On Wednesday last week at the Naval Durban Base Sports Ground, Vice Admiral Monde Lobese, Chief of the South African Navy, presided over the Change of Command Parade of Commander Alwani Keneth Nemudivhiso. Nemudivhiso was formally appointed as Commanding Officer of Naval Deport Durban (NDD). eThekwini Municipality Mayor Cyril Xaba also attended the ceremony. During the official handover Nemudivhiso assumed the command of the NDD. As a naval veteran he, brings a wealth of experience, having served at various levels within the South African navy.
Vice Admiral Lobese conveyed his appreciation for Commander Nemudhiviso’s leadership and commitment since inception of the NDD. He commended Nemudhiviso’s role in laying the organizational and operational foundations of the depot and with evident pride, formally charged him as the first office commanding of the NDD.
He emphasised that effective logistics and support are indispensable to operational credibility at sea, noting that a capable depot structure directly translates into responsiveness, endurance, and combat readiness. The parade formed part of formal proceedings. The Navy Base Durban shared, “The appointment represents both a personal achievement for Commander Nemudivhiso and a significant step in strengthening the Navy’s logistics architecture in Durban, an enduring investment in readiness, continuity, and maritime security.” Established in October 2021, the unit functions as a central logistics and sustainment hub, incorporating Sub-Depot Stores, the Divisional Bulk Ration Depot, and the Divisional Armament Depot. Collectively, these capabilities underpin the reliable provisioning, maintenance, and readiness of naval assets operating from the eastern seaboard.
The main purpose of the appointment of Commander Nemudivhiso and strengthening of the logistics architecture in Durban metro is to enhance the country’s overall defence coordination. This is particularly important along South Africa’s coastline. As a major coastal city, Durban lies on the frontline of defence and could be vulnerable to militancy or other security threats. The Durban Metro is therefore a key strategic point on the east coast. Nemuduvhiso was appointed to his new position based on his military experience and rank as being the second-in-command at the NDD. His service, discipline and extensive experience will help uphold the reputation and respect of the depot. Nemuduvhiso is expected to maintain the integrity of the NDD. However, large-scale military events are likely to require coordinate security planning, with heightened police and military presence.
Meanwhile, Durban Country Club will once again host the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open from February 19 to 22.
FROM February 19 to 22, the world of golf will descend on the Durban shores for the Jonsson Workwear Durban Open at the newly revamped Durban Country Club, following a short break from 2022 after the devastating rains hit the fairways hard. This was revealed at the tournament’s launch today (January 20). The Jonsson Workwear Durban Open is part of the Sunshine Tour’s co-sanctioned tournaments with the HotelPlanner. Mcebisi Mtshali, marketing manager of the Sunshine Tour, deems the upcoming occasion as a “no-brainer”. He added, “Durban Country Club is one of the best golf venues in the world, having hosted some of the best tournaments in the past. It’s not just the beauty of the city view but the old prestige.”
He urged the people to come and witness the occasion, which promises to go beyond the golf course as an amazing family day filled with lots of activities. “We aim to remove the stigma around golf and make it more accessible to young and aspiring golfers. This will also be done through school golf clinics, in an effort to unearth the next generation of magnificent golfers,” Mtshali concluded.
The Jonsson Workwear tournament is expected to attract significant business for Durban’s tourism and hospitality industry. The event will see Durban Country Club filled with the rich and well-to-do. For the host venue, the tournament is not only about showcasing golfing skill but also about which tourism and hospitality business can generate enough revenue to secure a profit. The primary goal for eThekwini Municipality and Sunshine Tour is to market the city’s attractions. This initiative will serve as a source of job creation and wealth regeneration for the tourism sector. Spectators who attend the tournament are likely to return to explore Durban’s many attractions, including, uShaka Marine World, uMgeni Bird Park and Blue Lagoon.
Locals will be drawn to the event to see who will ultimately emerge victorious. Golf players from across the world will participate, making the tournament a magnet for those eager to witness athletes who has honed their skills and abilities on the course. Promising new players will also attend to experience the intensity of the game. The tournament offers spectators and aspiring golf champions an opportunity to observe how professionals compete at the highest level. A major concern for the tournament’s organizers will be the weather. The risk of a rainstorm could cause delays or even the cancelation of the Jonsson Workwear Tournament.
The eThekwini region must take full advantage of these events; whether military or sporting, to inspire and educate the youth.
Article written by:
Yacoob Cassim
Journalist at Radio Al Ansaar
