₦airaland Forum

Meanwhile, in Mozambique.

Hundreds of South African Jews make aliyah to Israel every year. Some, as dual citizens, get drafted into the IDF. In fact, one of the earliest recruits into MK - the ANC's armed wing - Arthur Goldreich, was recruited by his friend Mandela because he had guerilla experience, having served in the Israeli war of independence in 1948 in the Palmach, the elite wing of the Haganah.

Prior to 1948, Jan Smuts as SA prime minister had been a firm supporter of Zionism. In fact, from about 1930 to about 1965, the 2nd largest financial support for Israel after the US, came from South Africa.
A long, complex, intimate relationship with both sides of the divide in both countries.

In the link below, IDF soldiers from SA, amongst hundreds such. With this and other images going around, it would be monumentally stupid for the South African govt not to express itself on Israel/Palestine. Quite apart from the moral imperative.

https://www.tiktok.com/video/7299753630096313606?_t=8hQzu4Agp7u&_r=1

RIP Ahmed Abbasi - humanitarian and head of the Gaza office of the Gift of the Givers, SA NGO active in 44 countries and largest disaster response NGO of African origin - killed yesterday in Gaza on his way from morning prayers.
He joins other South Africans killed whilst serving in the IDF, on Oct07. A handful are among the Hamas hostages.
And yet people who know so little of our history have the effrontery to tell us it's none of our concern!

In keeping with the best Cape Town traditions of multiculturalism and inclusivity, the memorial service at St George's Cathedral -Archbishop Tutu's church and the site of numerous anti-Apartheid marches/activities - will be multi-faith with Islamic, Christian, Judaic, Buddhist, African traditionalist elements.
Yet more reasons to be proud of my city.

GreenandGold:
Here; Paramount Group is accused of selling weapons to Israel, do you know why? The founder of the company is Jewish... if accusations appear to be valid to the SA public (chances are they are not), Paramount Group may be overlooked by Armscor for the new SANDF acquisition contracts in fear of a public backlash... this is Middle-Eastern politics affecting SA politics... its the sh#t you fail to understand.

https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/anti-israel-protesters-at-paramount-midrand-campus/

Actually, it's more than Ichikowitz being Jewish. The deputy CEO is an officer (Lt Col) in the IDF Reserves, like hundreds of other SA Jews with dual nationality.
I think the whole protest at Paramount is BS, and likely instigated by competitors.

Faithful007:
Israeli/Palestine conflict is not and will never be a South African problem. If it currently affects South African politics or economic systems today, that's because you guys made it so.

SA doesn't not have any geopolitical footprint in the ME. There are no shared interests with either Palestine or Israel and TBH, it is a very different situation from the apartheid his of SA.

I'm not at all saying that countries should practice nonchalance towards conflicts that don't affect them. That would be very bad. What I'm against is people becoming emotionally invested in things that don't concern them. When people do so, they end up protracting the issue instead of resolving it. Countries throwing diplomacy under the bus and I'm wondering how that solves the problem.

1) You of course, know our history and our reality better than ourselves;
2) Where does the idea come from that we can instruct others what issues should concern them?

kabe1:
So, why don't you create a thread for that.

The Israel-Palestine issue is not an African problem, it is not a Nigerian problem.

There are a myriad of problems facing the African continent, concentrate on that, besides this thread is about African militaries, Not palestine issue.

You presume to tell me what I should concentrate on? Who the fvck do you think you are?

AskiaHarem:
His question has some creedence to it and “whataboutism” is losing whatever meaning it had by the day. To many Israel is considered an apartheid state so naturally many modern South Africans & Africans in general are against it naturally. There also those African who choose there “side” based solely on faith.

It just amazes me how passionate Africans will come out and hit the Streets to fight for foreign factions who ultimately near equally couldn’t give a $hit about Africans and there plights.

But Africans will not bring that same level of continent wide furiosity to local regional problems?

If the conflicted ended today and Nigeria invaded Ghana tomorrow killing every Ghanaian in sight ain’t no Israeli & Palestinian giving a $hit. And you can say the exact same thing regarding the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

I wouldn't dare presume to know what "Africans" think, but for us South Africans, Israel/Palestine is not some distant foreign issue. From Jan Smuts being an advisor to Balfour and his Balfour Declaration to youngsters dying serving in the IDF, or as humanitarians in Gaza & West Bank, it's always been very much a domestic and personal issue.
Just 1 example of many: the internal debate in the SA Jewish community, as reflected in this statement by SA Jews for a Free Palestine.

