Soldiers participating in this year's Shared Accord Exercise block their ears and brace themselves as a mortar is shot off during training just outside Grahamstown. The aim of the exercise hosted in various parts of the Eastern Cape is to provide joint training for the South African National Defence Force and the United States Armed Forces, to build inter-operability and mutual understanding. More about the US army's visit to Makana – including some action of the partying kind – on pages 4, 5 and 12. Photo: Captain Matthew de Jager
