61 MVA Journal August 2022

2016

The story behind Unidade e Amizade
and the Angola Tours 2018

By the daughter of a 61 Veteran

off-road riding too since the roads By
of Angola were unknown territory.

It all started in 2015, with the We also made contact with Paul Tammy
release of an article in the Hu- Morris, who agreed to join us on Leigh
isgenoot, about the story of Paul our tour in a backup vehicle. He Booysen
Morris who travelled through gave us very valuable advice and
Angola on a bicycle. Upon reading had many stories to tell. We de- In May 2015, we headed off to the
the article, my father decided that cided to not only visit this country unknown. We had our bikes on two
he had the desire to return to An- which we had a history with, but trailers towed behind a Hyundai H1
gola to visit the area where he once to reach out and give back. We into Botswana. From there we car-
did a pen drive to collect writing ried on further on our bikes. Chal-
materials for their schools, we had lenging roads and new rules and
donors such as Scandal and many regulations awaited us in Angola.
others donating essentials as well I was broken down and pushed to
as educational toys for the chil- my limitations, giving me a taste of
dren, and ended up inviting Special what the Army did to all the vete-
Assignment along to document the rans during basics. I learnt how to
trip too. push myself to limits way beyond
what I even thought was possible.

We also very quickly realised that
this country was not our country. In
South Africa one travels amongst
provinces without needing any
permission. In Angola, one simply
does not just travel through a town
without being noticed, and permis-
sion needs to be granted to leave to
the next town. If you do not adhere

fought in battle- only this time
entering Angola using his passport.

We decided to do this tour on a
bike a year later. I was allowed to
join him and my three Uncles on
one condition, I had to buy my own
bike. Even though I had never rid-
den a bike in my life before, I was
the first to purchase my KLR 650.
In a year I had to learn how to ride
and get my license, and do a bit of

51

to these unwritten rules, you can be 2016 and to discuss the way forward. His
sure to meet some resistance in the visit to South Africa was done un-
next town at some point in the fu- community, we were surprised with officially and under the radar as he
ture. It was because of the unwrit- what happened next. Our General too first wanted to test the waters
ten rule and thanks to this rule, that friend had arranged with HALO to see what our intentions were. On
we met General Fernando Mateus trust to take us to the battlefield the way to Irene Farm to meet Gen-
in Menongue. The beginning of a where there are still active land- eral Mateus, true to our General
newfound friendship which lead to mines, and we were fortunate to Rolands’ standards, we decided to
ground-breaking opportunities in be the first South Africans to see create a platform on which to build
the future. the remnants of the three tanks still this relationship going forward.
lying in Tumpo. 12A, 53 as well And there, on the Pretoria highway,
General Fernando Mateus was as 52, had all been cleared around Unidade e Amizade was “born”.
absolutely horrified at the site of a them and we could safely visit Unity in Friendship. General
26 year old woman riding a bike these three tanks. We were also Roland de Vries and I created our
on the Angolan roads and imme- privileged to have been there while logo which illustrates the shaking
diately took us under his wing. He minefields were detonated to clear of hands at the joining of the Cuito
ensured we had a safe place to stay areas, although this triggered a few and Cuanavale rivers, within the
and even offered accommodation memories of the past for my Dad. borders of Angola.
for the ladies. I politely declined This trigger cemented the founda-
as I did not know him at the time. tion of what was to become a life- General Fernando visited again in
He saw that we had pure intentions long friendship between my Dad August 2017 when my Dad got
with our reaching out project and and General Fernando Mateus. his Southern Africa and Cross
decided to join us in our travels to
Cuito Cuanavale. Upon our return from this mem-
orable trip, and after the airing of
Once we reached Angola, and the Special Assignment episodes,
handed over our gifts to the local my Dad was contacted by 61 MVA
to join them in a meeting to give
feedback about our visit to Angola.
Retired General Roland de Vries
and my Dad hit it off immedi-
ately. They became good friends
and General Roland and my Dad
decided to make it their personal
mission to take back more veterans
to get the closure that my Dad did
on his trip.

In August 2015, we invited General
Fernando Mateus to South Africa
to meet General Roland de Vries

52

border medals at the annual 61 2016
MVA memorial service at Ditsong.
He had found a home at 61 MVA an even greater moment when
and had became a member of the Uncle Jaap and my Dad decided
association, finally getting his to do something which has never
medals years later. It was a proud been done before. Uncle Jaap had a
moment for me to see my Dad get personal mission too. To get Un-
his medals and having a former foe cle Cassie Schoeman on the Cuito
supporting him through it all. bridge. Anyone who knows Uncle
Cassie, knows that his health is not
too great. This created a challenge.
One we were determined to over-
come.

Our goal was to take 100 people And so the first civilian flight to meal prepared for us by the Ango-
back to Angola, making it the ever land in Cuito Cuanavale was lans. There was food and drink in
biggest tour yet. We decided to do arranged with General Fernando abundance. Throughout this tour,
the tour to Angola in 2018 and the Mateus and the powers to be in we were hosted multiple times
planning finally kicked off in full Angola. Permits were issued and by the Angolans and treated like
gear. We had multiple mee- our letter of invitation arrived from royalty by all. There was always
tings with people such as General the Angolan authorities. in abundance and General Mateus
Roland de Vries, Jaap Steyn, Gert truly had put in an effort to ensure
Minnaar, Rob McGimpsey, my To make this trip even more mem- our trip was faultless.
Dad and myself. We looked at all orable, we were also delighted to True to their promises, our civilian
the possible routes and dates, and have a Russian friend and his son plane landed at Cuito Cuanavale
made lists that carried on forever. joining us too. We had absolutely Military Airport on the 15th of
It took time and patience trying to no idea what awaited us but we
allocate tour deposits to members knew this was going to be a trip
and finally we managed to put to- of a lifetime. Stepan and I were
gether a list of almost 100 people. so privileged to be the first two
children to join the 61 MVA tours
However, the tour took a turn for to Angola and be a part of this mo-
mentous achievement.

Upon entering Angola, we were
met by a whole delegation of An-
golans. They helped all 26 vehicles
pass through the border post in
record time. Following this pleas-
ant surprise, we had another – a

May 2015. Being a part of this
event in history was an indescrib-
able experience, an event I am truly
proud of.

We were also surprised later on
with a visit by General Mateus in
a Gunship just to ensure that his
guests were all still safe and sound.
We had military escorts throughout
our trip and General Roland de
Vries, my Father and I were also

53

2016

privileged to have met the Minister We once again, in 2019 took Minister Paula Fransisco Coelho
of Energy while on tour too. another group of 61 MVA mem- and General Fernando Mateus and
bers and their families on a tour will continue to do so as long as we
This tour however was not the throughout Angola and this time possibly can.
end of the Unidade e Amizade’s had another daughter joining
achievements. In 2019, we were the group. Our dream of taking Angola Tours has become a fa-
invited as the first ever South Afri- families to Angola was becoming mily affair and anyone attend-
can civilians to attend the Angolans a reality. Our relationship with ing these tours with their loved
commemoration of the 23rd of Angola grows stronger every ones will confirm that these tours
March. This is an enormous event year. We are now personal friends only strengthen relationships and
in Angola which is usually attended of the Minister of Environmental help each other grow. Uniting in
by one of our Government officials. affairs and we continue to work Friendship with the Angolans is
That year we Minister Lindiwe on growing our dream of taking the greatest achievement I have
Sisulu was not the only South Afri- veterans back. We are not only personally ever achieved and I am
can attending this event. stopping there though. Our dream proud to be part of making history.
is to better Angola and improve 61 MVA is my extended family and
the lives of the Angolan people. I am grateful to be a part of helping
Still reaching out and giving people find their inner peace.
back. We are working alongside

Ondersteun asseblief die ondersteuners van die 61 MVV
Kindly support the supporters of 61 MVA

54

2018

61 MVA Battlefield Tour - 2018

55

2018

My Angola Trip – 9 - 23 May 2018

A Diary

Contributed by Janet Szabo

In May, I joined over 100 former cluded a former Russian military only spoken on the phone but never
South African Defence Force mem- advisor Andrei and his son Stefan, met, there was some apprehension
bers in around 26 vehicles on a as well as veterans from the SA all round about how we would get
camping road trip to Angola to re- Army, Air Force and parachute bat- on. That proved to be unfounded as
member their dead and injured col- talion and 8 adventurous women – we all got on very well and proved
leagues in the country’s Border War of which I was one. to be a good team when it came to
between 1966 and 1988 and extend setting up camp and packing up.
the hand of friendship and reconci- 9 May – Up at 3 in the morning Four other vehicles joined us and
liation to their former adversaries, we set off on our long journey ,
the Angolans and Russians. Our to drive 60km to a garage near Kru- heading through the North West to
journey covered between 6 500 and gersdorp outside Johannesburg to the Ramatlabane Border Post into
7 000 kilometers on often challeng- meet up with my travelling com- Botswana.
ing roads riddled with rain-filled panions at 5, with the idea to be on
potholes and deep ruts. It took us the road by 6. There I met Anton-
through three countries – Botswana, ie (who worked in the SADF map
Namibia and Angola – with every section in Rundu in Namibia in the
night spent in a different place. The early 1980s) and Johan and Rob
trip was organized by members of (both in 61 Mech during Operation
the 61 Mechanised Battalion Group Modular from August to November
veterans’ association, but also in- 1987) – my travelling companions
for the next two weeks. As we had

We stopped for a late breakfast
in the main city Mahikeng – best
known for the Siege of Mafek-
ing (October 1899 to May 1900),
the most famous engagement of
the Second Boer War. There was
some concern at travelling through
the North West as in the preceding
weeks it had been the scene of
violent protests calling for Premier
Supra Mahumapelo to step down
because of poor service delivery
and rampant corruption. At several
key intersections we saw evidence
of burning tyres and other debris on
the road. The province forms the
56

2018

southern part of the Kalahari Desert desert – a foretaste of a very cold come. After a shorter day of driv-
and is largely flat characterized by night to follow. ing, we pitched our camp under the
areas of scattered trees and grass- shade of indigenous trees at Drotsky
land. 10 May – Up early to pack up and Cabins on the banks of the Okavan-
go River. Afterwards we still had
Once over the border, we drove for a relief to be able to move to keep time to take a guided boat tour on
hours on the Trans Kalahari High- warm. Rob set the pace of brea- the river where we saw crocodiles,
way through almost endless flat king camp and we tentatively tried a Fish Eagle, a Giant Kingfish-
countryside of yellow grass and to keep pace with him and do our er, Bee-Eaters and other birds and
bleached thornbush. Villages were share. We achieved the distinction a magnificent sunset. Something
few and far between – but were al- of being ready in time – a record we only experienced in Africa! Supper
ways very clean (compared to South kept for the rest of the tour. Around was a lovely braai and we all chat-
Africa where plastic and litter have 7 we were back on the road driving ted round the campfire, getting to
become almost national symbols). through much the same landscape, know each other and voicing plans
The main challenge was avoiding heading north to the Caprivi Strip and expectations for the coming
the cows, goats, horses and donkeys and Namibia. On the map it is a days. As we were much further
which graze near the road and often 280-mile-long panhandle jutting north and well within the tropics,
decide to cross in front of vehicles towards the east, and which only the night was warm and I woke up
– proving that driving in Africa is exists because Germans thought in the night to hear the bubbling,
not for the faint-hearted! Around the Zambezi would lead to the In- snorting sounds of hippos in the ri-
8pm we reached our destination for dian Ocean. Closer to the border ver a few metres away. Now I know
the day – Palm Afrique camp site at the road became rougher – potholes why they are called water-horses! It
Ghansi. After putting up our tents were frequent and it was useful that did cross my mind that hippos are
in the dark and setting up camp – all vehicles were linked by two-way considered among the most dange-
not an easy thing to do first time- radios so we could alert each oth- rous wild animals on the continent
we met more of our group and start- er to road conditions and animals and are responsible for more deaths
ed making friends around a huge which had wandered onto the road. each year than elephants and lions.
campfire to drive off the chill of the Although we did not know it, this
was a small foretaste of the roads to 11 May – Another early start as

we were planning to be in Rundu
in Namibia by early afternoon. A
large troop of vervet monkeys made
things more interesting by stealing
food from other members of the
group. While their antics were a
source of amusement for several
people, they were not appreciated
by Bertha and Alda. Neither were
the huge spider webs – only then
discovered - in the trees above our
camp.

Then it was back on the road for
some more pothole negotiation to
the border post at Shakawe and into
Namibia. This border post is in the
Bwabwata National Park. It was
here that several of the group de-
cided to visit Buffalo Base outside
Rundu – the one-time home of 32
Battalion also known Buffalo Batta-
lion. It was a light infantry battalion

57

2018

of the South African Army foun- duction to the vicious grass thorns travelled by road from Cape Town
ded in 1975, largely from members which are common in northern Na- and Durban. It was a very noisy
of the National Liberation Front of mibia and southern Angola. The evening – old friends meeting after
Angola, FNLA, who fled that coun- tour of the base buildings and aban- a long time, parties and briefings on
try when the current governing doned homes was a very poignant the programme for Angola.
party the MPLA came to power. It one – especially seeing the roofless
was deployed mainly in southern community hall where a rusty old 12 May – Full of anticipation our
Angola during the Border War. It 8mm cine projector still stands in
was disbanded on 26 March 1993 the middle of the refuse-strewn old long convoy got off to an early start,
and the base abandoned. The base marley-tile floor. finally heading north for the Ango-
– once well-maintained and very lan border at Katwitwi. On the An-
beautiful set on the banks of the From there we went to the Kaiso- golan side there were long delays
Okavango according to Antonie si River Lodge – our home for the while we waited for officials and
who visited it at least once in the night on the banks of the Okavango for our accreditation – as tourists.
1980s – is now dilapidated and River. This was where we would This set the pattern for much of our
overgrown. Erich – a veteran of meet the rest of the group – in all time in Angola. At each new local
Operation Savannah - first large 104 people in 26 4X4 vehicles. district we were met by local offi-
scale cross-border operation by the These included two 15-seater safari cials and given a police escort. And
South African Defence Force in vehicles, which because of their big every time we crossed into a new
1975/76 during the Angolan civil windows on the side became known
war – proved to be a mine of in- as the fish tanks. Several people had
formation. This was also my intro- flown in to Rundu while others had

