The Italian Embassy, through its Defence Attaché (a military adviser representing the country at the embassy), awarded the South African Naval College in Gordon’s Bay the Spadino D’Onore(Sword of Honour) on Tuesday 10 December. The ceremonial sword, a symbol of collaboration between the Italian and South African navies, will serve as a floating trophy awarded annually to the best naval student at the college. Historically, the sword was presented to junior officers on Italian Navy vessels, reflecting a commitment to training and excellence in the Officer Corps. This gesture underscores the ongoing relationship and shared investment in naval education. At the handover (from left) were Surface Warfare Officer Graham Grebe (master at arms of the South African Naval College), Reverend Trevor Links (chaplain of South African Naval College), Naval Commander Maphehle Tshesane (media liaison officer), Naval Commander Andrew Pieterse (executive officer of the South African Naval College), Rear Admiral Musawenkosi Nkomonde (chief director of Maritime Strategy), Captain Judy Rustin-Patrick (commanding officer of the South African Naval College), Colonel Flaviano Palazzi (Italian Defence Attaché), Rear Admiral Junior Grade Sello Malepe (direc


A Naval salute performed during the ceremony for the handover of the Spadino D’Onoreat the SA Naval College last month.

Capt Judy Rustin-Patrick presents Colonel Flaviano Palazzi with an umbumbuluzo (shield), an iklwa (stabbing spear), and an iwisa (knobkerrie).

RADM Musawenkosi Nkomonde explains the effectiveness of Shaka Zulu’s use of the iklwa (stabbing spear) to Colonel Flaviano Palazzi and Marcello Mastroianni.

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