PAULA RABELING
and JANIS KINNEAR
Staff Reporters
UNIFORMED generals made for an impressive display at a navy ceremonial parade honouring three new captains, who will command the country’s largest fighting warships.
During a formal procession at the Simon’s Town naval base yesterday, the fleet’s former captains handed over the reins to their successors.
Before the official change of command for the valour class frigates, naval officers were called to attention and the captains greeted by the naval band.
Captain Michael Boucher moved to the SAS Spioenkop, previously commanded by Captain Christopher Manig, which patrolled our waters during the World Cup last year.
Boucher, who headed the SAS Isandlwana, handed over control to Captain Musawenkosi Nkomonde.
Originally from Soweto, Nkomonde, 37, completed his BSc in 2000 and served as a gunnery officer on board the SAS Fleur, a torpedo recovery vessel.
He has an impressive list of credentials, including in international mine warfare, and has served as a UN military observer.
Nkomonde said he was thrilled by the achievement.
After 15 years, he said, he had “fallen in love” with his job, and planned to lead his crew and boost their morale to ensure each mission was a success.
Control of the SAS Mendi, which aided operations off Mozambique to combat piracy, illegal fishing and drug trafficking, was handed over to Captain Jabulani Amos Mbotho, who takes over from Rear Admiral Bubele Mhlana.
Raised in the village of KwaMbotho in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbotho, 39, completed his maritime studies at the then-Natal Technikon.
He joined the navy in 1997.
“All successes and failures reflect on you as a captain. I want to create a legacy so that upcoming officers can learn from me,” Mbotho said.
His next challenge would be the navy’s extended “Operation Copper”, fighting piracy.
On the SAS Mendi, Mhlana was the first black captain of one of the warships.
He now takes up the position of director of Fleet Force Operations, overseeing the functional control of all ships and submarines to ensure they are mission-ready.
His advice to the new captains was to remain focused on the objective set by the fleet command.
Expressing how moved he was to see the appointment of two new black captains, Mhlana said they would require extensive knowledge when operating on such a highly sophisticated platform.
“This is a milestone and I feel honoured to have played a part in developing these officers,” he said.