On Monday, 24 November 2025, the South African Army Combat Training Centre at Lohatlha witnessed the impressive display of a brigade-strength Stable Parade. The Chief of the South African Army, Lieutenant General L.K. Mbatha, presided over the event, reviewing the assembled troops and their equipment. Standing at the podium, he addressed the soldiers, while the Exercise VUKUHLOME IV Division Commander, Major General V.Z. Ngcobo, looked on.
Stepping up to the podium to briefly address the assembled troops, the Chief of the South African Army praised the soldiers and their leaders for the discipline, endurance, and commitment they displayed. He underscored that the Stable Parade stood as a tangible demonstration of the South African Army’s operational readiness and its unwavering duty to protect the nation. He highlighted that Exercise VUKUHLOME IV would serve as a proving ground for all present, illustrating the South African Army’s capacity to plan, assemble, and swiftly project force into the field.
The exercise would test the brigade’s ability to manoeuvre and fight under conditions designed to mirror the realities of modern combat and complex emergencies. The Chief stressed that this readiness was not only about national defence but also about reinforcing South Africa’s role as a stabilising force within the region. By showcasing its ability to act decisively, the Army reaffirms its responsibility to uphold sovereignty and contribute to collective security.
The parade was a critical milestone, ensuring that the troops and their equipment were fully prepared to deliver a commanding performance during the upcoming Distinguished Visitors Day, which is the pinnacle of Exercise VUKUHLOME IV. The parade showcased the full might of the brigade, with rows of Ratel infantry fighting vehicles of every mark lined up in immaculate order. Alongside them stood the Casspir mine-resistant ambush protected vehicles and Mamba armoured personnel carriers, each system accompanied by its weapons, ammunition, and support equipment. The sight of these vehicles, gleaming under the Lohatlha sun, reflected the Pride of Lions’ readiness and the disciplined professionalism of its troops.
Artillery units added further weight to the spectacle, with air defence artillery systems, complete with radar arrays, standing ready, symbolising the brigade’s ability to defend against threats from land and sky alike. Each system was meticulously arrayed, presenting a comprehensive picture of South Africa’s combined arms capability.
That day, scheduled for Wednesday, 26 November 2025 at Mount Huxley, will serve as the high point of the exercise, where senior leaders, dignitaries, and international observers will witness the South African Army’s operational capabilities in action. The Brigade present at Lohatlha endeavours to act decisively, demonstrating its ability to manoeuvre, fight, and sustain operations under realistic conditions. The Stable Parade ensured that every soldier, vehicle, and weapon system was prepared to deliver a commanding performance when the eyes of the nation and its partners fall upon them.
Article by Captain J.J.P. de Vries – Directorate South African Army Reserve || Exercise VUKUHLOME IV Division Corporate Communication
Photographs by Captain J.J.P. de Vries – Directorate South African Army Reserve, and Bombardier R.A. Taje – South African Army Artillery Formation Headquarters || Exercise VUKUHLOME IV Division Corporate Communication
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