South Africa: Joint Tactical Headquarters Mpumalanga held a farewell parade for the outgoing 4 Parachute Battalion at the end of their deployment under Operation CORONA. The dignitary for the parade was the Officer Commanding Joint Tactical Headquarters Mpumalanga, Colonel M.S. Gopane who handed over the trophies and the certificates to the recipients for their outstanding work displayed by the members and the overall success of the Battalion.
Joint Tactical Headquarters Mpumalanga area of responsibility under Operation CORONA includes borderline activities along the Republic of South Africa/Mozambique and Republic of South Africa/Kingdom of Eswatini.
The SA National Defence Force tackles incidents alike theft of vehicles from the Republic of South Africa to Mozambique, the influx of Undocumented Persons into the Republic of South Africa, the influx of contrabands into the Republic of South Africa and other activities which presents danger to the South Africa National Defence Force members operating along the borderline.
Amongst the deployed members of 4 Parachute Battalion, was a significantly large number of the 2022 Military Skills Development System intake who were exposed for the first time in a Mission area. The Military Skills Development System members, under the guidance and leadership of the seasoned soldiers, displayed a great level of discipline and professionalism which contributed positively to the successes of 4 Parachute Battalion in the duration of their tour of duty.
The Joint Tactical Headquarters Mpumalanga has always emphasised the importance of working together with other stakeholders, including the members of the community who are the Centre of Gravity in Operation CORONA.
In an effort to win the hearts and minds of the population, 4 Parachute Battalion gave back to the community by donating R 5 000.00 to Dludluma Orphanage which is based in Nass in the Nkomazi district and assisted Mkhuhlu home-based care centre by providing clean water, food parcels and sanitary pads.
The parade was a complete success and it was well accepted by the invited guests.