...last.

Excellent night shoot of some of the aircraft on static display at the SAAF Museum...

Faithful007:
Are they aware that Genocide is ongoing in Sudan?

You have an interesting definition of genocide. And take that whataboutism elsewhere.

GreenandGold:
In other news, on top of African Club football

And now for the Cricket World Cup semifinal against Australia.
And hoping NZ beats India in the other semi!

GreenandGold:
I remember arguing with some South African Flat-Earthers who claimed Antarctica was off-limits because of some kind of "mystical shadow alien-shifting government run by Hillary Clinton and Obama" . So I showed them pics of the SA Agulhas II, they simply looked the other way and even added more ridiculous claims.

There's no pleasing these tinfoils

You know such people?!

Free, free Palestine! So proud of my city.

https://www.groundup.org.za/article/tens-thousands-march-through-cape-town-in-solidarity-with-palestinians/

GreenandGold:
The SAS Outeniqua, once the largest ship with the SA Navy, once hosted Congo peace talks.

I remember that. The talks were initially to be held at the presidential palace in Kinshasa and Kabila demurred at the last minute, claiming Mobutu's palace wasn't a neutral venue. Mandela failed to persuade him -arguing that the palace belongs to the Congolese people, not Mobutu - and the talks were postponed for the next week, to be held in neighbouring Brazzaville.

Again Kabila didn't show up at the last minute, claiming the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) was a Mobutu supporter.

Mandela got seriously annoyed, correctly surmising that Kabila was stalling for time, as his troops were advancing in the field.
He ordered SAS Outeniqua up to anchor off Pointe Noire in the Rep of Congo, stressing that if he was trusted as a neutral mediator, then his ship was a neutral venue.

POSTSCRIPT: Because Outeniqua had originally been an Arctic vessel, she also served as backup for SA Agulhas on supply missions to our base in Antarctica. This meant 2 supply missions could be conducted per year, unlike the current practice of 1 supply mission/year by SA Agulhas II.

Lurker4Long:
They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

At 5am, in Marshal Foch’s railway car in the Forest of Compiegne, the Armistice between the Allied and Central Powers was signed, silencing the guns of World War I, effective at 11am, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month.

In many countries, a moment of silence in memory of the millions of fallen soldiers is still observed.

The idea of having two minutes of silence, began in Cape Town when businessman JA Edgar suggested that his church observe a period of silence for the many South Africans who fell during the Battle of the Somme.
Later, Cape Town Mayor (later Sir) Harry Hands, whose son was killed on the Western Front, took it further, initiating a period of silence to remember sacrifices made on the battlefields of Europe.
Jock of the Bushveld author Sir Percy Fitzpatrick, whose son ( Maj Nugget Fitzpatrick) also died on the Western Front, wrote a letter that reached England’s king, proposing that two minutes of silence become part of Armistice Day commemorations. One minute for the dead, followed immediately by one minute for the survivors. The proposal was accepted and so began the tradition during remembrance occasions., a gesture that remembers and honours the dead and living, from all wars, and hopes for the end of all war.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.

Whilst we're on sailing:

SA Navy || The South African Navy Plays a Role in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race.

The Ocean Globe Race (OGR) of 2023, a historic round-the-world yacht race began its second leg on Sunday 5 November 2023 in Cape Town. This was its 50th iteration and a testament to the spirit of adventure and the enduring allure of the open seas. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the race was the participation of the South African Navy (SA Navy), who provided SAS KING SEKHUKHUNE 1, a recently built warrior-class multi-mission inshore patrol vessel, as a race starter ship. Onboard were 12 Race Committee VIP members who used SAS KING SEKHUKHUNE 1 as their main platform.

In a sea yacht race, a starter vessel plays a crucial role in overseeing the start of the race and ensuring a fair and organised competition. KING SAS SEKHUKHUNE 1 along with the French warship, FNS FLOREAL, acted as the starting vessels for the second leg of the OGR race.

In the context of the Ocean Globe Race of 2023, the South African Navy’s role includes providing assistance in terms of maritime safety and coordination.