58

2018

district, the process was repeated. mud, thatched with leaves in an en- and rather dirty. The ladies were
While the delays bothered a num- closure made from large branches. allocated the best which meant we
ber of people, it was touching to see The population seemed to comprise at least had hot water before it ran
how friendly the Angolans were and mainly women and children and out. As we moved further north, the
how they tried to make our visit as their only occupation was caring ablution facilities became more and
easy as possible. We were met by for a few animals and small plots more primitive until we were all
a local councilor Klara, who wel- of maize. It was sad to see a large eagerly waiting for the time we
number of shebeens or local taverns would cross the border back into
comed us to Cuando Cubango pro (called Cuca shops after the local Namibia.
vince – named after the Cuando beer). Nevertheless, we received
and Cubango rivers, which flow a warm welcome at Bondo Caila, 13 May – Our first morning in
along the eastern and western edges a large settlement about 100 kms
of the province. drive from the border. Dancers in Angola was an opportunity to offi-
traditional dress, drummers and cially welcome the ladies to the 61
It has rich natural vegetation, but local officials – several who had Mech veterans group - a ceremony
because it was the centre for the fought in the civil war – and wearing which involved drinking a shot of
UNITA movement and therefore faded khaki uniforms, were waiting strong home-brewed brandy from
the scene of heavy fighting during to shake hands and entertain us. It an old 22 mm shell casing. We also
much of Angola’s civil war from was a moving occasion as many of had a preview of the crucifix that
1975 to 2002, the wildlife has been the South African military veterans would be returned to the church at
decimated, natural resources like met with local Angolans and for- Mupa after about 35 years. Then
hard-wood timber pillaged and the mer combatants for the first time in we started our bone-rattling journey
people remain desperately poor. We at least 30 years. Although Andrei of around 200km on what appeared
passed numerous small settlements spoke Portuguese and was the offi- to be an unpaved road on the map,
– houses made from sticks and cial translator, language proved to but in reality was a series of rutted,
be a big barrier during the trip. Then corrugated and washed out tracks
we were invited to a function which sometimes with deep fine sand, that
included a substantial late lunch in wound through dense woodland
the local municipal compound. We along the Cuando River. The road
had hoped to make it to Savate to really tested man and machine – by
camp before evening, but because it the end of day (200km in 14 hours)
was already late and we were told our convoy had several flat tires,
that the unpaved road that we had two broken shocks and a damaged
travelled on since crossing the bor- diff to report; one vehicle had to be
der was very bad, our hosts found towed most of the way because of
us camping space in a deserted electrical problems. On several oc-
construction site. We were prom- casions we had to dodge a large tree
ised hot water and showers – which trunk in the road – I wondered if
there were - but in old containers this was evidence of illegal logging
of hard-wood further to the east. At
the side of the road were several
large clearings filled with cut tim-
ber, obviously waiting collection.
Despite the beautiful landscape we
did not see a single wild animal and
hardly any birds. Locals are also
killing huge numbers of trees to
process as charcoal. They ring-bark
the trees (removed a section of bark
of about half a metre around the
trunk) which causes the trees to die.

59

2018

– a relic from the Portuguese era.
After a series of official speeches
and effusive thank yous we were
treated to another sumptuous meal.

Because we did not want to be stuck we had to attend a presentation by Duty done, we had the rest of the
on the road after dark – as it turned several officials and a function. day to ourselves. Rob and Johan
out we were still struggling along This did not go down well as it was wanted to change money and buy
well after the sun had set and dark- already after 9pm. The presenta- some more food. So we headed to
ness falls quickly here – we only had tions turned out to be on the tour- the Shoprite grocer – almost unreal
short breaks where necessary and to ism and agricultural potential of the to see a South African shop with the
negotiate the most difficult parts. province – it seems they thought the same layout but Portuguese signs in
We even lost some of our luggage South Africans would be eager to the middle of Africa. There was also
and didn’t know it – a 4X4 raced invest there. PEP – which several of our group
up behind us with waving locals patronized. A wrong turn – there
who handed over the box of Rob’s 14 May – A much slower start … I are almost no street signs and GPS
clothes. That would not have hap- devices are not that accurate – gave
pened in SA!! We passed through think we were all feeling the effects us a chance to explore small side
Savate, but there was no time to of our long drive and late night. streets in the residential areas. Me-
stop. This was where in 1980, 32 But then the news we were expect- nongue – Serpa Pinto under the Por-
Battalion engaged with the Angolan ed for breakfast with the Governor tuguese – is the capital of Cuando
army for the first time since 1975. It of Cuando Cubango Province, local Cubango province. The main sec-
lost 15 men – the highest number at officials and military officers. tion of town has an imposing statue
that point in the Border War – but of local king Mwene Vunongue at
managed to capture large number of Our convoy – headed by the now the centre of a large traffic circle at
weapons and equipment. usual police vehicles seemed to the junction of several wide streets
cause a stir in Menongue as we with gracious wrought iron lamp
Because of the road, our convoy drove through the centre of town poles - a memory of the Portuguese
was strung out over at least 50 kilo- to one of the Governor’s residences – but incongruously modernized as
metres and we were all praying for in an old military base. A large and solar lights. Most vehicles are 4X4s
the tarred road which we had been somewhat surreal concrete pavilion or motor cycles and these are used
assured lay just before Menongue. flanked a neglected swimming pool as taxis. It is common for the pas-
It was a relief to finally hear that sengers to carry everything from
our leaders had struck tar and that 60 dead chickens (for lunch or dinner?)
the Angolan army was there with a to suitcases, children and groceries.
bunker of diesel and that they would Most of the houses are unpainted
take us to our camping site. This mud brick and everyone seems to
proved to be the Rio Cuebe lodge be selling something: food, clothes,
and conference centre on the banks cool drink bottles …. of fuel. Still,
of the Cuebe river and not far from
the Fort Serpa Punta (Old War Fort)
– which we never did see. Dreams
of a hot shower and an early night
remained that – we were told that

2018

Shoprite and Rafael at the bank.

Then back to camp to relax. My
copy of Leopold Scholtz’ Border
War came in useful as we tried to
read up on various events ahead of
the battlefield tours that lay ahead.
So it was worth finding space for it
and Dick Lord’s book on the South
African Air Force in my luggage.
Supper was a lovely steak braai with
delicious fresh Portuguese-style
bread rolls. Wish I could have
brought the baker back with me.

there were almost no signs of de- ets of Cazengo coffee. Angolan 15 May – Up early again so we
stroyed buildings dating back to the coffee that has only recently been
civil war. Only one building, par- exported to the US and is appar- could be in Cuito Cuanavale about
tially collapsed but with people still ently now available in New York. 150km away by 9. At least this
living in the section that was still Under the Portuguese, Angola was time our journey was on a real
standing. the fourth largest coffee exporter – tarred road. During the 1980s this
it has only recently begun exporting road was referred to as the ‘road of
Finally, the familiar red sign of (4 000 bags) for the first time since death’ because of the frequent at-
Shoprite. Inside, I discovered pack- 1974. To our surprise we were ad- tacks by SA and UNITA on Ango-
dressed in Afrikaans by the manag- lan army convoys using the road.
er, Patricio. He had studied in Cape The countryside along the road was
Town and had been told by the offi- at one time littered with burned out
cial networks of our visit. He gave and wrecked vehicles. That is no
us the name of the manager at a local longer the case – with Chinese help,
bank – all banks and petrol stations the road has been rebuilt and almost
are gleaming modern buildings. all the wrecks cleared away. Only
Names do open doors in that part of the wreck of a Soviet Hind helicop-
the world and we were ushered to ter, shot down by UNITA, remains.
the front of the queue, given seats This we stopped at on our return
and assisted in no time. Of course journey when we had more time.
word soon spread in our group and As we headed east, the vegetation
everyone was asking for Patricio at became thicker and the trees taller,
but there was still no sign of wild

61

animals and birds were very scarce. 2018 the kitchen did not have a geyser
There was also hardly any traffic on and the bracket for one outside the
the road – a surprise because it was of the fast-flowing Cuito river and kitchen had been placed so close to
in very good condition (better than gives a wide view over the low the door that it could not open. The
some of the roads we encountered reed-filled flood plain or Anhara. A bathrooms were extremely dirty and
in the North West). perfect place to defend against any the whole house was full of spiders.
attack from the East, which was A great pity because from a distance
Cuito Cuanavale was a place of where the South Africans attacked they looked lovely and new.
contrasts. After a short stretch of from during operations Hooper and
unpaved road we drove into the Packer in 1988. Their aim was to This was to prove an emotional day
settlement along a wide double drive the Angolan forces with their as there were plans to hold two me-
lane road lined with street lights – Soviet and Cuban advisors over the morials – which included not only
not sure if they worked. Then we river and prepare defences along the South African military veterans
reached the new SADC tourism the river and then hand it over to but also senior Angolan military
village also constructed with assis- UNITA so that they could with- and political officials and Andrei
tance from the Chinese. This is part stand future attacks from the west. as a representative of the Russians.
of the Cuito Cuanavale Memorial This plan largely succeeded - ex- First we crossed the new Cuito
to mark what the Angolans see as cept for a small area of Tumpo on bridge – the old bridge situated to
their heroic resistance to the South the east bank, where the South Af- the left and lower down had become
African and UNITA forces. It in- ricans eventually acknowledged a a focal point as the South Africans
cludes a massive structure depicting stalemate. This area was then heav- struggled to destroy it while the
a stylized AK47 that towers over ily mined to prevent any crossings Angolans used it as a vital logis-
the surrounding countryside, a wall from the west. tics line to supply their forces in the
of heroes showing soldiers in com- east before they were driven back
bat situations, a small museum and We had been told we could camp to Tumpo and Cuito. Our first stop
a new airport complex. This is in outside the houses and would only was one of three SA Olifant tanks
stark contrast to the town of main- be allowed to use the water and that had got into difficulties during
ly single-storey mud brick houses electricity. This we found a rath- the fighting and had been left on
which straggles along a few dusty er strange instruction, but it made the battlefield. It was captured by
streets with several Cuca shops. It sense when we saw the condition of the Angolans before it could be re-
is situated on the higher west bank the houses. In our house we found trieved. This tank had had its turret
signs of rain damage to the ceiling, removed and taken to Moscow so
that the South African (and Israeli
as I gather they also contributed)
technology could be assessed. As
Angolans and South Africans em-
braced and shared stories and de-
clared friendship we planted small
metal trees in the shape of the iconic
African acacia around a metal repli-
ca of a 61 Mech Ratel fighting vehi-

62

2018

in the soft sand trying to gain trac-
tion.

cle in front of the tank. Our group explosives buried nearby, meaning Then it was back to the Cuito
had been joined by a disabled and if stepped on, they would not only bridge – the old one – for another
elderly former commander of 61 kill the person who triggered them, memorial service. The bridge has
Mech and his wife – they flew in to but anyone nearby. Although South several metal plates missing and
CC specially to attend the ceremo- Africa carefully mapped their mine the deep-fast-flowing waters of the
ny. The Angolan army commander fields and handed the documents river below were clearly visible.
promised that these trees would be over to Halo, other groups have Andrei - who was based in Cuito –
cemented in as a permanent memo- moved or added their own indis- told the story of a tank that fell into
rial to all who died there. criminately. the water and was washed down
stream (the metal bridge was only
On to the second Olifant – destroyed At the third Olifant, only found in just wide enough for a tank). After
by the Angolans who had found it. around 2014 because of the dense the service, we threw handfuls of
Then further into the Tumpo area of bush, we had first-hand experience red paper poppies into the river and
deep sand, thick bush and land- of the harsh environment. One of watched them float away.
mines. The Halo Trust is still work- the police land drovers broke down.
ing on demining the area and esti- A military vehicle was sent to tow The final stop of the day was the
mates it will be busy there for the it, but almost became bogged down new memorial and museum. An-
foreseeable future. Almost a third other round of speeches and a ser-
of the more than 94 000 mines lifted vice saw the museum receive the 61
by the group since 1994 have come Mech banner to be incorporated into
from Cuito Cuanavale. But thou- its display. This was very small and
sands more are known to be hidden had a definite bias against South
beneath the ground here. The way Africa and contained factual errors.
in which they have been laid has In the tank display next to the muse-
created a sinister and deadly legacy. um I looked hard to find the Ango-
Mines were stacked on top of mines lan MIG 21 that was flown to then
and then linked to huge boxes of South West Africa (Namibia) and
later exhibited at the Air Force mu-
seum in Pretoria. Last year it was
controversially handed back to the
Angolans.

16 May – As we were heading

back to Menongue, we only left after
9. This time, under no pressure, we
stopped on the high ground above
the town to see the remains of the
bunkers where Andrei and fellow
Russians were based. He pointed
out where the Cubans were based,
but we could see no specific signs.
The small memorial to the Cubans
who lost their lives – a white cross
by the side of the road and a cement
plaque bearing an inscription – is
about a kilometre away. It was sad
to see it overgrown, although there
were reasonably fresh wreathes.
We also stopped for a photo-op at

63

2018

helicopter, an Mi8 (export version
Mi17) on the road. A lot of effort
and expense for a quick meet and
greet, but a wonderful photo op-

portunity and a proud moment for

Andrei.

the Hind crash site near the Longa comed us with. Several members of Then it was on to Jamba – not the
river. the group took the chance to have a place associated with slain UNITA
quick dip in the water as it flowed leader Jonas Savimbi, which is in
Back in Menongue we went to the over the rocks. the east near the Zambian border –
Halo Trust’s compound to camp in a key point in the Portuguese era to
their field. There were more speech- The locals also have bee hives – facilitate development and logistics.
es and media events before we these are either dry grasses woven
could set up camp and enjoy a love- together into a cylinder or a hollow Apart from a few scattered villages
ly steak braai. log, usually with entry points at the road, which followed a railway
both ends. The hive is installed high line to the port of Namibe, wound
17 May An early start with dark, in tree-tops to avoid termites. We through densely forested country -
met a man carrying a large plastic a distinct eco-region known as the
cold showers as the camp only op- bucket full of honeycomb and he let Angolan Mopane Woodland. Be-
erated generators from 6am. This us buy some – it had a smokey taste cause of delays and the poor roads,
was our second leg of attempting but was very nice. we decided to camp by the side
unpaved roads. The first section to of the road. Our police escort pa-
the impressive Cutato falls at Cu- From there were jolted and bumped trolled the road all night to keep us
chi was not too bad. There we were our way slowly to Lubango in Huila safe. A very different camp but a
again welcomed by the villagers province. Under the Portuguese this good opportunity to appreciate the
and local officials. It is extremely was known as Sá da Bandeira and stars and the natural beauty. A train
poor and it was sad to see the locals was a thriving agricultural centre thundering down the tracks several
brings bowls of their meagre pro- with settlers mainly from Madeira. metres away and sounding its siren
duce – peanuts, mushrooms, toma- After a brief stop, we were on the in the middle of the night caused
toes and several unidentified things road again, only to have our convoy consternation among the campers
for us to buy. As we did not need halted so that a general - concerned – I wonder what the driver thought
anything we just gave them money about our welfare, could land his to see the lights of a new settlement
for the songs and dances they wel- spring up where none had been the
day before.

