10 Air Depot medal parade

Long term service and loyalty to the South African Air Force are highly appreciated attributes. In recognition of their dedication, Lt Col Themba Jeffrey Mbongwe, F Sgt Christophora Thokazani Kalayamodimo and F Sgt Gohasedan Sastri of 10 Air Depot in Thaba Tshwane, received medals on Thursday 23 June 2005.

Lt Col Mbongwe received the Operational Medal for Southern Africa. This award is given to members of the South African Defence Force (SANDF) who, whilst serving in the former Umkhonto we Sizwe or the Azanian People's Liberation Army, before 27 April 1994, distinguished themselves by rendering external military operational service. He also received the General Service medal, which is awarded to members of the SANDF who distinguish themselves by rendering 55 days continuous or 90 days non continuous military service between 1 January and 19 August 1993 or participating in an internal military operation as from 20 August 1993. According to Lt Col Mbongwe the medals prove that the Defence Force is looking after its members and he looks forward to the 30 years medal.

A pleased F Sgt Sastri received the Good Service Medal (Bronze) which is awarded to members of the SANDF who have distinguished themselves through long and efficient service of 10 years.

Furthermore F Sgt Tilese, received the Good Service Medal (Bronze) and F Sgt Kalayamodimo received the Unitas Medal, which is awarded to members who were taken up into the SANDF from 27 April 1994 during the unification of defence forces and armed forces.

By: Thuli Dube