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Pride and Tradition as South African Navy Welcomes 85 New Officers at Gordon’s Bay
A day of celebration by the sea
At the foot of the Hottentots-Holland mountains in Gordon’s Bay, the South African Naval College marked one of its proudest traditions: the passing-out parade. Families, officers, and dignitaries gathered to honour 85 newly ranked officers, the latest group to complete the Military Training for Officers programme.
The parade is more than a ceremony. It reflects a tradition that dates back to 1948, when the naval training ship General Botha was retired, and cadet instruction was moved to Gordon’s Bay. By 1966, the college became an official part of the Defence Force, cementing its place as the cradle of South Africa’s naval leadership.
Leadership forged through training
The graduates began their intensive programme in February 2025, facing months of physical tests, academic rigour, and leadership drills. Commanding Officer Captain Judy Gail Rustin-Patric addressed them with pride, urging them to carry their training into their careers at sea.
“It has made you better leaders,” she said. “Now you go back to the fleet and be the military leaders your country needs.”
Her words echoed across the parade ground, capturing the weight of responsibility that comes with a naval commission.
Families at the heart of the moment
The ceremony was as much about family pride as it was about military tradition. From Pretoria, Garankuwa, Aunt Maggie Motsepe cheered for her nephew, 24-year-old Orefemetse Rafedile, while his mother, Norah, beamed with pride.
“I am so proud of my son. He is very hardworking,” she said. “He’s a twin, and I believe he was chosen for this. He’s a lawyer by profession, and he’s choosing to serve the country.”
For many gathered, the day symbolised the sacrifice, resilience, and shared pride that military families know so well.
Honouring achievement and responsibility
Chief of the Navy, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, reminded the young officers that this was just the beginning of their naval careers.
“Your hard work and perseverance have brought you to this special day,” he said. “We celebrate your achievement with honour, courage and commitment. But this is also a reminder of the responsibilities of being a naval officer.”
Adding humour, he recalled seeing a few trainees fall asleep during an early lecture in May, drawing laughter from the crowd.
The parade also recognised individual achievements, rewarding those who excelled during training. Yet the broader message was clear: these 85 new officers now carry the hopes of their Navy and their country.
Also read: High Court Strikes Down Postbank’s Challenge to End of SASSA Contract
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Source: IOL
Featured Image: The Student Room