18 May – The sound of birds –

yes, real birds – woke us early, but
they soon fell silent. A quick chance

64

2018

remains of old houses built by the
Portuguese. Here I found shrapnel
from a mortar – Roland teased me
about battlefield looting but said I
should keep it.

At Cuvelai, a warm welcome await-
ed us with more hand-shaking,
dancing and singing. It was also
the start of the tarred road to take us
to Mupa. It was the scene of South
African operations Mebos (1982)
and Askari (1983). Here a member
of our group nailed a cross to a tree
in memory of his fallen comrades.

to explore showed sections of bent velai and finally Mupa. At Cas- We arrived at Mupa, long after dark
railway lines bearing witness to at- singa – where members of the South but the now familiar welcome was
tacks on the line during the figh- West African People’s Liberation no less warm. Our camp was what
ting, before we were on our way Army claimed the SADF massa- appeared to be the grounds of a lo-
again. After a few hours we started cred civilians in 1978 and which the cal truck stop and tavern - as it was
to notice the tow-bar catching the SADF says was a military training Friday night the prospect of a sound
ruts more and more frequently. On base: backed up by the Angolans we night’s sleep was not good.
stopping we saw how bent it had be- spoke to – one of the paratroopers
come with the rough road. Luckily, who participated in the raid told his 19 May – Rob and Johan decid-
Bertha and Hennie had a solution – story and spoke about his missing
they would take the trailer and we friend under a memorial cross nailed ed to take the vehicle to Ondjiva
would find someone to do repairs to a tree by an earlier group of vet- for repairs. I wanted to be at the
as soon as possible. The vehicle erans. In recent months, by chance service to return the crucifix taken
certainly went much better without a tourist to the area met a local who over 35 years ago to the Mupa Cath-
the heavy load and freed of the pres- had buried the body of a man in uni- olic church so we agreed to split up
sure, the rutted road proved a very form – and it was established that and that I would go with Erica and
effective panel-beater restoring the this was the missing soldier. Now Theuns.
bar to its normal height. negotiations are underway to have
his body returned to SA so his fam- It certainly was a moving service,
A road, really nothing more than a ily can get closure. We visited the conducted jointly by the 61 Mech
rutted track, wound through the fo- mass graves – where a new memo- pastor and the local priest – in En-
rest, often marked as a mine danger, rial is to be constructed soon – and glish, Portuguese and the local lan-
to Cassinga, Techamutete and Cu- wandered around the bullet-scarred guage. The highlight was not when
the priest held the cross to show
the congregation, but when the son
of Quental, an old church warden
General De Vries had known in the
1980, stood up and came forward
to embrace the general. No-one
knew beforehand that he would be
attending the service and it was an
emotional moment for the two to
meet. The church is badly in need
of maintenance and several of its
buildings are roofless, so the group
took up a collection to help.

65

2018

wise to the ways of our hosts and
said we wanted to see the facilities
before we moved. Then we were
told that actually work needed to be
done to get the showers etc working.
So we said we would camp where
we were and if the showers we
ready the next morning we would
go there. Needless to say that did
not happen, and all our water was
supplied by a tanker for the night.

Then it was time to be on the road As the defences had only been earth Our camp was a piece of flat land
– although unpaved it was much ramparts and wooden structures, it at the entrance to the base, over-
better - again. Now the country- was impossible to accurately identi- looking the Cunene River where
side had changed yet again. We fy the exact position and as the light the bridge had been destroyed by
saw the iconic Baobabs – which was also fading, we drove on. South African forces. It was later
really do look like trees planted rebuilt. The present base was on
upside down with their roots in the In Xangongo we received anot- part of the old Portuguese base and
air – and shonas – large flat areas her friendly welcome in front of the one of the ruined buildings not too
that become flooded when it rains building Roland had used as an of- far away was the remains of a guard
– and reminded me of rice paddies; fice during the time the SADF was house – it still had the words “guar-
not surprisingly rice is also grown in the town. Although it was dark, dia” over the door. The other was
here. We were heading to Ondji- he pointed to an open space in front a building known to Roland and
va for a farewell lunch at the pres- of the house where he said he used to which featured in his book “Eye of
tigious Aguia Verde Hotel hosted build sand models of the battlefield the Firestorm”. It was here where a
by the deputy governor of Cunene and plan operations. Then we were South African soldier was killed by
province, municipal officials and taken to open ground on a military a booby-trap left from when mem-
a former Defence Minister. Here base where we were to camp for the bers of SWAPO controlled the area.
I rejoined my travelling compan- night. However, before we could The remains – not too badly van-
ions and enjoyed yet another lavish unpack we were told by officious dalized – of the old Portuguese war
meal. They had found someone to men in uniform that we would be memorial also stand here.
do welding work on the vehicle to moving to a camp site with showers
strengthen the tow bar – and after and water. However, now we were 20 May – This was effectively the
fixing a flat tyre – were ready to
hit the road again. With the right last day of the tour. As it was Sun-
connections, anything is possible in day, the chaplain held a communion
Angola. service and after thanks, presenta-
tions and photos we began packing

Our hosts had found out it was Ro-
land’s birthday (74) and surprised
him with a colourful traditional
shirt as a present. Then we were on
the road again to Xangongo, which
was also held for several years in
the 80s by the South Africans. On
the way we stopped to look for a
place where several 61 Mech mem-
bers were involved in skirmishes.

66

2018

and saying our goodbyes – not the ing board in place. A rather sad site. a personal lecture on the pros and
easiest time as the trials and tribula- We ended up at Uris Safari Lodge. cons of attrition warfare versus mo-
tions over the past days had forged A very luxurious setting after all bility as well as conventional versus
strong bonds. The plan had been to our rough camping, combining a guerilla warfare. I probably learned
continue to Cahama – where there mining theme with brass lamps, as much then as during most of my
were the remains of old SWAPO Persian carpets and soft couches – Masters.
bunkers, Ruacana and Calueque on very Moroccan. We ate supper in
the Cunene. Here the final phase the diningroom – we were the only 23 May – The day dawned with
of the conflict took place in 1988 guests – before setting up camp and mixed feelings – great anticipation
when members of Cuba’s elite 50th indulging in long, hot showers. at seeing home, family and all the
Brigade advanced to the border. home comforts (like toilets, hot
Although there were several en- 21 May –We continued south showers and electricity) again, but
gagements between the Cubans and also sadness that the amazing trip
South Africans, they never crossed to Windhoek – driving for hours was finally over. Even packing up
into Namibia. Political negotiations through the seemingly endless thorn for the last time had its moments
rather than military operations dom- scrub. In Windhoek, we stayed at of nostalgia. Then the long drive
inated, resulting in the withdrawal the Urban Camp – specializing – 800kms – on the Trans Kalahari
of the Cubans and Russians from in camping accommodation. We Highway, through Kang and back
Angola and events that paved the could pitch our tents on paved areas to the Ramatlabane Border Post,
way from Namibian independence under canvass awnings. Each site this time crossing into the North
and elections in 1990. had a hammock and water and pow- West and back into South Africa.
er points. Absolute luxury – if it had Our convoy of two cars retraced our
Because of the problems with our not been so cold at night I would route two weeks previously – hard
vehicle Rob chose to stick to good have been tempted to stay longer. to believe only 14 days had passed
roads, so we retraced our steps to We were joined by several other – back to the Wimpy restaurant in
Ondjiva and then to the border at vehicles from our group for one Mahikeng. This time for a burger
Santa Klara, rather than venturing last farewell at Joe’s Beerhouse. lunch, not breakfast. As Krugers-
onto more unpaved roads to Caha- The decor is fun and varied includ- dorp drew closer, conversation
ma. Returning to Namibia was a ing stuffed animals, empty bottles, flagged – I guess we were all tired
huge contrast to Angola. The bor- rusty car parts and everything else and anticipating the reunion with
der area was colourful and bustling, you would expect to find at a scrap families and friends. Then it was
shops were plentiful, as were the yard. Plenty of beer and tradition- back to where we had started at
bars, sporting interesting and orig- al German fare – massive eisbein… 06:00 on 9 May – the Sasol garage
inal names – like Last Chance and what else… outside Krugersdorp. Rob certain-
AnyTime Bar. ly deserved a medal – driving the
22 May – A much reduced convoy whole way himself. While meeting
We headed south through Oshaka- new people, seeing new places and
ti, Otavi, Ondangwa, stopping for of two vehicles began the last phase having new experiences are excit-
an early lunch in Okahandja at a of the journey home. With organ- ing, coming home to familiar faces
Wimpy (seeing the same shops and isers Roland, Johan and his daugh- and places is also special.
restaurants as SA made us feel we ter Tammy – we headed to Gobabis
were going home), to Tsumeb. The and the Botswana border. After al-
road passed through Omuthiya, most 8 hours’ drive we stopped in
where the old 61 Mech base had Kang at the Kalahari rest. So that
been. Both Rob and Johan wanted Tammy could have at least one night
to try and find the place – and thanks in comfort, they decided to take a
to Rob’s good memory we found cabin – but we camped nearby, so
it. Sadly, like Buffalo Base it was we could use the bathrooms. While
also derelict, having been parceled waiting for dinner – Roland (a for-
up into lots for farming and plots. mer head of the army college and
The swimming pool still stood, because of his effective use of ma-
half full of sand but with the div- neuver warfare in the final phases
of the Border War has been dubbed
‘Rommel of the SADF’) – gave me

67

2018

Cassie en Ria Schoeman – Besondere Mense

Deur
Jaap
Steyn

praat van ʼn lewensideaal wat ek
agter my gesit het en mee vrede
gemaak het as onbereikbaar.”

Die stil trane oor daardie wange
het my geruk en laat besef hoe ern-
stig Cassie daaroor voel. My ook
nederig skuldig laat voel teenoor
die Liewe Vader oor die feit dat
ons, wat goeie gesondheid geniet,

ʼn Hele paar jaar gelede, na ons ek, gister in Bloem aan huis van
2010 toer na Quito Canavale, Cassie en Ria, die nuus oordra dat
het Cassie, tydens ʼn besoek aan die 61 Meg Veterane Vereniging
my genoem dat dit iets is wat Angola toer van 2018 hulle nooi
hy nogal graag sou wou doen, om saam met oud medesoldate, op
maar ongelukkig as gevolg van 15 Mei 2018, ʼn parade op Quito
sy gesondheid en die afstand nie Canavale by te woon. Dit sal ʼn
moontlik is nie. Dit het ʼn doelwit maand na Cassie se sewentigste
vir my geword omdat die persoon verjaarsdag wees.
Cassie Schoeman vir my bitter
baie beteken het en die voorbeeld Nadat daar n emosionele oomblik
van ʼn ideale volmaakte soldaat was, was die eerste woorde van
en mens was. Na baie beplanning Cassie, “ Japstes, (soos hy my
en koördinering kon Minnie en altyd noem.) Weet jy dat jy nou

baie keer nie dankbaar genoeg is
nie.

Cassie het verlede jaar ʼn drie
dubbele hartomlyning ondergaan
en het ʼn pasaangeër ontvang.
Onnodig om te sê sy antwoord
was. Jaap ʼn onmiddelike JA, maar
soos enige goeie gedissiplineerde
soldaat oor die vertrek gekyk en
gesê, “Moeder Ria, wat sê jy?”

Soos altyd, dink hy aan almal
behalwe homself. Ek kan terugvo-
er gee dat die antwoord ja is. Sy
lewensmaat moet saamgaan, ʼn
68

vereiste wat ek van die begin af 2018
gestel het, omdat sy hom die beste
ken en ek weet Cassie altyd sal sê Ondersteun asseblief die ondersteuners van die 61 MVV
dit gaan goed, al is dit nie so nie. Kindly support the supporters of 61 MVA
Sy internis sal geraadpleeg word
tov mediese voorsorg.

Daar is baie mense betrokke wat
ons sal bedank as die tyd reg is.
Die plan in kort, Cassie en Ria
vlieg van Bloem na Johannesburg.
Daarvandan vlieg saam, RSM
Kobus Kemp, Genl Bokkie Smit
en Genl Dippenaar na Winhoek.
Op 15 Mei vlieg hulle vanaf
Windhoek na Quito Cuanavale
beugelei deur Thys Raal ( Oud
2IB van 61 Meg) en Frank van Zyl
(oud soldaat en waardeerde vriend
van 61 Meg) na Quito Cuaneva-
le. Daarna terug na Windhoek en
die toer gaan voort op roete soos
beplan.

69

2018

GENESINGSREIS IN ANGOLA

Deon Lamprecht vertel roerend van ’n groep oorlogsveterane se
herbesoek aan die land waar hulle deel van hul jeug verloor het

Soos gepubliseer in Die Huisgenoot 21 Junie 2018

Om Mielie se Ratel in die digte

Angolese bos op te spoor was an-
ders as om die spreekwoordelike
naald in ’n hooimied te soek.
Danksy die GPS-koördinate kon
ons op die skermpie sien presies
waar die “naald” lê, maar hoe
gemaak om daar te kom? Die paar
smal sandpaadjies in die omge-
wing het nie in daardie rigting
geloop nie.

Dit was ons laaste dag in Angola
ná ’n 10-dae-toer wat soms emo-
sioneel en fisiek uitmergelend
was. Ons het Bosoorlogslagvelde
herbesoek, vriende gemaak met
eertydse vyande, gesneuwelde
makkers vereer, traumatiese stories
gedeel en sin probeer maak van ’n
oorlog waarin ons dienspligtiges
eintlik nog kinders was. Die dag
was al aan die doodbloei toe ons
klein konvooi – 23 mans in vier
4x4’s – die soveelste keer voor ’n
hindernis te staan kom, dié keer ’n
groot, seisoenale watergat. Maar
om Angola te verlaat sonder om
by die wrak van Muller “Mielie”
Meiring se Ratel 90-gevegsvoer-
tuig stil te hou was buite die kwes-
sie. Ons het kamp opgeslaan in die
bos sodat ons die volgende oggend
verder kon soek.

