PROJECT: 65TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1 PARACHUTE BATTALION AND RESTORED AAPKAS REDEDICATION PARADE
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The 65th Anniversary of the 1 Parachute Battalion and the unveiling of the new restored Aapkas took place on the
30th of April 2026 at the 44 Parachute Regiment in Bloemfontein.
The occasion was attended by esteemed Generals and senior leadership of the army, along with veterans across South Africa.
The rededication of our revamped AAPKAS Outdoor Exit Trainer was a proud and memorable occasion.
To reach 65 years—a milestone where most military personnel are required to retire—yet to see so many of our dedicated serving paratroopers standing here together, firm and united, is a profound testament to the eternal spirit of the Paratrooper.
The parade was absolute perfection, executed with precision even as the heavens opened.
That drenching weather was a blessing that revealed our true grit, reminding us that nothing stops a Paratrooper.
Watching our veterans, from those in their 80s downwards, walking with such dignity through the rain was deeply humbling. Furthermore, the flawless displays in the hangar served as a powerful statement of our enduring excellence.
These displays proved that we set a world-class standard, even under constrained budgetary conditions.
Our Paratroopers must be maintained as a strategic asset, prepared for immediate, rapid deployment.
The Maroon Beret and our Wings should be simultaneously respected and feared,
standing as an uncompromising symbol of our national readiness.
Our deepest, most profound gratitude to the Chief of the Army, Lt Gen Mbatha.
Your decision to remove your cover and stand with your troops in that downpour was the ultimate display of true leadership. Your address in Afrikaans resonated in the hearts of every man present—a moving bridge between generations.
UNVEILING OF THE RESTORED AAPKAS TRAINING TOWER:
The Aapkas is a unique and important symbol of South African paratrooper heritage.
For generations of paratroopers, the Aapkas formed part of the demanding journey from soldier to paratrooper and
remain deeply embedded in the identity and traditions of the airborne brotherhood.
The occasion proved especially meaningful for many of the veterans who attended, some of whom had not returned to the battalion base in more than 40 years. Many reflected on completing their jump courses at a time when the modern training hangar did not yet exist and the Aapkas stood at the centre of parachute training. Seeing the restored structure brought back memories of first jumps, hard training, and lifelong friendships formed within the maroon beret fraternity.
Veterans were highly impressed by the excellent standard of the base and the new training facilities, while appreciating the effort made to preserve an important piece of airborne history. More importantly, the day successfully brought together former and current paratroopers in honour of a proud shared legacy.
GENERALS AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP ATTENDANCE:
We were honoured by the presence of our esteemed Generals and senior leadership, including:
Lt. Gen. L. Mbatha (Chief of the Army)
Maj. Gen. Mashego
Gen. Stroebel
Maj. Gen. Ngcobo (GOC SA Army Infantry Formation)
Maj. Gen. Mdutywa
Brig. Gen. S.S. Lechoenyo (GOC Special Forces)
Brig. Gen. Nthejane
Brig. Gen. Gopane
Brig. Gen. Chiliza
Brig. Gen. Mabuza
Brig. Gen. Ndandani
Brig. Gen. Ngoai (Legal Academy)
SCWO Mokete Petrus Tladi (Sergeant Major of the South African Army)
(Please accept our sincerest apologies if any names have been inadvertently omitted,
or if the protocol of rank and precedence has not been perfectly observed.
Our intention is solely to honour and recognise the invaluable contribution of every leader present.)
SPECIAL THANKS:
We pay special tribute to the architects of this day:
Maj. Gen. Ngcobo (GOC SA Army Infantry Formation) and Col. Gordon (Officer Commanding 44 Parachute Regiment).
To Col. Gordon, your leadership and the exceptional standard you instil in your team—including your 2IC, Lt. Col. Biyela, Regimental PSM Jaza, and all your personnel—were the driving forces behind this monumental event.
Special recognition is also due to Lt. Col. Liphadzi (Officer Commanding 1 Parachute Battalion) and his 2IC, Major Keobakile Enoch Moleti, whose outstanding dedication and tireless work were the bedrock of this day’s success.
We also extend our deepest appreciation to my own team,
whose personal sacrifice made this vision a reality.
To our fellow Veterans, the Officers, NCOs, and the Paratroopers who showed the world what
the highest possible standard truly means—you are the heart of this legacy.
Watching the camaraderie between us proved that while time passes,
the bond of the wings is unbreakable.
This is only the beginning.
As part of Operation Restore the Glory, our momentum remains unstoppable as we turn our attention to
the SA Paratroopers Museum Exhibition Association, led by Lt. Col. Steve Camp (Ret).
We are creating a world-class exhibition space at the Ditsong National Museum of Military History,
with an opening target of 24th May 2026.
Once a Paratrooper, always a Paratrooper.
SECOND TO NONE
EX ALTO VINCIMUS
Airborne All The Way, All The Way Airborne - Restore the Glory
Gallery of photos:
All photos can be downloaded by clicking on the link below:
With deepest respect and appreciation,
Raymond C. Kramer
Colonel (Hon), SA Army Infantry Formation
Chairman, Parabat Heritage Foundation (PHF)
Chairman, The SA Paratroopers Museum Exhibition Association (SAPMEA)
Project Leader, Operation Restore the Glory
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