Soldier and humanitarian bows out after 38 years’ service

After an impressive military career that spanned 38 years, the chief director of operations in the SANDF, Maj.-Gen Mlandeli Alfred Kula has hung up his cap.

Brig.-Gen René Mercuur, the general officer commanding of the intelligence formation organised a gala dinner and farewell parade to wish him well on his retirement last Thursday. Friday’s parade coincided with his 60th birthday.

Kula was not only a combatant and officer but also a humanitarian who initiated several community projects for the elderly and children in Potchefstroom.

‘My wish was to die, wearing this uniform but God had other plans. If a soldier dies in uniform, it symbolises the completeness of their career,’ Kula told the dinner guests on Thursday night.

An illustrious career in the army

Maj.-Gen Kula was born in Fort Beaufort in the Eastern Cape and joined the Ciskei Defence Force in 1981. He rose through the ranks and was promoted to the rank of Major in 1988 and Lieutenant-Colonel in 1989. In 1994, the young officer was promoted to Colonel and helped to craft the first documents and ideas of the SANDF.

Between 2000 and 2007, he was a Brigadier-General and the general officer commanding of SA Army Intelligence formation. He continued rising through the ranks and served in different positions within the army and ended up as the chief director operations in the SANDF since 2016.

‘God gave me my strength throughout my career; I was never arrogant enough to think I was clever. I knew from the womb that God had given me something to deliver when I arrived on this planet,’ he said. Throughout his illustrious career, Kula has stood firm on Hebrews 15:5 – ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you’.

Brig.-Gen Mercuur took the man she describes as the founding father of the SA Army Intelligence Formation down memory lane. She compiled a presentation from when he joined the intelligence formation, the rich traditions he initiated, his contributions to the army, his battles in Africa and his local community projects.

A soldier with a heart for the community

‘The fox trail you initiated is growing bigger and bigger. There are over 700 people taking part each year,’ said Mercuur.

She reminded him of the one community project ‘that always triggered you. You went to the special house for children (Aids orphans). Every year we went there, a lot of them were not there anymore.’

Kula also started the Christmas lunches for the elderly. ‘Every year, the elderly cannot wait for the Christmas lunch and it still continues to this day,’ she continued.

Malebona (Bonny) Luthuli is an 84-year-old woman from Ikageng who takes care of many old folk during the day. They are among the recipients of Kula’s goodwill projects. ‘In the beginning, we never had any sponsors and we were struggling. Then Gen. Kula invited us to the Christmas lunches and gave us presents and groceries,’ she recalled.

Malebona encouraged Kula to keep fit. ‘He must start coaching a soccer team or training athletes. Maybe he should adopt some kids in the township and teach them to stay away from drugs. As long as he does not forget about us when he is in Eastern Cape,’ she winked. Kula promised to heed the advice.

No more part-time in a marriage
At the parade, Kula thanked his family for loaning him to the army to fulfil his dream. ‘Through all my ups and downs, my family understood that I had dedicated my life to the SANDF. I have been a part-time family man for 38 years and now I am going back to learn how to be a full-time one.’

On a more serious note, he said the SANDF was going through challenges and tough times with a declining budget.

‘The SANDF is insurance because, when things go wrong, the soldiers put their lives on the line before anything happens to the citizens of the country.

‘The budget is shrinking and is difficult to maintain and sustain this insurance. One day, the country will realise that the defence force will never be a waste.’

We don’t know what tomorrow brings
Kula encouraged the young soldiers ‘to study through the SANDF bursaries and not waste any time. ‘You never know what tomorrow will bring.’

Kula did not say what he is going to do in his life after the army. He cracked jokes to the delight of the members. ‘This is not an easy route. I’ll be joining the queues of Sassa (SA Social Services Agency). When you see me selling apples in December, please come and buy. You will be buying to keep you healthy but I’ll be selling them out of desperation,’ he joked.