En om ’n groot kampvuur onder
die blinkvet Angolese sterre, vol-
gens die GPS presies 1,3 km van
die Ratel af, het Mielie se destydse
makkers hul hart oopgemaak, al
sewe in ons groep van 23 veterane
wat die oggend van 27 Junie 1988
daar was toe Mielie in een van die

70

laaste gevegte van Suid-Afrika se 2018 het aangegaan; chaos,” onthou hy.
oorlog in Angola sterf. “Toe dit “Toe kom ons tenks van agter af
gebeur, toe Mielie doodgaan,” sius, wat onlangs nog vir Telkom deur, ons trek terug en die tenks
vertel Jannie Nieuwoudt, deesdae op Graafwater gewerk het, was ’n kom vorentoe.” “Hoekom het ons
sagtevrugteboer by Ceres, “toe Rateldrywer. “Ons het opgestel; nie geweet die Kubane is daar
dink ek: ‘Dis nou genoeg. Ek gee bespreek hoe ons vorentoe sou nie?” vra Killik Saaiman, wat ’n
nie om wie wat sê nie; dis nou beweeg. Mielie se Ratel was links boufirma op Boshof bedryf; “waar
regtigwaar genoeg . . .’ “Ons was van my. Maar ons het skaars begin was ons inligting?”
’n close groepie. Ons was van die beweeg, toe bars die hel los. Dit
begin af saam – lekker gekuier – was soos Guy Fawkes; dit was nag. Die Kubane is eindelik terug
maar eindelik ook ewe verward oor Toe kom die radioberig Mielie se gedryf.
die oorlog.” Ratel is getref.” ’n Kubaanse RPG
7-vuurpyl het vermoedelik die “Daardie nag kon ons sien en hoor
Hulle was moeg vir oorlog nadat gevegstoring van die jong Vry- hoe die Kubane rondry,” vertel
hulle die vorige maande se ge- stater se Ratel getref. Die skrapnel Jannie. “Hul ligte het op en af deur
vegte om Cuito Cuanavale, verder het hom gedood. Die ander drie die dongas geskyn. Ons ammunisie
noordooste toe, saam oorleef het. bemanningslede het uitgeklim en was op. Toe wil ons net oppak en
Die vredesamesprekings wat tot na veiligheid gehardloop. “Ek het huis toe; ons was klaar met dié
Suid-Afrika en Kuba se onttrek- deur my sigblok gesien hoe die spul.” En die volgende dag, die dag
king aan Angola sou lei, was al koeëls die stof om hulle opskop ná Mielie se dood, het hulle inder-
aan die gang. Maar toe begin die terwyl hulle hardloop,” onthou daad die Kunene oorgesteek – ter-
Kubaanse 50ste Brigade Arno. Chris Barnard, nou ’n sake- ug Suidwes toe, weg uit Angola, ná
suidwaarts beweeg, ál nader aan man van Thabazimbi, skud sy kop. 13 maande se gevegte. Operasies
die grens van Suidwes-Afrika/ “Mielie het die gewoonte gehad om Hooper en Excite was geskiedenis.
Namibië. Die gevegspan van 61 so met sy hand teen jou hempsak
Gemeganiseerde Bataljon (61 Meg) te tik-tik en te sê: ‘Wat rook ons.’ “Toe’s die oorlog vir ons verby,”
– waarvan Jannie, Mielie en hul Dié oggend het ons saam ’n siga- sê Jannie. “Sommer net so.” Al die
makkers deel was – is tussen die ret gerook; ’n halfuur later was hy jare het dit hulle gepla dat hulle
Kubane en die grens ontplooi. dood.” nooit behoorlik vir Mielie kon tot
siens sê nie. Hier is hulle nou drie
Die oggend van die 27ste het die Aan die skadukant van die vuur dekades later om te groet, net 1,3
Ratels gereedgemaak om “tak- vertel Wynand Louw, wat planne km van sy Ratel af. “Ek wonder
tiese spronge” noordwaarts in die het vir ’n restaurant in Hermanus wat ou Mielie sou gesê het,” sê
aankomende Kubane se rigting se Ou Hawe: “Ek was ’n paar kilo- Jannie terwyl die vuur se rooi oog
te maak. Hulle het nie toe al “ ’n meters weg toe ek hoor hy is dood. verdof. “Hier doen ons 30 jaar later
kontak” – soldatetaal vir slaags Ons was baie goeie vriende. ’n al die moeite om hom te kom soek.
raak met die vyand – verwag nie, Mens voel so magteloos; jou hande
maar die Kubane was veel nader as is afgekap. Dit was vir my f***** Ek glo hy is nou in die gees saam
wat hulle besef het . . . Arno Ca- erg.” Dit was een van Jannie se met ons.” Vroeg die volgende og-
voertuie wat Mielie se lyk uit sy gend hervat die groepie vriende die
Ratel gaan haal het. “Die geveg soektog na Mielie se Ratel met een
van die Land Cruisers terwyl die
res van die kamp afbreek en oppak.
Lood Pretorius, destyds ’n sei-
ner wat nou by ’n vervoersaak in
Bloemfontein werk, sluit ook aan.
Steph Rossouw, nog ’n veteraan en
ondernemer van Windhoek, is soos
gewoonlik agter die stuur.

Wynand stap soos ’n spoorsnyer
vooruit om ’n paadjie deur die

71

2018

agter is die voertuie summier “die
Vistenks” gedoop. Daarmee en
met nog twee logistieke bakkies
het ons na Rundu gery om by die
groter groep aan te sluit. Toe die
konvooi van 26 viertrekvoertuie
oor die grens beweeg, het Angolese
burgerlike administrateurs ons gul
ontvang, van polisiebegeleiding
voorsien en met ’n buffetete en
vonkelwyn onthaal.

bos te vind. Die spanning laai op, tussen Suid-Afrikaanse en Ango- Vir die veterane was dit surrealis-
want die GPS wys hulle is naby. lese veterane ontstaan het. Aan ties. “Dis my vierde keer in Ango-
Maar die bos verklap nog niks. Dis Suid-Afrikaanse kant was oud- la, maar die eerste keer dat ek met
Chris, vanaf sy uitkykpos op die bevelvoerders van 61 Meg, soos ’n paspoort inkom,” het een droog-
Cruiser se dak, wat eerste skree: die uitgetrede kol. Jaap Steyn en weg opgemerk. Dit sou ’n patroon
“Daar’s hy!” Sommerso in die ry uitgetrede genl. Roland de Vries; word: Een provinsiale kommissaris
spring hy af. Deur die lang gras aan Angolese kant genl. Fernando sou as’t ware die konvooi aan die
hardloop hy na die wrak, roesbruin Mateus, die militêre administrateur volgende een oorhandig namate
soos die kleur van ou bloed. van die streek waar Cuito Cuana- ons verder vorder, altyd met polisie
vale en ander ou slagvelde geleë is. begeleiding en buffetetes met koek-
Toe is die ander ook by. Jannie, tafels, Suid-Afrikaanse JC le Roux-
groot soos hy is, staan en bewe. Ons groep, wat later na Mielie se vonkelwyn en Angolese Cuca-bier.
Lank staan die vriende so, toe- Ratel sou soek, het eers na Wind- Dis asof die tyd in die suide van
gevou in ’n dik, swaar stilte. Hier hoek gevlieg. Ons rygoed was twee Angola stilgestaan het. Dis nie net
is hulle eindelik; die tyd het aange- omgeboude Land Cruiser-bak- die karkasse van tenks wat van drie
breek om Mielie ’n laaste keer kies wat 10 insittendes elk kan dekades van oorlog getuig nie; ook
te groet. Die fisieke skof van die vat. Weens die groot glasvensters die armoede. Die bos is mooi en
reis na Mielie se Ratel het ampte- waterryk, maar leweloos. En die
lik 10 dae tevore begin toe sowat verslete paaie het hulle op die land
100 veterane van 61 Meg op die se gewese vyand gewreek, want
Namibiese dorp Rundu, naby die soms het dit tot vyf uur geduur om
Angolese grens, saamtrek vir ’n sowat 300 km af te lê. Voertuie –
besonderse vredesending. Hulle en lywe – is tot die uiterste bep-
sou al die Angolese slagvelde waar
die eenheid oor ’n tydperk van
sowat 10 jaar geveg het, herbesoek
as gaste van die Angolese regering
om vriendskappe met oudvyande
te smee en mekaar se dooies te eer.
Maar ook om genesing vir geeste-
like wonde en afsluiting te kry.

Die beplanning vir die reis het al
in 2015 begin nadat vriendskappe

72

roef. Maar oral was die hartlikheid 2018
van gewone mense. Op dorpies is
ons met tradisionele danse verwel- Toe help een van die ander ouens
kom en het inwoners en veterane hom en word hy ook geskiet. Dis
mekaar met die hand gegroet. “Ek iets waarmee ek baie jare gewor-
was aangedaan deur dié oomblik- stel het.” Dan sê hy vir Mielie se
ke,” sê Niel de Villers, lid van die makkers van 1987/’88: “Maar jul
Johannesburgse Balieraad. Baie fights was intenser . . .” “Nee, my
van die veterane het mekaar nog maat,” laat Jannie op sy reguit,
nooit ontmoet nie, want hulle het Namakwalandse manier hoor, “laat
met die jare op verskillende tye en ons nou vir mekaar hier ’n ding
plekke geveg. sê: Dood is dood. Bang is bang. Jy
gaan nie meer of minder dood nie,”
Al wat hulle bind, is dat hulle ’n
deel van hul jeug in ’n vreemde In ’n dag van hel moes Killik se Afrikaanse veterane en Angolese
land kom verloor het, met dieself- Ratel tydens ’n aanval naby die met ons besoek saam ’n unieke
de dolk-en-weerligblitsekenteken brug by Cuito Cuanavale drie keer gedenkdiens gehou het. Na raming
op hul bruin uniformhemde. Hulle heen en weer deur dieselfde myn- was die gesamentlike Kubaanse en
was dors vir mekaar se stories; om veld beweeg terwyl die Angolese Angolese verliese in die gevegte
traumatiese ervarings te deel met bomme om hulle geval het. “My rondom die dorpie Cuito Cua-
iemand wat verstaan. drywer en gunner het weens die navale in 1987/’88 sowat 4 700;
stres ineengestort . . . In ’n stadi- Suid-Afrika s’n was sowat 31 en
Maar hoe vertel ’n mens die ver- um was daar 11 gewondes en ’n Unita, ons bondgenoot, het sowat
haal van ’n reis oor die tydlyn van dokter in my Ratel met my drywer 3 000 man verloor. Ingevolge die
’n ganse oorlog heen? Dalk met en gunner agterin, uitgepass van daaropvolgende vredesooreenkoms
skerwe van gesprekke wat soos stres. Ek kan nie vir mense beskryf het Suid-Afrika en Kuba aan An-
skrapnel deur die Vistenk gevlieg hoe dit was nie.” DAAR is vandag gola onttrek en Namibië onafhank-
het. Niel vertel hoe hy as jong ’n nuwe, moderne brug oor die likheid verkry.
pelotonbevelvoerder gesien het sameloop van die Cuito- en Cua-
hoe een van sy korporaals op sy navalerivier. Maar net langsaan het
knieë in ’n mielieland huil terwyl die Angolese die ou militêre brug,
hy sy hande oor sy maagwond wat die Suid-Afrikaners in die
hou. “Ek’t gedink ek moet hom oorlog probeer vernietig het, as ’n
gaan platkry, maar ek was verstar. monument behou.

Dis op dié ou brug dat die Suid-

Maar 30 jaar later op ’n vredige,
sonnige dag in die groen Angolese
landskap maak dit vir die meeste
veterane nie meer saak wie nou
eintlik wat gewen het nie. Hulle
omhels gewese vyande, bid saam
en gooi rooi papawers – die papier-
blommetjies waarmee gesneuwelde
soldate tradisioneel gedenk word –
van die brug om soos bloed op die
water te dryf. Aan die verste rand
van Cuito Cuanavale, seker 4 km
van die brug af, troon die vergul-
de beeld van twee triomfantelike
soldate etlike verdiepings hoog bo
die verweerde dorpie en die om-
liggende bos. Dis die gedenkteken
73

2018

wat die Angolese hier opgerig het 1983 tussen grafte geslaap het, hou wat destyds aan alle diensplig-
vir wat hulle as ’n geskiedkundige die Suid-Afrikaners en die ge- tiges gegee is, het hy op die dag
oorwinning oor die destydse meente saam ’n diens. Hier word van daardie laaste geveg met die
apartheidsregering herdenk. Ook die kruis wat ons in die oorlog Kubane by Rom. 28 geskryf: Mie-
hier is ’n plegtigheid: Die Suid-Af- uit die kerk verwyder het aan die lie oorlede . . . As ons alleen voel.
rikaanse veterane oorhandig hul gemeente terugbesorg. En daar by die wrak van Mielie se
vaandel aan die Angolese om in die Ratel het hy dieselfde gedeelte uit
museum te bewaar. Dis Roland de Vries se verjaardag dieselfde rooi Sakbybeltjie gelees.
toe ons op Ongiva aankom. Hier Toe die emosies te veel raak, gaan
Ná donker daardie aand gaan ’n waar hy eens 61 Meg se troepe maak Mielie se makkers hul eie
klein groepie van ons terug na die aangevoer het, kon hy die kringetjie eenkant in die bos. “Ons
brug waaroor soveel bloed verspil geleentheid vier deur vonkelwyn was baie hegte vriende,” het Wyn-
is. Ons bad in die rivier en verwon- saam met Angolese veterane and later vertel. “Ek is bly ek kon
der ons aan die genesende krag van te drink. En toe begin ons Vis- hier wees om behoorlik tot siens te
Angola se waters. By die Roomse tenk-groep se soektog na Mielie se sê.”
sendingstasie op Mupa, waar ek in Ratel. In Jannie se Sakbybeltjie, En Chris: “Ek was voorheen
negatief en hartseer. Dit het vir my
emosioneel baie beteken om hier te
wees.” “Ek is rustig in my gemoed,”
som Jannie op. “ ’n Sirkel is voltooi.”

Ons neem foto’s, ook om aan Mielie
se ma, Suzanne Meiring, in Aus-
tralië te stuur. Sy laat weet later
per e-pos: “Dit doen ’n ma se hart
ongelooflik goed om te sien dat
haar seun se nagedagtenis so deur
sy band of brothers geëer word.”

Dit was lank stil in die Vistenk
nadat ons by Mielie se Ratel weg
is. Toe laat Killik hoor: “Ek is nou
klaar met Angola.”

74

2018

‘n Sonderlinge versoeningsgebaar in Angola

Essie Bester Vrouekeur 11 Januarie 2019

Gemeganiseerde Bataljongroep,
hierdie besonderse storie: “Ons
het gery en gery en gery ... Langs
die pad was daar grasdakhuisies,
vroue in bont klere, oorlogveterane
wat eens vyande was en plaas-
like leiers in kakie-uniforms. Die
vervalle infrastruktuur en armoede
staan in skrille kontras met die
warm gasvryheid van inwoners en
bring ‘n knop na mens se keel. Op
pad is daar baie oor oorlog op die
tweerigtingradio’s gepraat.

