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SAS Queen Modjadji I comes home

Edwin Tshivhidzo

23 May 2008

The SAS Queen Modjadji I, the last of three new submarines acquired by the South African Navy, arrived in Simon's Town, Cape Town this week to a hero's welcome following a month-long journey from Germany.

Queen Modjadji I left Germany on 22 April and arrived in the country on Thursday, under full control of the South African Navy. On board were about 40 highly experience crewmembers who also received medals for the good work they have done in bringing the submarine home.

The submarine, which was christened by Member of Parliament Rita Dzanga in Emden, Germany in March this year, will be united with her two sister ships, the SAS Manthatisi and SAS Charlotte Maxeke, that have already been taken into service by the South African Navy.

Strategic deterrent capability

The fleet of three submarines were bought as part of South Africa's multi-billion rand strategic arms acquisition programme, in which, the Navy also received four new patrol frigates as part of the package, as well as four Super Linx helicopters to be operated by the South African Air Force from the ships.

Handing over the submarine to the Navy, Defence Minister Mosioua Lekota said the primary role of the submarine would be to defend the country's interests and territorial integrity.

He added that the submarine's arrival brought to the region and the African continent a significant strategic deterrent capability.

"The submarines will considerably strengthen the ability of the South African Navy to consolidate the African agenda in the South African Development Community," he said. "This will in turn ensure that there is peace and stability in the region which is necessary for the consolidation of democracy in the region."

Skills development

Lekota said the provision of such regional and continental maritime security was fundamental to development and growth, adding that there was a need for recruitment of young people in the Navy to undergo the necessary training to operate sophisticated technology such as the submarines.

"We believe that our military skills development programme will be instrumental in attracting the calibre of youth required to serve our country and its people," he said.

According to the Navy, the submarine will be used for training purposes, peace support operations, maritime escorts, diplomatic missions, operational exercises with other African and overseas navies and to undertake any other duty that she may be assigned to perform.

One of the crewmembers, Johan Smith, 33, told BuaNews that he was proud to be part of the team that brought the giant war ship home.

"It's an experience I will never forget, I wish I could do it again," he said, adding that he had joined the Navy six years ago and was looking forward to more years of service.

Source: BuaNews