The City of Cape Town is proud to welcome the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and visitors to the city for the annual Armed Forces Day.

This is the first time in the history of Armed Forces Day that the event will be commemorated in Cape Town.

The City is supporting the SANDF with services and making its venues available to host the various events from 16 to 22 February 2019.

The events are aimed at celebrating the commitment shown by the men and women serving and those who have served in the SANDF as well as to commemorate the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917.

It will also honour those men and women who have laid down their lives in the line of duty.

Personnel from the South African Army, Air Force, Navy, and the Military Health Services will participate in fitness drills, conduct shooting exercises and have exhibitions that showcase the latest military equipment and technologies used to protect the country.

The festivities kicked off over the weekend with 5 and 10 kilometre races on the Sea Point Promenade and the first SANDF Open Day (Fan Park) at the Mandela Park Stadium in Khayelitsha.

The Open Days, which run from 16 to 19 February, will also include a career exhibition and recruitment drive to encourage more people to join the armed forces.

Other events include:

• Gala concert at City Hall – Monday 18 February (19:00)
• Night shoot at Sunrise Beach, Muizenberg – Tuesday 19 February (19:30 and 21:00)
• Wreath-laying ceremony at SS Mendi Memorial, UCT - Thursday 21 February (09:00)
• Parade at Table View Beach, Blaauwberg and capability demo - Thursday 21 February (10:00 – 14:30)

Members of the public are encouraged to attend the events to interact with members of the SANDF, and gain a better understanding of the military’s role in society.

The men and women of the SANDF stand ready to defend the borders of the Republic, as well as the values enshrined in our Constitution.

Many of them are also involved in peace-keeping missions beyond our borders.

The City wishes the SANDF every success with the events they have organised to celebrate Armed Forces Day. I hope that the people of Cape Town will support them and make use of this unique opportunity to celebrate our men and women in uniform.

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