Versoening, ‘n ideaal waaraan Dit het alles begin met die besoek Daar was verligting. Verligting om
Suid-Afrikaners al moedeloos ge- van ‘n oudsoldaat, Johan Booysen, te kan praat met mense wat ver-
skuur en geskaaf is, is moeilik om en sy dogter, Tammy, aan Cuito staan omdat hulle ook oorlog ken
te bewerkstellig. Die verhaal van Cuanavale in 2014. Daar het hulle – weet hoe swaar dit is. Die radio’s
nagenoeg 100 voormalige Suid-Af- vir Fernando Mateus, destyds ‘n het stil geraak toe hulle Savate
rikaanse soldate, wie se versoe- Fapla-soldaat en vandag ‘n gene- binnery, vertel Kwet verder. Dit
ningsgebaar met ope arms deur die raal in die Angolese weermag, het nie gelyk na ‘n plek waar mans
Angolese verwelkom is, gee vir raakgeloop en ‘n vriendskap het vir hul lewens geveg het nie. Tog
ons egter nuwe hoop. ontwikkel. Hieruit is Operasie het die voormalige 32 Bataljon een
Unidade de Amizade (eenheid in van sy donkerste dae in die stow-
In ‘n poging om sin uit die Bosoor- vriendskap) gebore - ‘n gesament- werige klein dorpie beleef. Dit
log te probeer maak, om geestelike like militêre uitreik met die oog op was die groep oudsoldate van 61
letsels te genees en om ‘n hand van vrede en versoening. Gemega -niseerde Bataljongroep,
vriendskap na eertydse vyande uit die Valskermbataljon en Burger-
te reik, het die veterane Angola Eerste Nag In Angola mag lede se eerste nag in Angola,
onlangs besoek. ‘n land waar die eenhede hard ge-
In sy dagboek begin Kwet van veg het, en meteens het die oorlog
der Merwe, ‘n oudsoldaat van 61 (soos in so baie ander nagte) weer
hier voor hulle kom staan – met
browns en stewels, die bekende

75

2018

hitte van die bos en emosies wat Kwet vertel hulle het Cuito Cuana- boodskap geluister. Met die dag ‘n
borskaste omklem. Soos gister het vale (plek van die grootste geveg ondraaglike 46 °C, het hulle saam
hulle weer alles onthou en beleef. in Afrika na die Tweede Werel- met MPLA-veterane en Angolese
Die lastige mopanievliegies, die doorlog) met gemengde gevoelens burgerlikes na die ou brug oor die
reën en modder, die skeurgeluid binnegery. Dis hier waar die vier Cuitorivier (wat as ‘n landmerk van
van ‘n Russiese Mig-vegvliegtuig maande lange beleg tussen Unita die dood beskou kan word) terug-
se enjin wat na hulle soek ... (met die hulp van die SAW) en beweeg.
die Angolese leër (Fapla), gesteun
God is ook hier deur Kuba, die Sowjet-Unie en in Johan, destyds ‘n 19-jarige jong-
‘n mindere mate Oos-Duitsland, man, onthou nog dat sy troepser-
Die vriendelikheid waarmee hulle plaasgevind het. Dis te verstane sant die aand voor sy dood lank
oral ontvang is, het hulle aanvank- dat emosies soos woede, verdriet met horn kom praat het. Hy het
lik verwar. Soveel so dat Ds Fanus en ook trots op wat hulle op hier- net geweet iets gaan gebeur ... Wat
Hansen (oud-kapelaan van 61 die slagveld vermag het, wakker moes daardie nag nie alles deur die
Meg) later by ‘n senior offisier wat gemaak sou word. “Net oos van jong soldaat se gemoed gegaan het
die oorlog as kind beleef het, wou Cuito lê ‘n Suid-Afrikaanse Weer- nie? Op die ou brug het hulle eer
weet: “Hoekom bederf julle ons magolifant-gevegstenk verlate gebring aan dapper soldate (aan
so? Hoekom praat julle enigsins langs die pad. Die ander twee tenks albei kante van die geweerloop)
met ons?” Die antwoord het horn wat agtergelaat is, staan nog in die wat tussen die Lomba- en Cuito
diep getref: “Ek is ‘n Christen. Ek mynvelde in die mopaniebos,” se riviere gesterf het. Fanus sê dit was
het geleer om te vergewe.” Kwet - getuies van die oorlog waar aandoenlik om te sien hoe eertydse
brutaal geveg is.”In hierdie spier- vyande saam in gebed verenig.
Papawers in die Cuitorivier wit Angola-sand het baie lewens- Rooi papawers is seremonieël in
bloed uitgeloop, van Suid-Afrikan- die Cuitorivier gestrooi en van die
ers, Namibiers, Angolese, Kubane manne het swaar gesluk. “Meteens
en Russe.”. kon ons verby ons verskille kyk -
was daar nie meer ‘n ons en ‘n julle
Met neergeslane oë het hulle by nie.”
‘n massagraf van Unita-soldate
(wat saam met die Suid-Afri- Gerhard Louw, destyds ‘n bevel-
kaners geveg het), na Fanus se voerder, het in die wrak van sy ou

76

2018

gevegstenk geklim. Skielik het bye
om horn geswerm. Hy skryf later:
“In Rigters 14:9 word vertel dat
Simson heuning gekry het in die
karkas van die ondier. Dankie dat
ek ook ‘n stukkie heuning in my ou
ondier kon vind.”

Mupa se Houtkruis

In Mupa se Rooms-Katolieke voudige houtkruis met ‘n gesnede
kerkie het die herinneringe vir figuur van Christus teruggebring.
Roland de Vries, ‘n voormalige Destyds, 35 jaar gelede, het ‘n
adjunkhoof van die leër, oorval. jong luitenant wat tydens Opera-
“Tydens die oorlog het Quental, sie Askari die geplunderde kerkie
‘n bejaarde Portugese man, met beveilig het, die kruis verwyder
opvallende trots sy kerkie en die met die doel om dit later te kom
antieke traporreltjie (glo afkomstig teruggee. Sy pad het egter nooit
van die Dorslandtrekkers) aan my weer hier verbygeloop nie. In ‘n
gewys. Later, toe Suid-Afrikaanse wonderlike voorbeeld van vre-
soldate die traporrel uit die kerkie de en versoening is Fanus gevra
verwyder het en ek daarvan te hore om saam met vader Renato Felix
kom, is dit met groot moeite in ‘n Gaudentio Hafyenanye ‘n wy-
Puma-helikopter aan hulle terugbe- dingsdiens in die volgepakte kerkie
sorg.” te hou.

Quental is intussen oorlede, maar
met die besoek was sy seun teen-
woordig. Hierdie keer is ‘n een-

Cassinga, ‘n Hartseer Plek

By Cassinga se massagraf het
Ockie du Plessis gebreek. Hy het
vertel van die gebeure daardie
dag in 1978 toe sy lewe in ‘n heel
77

2018

ander rigting gestuur is as wat hy
ooit kon voorsien. “My heel beste
vriend is hier langs my doodge-
skiet. Hier het ek jare gelede mense
doodgeskiet.” Hoe raak mens van
die trauma genees? Hoe vergeet
mens as jy op 18 al mense moes
doodskiet? In Ockie se geval kon
hy, omring deur mede veterane van
die Bosoorlog, die moed byme-
kaarskraap en die trauma van ‘n
dag van koeëls en bloed herleef
- vir horn ‘n pynlike eerste stap na
heling.

Oorlog is Swaar

Op pad na Ondjiva en Xangongo, probeer heel. Toe die voertuie weer te wonder of iemand op jou gaan
plekke waar hulle as soldate geveg in beweging kom, het iemand oor skiet.”
het, is nog baie oorlogs oorblyfsels die tweerigtingradio laat val: “Dis
(T54/55-, PT 76- en BRDM-ge- lekker om deur hierdie pragtige Nagmaal Onder ‘n Boom
vegsvoertuie) te sien, skryf Kwet. deel van Angola te ry sender om
Die konvooi het stilgehou sodat By Xangongo (eertydse hoofkan-
Werner Lotter as huldeblyk aan sy 78 toor van Swapo se noordwestelike
gestorwe broer ‘n kruis hoog in ‘n front), het hulle naby die oor-
groot kremetartboom kon vaskap. blyfsels van die ou Portugese fort
“Dis vir my broer. Hy is hier naby gekamp. Dit was Sondag en voor-
dood. Dis egter ook vir my ma wat dat almal uitmekaar sou spat, moes
onlangs eers oorlede is, maar sedert daar eers nagmaal gevier word.
Fred se dood in 1988, reeds stukkie Kwet onthou dat hy vir Fanus met
vir stukkie begin doodgaan het.” ‘n die voorbereiding vir die nagmaal
Saluut is uitgeroep vir die gestor- gehelp het. “Julle is die sout van
we·broer en sommer ook vir al die die aarde ... “was die woorde uit
ma’s wat seuns verloor het, vroue Matteus 5:13. Die persoonlike
wat sonder hul geliefdes moes boodskap wat elkeen van hulle
voortgaan en diegene wat steeds oudkapelaan ontvang het terwyl
daagliks hul beskadigde mans
se wonde met liefde en geduld

die brood en die wyn bedien is, 2018 mekaar beloof is. En die nostalgie
het baie manne bewoë gemaak. Op daaromheen dan? Dis ‘n manier om
pad terug kon die wrak van Mielie weermagstories na een groot avon- op ‘n sielkundige vlak die trauma
Meiring se Ratel net noord van tuur. Dit was egter baie meer te onderdruk sodat met daardie
Caleque opgespoor word. In die as groet op ‘n Sondagmiddag of swaarkry saamgeleef kan word,
heel laaste gevegte is hy daar dood. lang briewe waarin ewige trou aan verduidelik kenners. “Oorlog is ‘n
Jacques het gewys waar hulle die lelike ding. Die fisieke, emosionele
tenks oor die rivier moes vat nadat en psigiese letsels daarvan kan jare
die brug gebombardeer is. Vier later steeds gesien word. Nou eers
kilometer voor Ombalantu het die beset ek dat ideologieẻ ons laat glo
Ford se remligte aangegaan - toe het wat ons wysgemaak is. Destyds
dieselrook soos die voertuig vers- was ons nie bewus van verskuilde
nel. “Sorry manne, ek wil nie, ek agendas of moontlike verdraaide
kan nie hier stop nie. Hier is te veel motiewe nie. Dis pure genade
seer. Ek wil nou huis toe gaan,” het dat ons op hierdie reis saam met
dit skor oor die radio gekom. eertydse vyande kon lag en huil en
sodoende versoening en ‘n mate
van vrede kon vind,” sê Fanus.

***

Vir die wat nie daar was nie, klink

79

2019

My 61 MVA 2019 Veterans Tour

The Border War lasted 27 years, Jaap Steyn, our passionate tour By
almost as long as I am old when organiser, brings us together at the Melanie
I cross the border into Angola for inauguration of the Unidade de Van Zyl
the first time. Stepping onto the Amizade Veterans Tour of Ango-
soil north of the sweeping Namib la’s southernmost battlefields. done this trip three times, and I’ve
Desert and near the apex of the An appropriate rendezvous point cried every time. Just remember to
Okavango Delta (whose swelling for our departure, Hero’s Acre bring the tissues”, he says before
I’m more familiar with below in tells a tale. In 1966 the first shots we withdraw.
Botswana), I am an intrepid 28 were fired in what would become
year old.

Ten years older than the boys who
took up arms here.

Our journey begins in Namibia, Namibia’s battle for independence After a welcome dinner, lovingly
home to another number. This year at the battle of Ongulumbashe. arranged by the MOTHS in Wind-
the nation celebrates 30 years of It is the start of many stories that hoek on this first official evening,
independence. will come to form a scroll our and several more speeches, mov-
tyres trace out in the sand on our ing introductions and reminisces
If I am to comprehend the conflict journey north. one thing becomes abundantly
that embroiled my father and his clear. There will be emotions in
generation, our journey correct- Johan Booysen, the chairman of Angola. Guys will cry — grown
ly commences in what was once 61 Mechanised Battalion Veterans men, with boepens and bald pat-
South West Africa. Association, wraps up the tour ches — I’m not sure I’m ready for
briefing. “This is not a mo- that.
We stand together in the shad- ney-making trip. It’s to clear this
ow of a statue in Windhoek. The thing”, he points to his heart. “I’ve On a trip to see a whole lot of old
Unknown Soldier sculpture tow- stuff, we might as well start with
ers above the gathering: me, a the utmost of ancient specimens.
travel writer and daughter, and From Windhoek, we deviate a
my pops who has dragged me little to visit the Hobas Meteorite
along to discover a new country and then push forward to Ovam-
together. There are also father and boland. The affinity here is strong
son pairs, plus husband and wife for my father, who hasn’t returned
teams. Friends all waiting to meet. in 35 years. For many months he
called this place, a base below the
Ombalantu baobab, home.

It’s taken us two days to reach
Northern Nambia, and I start to
appreciate the scale. By European
standards, this is a massive theatre
of war. “They were a formidable
enemy”, pops says as we discuss
what lies ahead — Cuito Cuanav-
ale, Menongue, Mupa, Xangongo
and all the barren wilds that lie
between. But first, Tsintsabis.

80

The old army base is now a clinic 2019 tory.
and plastered with tuberculosis
awareness posters. Still, I learn So many stories and we hav- My insight grew alongside the
how once rations arrived from en’t even crossed the border yet. anecdotes. Of one soldier driving a
Grootfontein (the end of an essen- After we do (above the gorge that truck back to base, returning from
tial railway line) and about Tannie creates Ruacana Falls and slices one such operation, and nearly
Pompie se Oorlog. A brave farm- Namibia away from the mass of shooting a journalist in the pro-
er’s wife with top-notch radio con- Angola) we camp wild in the bush, cess. (He had pointed a big mor-
nectivity made her an unlikely ally like so many men did before us on tar-like camera lens in the truck’s
in the so-called Triangle of Death. both sides of the conflict. direction). Of my father’s first
This area was once a hotspot for pangolin sighting. Of the reverie
Swapo insurgents. The following morning, there’s a an owl allowed during battle. How
memorial for Lt. Mielie Meiring it quietly hooted from the branches
Our convoy now numbers tens beside the shattered remains of his and momentarily distracted the
of cars, and the veterans’ tour is rusting overturned Ratel. Our first tank operator from blows to come.
in full swing. On this trip, atten- commemoration of many. Our first
dance includes medics and nurs- real encounter with the horrors of
es, generals and conscripts, plus conflict.
every sort of soldier they may
have once tended to out here. The Here, I start to understand a little
annual pilgrimage is undoubtedly more about 61 Mech. The fight-
a magnet for South Africans keen ing battalion. As the Cuban threat
on commemoration, but there’s grew, so the mechanised task force
also essential counterbalance. For evolved into a permanent unit.
example, a Russian advisor joined Like our convoy, operations only
the 2018 venture. went off (without any intent to oc-
cupy) in the dry season intending
to attack bases before the enemy
infiltrated Southern African terri-

There’s little of this wilderness left
now. We saw an aardvark, but it
was strung up between branches
to dry out the meat, and a rock
monitor lizard was only deemed fit
enough for the fire.

