Port Elizabeth – The South African National Defence Force will be celebrating “Armed Forces Day” this week in Nelson Mandela Bay.
Over the weekend, the military kicked off armed forces week when thousands of residents flocked to the Port Elizabeth harbour to view the navy’s fleet, inclusive of an attack submarine and warships.
Armed Forces Day celebrations will officially start on Wednesday.
This year celebrations will be preceded by various activities during the week with the aim to educate the public about the SANDF and to create awareness about its role, capabilities and functions.
Some events include:
* On February 15, a community clean up (Project Sisonke) will see over 300 SANDF members conduct a clean up operation in Bethelsdorp.
* On February 15, the local citizens will be spoiled musically by five SANDF military bands that will perform free musical community concerts at various community halls around Port Elizabeth.
* On February 17, the SANDF will host over 3 000 learners each day from local Port Elizabeth schools at career and military display events. The SANDF Career Expo will be located at Kings Beach. The event is intended to afford learners an opportunity to learn about careers within the SANDF.
* SANDF elements, namely the SA Army, SA Air Force and the SA Navy will demonstrate capabilities which involve night shooting. This will start at 18h00 at the Kings Beach, Port Elizabeth.
The main event is the Armed Forces Parade on February 21. President Jacob Zuma will hand out medals to deserving SANDF members and take a salute. The parade will consist of about 1,000 SANDF members and over 100 vehicles and aircraft that will participate in the parade.
African News Agency
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