Incoming MVI OC – a man of God, people and animals

In what has been described as an important and vital organ in the SANDF, the MVI renders animal health services for dogs and horses utilised in the army and for border patrol.

The outgoing officer commanding (OC), Col Paul van der Merwe, stressed the importance of animals such as pigeons, dogs and horses that were used in both world wars, and further highlighted the importance of animals in the SANDF.

When handing over the sword of command, he quoted the US Navy Adm, H. McCraven’s famous inspirational speech in 2014. ‘If you want to change the world, start off by making your bed. ‘If you make your bed every morning, you will have accomplished the first task of the day. It will give you a small sense of pride and it will encourage you to do another task, and another, and another. And, by the end of the day, that one completed task will also reinforce the fact that the little things in life matter. If you can’t do the little things right, you’ll never be able to do the big things right.  And, if by chance, you have a miserable day, you will come home to a bed that is made – that you made. And a made bed gives you encouragement that tomorrow will be better…’

Van der Merwe called on MVI members to embrace the changes and challenges that might impact their unit, structure, scope of work and processes.

‘These challenges will become your bed. Identify your bed and make it first thing in the morning. By making it, you will soon have the courage to manage change in your life and you will embrace it,’ he encouraged.

The incoming OC, 47-year-old Col Harris is a man of many facets… a born-again Christian, a husband, people-driven, a visionary leader, team-oriented and an animal-lover. He said it is a privilege and an honour for him to serve in a unit where ‘we take care of animals of the SANDF and, especially, the dogs, horses and wildlife of the SANDF. I am extremely proud of my unit and I am proud to be the OC where members work together and take care of the health of animals.

‘An OC is there to lead but also to serve its people,’ he said proudly.

‘What inspires me is my Saviour, all the glory and praises go to Him and my God for the protection, endurance, guidance and wisdom He gives to the members of the MVI. Without him, we will not succeed. We know that the storms will come but, if Jesus is on board, even the roughest storm will not drive us off course,’ he said.

Harris, who has been married to Wirna since 2001, describes her as the highlight of his 47 years on earth. The couple does not have children and Harris says they ‘share their lives and home with a pack of Maltese poodles and various other members of the animal kingdom’.

The proud OC could not stop singing the praises of his subordinates. ‘I have realised from the start that it is the members who function within the MVI that make the unit great. So many times, the success of a unit is attributed to its commanding officer.

This unit would not be the MVI of today if it was not for the people cleaning the kennels, guarding the unit during the night, taking care of the dogs and horses, rendering support services, spending hours in the sun working with puppies and dogs or at shows and exhibitions, promoting the image of the SANDF and the MVI, and excelling in sport and bringing top honours reports home from courses,’ he said.

This historical day was also blessed by Chaplain Bafana Mabuza who read verses from Revelation 22:12 and Joshua 1:5, directing them at the two leaders, respectively. Chaplain Mabuza also reminded everyone to work together as a nation and never look down on each other. The beautiful, well-executed parade also included members from the South African Health Military Services (SAHMS) and concluded with a celebration at the Constand Viljoen Mess.