Then there are the landmines.
My father crewed a vehicle that
succumbed to one of them. A
blast he strives to recount for me
back home in Johannesburg using
sepia images and a slender ver-
sion of himself with a dark snor.
He’s simultaneously sixty (with
headaches and a bag of pills) but

81

2019

still that 20-something-year-old
instilled with the responsibility of
a whole country. He’s come alive
surrounded by military mates who
once shared the same foe, who all
fought the ‘ideological’ war. One
that brought with it such physical
scars.

It’s been 30 years since the end One evening (like most) we camp, “Is it what you expected?”, Jaap
of that war. My own comrade sip a couple of Cuca beers and asks me around another fire. I have
on this modern-day bush raid is sit around fires. Only this time to admit, this is not your regular
Tammy Booysen, and she tells me they’re lit beside and above bun- tour. Instead, it is a memorial
that it would take yet another 30 kers once sunk by Cuban forces. drive. Each year it will run unique
annual spins around the sun to de- Several Angolan soldiers joined us according to the diverse people
mine Angola. We drive past trees for a memorial the next day near in attendance. Men on the ground
marked red or white as per that Cahama. For most of our journey, here decades ago.
progress. police proudly accompany us, and
before settling down for a night, This event, we’re lucky enough to
one of the team checks in with have an Angolan comman-
town leaders to alert them of our der escort us around the Cahama
peaceful parade travelling towards Aeroporto, an active military base.
Cuito Cuanavale.

Some of our crew are on their se-
cond trip to Angola. Toffie Grové
is one such vet. “Standing on the
Cuito Bridge last year we had a
real moment”, he says, sharing
what still lies ahead. Toffie also
reminisces how he led a group
during Ops Protea into Angola
from their Namibian base. “We
had to drive at night, with just an
aerial map. The Ratel in front of us
only had a little red light that we
could follow through the winter
dust”. A surreal success story, gi-
ven the landscape I see right now.

82

Pops points out Russian anti-air- 2019
craft radar installations still sitting
here and at the entrance, soldiers the combatants. One must view
stand attention for us in full mil- it in the light of the maxim of the
itary regalia, saluting in striking 19th-century military theorist, Carl
white satin gloves. von Clausewitz that war is the
Onwards, we continue to Ongiva ‘continuation of politics by other
and Menongue. We pass plenty of means’. There was never going to
donkeys, roadside settlements and be a decisive military victory in
corroding wrecks of war, baobabs southern Angola”.
standing sentry, skeleton-like
above them. Many more lie ahead In the end, that Angolan gener-
at Cuito Cuanavale, site of the big- al put it best. Walking onto the
gest battle fought on African soil enormous Cuito Cuanavale Muse-
after WWII. We’re welcomed by a um site, we gather below another
committee on the outskirts of town towering sculpture. Here, he
and then shown around the bat- graciously declares, “Angola built
tlefield site on a route of remem- this memorial, but it is for all of
brance, led by a dignified General us”.
Valeriano. He was based here too
and fought from 1985 to 1989.
Thanks to a Portuguese translator,
he reveals how he used the very
bunker that we now gather beside.

Each bit of debris has a story.
Somewhere there is a person to tell
that story. I can’t help but wonder
if each person is still alive, like
the veterans and generals standing
here, or if a Ratel wreck is, in fact,
a gravestone.

“War was such a waste of lives”,
someone mutters around the fire
that night. Proxy wars are not pre-
tty; I have to agree. America and

Russia used African countries, and

South Africa gained little from it.

It’s hard to reconcile my feelings.
To marry these tales of trauma
with my own born-free sensitivi-
ties. What is a terrorist? Who is the
enemy? What is the fighting for?
Is it ever worth it? What will my
war look like? Who will I cry for?

After the trip, I read this excerpt,
which helped to make some sense
of it all. “Cuito Cuanavale was
not a military victory for any of

83

2022

61 MVA - Bushwar Battlefields Tour 2022

12 vehicles
35 members

84

M.O.T.H Namibië en 61 Meg Veterane Vereniging

Broederskap oor Grense

Deur: Andre Anthonissen
Nasionale Voorsitter
MOTH Namibia

2018 Slagveld Toer likheid vat om 61 MVV se belange
hier plaaslik verteenwoordig.
Die begin van hierdie verhaal neem
ons terug na die begin van 2018. So gaan daar meer as ʼn jaar verby
Ek het op sosiale media gelees van en September 2019 maak ons reg
n groep veterane wat n toer na An- om die volgende toergroep te ont-
gola beplan. Een van die name wat vang. Hierdie keer sou dit nie net
ek raak gelees het was die van Gert een kuier wees nie maar twee.
Minnaar. Ons twee maak toe kon- Die aand van Vrydag, die 13de
tak en hy vertel dat hy deel is van ʼn
kleiner groep wat mekaar in Wind-
hoek ontmoet en dan sluit hulle
by die groot groep aan in Tsumeb.
Hulle sou later bekend staan as die
Vistenkers.

daardie aand. So is die eerste tree
gegee saam met 61 MVV.

Wel ons maak toe die datums vas en Ons het ook later in 2018 die September 2019 het ons ons eerste
die reëlings begin. Die aand van 10 jaarlikse kranslegging in Johan- kuier gehad. ’n Paar ton vleis is ge-
Mei 2018 ontvang ons ʼn groep van nesburg bygewoon. Dit was hier braai en die kantien het gesorg dat
ongeveer 30 veterane in Windhoek. waar gesprekke begin het rondom almal iets te drinke het. Net toe die
Soos nou maar gaan is die eerste amptelike samewerking tussen 61 Meg Ratels op die punt was om
paar minute altyd styf en amptelik MOTH Namibia en 61 MVV. Twee te vertrek, is hulle met Jägermeis-
maar ons groet mekaar eers laat hoogtepunte van hierdie gesprekke ter-bomme by die hek geombardeer.
was dat die jaarlikse Angola voort- Gerugte het die rondte gedoen dat
gaan in Windhoek sal begin. Die die Jägermeister-bomme vriende-
ander hoogtepunt is dat ons MOTH like vuur van lede van ons Shellhole
Namibia in die toekoms sal bekend was.
staan as “the home of 61 Mech in
Namibia”. Ons sal verantwoorde- Saterdagaand die 14de September
2019 was die amptelike begin van
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2022

die 61 MVV toer na Angola. Ons hoofkwartier sal funksioneer. Die
het ‘n onthaal by Wanderers gehou. Angola toer sou Dinsdag 5 Julie
Elke toerlid het ook ʼn beperkte uit- 2022 in Windhoek begin en dit het
gawe “Ratel Lager” as aandenking gou duidelik geword dat die sen-
ontvang. Dis tydens hierdie kuier trum nog nie sou reg wees nie. Ons
wat Jaap Steyn voorgestel het dat sal of die leë saal baie vinnig moes
ons deel moet raak van die 61 MVV omskep in n onthaal area of n ander
familie en die Namibia 61 MVV lokaal kry.
streek is gebore.

Die kuiers het nie daar gestop nie . kers was Steph Rossouw en Martin Dit was eintlik nie ʼn moeilike
Donderdagaand die 26ste Septem- Bremer wat hulle persoonlike erva- besluit nie en toergroep van 2022
ber 2020 het ons besoek gehad van rings kon deel het. Len Robberts het maak geskiedenis as die eerste
‘n groep veterane wat in die Slag op ook sy persoonlike foto versamel- gaste wat ons in die nuwe sentrum
die Lomba betrokke was. Dit is nog ing beskikbaar gestel. Elke gas het ontvang. Ek is seker niemand het
steeds moeilik om die aand te ver- ook ʼn Ratel as aandenking gekry besef dat twee dae van te vore dit n
woord. Ons het net weer besef hoe waarop daar sand was wat van die koue leë saal was nie. Dit was hier-
waardevol dit is om jou mede-vete- Lomba kom. die jaar groot eer om die Operasie
rane in die oë te kyk en te sê: “Ek is Smokeshell veterane te kon ontvang
hier vir jou”. ʼn Spesiale kruis is ook Na ʼn droogte van twee jaar kon daar en ë klein rolletjie kon speel in die
aan die groep oorhandig vir hulle in 2022 uiteindelik weer ʼn toer na unieke reünie toer.
gedenkdiens in Angola. Angola plaasvind. Soos voorheen
het ons weer gehelp met reëlings Om nog meer spesiaal te maak
Die jaar saam met 61 MVV kom tot soos akkommodasie besprekings en het ons vir elke toerlid ʼn spesiale
n einde tydens die kranslegging in roete beplanning. Ek moet miskien geskenk pakkie gegee. Hierdie pak
Johannesburg. Die band tussen 61 ook net hier noem dat MOTH Na- kie was om die reis na gister bietjie
MVV en MOTH Namibia is nou mibia in die proses was om ʼn nuwe makliker te maak. Ek deel die in-
meer as net ʼn samewerking tussen sentrum te koop wat as museum en houd met julle.
twee organisasies, ons het een fa-
milie geraak. • N pakkie sneesdoekies om Paul
Louw se boodskap te herhaal “ Jy
Vroeg in 2020 kom die wêreld tot mag maar by jou Ratel”.
stilstand en ons maak kennis met
Covid 19. Dit raak ook duidelik dat • N hout kruisie wat jy kan gaan
Angola toer vir eers op die ys is. plant in Angola of by jou hou as
simbool dat God altyd by ons is.
Dit het darem nie die einde van alle
61 Meg aktiwiteite by ons gestop • Boek merkie uit Jannie Nieu-
nie. Die aand van 10 Oktober 2020
hou ons ʼn spesiale Lomba storie
aand in Windhoek. Ons gasspre-

86

woudt se dankie tannie Bybel wat Ondersteun asseblief die ondersteuners van die 61 MVV
hy gelees het na Mielie Meiring Kindly support the supporters of 61 MVA
gesneuwel het.

• Potlood en notaboek om ged-
agtenis vas te pen

• Poppie blomme om te sê ons sal
hulle nooit vergeet nie.

• Tuisgemaakte konfyt as die
verlang huis toe erg raak.

• Koffie beker om die toer te
onthou.

Soos ek hier sit en tik sien ons ui na
die volgende kuier in Johannesburg
op die 20ste Augustus 2022. ʼn kuier
wat ook die begin gaan wees van ʼn
nuwe projek. Gedurende 2023 gaan
MOTH Namibia en 61 MVV n ge-
samentlike Operasionele gebied
toer organiseer. Nog ʼn mylpaal wat
ons saam gaan bereik.

Dit is nie die einde nie want Robert
Torrani en ʼn groep veterane gaan in
September Lomba toe. Soos van te
vore sal ons weer gereed staan om
hulle te ondersteun.

Om af te sluit wil ek dankie sê vir
elkeen wat die laaste paar jaar help
bou het aan hierdie broederskap.
Ons het gewys dat broederskap nie
eenheid of landgrens gebonde is nie.
Vir julle wat hier lees en nog altyd
n slag in Namibia wou kom kuier,
jy het nie meer verskoning nie want
jy het familie hier. Ons wag om van
julle te hoor.

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ʼn Merk op die Kaart

Na 40 Jaar sedert Ops Yahoo wat in 1982 plaasgevind het ʼn klein groepie 61 ners op toer na die An-
gola slagvelde in 2022 ook hierdie slagveld in Namibië besoek. Hoewel die groepie klein was het hulle

die 61 MVV se plek vol gestaan en saam met die dogter van Lt Daan van der Westhuizen die plek waar
die Ratel in ʼn Swapo hinderlaag uitgeskiet was. Dit was vir Riana van der Westhuizen die vervulling
van ʼn belofte wat sy al dekades lank koester. Om die plek te besoek saam met 61 Meg veterane, ʼn
kruis te plaas en die koordinate aan te teken. “ Om mt pa se laaste stap ook op die kaart te merk, soos
alle ander slagvelde van die Bosoorlog. Nie net ʼn naamlose verwysing nie, maar iets konkreet gekop-
pel aan ʼn gepaste seremonie”

Background Bravo cut-line, close to Tsintsabis.

Operation Yahoo was the eighth Lieutenant Daan van der Westhui- vo approximately 3-5km to the west
and most serious deep infiltration zen from the farm Koedoesvlei was of Tsintsabis. The nearest spot was
by SWAPO into the triangle of ter- called upon. He was a master-track- marked by a number of enemy pro-
ror. It was launched from deep in- er and a veteran of previous infil- paganda pamphlets strewn all over.
side southern Angola, from Luban- tration operations. Daan van der
go and developed in two southerly Westhuizen’s faithful tracker team Captain Jan Malan took one pla-
routes via Cahama and Techamu- comprised his son in law, farmer/ toon and the seasoned tracker team
tete-Cassinga. rifleman Hendrik Potgieter, married of Lieutenant Daan van der West-
to daughter Olivia; endeared Bush- huizen to go and investigate. The
Since August 1981 a specially man master-tracker Jan Kouswab trackers travelled mounted on top of
trained Swapo group consisting of and; two other Bushman trackers. our Ratels. The signs on the ground
ten platoons underwent training at indicated clearly that the enemy had
the Vulcano base in Angola.The In 15th of April 1982 at about evacuated their positions hastily the
first platoon infiltrated South West 09h00. One of the patrols of the previous night. The plan was for
Africa/Namibia during February Northern Border Company deto-
1982 with the aim to lay landmines nated a personnel mine on the Bra-
and to execute acts of sabotage. The vo cut-line, The patrol had found a
Death Triangle was the target zone suspect enemy crossing and on in-
for deep annual surges by ‘Volca- vestigating closer one of the men
no’s elite Special Unit of devoted stepped on enemy personnel mine
enemy insurgents. boosted with a Russian 82mm mor-
tar bomb. Save his death another
A total number of seventeen of our eight of my men were wounded in
warriors and civilians died in action the massive explosion. The nearest
during Operation Yahoo. All toget- tracks reported were crossing Bra-
her forty four were wounded in the
fiery fray. Of these numbers we
killed 56 of Volcano and captured
sixteen of their comrades. All of the
sixteen captured were convinced to
work with the security forces in the
end.

