BARBERTON – The Transvaal Scottish, Witwatersrand Rifles, SA Irish and Regiment Botha exercised their right to fly their colours in the town’s streets and marched to the beat of the SA Irish Pipes and Drums Band from Durban.

The parade also featured a Swazi traditional group, Amathole Amnyama.
Cllr Piet Nyalunga from the City of Mbombela Local Municipality thanked everyone who was involved in the planning and execution of the parade.

“This prestigious event was established to commemorate the Freedom of the Town that was officially granted to Regiment Botha by Barberton’s mayor in 2009. Henceforth we are all proud of these historical events on our yearly plan,” said Nyalunga.

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A sunset parade was held at the Garden of Remembrance. This was followed by a formal dinner hosted by Regiment Botha in the Moth Hall.

This event was to remember all the soldiers, both men and women of all races, who trained in Barberton and fought in the World War II.

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Many of them lost their lives in battle and never returned.

The parade concluded with army vehicles driving past the memorial in convoy.