Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto this week welcomed the total transformation which had taken place in the South African National Defence Force, saying it now reflected the focus of the country’s new democratic system, namely safety, security and peace.

In accepting the rank of Honorary Colonel from the Area Military Health Unit in Polokwane, the Premier said the defence force had undergone ‘a tremendous and painful rebirth’, resulting in the integration of both statutory and non-statutory forces, and the establishment of one national defence force which all people of South Africa were now proud to identify with.

“Our defence force has discarded its past image of being the hated racist army known only for destabilising townships and neighbouring countries, and is now seen leading peace missions in war-torn parts of Africa under the umbrella of the United Nations and the African Union, thus pursuing the objectives of Nepad,” Moloto pointed out.

He said the Military Health Service in Limpopo had been involved in many life-saving activities in the province and beyond its borders. These included its heroic role during the 2000 floods and the rescuing mission in Mozambique. On behalf of the people of Limpopo, he saluted the bravery of the men and women who took part in these successful missions.

‘The provincial government is proud to be associated with our Army and SAMHS (South African Military Health Service) in particular - you will continue to be a source of inspiration to the province, and we should continue to strive for better coordination and support on matters of mutual interest’, the Premier said.

‘As you all know, our province is prone to disasters; we move from one extreme to the other - if we are not faced with drought, it is usually floods. Therefore, this calls for greater cooperation and partnership between the Provincial Disaster Management Unit and the army, so today’s occasion can only serve to cement the existing relations, and we are very excited about these developments.’

Moloto said the awarding of the honorary rank of colonel was regarded as a great privilege by the province’s leadership, and he realised this would bring additional responsibilities. He described the gesture of goodwill as very humbling and gave an undertaking that he and other leaders would strive to live up to the expectations of the people of the province.