The Ambush

On 14 April 1982 a massive influx
of insurgents over the Bravo cut-
line. Captain Jan Malan deployed
Alpha Company to the north of the

88

2022

one infantry section to move to the ous that nobody was alive. At this Riana van der Westhuizen se
south of the cut-line and to search stage the ammunition inside the Kruistog
for enemy tracks 200m in a wester- Ratel started exploding and the
ly direction. At the same time Lieu- roof-hatches were blown sky-high. Oor die dekades het ek gesien hoe
tenant Daan van der Westhuizen, veterane die ou Bosoorlog slagvel-
with the remainder of the trackers All around the burning Ratel I de in Namibië en Angola beskryf.
and another infantry section, con- found our remaining soldiers of Later het die Slagveld toere begin.
tinued with the search to the north the section. They were all wounded Monumente is opgerig en mens kon
in a westerly direction for 200m. and shocked. The medical orderly, duidelik die toe en nou ervaar deur
The terrain alongside the cut-line, company HQ and platoon HQ per- die besoekers se vertellings. Dit het
in both directions, was extremely sonnel removed the wounded to a my begin pla dat daar nie ʼn soortge-
dense. From the moment Ratel 12A, safer area, away from the danger- lyke besoek aan Ops Yahoo se plek-
with van der Westhuizen on board, ous explosions. They rendered first ke plaasgevind het nie. Dit was se-
left, they were out of my sight. aid to our wounded fellow soldiers. ker maar omdat dit nie opwindend
We had now lost ten of our young in genoeg was nie. Maar vir my, 2Lt
Daan van der Westhuizen, appar- one day, eight of them taken in one Daan van der Westhuizen se dogter,
ently occupying the Ratel turret, fell swoop… was dit belangrik dat die plek waar
reported that the enemy tracks were Ratel 12A op 15 April 1982 in ʼn
leading in a westerly direction. The In memoriam, the names of eight SWAPO hinderlaag uitgeskiet is
next moment there were maddening brave soldiers… ook belangrik. Belangrik genoeg
explosions and rippling small-arms om dit ook soos alle ander slagvel-
fire coming from the receding Ra- Second Lieutenant D.R. van der de ʼn definitiewe plek op die kaart te
tel’s direction. The Ratel drove into Westhuizen, HC. kan merk. Om my die geleentheid,
an Swapo ambush. Massive black Corporal M.J. van Jaarsveld. soos die veterane besoeke aan die
clouds and flames were erupting Lance Corporal J.J. van den Berg. Angola Slagvelde, te gun om ook
from the Ratel. Rifleman M. Peterson. finale afsluiting te kan ervaar.
Rifleman J.H. Potgieter.
Jan Malan Rifleman B.J. Wolfaardt.
Bushman Tracker, Jan Kouswab.
I deployed two of our sections and Bushman Tracker, Unknown.
moved them to the other side of the
burning Ratel where they took up a The intense burning of the stricken
defensive position. There were no Ratel only allowed us to recover the
signs of enemy. Accompanied by remains of our men two days later
the platoon commander I quickly and move the wreck to the Tsumeb
moved towards the burning Ratel. airfield.
We peered inside and it was obvi-

MAP: From 61 MVA Publication “Operation Protea” – Willem Steenkamp - 2022 Jaap Steyn die 2022 toer leier het
my by die whatsapp-groep gevoeg
89 wat vir hierdie spesifieke toer
geskep is. Na ʼn week wat ek die
gesprekke gevolg het, het ek besef
dat Op Yahoo nie deel was van die
roete nie. Ek het toe reguit daarna
op die groep gevra. Die antwoor-
de wat ek gekry het was nie wat ek

2022

wou hoor nie. Ek was teleurgesteld miskien net vlugtig op Koedoes- van Jan Malan uit Roland de Vries
maar het besluit dat ek dan die ere vlei so ver terug as 1979. Tog wou se boek “Eye of the Firestorm”. Dit
besoek self sal aflê. Al sou dit dan hulle deel wees van hierdie dag om het ook die groot swart pan inge-
net ek en my broer Danie wees. Ek 40 jaar later uiteindelik ʼn plek op n sluit waarheen ons in 2015 geneem
het dit op die groep gedeel. kaart te kan merk waar Ratel 12A is toe ons die plek probeer kry het.
uitgeskiet is.
Ek het voortgegaan en drie hout Gerard het foto’s van Google Earth Ons het geweet waar die groot swart
kruise laat maak. Een vir Ratel 12 gestuur oor waar hy gedink het die pan is en volgens Google Earth
A se manne, 1 vir Jan Kaka se graf plek moontlik kan wees. Die ver- moet ons 6 -10 km weswaarts gaan.
en 1 vir Koedoesvlei. Ek het toe nog naamste verwysing was die tekening

Gerhard en Harry het op 6 Junie
baie vroeg uit Windhoek gery om
my in Tsumeb te kry. Ons sou die
kruise gaan plaas en dan sou hulle
weer met die res van die toergroep
opvang. Die mooi van die storie is
dat ek en Danie mense sou ontmoet
wat ons nog nooit vantevore gesien
het nie.

Om te gaan soek na ʼn plek in die
bos 60 km noord van Tsintsabis,
noord van die Bravo kaplyn, waar,

nie geweet wat ek daarop gaan skryf
nie. Maar die dag toe ek begin skryf
het die woorde vanself gekom.

My voorneme het reaksie op die
groep tot gevolg gehad. Die eerste
persoon wat my gekontak het, was
Gerard van Rooyen. Hy het aange-
bied om ek en Danie te vergesel na
die Bravo kaplyn. Daarna het Har-
ry van Zyl ook aangebied. Ons sou
dus drie karre wees. Nou nie juis ʼn
konvooi nie maar darem nie net ek
en Danie nie. Hierdie manne het
nooit my ouers ontmoet nie of was

....weet ons nie regtig nie.

Harry en sy span was eerste op
Tsumeb. Gerard en sy groep het ‘n
baie indrukwekkende selfgeboude
karavaan gesleep wat hulle ‘n bie-
tjie vertraag het. Hulle het so 13h00
aangekom.

Weereens is ek verbaas oor die
manier waarop hierdie ouens my
ouers so hoog ag. Dit is redelik nor-

90

maal vir ʼn kind om haar ouers as 2022 voertuie staan. Ons almal is in
helde te sien, maar as vreemdes die- verskillende grade van stukkend
selfde doen dan beteken dit soveel in my.. ‘n miljoen emosies. Bang, geskeur deur veral die wag n bietjie
meer. afwagting, en bowenal my uiterste bosse. Die manne met kort broeke
dankbaarheid vir hierdie 5 mans lyk besonder bloederig aan die bene.
Onderweg en twee kinders wat besluit het om Tog kla niemand nie want ons weet
vandag hierdie monumentale ding wat ons vandag gedoen het sal nooit
Ons het Tsintsabis verbygesteek en saam met ons te kom doen. ongedaan gemaak kan word nie.
na die Bravo-snylyn gery. By die
afdraai laat ons lug uit bande uit. Ons ry verder wes tot teen ʼn hei- Ons het dit gedoen. Ek was daar.
Die eens ongerepte Bravo kaplyn is ning. Gerard stop en sê volgens Daar waar alles geindig het. Dit was
nou niks anders as ‘n baie sanderige Google Earth is dit die plek. Ons nie maklik nie, die wag n bietjie en
pad nie. Gerard is voor, Danie en ek klim deur die heining en begin stap. haak en steek het goed floreer in
Die bos is ruig met haak-en-steek en hierdie shona, maar met hierdie
wag-n-bietjie bosse oral en dit ver- groot manne aan my sy het ons ons
kruis opgesit. My hart het oorge-
loop van dankbaarheid.

Die klip.

in die middel en Harry en sy groep traag ons. Aangesien ons in ‘n soort Oppad terug na die bakkies kom
volg. pan is, is ons laer as die omgewing stap Leon de Bruin langs my en
en kan ons nie regtig ver sien nie. gee vir my ʼn klip (sommer net ʼn
Ons eerste stop is by die swart pan. Ons bereik die plek. Ons soek na ʼn gewone kalk klip). Maar met die
Gerard wil dit sien.. Ek stap saam geskikte boom en Danie spyker die woorde daarmee saam word dit ʼn
met hulle in.. alleen.. Ek het tyd kruis hoog vas. Ek ervaar ʼn groot waardevolle besitting “Riana ek het
nodig om te dink..en ek doen dit verligting toe ek so staan en opkyk. hierdie klip DAAR opgetel en wil
beter as ek alleen is. Sodra ek die Met ʼn gebed en drie minute stilte as dit vir jou gee sodat jy iets het om
swart pan sien draai ek om, Danie eerbetoon was die taak volbring. Na te onthou”
roep my terug maar ek hou aan ons klein seremonie begin ons terug
loop ... ek het so baie aan die gang veg deur die bosse na waar die En weereens sê ek saggies dan-
kie vir ons Vader vir die awesome
mense wat Hy oor my pad gebring
het. DANKIE. Harry, Gerard, John,
Brian Dyason , Leon en Danie.

By die teerpad gaan ons groepie uit-
mekaar. Ek en Danie het Jan se graf
in Tsintsabis besoek. Oom Reinhard
Friederich het iemand om die graf
laat skoonmaak. Ons is so dankbaar.

Alhoewel ons nie die eienaar van
Koedoesvlei kon kry om ons toe
te laat om die plaas in te gaan nie,
het ons ‘n kruisie in ‘n boom gelaat
naby die hek wat ek nog van my
kinderdae kan onthou.

Dankie. Op Yahoo is nou op die
kaart!

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2022
Kort Notas oor Operasie Sceptic (Smokeshel) Junie 1980

eers aangekom nadat die mag reeds
aan die beweeg was anderkant Een-
hana. Op die aand van 6 Junie het
Dippenaar sy mag toegespreek en
orders uitgereik oor die operasie.

Op 8 Junie word finale orders uit-
gereik. Vegspan 3 het reeds ure
vantevore vertrek om die roete te
bevestig, ʼn Buffel trap ʼn landmyn
af. Om 10:00 begin die mag uit
Omuthiya beweeg onder ʼn spotter
vliegtuig se begeleiding. Die eerste
stop was Eenhana vir finale aan-
vulling. Hier het die Hoof van die
Leër Lt. Genl. Constand Viljoen by
die mag aangesluit.

Vir Operasie Sceptic het die beplan- Die spottervliegtuig wat die mag
ners swaar gesteun op die lesse ge- moes vergesel daag nie betyds op
leer tydens Operasie Reindeer. Die nie. Teen die tyd wat die vliegtuig
Ratel het intussen ook sekere belan- opgedaag het was die mag reeds ki-
grike opdaterings ondergaan. lometers ver op die verkeerde roete.
Die mag bosbreek deur baie moeil-
Op 31 Mei 1980 lig Kmdt. Johan ike terrein na die regte roete. Hulle
Dippenaar sy mag op Omuthiya druk deur na Mulavi en Chitando
in, dat hulle gaan deelneem aan ʼn tot by die voorversamelgebied, van-
operasie in Angola. Daar was bitter waar hulle weswaarts draai. Die he-
min detail inligting beskikbaar oor likopters wat die stoppergroepe sou
die sterkte, wapens en uitleg van ontplooi op die vyandelike ont-
die basis. Magspeile word inder- vlugroetes, kan nie ontplooi nie
haas saamgestel en vanaf verskeie weens brandstofgebrek. Dit was
basisse in die Republiek het verster- ʼn groot terugslag wat ʼn negatiewe
kings aangemeld. Sommige brood- impak op die ganse operasie gehad
nodige uitrusting en personeel het het. Vegspanne 4 en 5 het bes-
taan uit B en F Kompanies vanaf 1
Valskermbataljon, onder bevel van
Kapt. MacGill Alexander en Kapt.
Piet Nel bly op Chitando agter.

Vegspan 3 vind die noordelike
stellings verlate en sluit by Dippe-
naar se reserwe aan.

Vegspan 1 vind ook Komplekse 6
en 7 verlate. Net hier en daar vind ʼn
klein skermutseling plaas. Vegspan
2 het suid reeds kontak gemaak met
sterk vyandelike ontplooings. Maj.
Fouché ontplooi in die rigting van

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Kompleks 11. Louw konsolideer die oorblywende we om Louw se peloton lewendes
lede van sy peloton. Hy vra vir af- en gesneuweldes uit die doelwit uit
Vegspan 2 moet deur digte bosse voer van verliese, maar die slagveld te haal. Louw se peloton met uitson-
breek na Kompleks 11, 12 en 13. is te ontstuimig vir helikopters om dering van drie gesneuweldes word
Kapt. Harmse laat sy bevelsratel te kom land. uit die doelwit gelig. Die konvooi ry
agter weens ʼn defek. Dit sou twee in ʼn hinderlaag in, en veg daardeur.
keer tydens die geveg gebeur en sy Louw probeer om met Harmse oor ʼn Ratel sit vas en word deur ʼn ander
bevel ernstig knel. By Kompleks die radio te praat om instruksies een gehelp. Toe ʼn entjie verder nog
11 ry die vegspan in ʼn hinderlaag te kry. Oënskynlik hoor Harmse ʼn hinderlaag. Ratel 81 word allenig
in en veg sonder verlies deur. Hulle hom nie, terwyl almal op die net agtergelaat in die donker bos. Een
wyk dan weswaarts uit teen die sy noodkreet hoor. Ten einde laas- van die lede in hierdie Ratel was
rivierbedding en daarna suidoos te kon Koos van Rensburg dit nie Paul Louw. Die res van die konvooi
terwyl die tenkafweer na ʼn vuurs- meer verduur nie en lig Louw in verdwaal maar bereik die laerge-
teunposisie beweeg en raak betrok- dat hy hom sal kom uithaal. Harmse bied laat die aand.
ke by ʼn heftige geveg. Harmse buit dreig Koos met ʼn krygsraad as hy
weswaarts uit met klein skermut- dit sou doen. Teen laatmiddag word dit moontlik
selings tussenin. Hy draai terug om verliese af te voer. Die risiko is
om suidooswaarts deur Kompleks Deur dit alles heen ry die mediese groot want oor ʼn wye onverkende
11 te veg. Hy moet weereens van ambulans oop en bloot rond om die area is daar lugafweerwapens ver-
Ratel verwissel weens ʼn gebuigde gewondes af te voer. sprei. Ligter gewondes uit lojaliteit
vooras. Hy probeer opvang by sy teenoor hulle makkers, weier om af-
voorste elemente maar voor hy dit Harmse se eie Ratel wat op die gevoer te word. Die Pumas ver-
kon regkry gaan 2 Lt. Paul Louw afmarslyn agtergebly het, het in- dwyn tussen tracers en ontploffings,
deur die rivierloop in ʼn mahango- tussen probeer opvang. Die Ratel hul taak suksesvol afgehandel.
land waar hy kontak maak met in- beland egter in verskeie klein sker-
fanterie, deurveg en omdraai op ʼn mutselings en keer terug na die es- Dippenaar se hoofkwartier word
ander aanvalshoek. chelon nadat Lt. J du Toit gesneu- aangeval vanuit ʼn mahangoland.
wel het. Met die situasie op die Fouché ruim die weerstand op, en
Die peloton ry trompop in die uitge- front baie onduidelik, roep Dippe- vertrek om Ratel 20A te gaan her-
sette skootsvakke van drie 14.5mm naar Vegspan 2 terug na sy posisie win.
en een 23 mm-lugafweerkanonne en neem persoonlik bevel oor.
in. Louw het geen keuse as om te Op pad terug na die afmarslyn van
storm nie. Binne minute word al Dit word vir Dippenaar duidelik die oggend, met elke diensbare
vier die Ratels raak/uitgeskiet. dat die nag hom gaan inhaal en hy voertuig wat ʼn ondiensbare een
begin planne beraam om soveel sleep, ry Dippenaar weer in ʼn hin-
Ratel 23A snel Louw se peloton te moontlik van sy verliese uit die derlaag in. ʼn Hoë vuurvolume tref
hulp. Hy word deur drie 14,5mm gebied uit te trek. Ratel 22C word die konvooi. Verskeie RPG-7’s tref
kanonskote getref, maar hy bly mo- gestuur om Ratel 12 uit kompleks 6 maar dit detoneer nie, waarskynlik
biel. Die slagveld is een van war- te gaan herwin. Fouché met ʼn veg- omdat hulle van te naby afgevuur
boel waar die oorlewendes rond- span word gestuur om Ratel 20A uit word. Hy trek ʼn laer, en word deur
hardloop op soek na redding. Kompleks 8 te gaan herwin. Maj. die vroeë nanag met mortiere
Jab Swart is met die veggroepreser- bestook.

