Armed Forces Day celebrated in Thohoyandou
National Armed Forces Day was held in Thohoyandou, where President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured fallen soldiers and praised SANDF members.
LIMPOPO – South African National Defence Force (SANDF) commander-in-chief, President Cyril Ramaphosa, addressed communities from across Vhembe during the 2026 National Armed Forces Day (NAFD) held in Thohoyandou on Saturday.
The event, staged along the R524 Punda Maria Road, commemorated soldiers who perished in the 1917 SS Mendi tragedy. Ramaphosa was joined by the chief of the SANDF, Gen Rudzani Maphwanya, Defence Minister Angie Motshekga, the Premier Dr Phophi Ramathuba, traditional leaders and other dignitaries.
Ramaphosa urged citizens to respect members of the SANDF, saying they wear the uniform not for display, but as a badge of loyalty and solidarity with the nation.
“This day is a tribute to the courage of those who wear uniforms. We bow our heads in memory of soldiers who never returned home. There is no greater sacrifice than laying down one’s life for others. Your sacrifices are deeply valued by a grateful nation,” he said, extending condolences to bereaved families.
He praised the South African Military Health Services’ Project Owethu for delivering free healthcare and wellness services to rural communities in Vhembe, Waterberg and Sekhukhune during preparations for Armed Forces Day.
Referring to recent heavy rain and flooding in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and beyond, Ramaphosa said the SANDF had assisted in relief efforts by deploying engineers to repair infrastructure, purify water and erect temporary structures for affected communities. He thanked provincial governments and SANDF members working in Limpopo, Mpumalanga and Mozambique.
Encouraging young people to consider a career in the military, Ramaphosa said the country needs skills in engineering, medicine, technology and strategy. “By serving your people, you build your future and contribute to a better nation,” he said.
Ramathuba noted that Limpopo had also felt the pain of recent losses, as eight of the 14 SANDF troops killed during clashes with M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in January 2025 were from the province.
