Summary
The visit provided an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to gain a closer understanding of the SA Army Foundation’s work and the difference it continues to make.
Deputy Minister of Defence Visits SA Army Foundation
Following a presentation by the SA Army Foundation’s General Manager, Mr Angel Ramphele, to the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Ms Angie Motshekga, and both Deputy Ministers, Maj Gen(Ret) Bantubonke Holomisa and Mr Richard Mkhungo on 14 April 2026, the presentation provided an overview of the SA Army Foundation’s core functions, operations, and impact.
On 15 April 2026, the SA Army Foundation had the pleasure of welcoming the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, Mr Richard Mkhungo, to its Head Office in Centurion, Pretoria.
The visit provided an opportunity for the Deputy Minister to gain a closer understanding of the SA Army Foundation’s work and the difference it continues to make in the lives of South African Army members and their families. Through engagements with the team, he was introduced to the organisation’s key programmes, all of which are centred on providing meaningful support and care to those who serve the nation.
During the visit, the SA Army Foundation took the Deputy Minister through its various operational areas, including welfare support initiatives, financial assistance programmes, and ongoing efforts to respond to the evolving needs of soldiers and their dependants. These engagements offered a clearer picture of how the SA Army Foundation continues to adapt and respond with purpose, ensuring that its services remain relevant and impactful.
The Deputy Minister also took time to engage directly with staff members, gaining insight into the day-to-day work carried out behind the scenes. These interactions brought a more personal dimension to the visit, highlighting the dedication of the team and the passion that drives the SA Army Foundation’s mission. It was an opportunity not only to share information, but to connect on the human side of the work being done.
The discussions allowed for a genuine exchange of ideas, giving insight into both the progress made and areas where continued attention and support will help strengthen service delivery for soldiers and their families. It also highlighted the importance of strengthening support systems for the armed forces and their families, and the value of positive engagement between the SA Army Foundation and the Ministry.
Sharing his thoughts on the visit, the General Manager of the SA Army Foundation, Mr Angel Ramphele, said, “It was truly an honour to receive a cordial visit from the Deputy Minister and to share the work that means so much to us. His visit gave us a chance to reflect on how far we have come, while also looking ahead at how we can continue to improve and reach even more members and their families. At the heart of it all, our work is about people, and moments like these remind us why it matters.”
The visit ended on a positive and encouraging note, strengthening the connection between the SA Army Foundation and the Ministry, and bringing a renewed sense of purpose to the work of supporting the South African Army community.
Article by SA Army Foundation Communications and Media Relations Office: Thando Ramasimong
Photos by SA Army Foundation Communications Office
