The symbolic change of command ceremony was held at the School of Tactical Intelligence, Potchefstroom Military Base and was overseen by the officer commanding of the Intelligence Formation, Brig-Genl René Mercuur.

Mercuur, herself a formidable leader, praised Mangesi for his sterling work as a formation warrant officer and the impeccable legacy he is leaving behind.

She wished him well on his retirement and his new role as a farmer. ‘My wish is that the Eastern Cape gets good rains so your sheep and livestock will multiply rapidly,’ she said.

 

The General welcomed Twigg as the new CWO and said the Intelligence Formation has always taken a lead in appointing women in the army. She expressed her confidence in her and said she had no doubt that Twigg would work hard to take the formation to new heights.

In his farewell speech, Mangesi who has shaped and mentored many soldiers said it was an honour to serve the army and he will always have fond memories. Throughout his army career, he said, he has been empowered and has learnt a lot from being an instructor, an internal auditor and a sergeant major.

‘As a young shepherd boy, I learnt to care for each individual sheep or goat. From there, I learnt that each member (soldier) is not just a number, but a special person with special skills, and we should treat them accordingly. I hope in a small way, I have contributed to the successful careers of some of the members,’ he said humbly.

The Cape Town born Twigg will now be promoted to the rank of the chief warrant officer. She says her new role will be to maintain discipline and do training and career management for approximately 1 500 troops to the rank of sergeant major.

As a woman leader in the army, she advised other female soldiers to do their best and become the best female soldiers in the army. ‘The sky is the limit, do what you do best. Remember, to teach is to teach a life forever, she said. The handing over ceremony was concluded with the presentation of gifts and a lunch for the guests.