SA celebrates Armed Forces Day
President Jacob Zuma is officiating the 6th Armed Forces Day celebration in Durban.
A parade is taking place at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
President Zuma proclaimed in 2012 that 21 February each year will be observed and commemorated as Armed Forces Day. This create a better understanding of the military's role, as well as to demonstrate the military combat readiness against threats.
This year's Armed Forces Day celebration also commemorates the centenary of the sinking of the SS Mendi steamship which killed more than 600 black South Africans during the First World War.
"Armed Forces Day honours members of the SANDF for their outstanding service and dedication during various military operations in defending the territorial integrity of the Republic and protecting our people as well as their selfless contribution in international peacekeeping missions, mostly on the African continent. This year's Armed Forces Day also marks the centenary commemoration of one of the worst tragedies in the South African history where hundreds of South African troops, including 607 black troops, died during the sinking of the SS Mendi steamship during the First World War on 21 February 1917," says the Commander-in-Chief, President Zuma.
Today's celebrations come a few days after three SANDF members were killed at a naval base at the Durban Harbour.
