Programme director
SANDF generals and other members of the force
Miss Mthethwa and Executives of the South African Post Office
Team DoC
Ladies and Gentlemen
It is a great honour for me to stand in front of u in this base whilst a civilian. It is by no surprise that yesterday we were celebrating the achievements of one of our own Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma whom through the leadership of President Jacob Zuma has managed to contribute to the late OR Tambo's dream who saw SAs living in peace with their neighbouring countries and contributing to the economic growth and development of our continent. Programme Director allow me to say Long live the spirit of unity and cohesion in Africa long live!
Today as the workers we celebrate the world postal day and indeed it is with great pride to be here for the launch of the stamp. Program Director, Stamps reflect the broad spectrum of our culture, national identity, history, environment, social and economic development. A stamp also acts as an ambassador for the country and what is depicted on the stamps is of out-most important.
They also provide an educational tool and encourage creativity through stamp designs. In terms of government policy, commemorative stamps are issued to honour our heroes and heroines and also to honour special occasions of national, continental and international interests and significance.
To give you some examples on the commemorative stamps that have been issued with other government departments:
- In 2008, we worked with the Department of Health to commemorate the 30th Anniversary of the Alma Ata declaration on primary health care.
- In 2009, we issued stamps on Occupational Health and Safety.
- 2010, we worked with the Department of Environmental Affairs to commemorate the International Year of Biodiversity as it was declared by the United Nations.
- 2011, we issued stamps on the Sumbandila Satellite together with the Department of Science and Technology.
- Also in 2011, working with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation- a Joint Stamp Issue was done with the Republic of Indonesia.
As I said earlier our stamps are regarded as the smallest ambassadors of our country because they always tell stories about our beautiful country when they travel the four corners of the globe.
Today we gathered here to launch a stamp in commemoration of the 11 Field Postal Unit of the South African National Defence Force. The 11 Field Postal Unit (FPU) is dedicated to provide an efficient field postal service to the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and its members, wherever they may be deployed, during operations and/or large-scale field exercises. 11 FPU, a Reserve Unit, is fully operational in Africa to this day.
It is the only reserve unit that had been deployed continuously since the first South African troops were deployed in Central Africa during 2001. Members of 11 FPU are reserves who sacrifice their time to serve their fellow combatants wherever they may be deployed. All reserves called up for service at Field Post Offices (FPOs) are full-time employees of SAPO.
Furthermore, 11 FPU plays a major role in supporting the SANDF. It is a specialist unit, not an extension or duplication of any service rendered by any other unit within the SANDF. As a leader in ensuring that communication channels between deployed soldiers abroad and their families are maintained, its activities are regulated and supported by SAPO.
Field Post Office 3 at Air Force Base Waterkloof is the heartbeat of the unit’s operations and its main dispatching hub. FPO 3 renders a valuable service to the troops deployed in the mission areas of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the Sudan and the Central African Republic (CAR).
Go digital South Africa!
The broadcasting environment is going through amazing changes owing to the development of digital technology. In South Africa, the Department of Communications (Doc) embarked on a promotional campaign to educate and inform the public and to create more awareness about the digital migration or Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT).
The digital migration process will provide access to more channels, which will offer a variety of viewing options including programmes on sports, children’s interests, parliamentary sessions, entertainment, music and movies.
Every citizen irrespective of geographical location, race, or economic status will enjoy access to all free-to-air channels with good quality picture and sound.
To mark this significant milestone, the South African Post Office will be issuing commemorative stamps on 23 November 2012. These stamps like the ones we are launching today will be made available in Post Offices countrywide.
It is through effective partnerships that progress is realised, indeed as DoC and SAPO we appreciate the role played by SANDF in ensuring that we deliver whatever it takes irrespective of geographical location. I want to applaud the SANDF for the role it plays in ensuring a disciplined and effective force. It is through devotion and patriotism that our country will be respected and protected from foreign tendencies that would want to undermine what we have achieved and fought for.
Let me once again, take this opportunity to wish the cyclists who have departed for Lesotho a safe journey. As members of government and citizens of our country we serve no one but our nation. Rise SA Rise!
I thank you.
