Armed Forces Day reason for military presence
Here is what to expect from Armed Forces Day on February 21 as well as the lead up.
The heavy military presence in Mbombela coupled with the sounds of helicopters and planes, is due to the upcoming Armed Forces Day.
A media launch yesterday, February 19, at the Army Support Base Mbombela, paves the way towards Monday’s official parade that will see some roads in the city closed off.
The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) warned that excessive noise will be experienced during both the rehearsal and the parade itself.
The military presence can be expected until February 22.
The president of South Africa and commander-in-chief of the SANDF proclaimed that February 21 each year will be observed and commemorated as Armed Forces Day.
Monday will start off with a wreath-laying ceremony to take place in Barberton, whereafter the main event, the parade, will take place at Mbombela Stadium.
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As part of the day`s programme, there will be a multi SA Air Force aircraft fly-past.
President Cyril Ramaphosa will lay the wreath in commemoration of the SS Mendi troopship that sank on February 21, 1917 after it collided with a large cargo steamship, Darro, in the English Channel south of the Isle of Wight. The troopship SS Mendi sank, killing 646 people, all of whom were black South African troops of the South African Native Labour Corps. The ceremony will also commemorate all SANDF soldiers who have fallen in the line of duty.
Regarding road closures in the two towns, residents can expect the following:
De Villiers Street in Barberton is expected to be closed between 07:00 and 10:00.
Both the R40 and Samora Machel Drive in Mbombela is expected to be closed from 05:00 to 12:00.
