Change of command for 1 SA Tank Regiment

The Change of Command ceremony took place on 30 April 2021 when Lt-Col Shingange gave over to incoming Officer Commanding, Lt-Col Heidi Dalton, who is a trained Armour Officer.

Lt-Col Shingange, who has been the Officer Commanding of 1 SA Tank Regiment for the past three years, joined the South African National Defence Force in 1998 and started her career at the SA Women’s College in George.

According to Lt-Col Shingange, who has been transferred to headquarters in Pretoria, she has reached her plateau and it is time for a new challenge.

“It was my request to hand over the command of 1 SA Tank Regiment and I requested that I be moved to the next challenging position. I think it is time for me to move on, make a difference, and learn more,” she said.

With 22 years under her belt, Lt-Col Heide Dalton will be taking the reins. She told Bloemfontein Courant she was extremely grateful for the opportunity as not many people get such a big chance.

“I cannot tell you how happy I am to be able to continue my career. I am looking forward to taking this unit as it currently is and improve on what is currently built and take it forward while I will lead the people to the best of my ability,” Lt-Col Dalton said.

The 1 SA Tank Regiment provides combat-ready tank capabilities to the SA Army Armour Formation. The regiment also supplies the only full-time tank force to the SA Army Armour Formation and to 43 or 46 SA Brigades for operational situations.