President Cyril Ramaphosa will officiate the Armed Forces Day commemoration in Thohoyandou, Limpopo, on Saturday .
The event marks the annual observance of the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917, one of South Africa’s greatest military tragedies . On that day, 616 South African troops lost their lives when the troopship sank in the English Channel en route to France during World War I .
The commemoration honours the sacrifice of the South African Native Labour Corps members who perished in the disaster . The SS Mendi remains a powerful symbol of bravery and loss in the country’s military history.
Armed Forces Day serves as an opportunity to recognise all South African soldiers who have died in the line of duty, both in the past and present . The theme for this year’s commemoration is “Celebrating 30 Years of the South African National Defence Force: Serving the People with Pride” .
The event will include a ceremonial parade, a memorial service, and a public display of military capabilities . Over 2,000 SANDF members will participate, alongside military veterans, government officials, and members of the public .
Thohoyandou was selected as this year’s host city to ensure the commemoration reaches different parts of the country and allows more South Africans to engage with their defence force . The government has encouraged residents to attend and pay tribute to fallen soldiers .
The commemoration will be broadcast live on television and social media platforms .
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