Freedom of town a spectacular affair
In his speech, Mashaba emphasised on the fact that Regiment Botha’s role was a critical one as far as defending our country’s borders was concerned.
BARBERTON – Every year the troops of Regiment Botha hold an impressive parade and march to honour and celebrate the Freedom of Town which they received during 2009. This year was no exception and Infantry members from all over, as well as veterans of the Memorable Order of Tin Hats (Moths) were among the guests of honour who attended the spectacular event on Saturday. During the morning, before the start of the proceedings, the Salvation Army band performed next to the podium.
The same traditional group as the previous year, Sibuko Simaswati from Emjindini, got the proceedings underway on an energetic note before music from the SA Army Band (ASB Limpopo) could be heard as they marched up De Villiers Street giving a superb performance.
The announcements were made by Amore Adelm and then the Army brass band made an appearance once more with the troops of Regiment Botha following close behind. The soldiers were led by Maj Mari-Line Janse van Rensburg to the front of the podium where they stood at attention on Lt Col APC Joubert’s instruction to honour the arrival of the executive mayor; Cllr Lazaros Mashaba who was accompanied to the podium by Col John Titus.
Prayer and Scripture reading were done by Rev Chishimba from Regiment Botha.
Accompanied by the Officer Commanding, Regiment Botha, Lt Col APC Joubert, Mayor Mashaba inspected the parade while commanding officers and soldiers proudly took the salute in front of the memorial.
In his speech, Mashaba emphasised on the fact that Regiment Botha’s role was a critical one as far as defending our country’s borders was concerned. He also expressed his deep condolences to the troops who lost friends in battle and profoundly thanked the men and women of the Regiment for the exceptional service and positive contribution they made in Barberton.
Although this is a yearly occurrence, it is always an event that is inspiring to all the spectators, done exceedingly splendid and to perfection and the knowledge that Barberton has such a great regiment just a stone’s throw away from town, leaves one with true pride in one’s heart.
This year, the parade was ended by army vehicles driving in convoy past the memorial.
Once again, congratulations to everyone who helped make the day exceptional. It was indeed impressive.
