The ranks of senior officers in the SA Army were boosted by the promotion of 133 substantive colonels this week.
According to Colonel Sammy Mosiaine, SSO Communication for the landward service of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), it was “a memorable occasion characterised by a fantabulous indoor occasion when Chief of the SA Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Mbatha conferred ranks on the newly promoted officers”. They are next in line for promotion to general officer ranks after completing the necessary courses.
Addressing the newly appointed and promoted senior officers, ranging from staff officers to commanders, Mbatha emphasised the Army’s mandate to train and prepare combat ready forces for deployment “for any eventuality”. The three-star general further told those at the indoor parade to fully understand the commander’s intent in the execution of functions in their various portfolios and to always bear in mind the current Army theme for 2021/22, “To define and refine command and leadership as a critical success factor for the restoration of the dignity of the SA Army to its rightful glory”.
He told newcomers to the colonel rank their appointments come with “great responsibility and accountability”. Mbatha urged them to tap into the knowledge of long serving soldiers and “take into consideration” the ideas of recently enlisted members.
