Limpopo – President Cyril Ramaphosa, in his role as Commander-in-Chief of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF), will officiate the Armed Forces Day commemoration at Thohoyandou on Saturday, 21 February 2026.
Armed Forces Day is observed annually to commemorate the sinking of the SS Mendi on 21 February 1917, one of South Africa’s greatest tragedies of the First World War.
A total of 616 black South African troops lost their lives when the vessel sank en route to France.
According to the Presidency, “The President will commence the ceremony by laying a wreath at the Thohoyandou Memorial Site. He will then observe a multi-aircraft fly-past by the South African Air Force before delivering the keynote address.”
President Ramaphosa to officiate Armed Forces Day commemoration.https://t.co/MIerAYDBPM
— The Presidency 🇿🇦 (@PresidencyZA) February 19, 2026
The event also aims to deepen public understanding of the SANDF’s role in the nation.
“Armed Forces Day seeks to demonstrate, through live military simulations, the capabilities of the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the South African Military Health Service,” the statement said.
The official programme will take place at Thavhani Mall, Phunda Maria Road, Thohoyandou, starting at 10h00.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
