Act of goodwill motivates local troops
The gesture was received warmly and was much appreciated by the troops and served to boost morale.
KOMATIPOORT – Local troops had the opportunity to recuperate and retreat at a goodwill parcel-giving event at the Macadamia Military Base just outside Naas last Tuesday.
The parcels were sponsored by various companies and handed over to the groups in appreciation of their sterling work. Recipients included soldiers deployed at the Macadamia, Sand River and Zonstraal military bases.
“The goodwill parcel-giving is done to show the soldiers that they will be taken care of during the festive season, and that the community thinks about them as they play a vital role in keeping our country safe. Even though they may be far from their loved ones, we appreciate the good work they do,” said Capt Siboniso Maseko.
The gesture was received warmly and was much appreciated by the troops and served to boost morale.
Lt Col Elaine van Staden appreciated the deployed members for displaying great commitment and dedication in their responsibility to safeguard the borders despite the limitations and challenges that they face daily. “These men and women arrived here in September. When looking at the circumstances and conditions under which they work, you will have far greater gratitude for what they do. They are far from their loved ones, patrolling and safeguarding our borders in order to ensure that the rest of the citizens enjoy the festivities in a secure and safe environment. This is a service that has no monetary value,” van Staden said.
Their services are even more essential during the festive season when people cross the border in numbers. “They are left with less than three months before their deployment comes to an end with operational successes of confiscated goods to the value of just over R9 million,” Van Staden reported.
She also expressed the defence force’s sincere appreciation to the sponsors who initiated the humble act of human kindness and Ubuntu, to reach out to troops and their families back home and empathise with them.
She encouraged the members deployed on the borders to take this as an act of motivation to have more operational successes over the festive season.
“What may look small in your eyes is big in our hearts, be rest assured of our sincerest gratitude. We will never forget your kindness and your role in making us to shine,” she concluded.
