HANDING-OVER CEREMONY:
CAPTAIN Joseph Kgotlaetsile Ikaneng has handed over command of the South African Naval College in Gordon’s Bay to Captain Khulile Gerald Mahlombe.
Yesterday Ikaneng officially handed over the change of command at a ceremony at the college.
The move represents a formal transfer of authority and responsibility for a unit from one commanding officer to another. The SA Naval College prepares cadets for appointments as officers in the SA Navy. It is one of three institutions within the SANDF
“I have had the honour and privilege to command the naval college for the last two years. I must tell you I enjoyed every moment of this command,” Ikaneng said.
He was appointed commanding officer of the college in 2016, and has been reappointed to Fleet Command in Simon’s Town, as director of fleet logistics as of April 1.
“The SANDF has conducted several initiatives to align formative training of officer candidates across all arms of service,” he said.
In April 2000 Ikaneng joined the SA Navy and completed a MTO1 CAT B at the Naval College at Gordon’s Bay. He was then appointed as a sub-lieutenant.
Mahlombe integrated into the SANDF in 1994, and has worked in the training environment for most of his career.
He was appointed as the training commander at the same college from 2011 to 2013, and now he returns as commanding officer.
During his military career Mahlombe received numerous medals for his work, from gold to bronze.