IN BRIGHT sunshine and with much fanfare, the command of the strike craft, SAS Isaac Dyobha was handed over to Lieutenant Commander (Lt Cdr) Nkosinathi Mabuse at Salisbury Island on Friday, 31 July.
Former officer commanding, Commander Dieter Jones, charged Lt CDR Mabuse with the task and wished him much success.
Lt Cdr Mabuse said he wanted to join the navy since he was a young boy. “I grew up inland which means I didn’t see much of the navy or ocean. When I was about 11-years-old, I met someone who worked in the navy and since then I knew what I wanted to do,” he said.
Born in Pretoria on 2 August 1981, Lt Cdr Mabuse was one of the first group of youngsters to participate in the Department of Defence’s Youth Foundation programme in 2001, following which he joined the navy in 2002.
After his studies, he joined the crew of his first ship, the SAS Umkomaas as Assistant Gunnery Officer. In 2006 he qualified as bridge watch keeping and joined strike craft.
After working his way through the ranks as a navigation officer and first lieutenant aboard various vessels, Lt Cdr Mabuse took command of the SAS Tern in October 2010. He later furthered his studies and worked as a facilitator, before being appointed as commander of the SAS Isaac Dyobha.
During his leisure time, Lt Cdr Mabuse can be found sailing dinghies with up-and-coming navy stars. “To train the next generation is my goal and I personally embarked on a project to help youngsters learn,” he said.
Lt Cdr Mabuse credits his father, who is a chaplain in the military health service, as his mentor and thanks his parents, sisters and brothers for the support they gave him. “Without them I would not have made it this far in my career.”
On taking command of the SAS Isaac Dyobha, Lt Cdr Mabuse said he feels blessed. “This is my second command. The first was successful and I feel honoured they picked me for this. I look forward to the challenges ahead.”
