforded an opportunity to interact with the men and women in uniform and is exposed to the capabilities of our country’s state-of-the-art military equipment. AFD is also a platform to test the SANDF’s logistical capabilities and state of readiness.

AFD is a joint presentation by all arms of service and divisions of the SANDF and demonstrates unity of effort from our military.

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The SA Army will contribute an array of assets ranging from long-range artillery guns, tanks and armoured cars, bridge building and water purification capabilities, advanced battle field surveillance and intelligence capabilities, ground based air defence capabilities and battle winning infantry skills.

SA Air Force has a number of assets comprising of ground and air crew, general support staff, command and control personnel inclusive of communication as well as safety and planning elements. Amongst the platforms on display are helicopters: the Agusta A109, Oryx, Rooivalk and Super Lynx. The Gripens and Hawks jet fighters as well as the transport fleet comprising the CASA 212, King Air, PC 12 will also feature at this year’s event.

The SA Navy will contribute two support vessels – (South African Ship) SAS DRAKENSBERG and PROTEA, two Frigates – SAS AMATOLA and SPIOENKOP, two Offshore Patrol Vessels – SAS MAKHANDA, SAS GALESHEWE and a Submarine – S101 SAS MANTATISI. 

The South African Military Health Services (SAMHS) will provide medical support to all SANDF members involved in the event and also exhibit their capabilities such as the Air Droppable Surgical Post, Communicable Disease Isolation Unit and Mobile Hospitals.

The event comprises a series of planned activities building up to the main parade on 21 Feb where the President of the Republic and Commander-in-Chief of the SANDF will be the main functionary. 

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These activities are:

Static Display of Military Equipment and Live Arena Military Demonstrations, 16 -19 Feb at the Mandela Park Sports Stadium (Khayelitsha), 08:00 – 18:00 (Daily).

CSANDF/CISM FUN RUN 5km and 10km, 16 Feb at the Sea Point Promenade, (Registration at 06:00), 08:00 for 08:30.

SA Navy Ships and Submarine Opening, 16 – 17 Feb at the V&A Waterfront, Ships:  09:00 – 15:00, Submarine: 10:00 – 14:00.

Band performance and sea cadets marching through, 16 – 17 Feb at the V&A Waterfront, 16:00.

Inter-Faith Service, 17 Feb at Cape Town City Hall at 10:00.

Sports Clinics for primary schools, Grades 6 and 7, 16 – 20 Feb at Pama Road, Khayelitsha Stadium.

Night Shooting Rehearsal, at Muizenberg (Sunrise Beach), 19:30.

Night Shooting, at Muizenberg (Sunrise Beach). 19:30.

Military Parade and Capability Demonstration, 21 Feb: Military parade to include marching and mechanised columns (10:30 -13:00) and will be followed by military capability demonstration (13:00) at Table View Beach.

Entry is free and members of the public are invited to attend. In anticipation of large numbers expected to attend these activities, there will be viewing areas with big screens at the Grand Parade, Mandela Park Sports Stadium (Khayelitsha) and Table View Beach.

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