Minister   of   Defence   and   Military  Veterans, Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula, will on Friday, 30 September 2016, join the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) to pay tribute to fallen women soldiers at the Women’s Day Parade in Bloemfontein. The Women’s Day  Parade is an annual event held in commemoration of Women’ Month in August. However, due to the macabre bus crash that took the lives of eleven (11) SANDF female members on the 19th of August 2016, a decision was made to postpone the parade.

In light of the above, the 2016 Women’s Day Parade will not only celebrate the bravery and dedication of women serving in the SANDF, but will pay a special tribute to female soldiers who have died in the line of duty.

“We will always salute their bravery; express our sincere condolences and support to their families hence we felt it is befitting that we extend invitations to all family members of the SANDF soldiers killed in the recent bus accident. These resolute soldiers including all those who died while in service to the country should never be forgotten. They served the country until their last days,” said Minister Mapisa-Nqakula.

Members of the media are invited as follows:

Date:              30 September 2016
Time:             09:30
Venue:           Tempe Stadium, Bloemfontein

N.B – Members of the media are advised that there is transport available for Gauteng-Based media. Space is limited.

Enquiry: Joy Nonzukiso Peter on 082 9900407