Armed Forces Day is celebrated annually on February 21. It marks the integration of various forces into a single defence force, and also serves as a reminder that the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) is a professional, disciplined and constitutionally mandated force.
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The SANDF has outlined plans and activities leading up to the 2026 Armed Forces Day. The official celebrations will take place in Thohoyandou, Venda, in the province of Limpopo.
Armed Forces Day serves a dual purpose of honouring men and women currently serving in uniform, while also remembering about 600 soldiers who lost their lives during the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917.
“It is a deeply sombre, yet prideful occasion, balancing the modern excellence of the SANDF and the profound historical tragedy of the SS Mendi. This day is a celebration of courage of those who wear the uniform and we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the distant horizon,” said the SANDF in a statement.
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Each year, SANDF recruits individuals who would like to join the force for different career paths. Here are key career paths in the SANDF:
- SA Army, where one can work in positions that include infantry, armour, artillery, air defence, intelligence, and technical service corps (e.g., mechanics, fitters).
- SA Air Force (SAAF), where roles include aircrew (pilots, navigators), command and control, aviation maintenance, and engineering.
- SA Navy (SAN), where positions include combat officers, navy divers, engineers, technical officers, and support staff (HR, logistics, fire-fighting).
- SA Military Health Services (SAMHS), with roles that include engineers (civil, mechanical, electrical), architects, curators, and legal officers.
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