Military Academy Saldanha held its welcoming parade to welcome the first-year students (MA28) formally to the academic phase of their training op Friday 30 January.
The parade formally marked the commencement of the 2026 academic year, which saw 67 first-year students marching, and was led by the South African Army Band from Youngsfield in Wynberg, Cape Town.
Dr Frankie Monama, the Acting Dean of the Faculty of Military Science, read the Military Academy Code of Honour to the students, after which each student received a copy of the code, personally presented by Military Academy Saldanha Commandant Brigadier-General Albeno Jose de Castro.
Also attending the parade were the newly-appointed General Officer Commander, Training Command, Major-General Mninimzi Sizani, as well as Professor Elmi Muller, who represented the Rector and Vice-Chancellor of Stellenbosch University. The university’s Faculty of Military Science is housed at the military academy, as a partnership with the Department of Defence to provide degree study to military students.
Muller was also guest speaker at the assembly following the parade.
De Castro, in his address, encouraged students to “keep your heads down, work hard and you will be successful.” To other military students he expressed his appreciation for their hard work in 2025, adding he expected the same, if not a higher standard of excellence this time around.
He reinvoked the core values of the Military Academy, including dignity, integrity, service before self and accountability. Students were reminded to do the right thing even when no-one was watching, to act professionally and always uphold moral and ethical standards. De Castro said “service before self” also prioritised the interest of the academy and adhering to codes of conduct, regulations, policies and instructions.
He said these values were expected to guide both daily conduct and professional practice. The commandant also reaffirmed the military academy’s commitment to social impact and highlighted the institution’s current role within the broader community, while noting that further contributions remained possible and necessary.
Students were reminded of their responsibility to be exemplary citizens both in uniform and civilian capacity as they represented their families, the military academy and South African National Defence Force. Their commandant stressed that ill-discipline would not be tolerated under any circumstances.
He concluded by thanking the parade commander, Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM), MWO Mncedisi Michael Nogabe and all personnel involved in ensuring the success of the parade.
