Pretoria - When the nation was at its lowest after the death of former President Nelson Mandela they were the much support system needed that never buckled.
And it was this service to the nation by the men and women of the South African Defense Force's (SANDF) military health department that was commended at a medal ceremony in Pretoria.
The medal ceremony mostly recognized members who had been with the service for 20 years.
Lieutenant General Aubrey Sedibe, Surgeon General of the Sandf, said as a soldier, receiving a medal was one of the best experiences in any officer's career.
He said: "Serving the country for 20 years is a confirmation of one's contribution towards the organisation and selflessness at its purest version."
“You exemplify the finest qualities of the ‘health warriors, serving the brave’. In these 20 years you have had to act beyond the call of duty and this medal will now and forever form part of your history as a soldier,” he said.