Defence and Military Veterans Minister, Thandi Modise, has extended words of comfort to the six families who lost their loved ones in the wildfire that engulfed parts of the SA Army Combat Training Centre in Lohatla, Northern Cape, last week.
“I am so sorry because it’s never easy to address people who have lost loved ones. I’m apologising because we’ll go and visit the graves. Yes, we’ll go and touch the stones. But that voice, hug, that laughter, will continue only in our hearts and only in our minds,” Modise said.
The Minister was addressing mourners and fellow South African National Defence Force (SANDF) soldiers who had gathered at the training centre to honour the deceased.
The SANDF has since issued the names of the deceased members and they are Sergeant Abraham Desember Morajane, Staff Sergeant Sipho Berrington Cele, Corporal Sithembiso Wiseman Ndwalane, Corporal Noxolo Faith Ngubane, Lance Corporal Prince Michael Mthethwa and Lance Corporal Londiwe Purity Zulu.
The officials tragically lost their lives after the raging fire that started from a nearby mine destroyed sections of the camp where the soldiers were in preparation for the upcoming Exercise Vuk’uhlome, which is taking place this month until November.
“We will not be there to wipe every tear of a child who continuously asks the mom about the father. But we will be there to make sure that the child is well looked after and well educated. We will make sure that the names of those who gave their lives shall be remembered,” she added.
She also had a word of encouragement to the widows and daughters who lost fathers.
“I want to say to the mothers who have lost their sons and daughters who have lost their mothers, God always gives you what He knows you can carry.
“In whatever pain you may be feeling; the sun shall rise. We will take heart. The most painful is to lose a child when you are a parent because children are supposed to bury us.”
She said her department also stands with the children who will grow up without parents.
“We will walk with you and hold your hands through the journey. Even though we haven’t met those who parted. It hurts because we become parents on your behalf when they’re on our premises. You will not walk alone.”
Modise said they will ensure that the dependents are looked after and that the children go to school.
She urged the widow with a two-year-old, Lerato Noxolo Cele, who lost her husband not to lose the memories but pass them on to her daughter.
Seargent Cele leaves behind a toddler that he and his wife battled for a decade to conceive.
Modise told the packed hall that no life is taken for granted in the army.
“We know that those who serve, serve at a place that sometimes takes life and sometimes rewards for keeping our heads above the water but also for ensuring that South Africa continues to do well.”
Meanwhile, the Minister said government will do everything in its power to ensure that the soldiers do not lose their lives through the elements such as fire.
“Whatever this base needs, we will look at. We will also make sure that in our training, we take care and that in whatever contingency we’re ready to preserve the lives of those who are willingly giving up their lives in the name of this country.”
She said government needs to ensure it has a well-trained and well-resourced force.
“Because if we don’t, we might not have a country tomorrow,” she said.
Modise also announced that the SANDF has launched an inquiry that will get to the bottom of the matter.
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