Starting in Southampton in the United Kingdom, the four-leg, 28,000-mile race around the globe, via the three Capes, will next stopover in Auckland, then South America, before sailing back to Europe in late April 2024.

In an interview with the Commodore of the Defence Yacht Club (DYC), Commander Craig Burchell, he shed light on the SA Navy's vision for spreading the sport of sailing within the Department of Defence and how the Ocean Globe Race fits into this vision. He stated, "The SA Navy highly promotes the culture of racing and often provides support to events, whether it be in the form of providing SA Navy vessels at the start lines of races or by providing Search and Rescue assistance if called upon. Furthermore, the SA Navy incorporates sail training in order to develop seamanship skills, deckhand skills and navigation/Officer of the Watch training for Non-Commissioned and Commissioned Officers. Department of Defence members can then also enter Regattas and larger ocean crossing races such as the Cape to Rio yacht race or the Governor’s Cup yacht race to St Helena Island since it is a sport within the Department of Defence.

South Africa's significance as a maritime nation goes beyond the Ocean Globe Race. It is strategically located along one of the busiest shipping routes in the world, a factor that contributes massively to the country's economic prosperity. The involvement of the South African Navy in the Ocean Globe Race highlighted this strategic position and helped to strengthen the country's international maritime profile.

In an interview with Commander Donald Mashamba, we gained unique insights into the SA Navy's role in the 2023 Ocean Globe Race. Commander Mashamba detailed their responsibility as the starter vessel, emphasising their commitment to ensuring maritime safety during the race, particularly with the presence of a rescue boat and a medic on board. He expressed that the Navy's participation in the event underscores South Africa's capacity to fulfil its obligations as the custodian of NAVAREA VII of the International Maritime Organization (IMO)."

So very pleased the SA Defence Yacht Club is finding its sea legs again.

Via SANDF facebook:
Defence Yacht Club offers new opportunities for sailing enthusiasts.

In an exciting development for sailing enthusiasts, the Defence Yacht Club (DYC) proudly unveiled the recently refurbished L26 Cape Columbine on Thursday, 02 November 2023. The launch took place at West Yard in Simon’s Town, where the club utilised a straddle carrier to lower the keelboat into the water.

Cape Columbine was refurbished by the combined efforts of the staff of the Sailing Centre and Defence Yacht Club members. Their actions represent a commitment to expand the Defence Yacht Club’s fleet and the growth of the club.

The launch of Cape Columbine is only the first of such events as the club has more vessels currently under refurbishment. Defence Yacht Club aims to foster a thriving sailing community within its ranks and promote healthy competition among its members using the platform.

Rear Commodore of Keelboats within the Defence Yacht Club, Warrant Officer 2 Edward Van Der Merwe, stated, “Sailing is the world’s most expensive sport and thus the platforms have faced many challenges due to economic circumstances however, this launch is a step in the right direction and we hope to continue its momentum”. Furthermore, he expressed his gratitude to all those involved in the refurbishment project and emphasised how these types of projects are good for fostering camaraderie and skill development.

Odunayaw:
Comrade I see what you did there

Algerian and Ugandan MI-28s.

Together with the Egyptian Apaches and Kamovs, the best attack helicopters on the continent, in my opinion.

Egyptian Apaches and KA-52s.

GreenandGold:
I honestly didn't think we were ever gonna get a single ship as the days of Armscor "cash splashing" were behind us.

....whatever creative accounting Armscor used to make these purchases possible, the Army is in need as well...

Ye of little faith!
Anyway, the World Champs are in town!

GreenandGold:
meaning we getting 1 more?

"SAS Chief Adam Kok (P1573) will be delivered in the third quarter of 2024. It is 55% complete, with crew training in progress."

The SAN also has an option to order 3 more, at the original contract price. That option expires Dec 2023. I doubt it will be exercised, because the current minister is on record saying when BIRO was changed from 6 IPVs and 6 OPVs, we should've started with 3 OPVs instead of IPVs.

GreenandGold:
@ Lurker4Long

Inland snow in November. That's new

Snow in November! That's some northern hemisphere shit.
All this climate and weather turbulence will not end well!

SA Navy MMIPV project has supported over 1 000 jobs
The construction of three new multi-mission inshore patrol vessels (MMIPVs) for the South African Navy has created over 1 000 direct jobs at shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT) and 4 000 indirect jobs.

