The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) hosted its annual Chief of the Defence Force Prize Giving Ceremony at St George’s Hotel in Irene, Pretoria, on 5 December 2025. The event followed the earlier daytime programme and concluded the year’s calendar by recognising the outstanding achievements of SANDF members across fitness, culture, sport and service.
Senior leadership and invited guests gathered to celebrate excellence within the organisation, with the Chief of the SANDF, General Rudzani Maphwanya, delivering the keynote address. His remarks highlighted the dedication, discipline and unwavering commitment demonstrated by the armed forces throughout 2025.
A key feature of the evening was the announcement of the results of the 2025 Fittest Soldier Competition, the Prestige Week Cultural Competitions and the Overall Prestige Week Awards. The SA Army dominated the Fittest Soldier Competition, securing first place, while the SA Air Force and SA Navy followed in second and third place respectively. The SA Army also continued its winning streak in the Prestige Week Cultural Competition, taking the top spot in the Service of the Year category. Defence Intelligence emerged as the Division of the Year winner.
Prestige Week 2025 concluded with the SA Army being declared the overall Service Winner. The Army participated in all 25 sport codes and achieved victory in 17 of them, cementing its leadership across the SANDF’s competitive disciplines.
General Maphwanya also used the occasion to honour the 14 SANDF members who lost their lives during a peacekeeping mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He emphasised that the Education Trust remains committed to supporting the children of the fallen, ensuring they can pursue education beyond the loss of their parents.
“As we gather in celebration, reflection and gratitude, let us reaffirm a naked truth, that the Defence Force is the shield of the nation. When disaster strikes, the SA National Defence Force responds. When peace is threatened, the SA National Defence Force stands. When the world watches, the SA National Defence Force represents the Republic with dignity and honour,” said General Maphwanya.
The ceremony underscored the SANDF’s continued commitment to excellence, professionalism and service. Across the Republic and beyond its borders, the armed forces remain steadfast in their mandate to uphold peace, stability and security.
