Ramaphosa: SANDF has been essential in fighting Covid-19
President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) for the role it has played in the battle against the Covid-19 pandemic.
Speaking during the commemoration of Armed Forces Day in Cape Town on Sunday, Ramaphosa said the SANDF has been essential to the efforts to bring the pandemic under control.
Armed Forces Days commemorates the 616 soldiers who lost their lives when the SS Mendi sank in the English Channel during the First World War.
Ramaphosa said the country must also recognise and celebrate the contribution of the men and women in uniform.
“Through the invaluable work you have done and continue to do during this pandemic, you have demonstrated that the SANDF can be relied on in good times and in bad, in times of peace and times of war, in times of stability and prosperity, and in times of crisis.
“By virtue of your calling and allegiance to the Constitution you acted when your country needed you most,” said Ramaphosa.
Troops were deployed around the county to help police maintain law and order during the early days of the lockdown.
The SANDF also assisted in reuniting South Africans abroad with their families.
“The SANDF undertook mercy missions to repatriate our citizens abroad who were fearful and wanted to be reunited with their families,” Ramaphosa said.
“The SA Army Engineers Corps helped deliver clean drinking water to vulnerable communities. The SA Air Force and the Logistics Division managed the distribution of much needed supplies to deployed forces.
“The South African Military Health Service deployed its personnel in all provinces, where they worked in hotspots, and helped set up field hospitals and quarantine sites.
“But what perhaps touched us as the nation most was the sight of SANDF members helping the elderly carry their groceries, walking alongside young people making their way home, and many other instances that showed our armed forces at their best.”
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