Nongqai Vol 17 No 8 – Women’s Day – SANDF
WOMEN IN UNIFORM AND WOMEN MILITARY VETERANS MEMORIAL SERVICE
Capt Chales Ross (Capt SAN – Ret)
The Pretoria Branch of the South African Legion hosted the second Women in Uniform and Women Military Veterans Memorial Service on behalf of the Council of Military Veterans Organisations of South Africa (CMVO SA). The service was held at the Commonwealth Plot in the Thaba Tshwane New Military Cemetery, Thaba Tshwane, on Sunday, 9 August 2026.
The service commenced with the arrival of the dignitary, Major General Terblanche, representing the Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), followed by the deployment of the sentries and flag orderlies. The various flags were then unfurled, after which Legionnaire Marina Valentine formally welcomed those in attendance. The Chaplain subsequently conducted the religious service.
Following the religious service, the Call to Remembrance was observed. The trumpeter sounded the Last Post, followed by the traditional two-minute silence and Reveille.
The wreath-laying ceremony followed, during which a total of 27 wreaths were laid. The ceremony commenced with Major General Terblanche laying a wreath on behalf of the Chief of the South African National Defence Force. This was followed by the laying of wreaths by Colonels and SA Navy Captains representing their respective Services, as well as representatives of the Chief of Joint Operations and the Chief of Human Resources.
The wreath-laying continued with representatives of the various military veterans’ organisations in attendance paying their respects. Among those laying wreaths was the current French Military Attaché, Colonel Jardin, who did so for the final time before returning to France shortly. A wreath on behalf of the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) was laid by Ms Mary-Ann Chikwanda of the CWGC Head Office in Maidenhead, United Kingdom, who was visiting the South African office at the time.
On completion of the wreath-laying ceremony, the sentries presented arms for the playing of the National Anthem. The sentries and flag orderlies subsequently withdrew from the parade area and were warmly applauded by those present. Legionnaire Valentine then thanked everyone for their attendance and support, bringing the formal proceedings to a close.
The memorial service was once again very well supported, reflecting the importance attached to honouring and remembering the contribution and sacrifice of women who have served in uniform, as well as women military veterans.
The Pretoria Branch expressed its sincere appreciation to the South African National Defence Force for its invaluable logistical support. This included the provision of the tenting, chairs and sound system, as well as the personnel required for the ceremony, including wreath layers, sentries, flag orderlies, ushers and wreath orderlies. Their professional support contributed significantly to the dignity and success of the memorial service. As well as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission for the use of the facility.
Photo Album
