Date: 26/04/2007

Source: Department of Defense

Title: Lekota: Welcoming of SAS Charlotte Maxeke

M G P Lekota speech at the occasion of the welcoming of SAS Charlotte Maxeke In Simon's Town

Today we are realising one of the milestones in a long process of re-equipping the South African National Defence Force (SANDF). This marks the arrival of our second Type-209 Submarine, the SAS Charlotte Maxeke, in Simon's Town. It has been a long and arduous journey to get here. Along the way the men and women of the National Defence Force endured and distinguished themselves in the true spirit of the heroine after whom the submarine is named.

The SAS Charlotte Maxeke takes her name from one of South Africa's great heroines of the struggle for freedom, Charlotte Maxeke. Often referred to as the "Mother of African Freedom," Charlotte Maxeke was a formidable woman, and a leader of national standing. Inspired by a vision of creating a better life for all, she participated in many sectors of society where oppression was at its most rife; all without expectation of reward. She achieved political prominence as a leader, who campaigned for equality around the Union of South Africa in 1910, then went on to lead resistance against the pernicious 1913 Land Acts, especially providing support to the Free State women resisting the pass laws. Her legacy serves as an inspiration to all of us as we strive to create a better life for all, in this Age of Hope.

It is fitting therefore, that the SAS Charlotte Maxeke should bear the name of a woman who authored so important a part of South Africa's history, for the SAS Charlotte Maxeke will be crucial in protecting and defending Black and White South Africans in many years of her life. That is how Charlotte Maxeke would have liked to see the people together; that is together in peace and secured from all dangers.

The primary role of this submarine will be to defend South Africa's interests and territorial integrity, but her task is far greater. For the SAS Charlotte Maxeke, and her sister submarines, the SAS Manthatisi and the SAS Queen Modjadji, bring to the region and the African continent a significant strategic deterrent capability. The submarines, together with the recently-acquired MEKO Class Frigates, will considerably strengthen the ability of the South African Navy to provide maritime defence. Furthermore, these vessels will contribute to our regional reach and to the provision of security in the Southern African Development Community, thereby assisting in the consolidation of democracy within the sub-Saharan region.

This contribution is important, particularly when read within the context of our priorities for the coming period. In this regard, our Plan of Action makes clear the necessity for post-conflict reconstruction objectives which highlight the necessity for longer engagements in theatres of conflict. The intent thereof is the avoidance of a relapse into conflict. It is our opinion that the contribution of extra-continental role players in this arena will continue to reduce. This will leave the obligation for post-conflict reconstruction with South Africa, the Southern African Development Community and the African Union.

We furthermore foresee that our Government's commitments to the region, to the continent and to our South-South co-operation will result in an increasing number of obligations on the part of our sea, air and land forces. This will result in a higher demand for loyal, dedicated and competent people who are prepared to deploy for extended periods and for visionary and committed leadership. In this context the development of technological expertise, and the retention of scarce skills is not only important, but fundamental to the accomplishment of our strategic objectives.

Crew of the SAS Charlotte Maxeke, like your comrades in arms in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), you are the cream of our crop. This is particularly pertinent in your case. The Type-209 Submarine, is technologically advanced, and fitted with some of the best underwater sensor and weapon systems in the world. Such technological sophistication, is however, totally redundant without you.

In this regard, the SANDF provides some of the finest technical training in the country, and such training, together with the discipline and professionalism inherent to a military organisation, make our human resources most attractive to the private sector. It also facilitates our vigorous participation in initiatives such as Accelerated and Shared Growth Initiative for South Africa and Joint Initiative for Priority Skills Acquisition. However, we appeal to the men and women who serve our country, to be ever mindful of the important contribution which they are making in the authoring of a new South African history, a history which is underpinned by the principle of ensuring a better life for all. This is an obligation which should not be lightly resigned, as our success is predicated on the commitment and the expertise of each and every one of us.

In this regard, we are most mindful of the considerable commitment and dedication shown by the men and women who navigate our ships and submarines. Your efforts in accepting and qualifying these vessels do not pass unnoticed. Today we acknowledge specifically the efforts of Commander Roland Shortt and his crew of the SAS Charlotte Maxeke. These sailors have been deployed in Germany since September 2006 � a considerable sacrifice which has been borne in large part by their loved ones. Be sure that you have done the Department, and the Country proud. We thank you.

We acknowledge too, the contribution made by the crew of SAS Drakensberg in their role as escort to the SAS Charlotte Maxeke. This task has been of considerable importance. Furthermore, your efforts in transporting equipment and materiel to Mozambique in January 2006 affirmed the pivotal role the department has in supporting the people of South Africa. This was confirmed by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Mr Mluleki George, after he visited you in Emden earlier this year.

Dedication and commitment such as that which has been displayed by these men and women and their leaders, stands as an inspiration to us all. For unless we are enthused with a sense of service to our Country and its people, underpinned by an ethos of professionalism and discipline, the legacy which we leave will be of little value to those who come after, and will do a great injustice to those who came before.

In conclusion, to Vice-Admiral Mudimu and your team, we wish you and the South African Navy the best and the people's blessings. The history authored by stalwarts such as Charlotte Maxeke and others who sacrificed much to establish the democracy which we as South Africans enjoy, is being affirmed here today by the writing of a new history within the South African Navy, and within the Department of Defence. This is a history which speaks of a better life for all, both here and on the continent, and which marks an entry into an Age of Hope where all might participate freely and equitably. We wish you well and we thank you.

Issued by: Department of Defence
26 April 2007