SANDF Sets Limpopo Stage for 2026 Armed Forces Day in Thohoyandou

The South African National Defence Force (SANDF) has unveiled an extensive programme of activities ahead of the 2026 Armed Forces Day (AFD), to be commemorated on 21 February 2026 in Thohoyandou, Venda, in Limpopo.

The announcement was made during a media briefing held at the Thulamela Local Municipality Library on Wednesday, where the SANDF reaffirmed the significance of Armed Forces Day as a cornerstone of the Defence Force's national calendar.

Honouring Service and Sacrifice

Observed annually on 21 February, Armed Forces Day honours men and women currently serving in uniform, while solemnly remembering the nearly 600 South African soldiers who lost their lives during the sinking of the SS Mendi in 1917.

"It is a deeply sombre, yet prideful occasion, balancing the modern excellence of the SANDF and the profound historical tragedy of the SS Mendi," the SANDF said. "This day celebrates the courage of those who wear the uniform, while we bow our heads in memory of those who never returned from the distant horizon."

Taking Armed Forces Day to the People

Since its inception in 2013, Armed Forces Day has been hosted in all nine provinces, forming part of an outreach strategy to expose communities to the SANDF and strengthen public understanding of its mandate.

The decision to host the 2026 commemoration in the Vhembe District and Thulamela Local Municipality underscores the SANDF's commitment to reaching rural and outlying communities.

"This event charges the SANDF to showcase itself and heighten a sense of patriotism and service to all South Africans," the briefing noted.

Week-Long Build-Up to the Main Event

A series of activities will precede the main Armed Forces Day parade, offering communities a closer look at the Defence Force and its people. These include:

• A Career Expo and Fan Park showcasing opportunities within the SANDF

• An Interfaith Church Service

• Sport clinics involving SANDF members and local youth

• A wreath-laying ceremony, led by the President, in honour of fallen soldiers

The programme will culminate in the main Armed Forces Day Parade on Saturday, 21 February 2026, at Thavhani Mall along the R524 in Thohoyandou.

Showcasing Readiness and Rapid Deployment

Members of the public will also have an opportunity to view selected military equipment and capabilities. The SANDF stressed that Armed Forces Day is not merely an exhibition, but a practical demonstration of its ability to mobilise and deploy rapidly across the country.

"As we always say, we train as we fight, to be prepared for any eventuality," the SANDF said.

People-Centred Security Approach

The briefing highlighted the SANDF's alignment with South Africa's human security approach, which prioritises the protection of individuals from non-military threats and promotes freedom from fear, want and indignity.

This philosophy is reflected in the SANDF's growing involvement in community support, disaster response and humanitarian assistance.

Supporting Flood-Affected Communities

The SANDF confirmed it is actively supporting communities affected by recent heavy rains and flooding in Limpopo and Mpumalanga. Engineers and specialised teams have been deployed to assist with disaster management and infrastructure recovery.

"We are contributing to infrastructure repairs such as roads and bridges, water purification, and the erection of temporary structures with lighting for affected communities," the SANDF said.

The South African Military Health Service (SAMHS) is also providing medical and health-related services in deep rural areas, including Sekhukhune, Waterberg and Vhembe districts. Services include general medical care, animal health, mental health support, social services and specialised care such as ophthalmology, oral health and orthopaedics.

Call to Communities

The SANDF has called on communities in and around Thohoyandou and neighbouring towns and villages to actively participate in the Armed Forces Day activities.

"It is an honour for us to be here and to share the activities of the SANDF. We call on all communities to join us in honouring our fallen soldiers and building a compact with the people's National Defence Force," the SANDF said.

The Armed Forces Day programme will be preceded by a wreath-laying ceremony at the memorial site, where President Cyril Ramaphosa, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will pay tribute to the SS Mendi heroes and all SANDF members who have died in the line of duty.