Speech by the Executive Mayor of Cape Town, Alderman
Patricia de Lille, at a ceremony to welcome home
soldiers of the 9th South African Infantry Battalion, on 29
September 2012
General Officer Commanding the South African Army Infantry Formation,
Major-General Lindile Yam, Commanding Officer of the 9th S.A Infrantry
Battalion Lieutenant-Colonel, B.M Feni, Generals, Members of the South
African National Defence Force and guests.
Good morning, goeie more, molweni.
I am honoured to be part of this celebration to welcome home members
of the 9th South African Infantry Battalion.
I would like to congratulate them for the role they played in the African
Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur. During the 8 months they spent
in Darfur they made significant contributions to building peace and
stability in that region.
We all know that war and civil unrest has devastating consequences for
the ordinary citizens of affected areas. They leave lasting scars of a
painful history, destroy public infrastructure, breed lawlessness, separate
families from their loved ones, shatter the dreams of a bright future for
many young people and deny civilians the opportunity to live out their
lives in a peaceful environment. All too often it is the women and children
who are worst affected.
In many cases, it is only through the intervention of peace-keeping
missions that law and order can be restored, and with it, the hope of a
better future. The 9th South African Infantry Battalion fulfilled this role in
Darfur with distinction. Their presence reassured the victims that they
had not been forgotten during this difficult time.
These men and women went beyond their military duties to help stabilise
Darfur. They joined local residents to rebuild vandalised roads and
schools, built a volleyball court and donated stationery and musical
instruments to learners in Darfur to empower school children to continue
with their studies and pursue their extramural talents.
Today we celebrate their bravery. They put their lives in danger to ensure
that the people of Darfur could also enjoy a measure of peace and
stability. While their outstanding work has been celebrated in Darfur, it is
important that we too show our appreciation.
Their courageous acts are often taken for granted simply because it is
their job to do this, but we know that the measures that they have taken
to maintain peace are extraordinary. It is for this reason that we have
staged this celebration of their achievements.
For them, the pursuit of peace is a call they are prepared to answer, and
the commitment to restore the shattered dreams of communities is one
they will not break.
These men and women are our sons, brothers, husbands and neighbours,
and today we officially welcome them back to their home.
On behalf of a grateful city, I thank you.