Col Jonathan Titus, Senior Staff Officer Motorised (North), has urged members of 15SAI Battalion to prepare themselves to receive an intake of 300 new recruits in 2010.

Titus was speaking during the medal parade for members of the 15SAI Battalion at Maunavhathu outside Vuwani last Friday.

He added that the battalion should be prepared as they are going to be responsible for the training of more than 300 new recruits next year. He said the training would require many preparations and training of instructors but said he had no doubt they would cope, as they were capable of training excellent soldiers.

“I also know that all of you will be excellent examples to these young soldiers. Your conduct must at all times be exemplary and in this way you will ensure that these young recruits will always remember this training period with fond memories,” he said.

He also warned members not to misuse the young recruits, and that they should be treated with all the respect and dignity they deserved, so that they become excellent soldiers.

Titus thanked families of members for having supported their members all the time.

The officer commanding of the battalion, Lt Col Nnditsheni Singo, said the medals served to instill a sense of competitiveness amongst members that they serve with dedication and loyalty. “This is a way of acknowledging the good work these men who work under extreme conditions are doing. We are just encouraging them to serve their country with all their hearts,” he said.

Singo said the parade is done on an annual basis, where soldiers are rewarded for long service and special duties. “Not long ago, we presented medals to all our men who were doing duty outside the country and more than 600 medals were handed out during a special parade. The latest parade rubberstamps the good work soldiers from this battalion are doing and we will continue doing what we are called to do, protecting our communities and safeguarding our coun-try,” he said.

One of the recipients of the medals, Staff Sergeant Thinashaka Bulannga, said he was more than motivated. “We work under strenuous conditions, with no one seeming to take notice of our contribution. This is the ultimate reward for some of us who have laboured for many years. I will forever cherish this medal and will look back with pride on the contribution I have made for my country,” he said.

The parade was attended by the executive mayor of the Vhembe District, who also commended the soldiers for the good work they were doing for the community.