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News - Date: 20 June 2008
Well known traditional leader Vho Thovhele Midiyavhathu Tshivhase called on all members of 15 SAI Battalion to support the newly appointed commander. Tshivhase was speaking during a military parade marking the change of command to Lt Col Nditsheni Singo from Lt Col Jack Raselomane at Maunavhathu on Friday.
Addressing the parade, Tshivhase said he was honoured to be amongst those who witnessed the historic occasion. He said 15 SAI Battalion was renowned for its discipline. "I still urge you to maintain the discipline that has prevailed all along here, even under this new command, "he said.
Tshivhase encouraged members to continue doing the good work they do in their communities, helping when there are disasters, supplying water where there is a need and keeping peace in their country and other African states that are involved in turmoil. He urged members to have a good working relationship with traditional leaders as they operate in their areas.
Tshivhase said Singo deserved the promotion he had earned as he had worked very hard for it. "I am hopeful and confident that he will continue serving his country with diligence and we will put all our weight behind him to give him the necessary support."
In handing over the command to Singo, the outgoing commander, Lt Col Raselomane, said he was confident he was handing over the baton to a very suitable man. Raselomane said he was leaving a battalion that had worked tirelessly to bring peace in most parts of the African continent. "This battalion has made history of her own by going out to Burundi and the DRC to coin a path of its kind." He wished the members well in their new assignment in Sudan. Raselomane leaves for Army Headquarters in Pretoria.
In his acceptance speech, Lt Colonel Singo said he was humbled by the level of support shown by officers at his appointment. He said he was prepared to take the bull by its horns and was prepared for the challenge. He said true leadership started from the home situation, which he had mastered. He said leadership required support from the family and one had to lead one’s family well in order to lead others. "If you cannot lead, you cannot command, and if you cannot command, you cannot lead," he said. Singo promised to work hand in glove with traditional leaders and make use of traditional leaders in solving minor problems that do not need the intervention of the police.
In his message of support, the MEC for Safety and Liaison, Samson Ratshivhanda Ndou, urged the newly appointed commander to continue protecting the country’s hard-earned democracy. "We have traveled a long way to reach this far. Let us not give the enemies of peace a chance to disturb our hard-earned and fragile democracy. Let us all stand up and work towards the development of our community," he said.
Elmon Tshikhudo started off as a photographer. He developed an interest in writing and started submitting articles to local as well as national publications. He became part of the Limpopo Mirror family in 2005 and was a permanent part of the news team until 2019. He currently writes on a freelance basis, covering human rights issues, court news and entertainment.
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