The Army Support Base (ASB) Potchefstroom hosted a dignified Chief of the SA Army 30 and 40 Year Medal Parade to honour distinguished members of the SANDF on Friday, 4 March.

The Officer Commanding of ASB Potchefstroom, Colonel K.E.J Absalom hosted the event at the Stapelberg stadium.

The parade commander, Lieutenant Colonel Riaan Botha, led a superb parade, one of the morning’s highlights. Lt. Col Botha also received his 30-year medal as one of the 65 distinguished recipients on the day.

The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General Lawrence Khulekani Mbatha, presented the medals to those who have served the army with selfless pride for three to four decades.

“The brave men and women of our National Defence Force deserve to be honoured for the sacrifices they have made over a lengthy period in their military careers. These members continuously risk their lives to protect our democracy, a selfless act of valour without asking any-thing in return. It takes great courage to do what our soldiers do,” said Lt. Gen Mbatha.

“The medals you are now wearing symbolise your dedication, commitment, loyalty and patriotism. A true patriot is a citizen in uniform who is prepared to put his or her life in anguish’s way in the protection and defence of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country,” he added.