On 3 October 2025, the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), General Rudzani Maphwanya, hosted a prestigious medal parade at Air Force Base Ysterplaat to honour 144 recipients for exceptional long service.
Coordinated by the South African Navy in collaboration with other services and divisions, the ceremony saw the Chief confer Bars to the Medalje vir Troue Diens for 30 and 40 years of loyal and dedicated service across all four arms of the SANDF.
Among the distinguished recipients was Deputy Chief Joint Operations, Major General Rene Elgene Mercuur, who received her 30 Years Medal. The awards represented a proud range of ranks from Major General to Corporal, symbolising decades of devotion, professionalism, and operational excellence.
Instituted on 27 April 2003 and conferred by the President of South Africa, the Bars to the Medalje vir Troue Diens recognise members who have rendered long and efficient service. Addressing the parade, General Maphwanya reflected:
“These medals are not mere decorations, but living records of personal history — of deployments, missed family milestones and unrelenting devotion to South Africa.”
He paid tribute to fallen comrades and reaffirmed the SANDF’s continued support for their families, while highlighting the Defence Force’s “Journey to Greatness” strategy — focused on restructuring, enhancing disaster response and preparing for emerging challenges such as cyber threats and climate change.
“The story of the SANDF is inseparable from the story of our nation. For your courage, resilience and enduring love for South Africa, we say thank you,” he concluded.
A key highlight of the event was the formal handover of all SANDF logistical depots. General Maphwanya officially entrusted command to Vice Admiral D.M. Mkhonto, Chief of Logistics, with effect from 1 October 2025. The transfer included the Defence Mobilisation Centre, South African Army Main Ordnance Depot, Army Ordnance Sub Depots, Naval Ammunition and Store Depots, and the Military Health Base Depot. Vice Admiral Mkhonto pledged to uphold the responsibility with integrity and to ensure that logistics continue to strengthen operational readiness.
The medal parade not only celebrated decades of faithful service but also reaffirmed the SANDF’s enduring commitment to defending South Africa’s democracy, sovereignty and peacekeeping obligations across the continent. Congratulations were extended to all 144 recipients for their outstanding service to the nation.
