Midrand: AfricUpdate – News Desk
General Rudzani Maphwanya, Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), has said significant progress has been made in strengthening military cooperation with Egypt, including training and participation in exercises. Maphwanya was speaking at the 52nd anniversary celebration of Egypt’s Armed Forces Day, which is marked on 6 October, in remembrance of the 6 October 1973 war.
In his speech, Maphwanya said Egypt and South Africa share a commitment to collective security, peacekeeping, and continental cooperation under the banner of the African Union. “The South African National Defence Force values its cordial defence relations with the Egyptian armed forces. Over the years, we have engaged in meaningful exchanges, training cooperation and multilateral initiatives that strengthen both our institutions and contribute to regional stability.
“We have accommodated Egyptian officers in the joint senior command and staff course. We have approved the study tour of the officers from the sister staff College. We have accepted and attended the military diplomacy course. We have also been part of the prestigious exercise Bright Star for the past two years,” Maphwanya said.
“We remain committed to deepening these ties particularly in areas such as military education, counter terrorism, peace support operation and exchanges of strategic knowledge. These collaborations not only enhance our bilateral relations but also support the broader goals of ensuring peace and security on the continent and the world, the Chief told guests.
He explained that commemorating the 52nd anniversary of the Egyptian Armed Forces Day is a testament of the continuous commitment in enhancing and strengthening already existing relations and cooperation between Egypt and South Africa and their respective armed forces.
Maphwanya noted that the first South African mission in Egypt was established in 1942 as a consulate general. Relations changed after the 1952 revolution in Egypt as Egyptian President Abdul Nasser began supporting African liberation movements with his ideas. During 1960, representatives from South Africa’s various liberation movements visited Egypt to solicit Egyptian support for the struggle against apartheid in South Africa. On 30 May 1960, relations between the government of Egypt and South Africa were officially severed but Egypt continued to lend its support to the liberation movements. Egypt was the first country that President Nelson Mandela visited since becoming president of the Republic of South Africa.
“With such rich historic ties, the South African National Defence Force continues to value the relationship that our two nations enjoy and have leveraged on such brotherly or sisterly gestures of friendship,” Maphwanya said. “May the bonds between our two defence forces continue to grow from strength to strength, guided by mutual respect, shared values and commitment to collective peace and progress.”
Egypt’s Defence Attaché to South Africa, Colonel Ahmed Abd El Rouf, said “I extend my sincere appreciation to the South African Ministry of Defence for its constant openness, complete transparency, and determination to achieve the goals we aspire to. Your unwavering support and commitment to our shared objectives have been instrumental in sustaining the outstanding course of cooperation between our two nations, which aims to enhance security, promote sustainable development, and defend Africa’s interests.”
He added that Egypt strives to extend bridges of cooperation as a solid approach to achieving prosperity and development. “What has been achieved in terms of supporting the common interests between our two countries, within a short period of intensive work in all fields of military cooperation, was established on firm principles and foundations based on our shared desire to promote the culture of peace and to confront the forces of violence and extremism that we have observed recently.
“The Egyptian Armed Forces remain ever vigilant and capable under all conditions, able to reach the furthest range in the shortest time to secure Egyptian interests despite all current threats, and deter anyone who may attempt to cross the red lines drawn by the Egyptian state. Egypt, which fought to reclaim its land, is also a nation that seeks to achieve peace. It has never sought wars or conflicts to achieve illegitimate aims or unlawfully seize the property and resources of others; instead, it always strives to extend bridges of cooperation as a solid approach to achieving prosperity and development,” El Rouf said.
