The SAAF Forum

New book on SA Navy launched

By Dean Wingrin

The South African Navy (SA Navy) has launched a new coffee table style photo book that focuses on the Navy’s activities and accomplishments of the past 25 years.

Commemorating 25 Years of Democracy by reflecting on the achievements and challenges the organisation has had over this period through a campaign termed Project Tshintsha, the celebrations include Admiralty House Garden Concerts, a Fleet Pulling Regatta, updating of the Navy Roll of Honour, opening and renaming of the Flag Officer Fleet's refurbished Headquarters building and the book project.

Speaking at the launch of the book at Naval Base Simon’s Town on Thursday September 19, Chief of the Navy Vice-Admiral Mosiwa Hlongwane noted that much has happened since 1994 and that “to cram 25 years of history into 230 pages is easier said than done.”

Compiled by Commander Leon Steyn of the South African Naval Museum with design and layout by Chief Petty Officer Martin Venter, the glossy 230-page book of 21 chapters strikes a fine balance between the written word and visual images. The focus of the book is on the people of the Navy, the ships, operations, exercises and milestones achieved.

In the words of Hlongwane: “It is hoped that the readers will recognise themselves in the book in some way or another.”

Contributing authors who provided their research and writing towards this project include Professor André Wessels, Calvin Manganyi and Dean Wingrin.

The book is obtainable from the South African Naval Museum.

Cdr Leon Steyn, compiler of THE SOUTH AFRICAN NAVY - 25 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY, receiving his copy from R Adm Bravo Mhlana, Flag Officer Fleet


First Chief of the Navy in the democratic South Africa: V Adm Robert Simpson-Anderson

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