Grahamstown's 6SAI base recently hosted a relaxed event for the families of soldiers currently serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The soldiers were deployed in June 2013 and will be back in May 2014.
Grahamstown's 6SAI base recently hosted a relaxed event for the families of soldiers currently serving in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The soldiers were deployed in June 2013 and will be back in May 2014.
The gathering focused on reassuring family members that the SANDF 'has their back' while their loved ones are deployed outside the country.
"This is to build a closer relationship with families, as we don't want them to keep their challenges to themselves. We want them to call and tell us what they are going through, so that we can provide a helping hand," said Major Yandiso Gaxeni. He said he wanted the families to enjoy Christmas without feeling uneasy.
Formation Chaplain, Sekgwane Dithipe, addressed the gathering and welcomed the building of closer relations between the base and the families. He said the initiative sought to mentally strengthen the families and assure them that the SANDF is fully behind them.
"We want them to talk to us when they have problems at home, because we don't want families to collapse. Hence we've brought a psychologist, a social worker and a pastor to come and speak to the families and assure them that they will always be present, whenever needed," said Dithipe.
Nomthandazo Sokwa, the wife of one of the soldiers, said it was quite difficult without her spouse. She said he'd never been away for this long.
"We are now going to celebrate Christmas and new year without them and we miss them so much," Sokwa said.
Most family members praised both to 6SAI and the SANDF in Pretoria.
"I am grateful to the Army base for having time and space to transport parcels I am are sending to my son. I don't get complaints and I always get positive feedback," said Philip Stolile.
"I think this is a good initiative. It is my first time attending a briefing of this nature and it seeks to give us support as the families whose children left to fight for the country," said Thabita Mogale.
6 SAI Communications Officer, Lieutenant Roydan Vlotman, said he was pleased with the response and hoped to continue the programme.
"We are working on trying to network with the families to ensure they know we will support them throughout," he said.