This is according to DSCT, which said the project has also fortified regional supply chains and created opportunities for skilled job seekers, promoting economic prosperity in South Africa’s Ocean Economy.

Throughout the project’s duration, it is estimated to have generated more than one million man-hours of work.

“The MMIPV project has not only fortified South Africa’s maritime security but also contributed significantly to job creation and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). A total of 848 local vendors have actively participated in the construction of the MMIPVs, highlighting the effectiveness of South Africa’s industrial participation policy,” DSCT said in a statement.

Armscor, as the contract manager, previously explained that the acquisition strategy for this project included Commercial-Off–The-Shelf (COTS) equipment, as well as compliance with the DTI (Department of Trade and Industry) 60% local content shipbuilding designation requirement, Defence Industrial Participation (DIP) and National Industrial Participation (NIP). This ensured that Armscor could maximise local participation and ensure that the vessels can be supported locally, thereby minimising the life cycle support costs.

The second MMIPV, SAS King Shaka Zulu, was named and handed over in a ceremony on 27 October at Naval Base Durban. Built in South Africa at Damen Shipyards Cape Town, it was designed to deliver rapid response capabilities along South Africa’s extensive 2 798-kilometre coastline and it is poised to play a pivotal role in safeguarding national waters, according to DSCT.

Sefale Montsi, Director of Damen Shipyards Cape Town, emphasised the broader impact of this project on the nation’s industrialisation journey. “South Africa must continue to prioritise supporting local vessel suppliers because this creates jobs and develops transferrable skills which are in demand and can be used in other industries. New technologies are developed, opportunities from abroad are facilitated, and a base for growing exports is created and taken advantage of. As a result of our work on the MMIPV project, DSCT has exported vessels built here and equipped with South African products to Djibouti and UAE,” she said.

Chief of the SA Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, said, “I must congratulate Damen Shipyards Cape Town, Armscor, the Defence Materiel Division and the SA Navy who all formed part of the Integrated Project Team for their absolutely sterling work of building these ships on time, in budget and to specification. This was indeed a monumental task and serves as a testament to the willingness of various companies and organisations to come together to produce something that will benefit the people of South African for many years.”

The first MMIPV built under Project Biro, SAS King Sekhukhune I (P1571), was handed over to the SA Navy in May last year, while SAS Chief Adam Kok (P1573) will be delivered in the third quarter of 2024. It is 55% complete, with crew training in progress.

The 62 metre long, 750 ton vessels have a 20 knot economical speed and a range of 2 000 nautical miles. Each vessel is fitted with a Reutech 20 mm Super Sea Rogue marine gun and Reutech FORT (frequency modulated optical radar tracker) low probability of intercept (LPI) optronics radar tracking system, and carries a 9 metre and a 7 metre RHIB (rigid hull inflatable boat) for boarding and other operations.

The vessel’s Sea Axe hull design, patented by Damen, ensures exceptional seakeeping behaviour, reduced fuel consumption, and enhanced safety and comfort onboard – something of great importance given the extremely rough seas surrounding much of South Africa.

The entire Project Biro is due to be completed in August 2025 at a cost of R3.8 billion. To date R2.9 billion has been paid, according to Armscor. Project Biro was originally for six inshore patrol vessels and six offshore patrol vessels, but due to budget constraints, the SAN had to settle for three inshore patrol vessels. An option to order additional MMIPVs has been extended by DSCT to 31 December 2023.
https://www.defenceweb.co.za/featured/sa-navy-mmipv-project-has-supported-over-1-000-jobs/

mupper2:
Well done from Ireland!

Proud our only loss was to the Fighting Irish!

GreenandGold:


I'm also suffering from anxiety and panic attacks for days... In fact the win has not kicked in yet*

*see what I did there

I'm not much of a religious man BUT when that All Blacks "number 7" got a red card, I knew "heaven" threw us a bone.

When Kolbe was sin-binned and couldn't bear to watch, I thought yes, that's the whole country!

GreenandGold:
On top of the Rugby World 🏆🏆🏆🏆 🏈

The Green-and-Gold boys

My nerves are shot! Don't know how many times I've died the last 3 games!
Wonder if Ramaphosa teased Macron about us knocking France out in the quarters, on French soil!

The second MMIPV, SAS King Shaka Zulu, arrives in Durban ahead of her receiving and naming ceremony by the SA Navy.