North Coast residents have expressed their curiosity about recent heavy military movements on the roads heading north and an unusual increase of activity of Air Force aircraft in the skies.

It all has to do with the annual commemoration of Armed Forces Day, this year being held in Richards Bay.

Preparations for the major public event began last week and activities will last until 22 February.

The main parade will be held next Tuesday (21 February), officiated by Commander-in-Chief of the country’s armed forces, President Cyril Ramaphosa.

Among the SA National Defence Force (SANDF) equipment on display will be naval warships, air force fighter jets and helicopters, heavy armoured vehicles and state-of-the-art weapon systems.

Low flying aircraft and shooting exercises will take place during operations, but the SANDF said no live ammunition would be used.

The SA Military Health Services will also display their capabilities.

The occasion is also used to honour members who serve the nation with pride and pay special tribute to soldiers who paid the ultimate price in the line of duty.

At the same time, South Africa will, despite criticism, go ahead with naval exercises off its eastern coast at Durban and Richard’s Bay with Russian and Chinese warships.

Operation Mosi, which means smoke, will take place from 17 to 26 February.

This will be the second time such an exercise involving the three naval forces has been held, with the first one held in November 2019 in Cape Town.

Source: Zululand Observer

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