Intussen hoor Louw en die ander
wat agtergelaat is hoe hulle konvooi
in die verte wegdreun. In ʼn oorvol
Ratel hoor hulle ook hoe die skote
teen die Ratel se wand ook geleide-
lik ophou. Ons eie artillerie, onwe-
tend van die Ratel se posisie, vuur
ook ongemaklik naby aan hulle in
die nanag.

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Met geen kommunikasie nie en ge- almal is ontruim. Geen gevegte George Contorado
gewe die dag se gevegte, glo Louw vind plaas nie. Op 21 Junie onttrek
dat ons die slag verloor het. En Veggroep 61 terug na Ondangwa That’s the Ratel I was in when
daarom is die beste kans op oorlew- en herontplooi weer 23 Junie vir we were shot out. Was with the
ing om te voet die lang pad uit die gebiedsoperasies in die Xangongo, late Petrus Joubert in a trench
doelwit aan te pak, met ʼn gewonde Mongua, Cuamato area. Op 22 Ju- about 20 feet from the Ratel
wat gedra moet word. Uiteindelik nie loop Veggroep 10 hulle vas teen while it was burning. Still suffer
word die gewonde deur ʼn gunship tenks en Fapla-magte by Mongua. heavy nightmares till this very
opgepik. Die enigste manier is om Dippenaar stuur sy Vegspan 2 om te day and every year this time it
hom oor die kanon met toue vas te gaan help, maar die geveg is verby gets bad. Its as if I am reliving
maak sodat hy nie kan uitval nie. voordat hulle dit bereik. Hinderlae that day all over again. Hea-
asook soek-en-vernietigoperasies ring the sound of men’s heads
Dit was duidelik dat Swapo se rug word uitgevoer, maar geen verdere exploding and the smell of flesh
gebreek was. Maar die doelwit groot gevegte vind plaas nie. Op burning. Spent many years try-
moet opgeruim word. Alle voertu- 29 Junie val hulle Chitumba- Basis ing to come to terms with the
ie se brandstoftenks was byna leeg aan, maar die basis is ontruim. Op loss of my closest brother and
en die doelwitopruiming sou te voet 30 Junie keer hul terug na Omut- comrade Petrus Johannes Jou-
moes geskied. hiya. Op 7 Julie word die eenheid bert. We were inseparable but
amptelik 61 Gemeganiseerde Batal- death tore us apart.
Die valskermtroepe wat op Chitan- jongroep.
do vasgevang was sonder brandstof, *
meld met Buffels aan om die oprui-
mingstaak te voltooi.

Kapt. Mgill Alexander se gedagtes
oor die klein mag wat hierdie taak
moes verrig.

Hulle vind egter die doelwit leeg en
sonder teëstanders. Massas uitrust-
ing word uit die doelwit herwin.

Ander veggroepe ruim die verste
doelwitte op en herwin die massas
buit na die versamelpunte.

Genl. Viljoen in Dippenaar se Ratel Mike Beyl
se lugafweertoring, word uit die Ra- This photo was taken by one
tel gewerp toe hulle ʼn voertuigmyn of my guys on operation Scep-
aftrap. tic, Smokeshell round about 20
June 1980 with the “opruiming”
ʼn Teensinnige Louw word deur of Smokeshell. This is my sec-
Genl. Viljoen oortuig om by sy tro- tion waiting to be supplied with
epe in 1 Militêre Hospitaal te gaan water and rations, we had none
aansluit. for a few days. On the photo is
myself, van Rensburg, Bekker
Op 14 Junie onttrek Veggroep 61 with his hands over his ears to
terug na Mulemba. Met gerugte prevent those little Owambo flies
van ʼn Swapo-mag op pad vanaf from entering his ears and the
Lubango val hulle Omanhede aan legs sticking out is Wheeler.The
maar vind die basis ontruim. Hulle name Paul Kruger, that was our
val verskeie ander basisse aan maar Buffels name can be seen on the
Buffel, just in front of the door.

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2022
42 Years Later

9 July 2022

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96

SMOKESHELL SMOKESHELL

Your air attacks gave us warning Julle lugaanvalle het ons laat weet
Of an indelible date that was forming Dit sou ʼn dag wees om nooit te vergeet

In bunker and trench we waited By Chifufua in bunker en loopgraaf
At Chufufua with our breath bated Het ons jul aankoms afgewag
Your approach a droning on the breeze Dreunings deur die wind het ons gedaag
Arriving later that day through the trees En skielik was jul daar laat die dag

Like a tempest the battle was waged Soos ʼn storm het die slag gewoed
Bloody right through the dark night Bloedig deur die donker nag
Battling through flames that raged Geworstel deur vlamme gloed
Each side using all of its might Elke kant met al sy krag

In the following days each counted the cost Die dae daarna kon elk die omvang bepaal
Of the heavy price paid in young lives lost Van verlore jong lewens en die dure prys betaal
For nine long years further storms we would Vir nege lange jare het nog storms uitgekring
weather Totdat vrede ons uiteindelik bymekaar sou bring
Until Peace eventually brought us together
Oor dekades heen het die winde gewaai
Through decades the winds have blown Met nuwe gras die wonde toe gedraai
Wounds by new grass overgrown Dekades later op dieselfde plek
Decades later at the same site we meet Begroet ons mekaar met veterane respek
And with veterans respect we mutually greet
Gedig deur Dawid Lotter
Poem by Dawid Lotter
Transcribed into English by Brig Genl Tony
Savides (Ret)

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2022

A Pilgrimage of returning and remembering

By Nicole Dickson

About Nicole Dickson

Nicole Dickson (MTh), BA Hons (Psych), is a narrative and pas- some apprehension ahead of time. I
toral therapist in private practice. She also heads up The Institute would, for all intents and purpo-
for Creative Conversation, a non-profit organization in Kempton ses, be travelling as a woman on
Park, where she teaches narrative ideas and practices to faith com- her own with a group of ‘strangers’,
munities such as The Methodist Church of Southern Africa and who also happened to be mostly
Anglicare. She also consults at Mosaiek Gemeente and is a Spiri- men.
tual Director trained through the [email protected]

My name is Nicole and I am a pas- battle sites of Operations Yahoo, I need not have worried. My two
toral therapist. I’ve been deeply Sceptic (Smokeshell), Protea, and travelling hosts went out of their
privileged to listen to peoples’ sto- Casinga, to the memorial at Cuito way to ensure I was comfortable,
ries and struggles for over two de- Cuanavale and through towns and whether in the tent I used, in the
cades now. Narrative Therapy pays villages with the names which are backseat of the heavily packed ve-
attention to how people make sense familiar to the stories of two gene- hicle, or with attempts to provide
of their experiences and assists in rations of men – Ondjiva, Oshivello, for my privacy for those inevitable
changing the relationship with, and Omuthia, Ondangwa, Oshigango, ‘call of nature’ moments. Others
understanding of, problems affec- Xangongo, Evale, Mupa, Cuvelai, were quick to check in on me every
ting lives. Tetchametete, Menongue, Cahama morning, to step in with additional
and Ruacana. resources when what I had brought
I’m currently finishing a PhD in Pas- was inadequate or insufficient or
toral Family Therapy through the My reflections of the trip are on- with a cold Cuca beer and even ice
University of Pretoria documenting going and I am aware of just how for my wine at the end of a long,
the influence of war experiences, multi-faceted the experience has dusty day.
trauma narratives and returning to been for me. It’s a privilege to share
battle sites with a group of South a few brief reflections with you: Truth be told, even though I knew
African border war veterans. So, before the tour that amenities would
after two years of postponements My Reflections as a woman
due to covid, I was finally able to
join 61 Mech’s journey back to An- This has been my first trip to An-
gola in July of this year. gola and, in fact, has been my first
camping experience ever. It would
The trip took our group of 33 to the be fair to say that I experienced

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be scarce, nothing quite prepared backs. I would later find out An- I too have now walked on the same
me for the lack of running water and gola has one of the highest teenage powdery earth underfoot, smelt
ablution facilities for days on end. pregnancy rates in the world. A real the same vegetation and watched
On the trip I truly experienced an ap- struggle for me has been containing the same wide-open starlit skies at
preciation for ‘less’, for items such my own outsider-feminist outrage night. I too have been in a ‘cuca’
as a small bowl of water, wetwipes whilst acknowledging circumstanc- shop and walked in a ‘shona’ pan
and dry shampoo and the extra pairs es in a country in which I am but a and I too have listened alertly to the
of socks I squeezed into my bag on visitor. sounds of the silence around me.
the morning I left Johannesburg. It When I listen to his stories again
was also the first time I experienced My Reflections as a wife in the coming weeks and months, I
a sense of knowing, however limit- will see Angola in my mind’s eye,
ed, of what life was like in the bush Like many women of my genera- and I will now find within myself an
for our erstwhile young soldiers. tion, I am married to a SADF bor- ability to understand his memories
der war veteran. I never knew him more deeply.
I was really privileged to be on this at the time of his conscription but,
journey with three wives who joined after 31 years of marriage, have lis- On our last evening in Angola, Jaap
their husbands on the tour, and two tened to many of the stories he tells Steyn, our tour leader, intentionally
teenage daughters of a veteran. about his experiences and encoun- took us to ‘Blackie’s Tree’ to camp
Each of them brought along life sto- ters in both Namibia and Angola. I under the same tree as my husband
ries and experiences wrought out of now understand the surroundings in (on a similar tour with Jaap) did on
the same era - one of the wives her- which so many of his experiences his first night in Angola in 2010! A
self served in the defence force as a took place a little better. Whilst I truly sentimental moment for this
nursing sister for 16 years, another may never understand the full ex- wife so far from home.
shared of her sadness about the un- tent of his experiences as a soldier,
told stories of army wives and girl-
friends and the third, also a nursing
sister, has literally nursed her hus-
band’s wounds each day for the last
42 years. It was also a delight to
chat to two teenage girls about trav-
elling in their father’s footsteps, as
it were, to understand him better.
I felt a deep empathy for the pov-
erty and daily struggles of the lo-
cal communities – the endless trips
to the water pump and the subsis-
tence-like existence of families in
rural parts of Angola. I was very
observant of the seemingly end-
less number of young teenage girls
walking around with swollen bel-
lies or babies wrapped onto their

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I must say thank you to my husband, 2022 My reflection as a person of
Graham Dickson, for choosing not faith
to join us on this tour in order that loss and resilience, from 40 plus
my experiences and research would years ago and remembered that back As a theologian and pastoral thera-
not be influenced by his presence in the ‘states’ what we heard on the pist, I’ve been curious about the im-
with us. Thank you for your sup- news was rather brief and some- ages of God which inform faith and
port and also for my surprise ‘pak- what clinical. I’m not sure anyone religious practices in the years fol-
kie’ from home! really knew the extent of what our lowing narratives of war and trau-
‘boys’ went through. I have grate- ma. So, when asked if I would lead
My Reflections as a mother fully gathered stories which, over the group in several remembrance
the next while will be revisited, spo- services (at Smokeshell, Cassin-
I am the mother of a son currently ken about and written in honour of ga, Cuito Cuanavale as well as for
serving in the British Army. I will the fallen and the living. Captain Louis Harmse & Fred Lot-
admit that he was constantly on my ter), I didn’t hesitate to say yes. I
mind during the trip. I wondered if Various ranks were represented watched, full of my own emotions
the trip would give me a glimpse into on this tour, from rifleman to gen- at times, as visible, lived grief was
his life as a soldier far from home. I eral and this ensured a rich and present when we gathered to honour
wondered if I would get a sense of multi-layered dimension of stories the fallen. As my colleague, Rev
the experiences a young soldier has being shared. This level of sharing Trevor Hudson, often says - each
and the expectations of being in the and interest is incredibly significant one of us lives with our own pool
armed forces. I also felt somehow and I had the sense that I was wit- of tears. There was rich signifi-
connected to mothers from another nessing interactions that will be- cance in rituals and in scripture and
era who had young sons, of a simi- come less possible with the passing in prayer; in the red poppies and in
lar age to my own, fighting here in of time. the symbolism of the gentle breeze.
Angola. I wondered what it would In the bateleur circling overhead at
be like for them to walk in the foot- The veterans also spoke often of the times we gathered and in being
steps of their sons - to experience how they would have to transi- able to light candles in the church at
the environment and to be able to tion from the border ‘kaplyn’ back Mupa on a Sunday.
grieve and remember the sons who to the family home, sometimes in
never returned home. short amounts of time and with no *
debriefing and without families re-
My reflections as a witness, listener alizing the traumas and experienc- Each border war veteran spoke of
and gatherer of the stories es they were bringing home with the significance of the “brother-
them. I have wondered about the hood” and lifelong camaraderie
Retracing the ‘spoere’ of a genera- effects this might have had and how resulting from being soldiers to-
tion of soldiers has been humbling. differently support might’ve been gether in a shared time, in a foreign
I listened to stories of deep trauma, offered if the young troops had been country. I understand a little better
able to share. now how meaning gets forged when
shared experiences take place.

I am, in ways I cannot yet describe,
forever changed through my time
with the veterans of the tour to An-
gola 2022. Thank you.

Unidade de Amizade – Unity in
Friendship 2022.

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