The tenth edition of the SA Army Fittest Soldier Competition took soldiers to their absolute limits in Potchefstroom from 4-9 September.

Only the best of the best took home the honour and recognition of being the fittest in the SA Army.

The SA Army Intelligence formation presented this year’s competition and plaudits must be given to those who helped make the competition the success that it is.

The highlight of the competition was the 20 and 15-kilometre endurance walk/run that took place at the 4 Artillery Regiment just outside of Potchefstroom.

The competitors also had to carry 15 kilogrammes of weight to up the difficulty level.

The hot and windy conditions made it tough for the competitors which included senior generals of the SA Army, unit commanders and unit RSMs who participated in the senior soldier competition.

It was fantastic to see the overall fitness levels and willingness of the competitors to give it their all during the week.

The best overall male was Cpl MA Maphutha of the National Ceremonial Guard with L Cpl O.G. Morifi of 10 SAI Bn taking the overall female award.

Full results:

Best overall male:

3) Pte KM Mathatha – 44 Para Regt

2) Bdr SL Gole – 10 AA Regt

1) Cpl MA Maphutha – National Ceremonial Guard

Best overall female:

3) L.Cpl LAM Brand – Inf School

2) Pte BP Kelebone – 1 SSB

1) L.Cpl O.G. Morifi – 10 SAI Bn

Best Female 50 years +

1) Col D. Janse van Rensburg – SA Army Sig Fmn HQ

Best Male 50 years +

1) S.Sgt NJ Moloto – 101 ASU

Best female (40-49)

1) Sgt DM Mogatle – 4 Arty Regt

Best male (45-49 years)

1) S.Sgt. MI Molahlehi – Inf School

Best female (31-39 years)

1) Pte KN Makgai – ASB Limpopo

Best male 35-44 years

• MI Senamela – SA Army Gym

Photos: Barco Greeff

 Photos: Wouter Pienaar