Marching band delights residents

HUNDREDS soldiers of 14 SA Infantry battalion were cheered and whistled at when they swept through the streets of Mthatha yesterday.

Led by a military brass band, 14 SAI and an assortment of military hardware marched and drove to the cleared city centre at lunchtime.

There the KSD municipality officially conferred the freedom of the city on them – apparently for the second time in six years.

Awed residents lined the streets, clapped and whistled in excitement, and photographed and filmed with their cellphones, while office workers lined their balconies and windows.

Ngangelizwe township resident Bukelwa Madulini enthused: “It was so beautiful, just beautiful. Nothing much exciting happens in Mthatha. It was really refreshing.”

Lee-Andre Scharneck snapped away with a cellphone camera, saying: “They risk their lives for their country. I kind of felt proud for a moment.”

Eletsang Lesirela was unsure of the reason for the military display but took pictures anyway.

KSD mayor Dumani Zozo said he wanted more collaboration with the army, especially with their city safety programme.

14 SAI commanding officer Lieutenant-Colonel Justice Mangxa said they were excited at receiving the honour. — Sikho Ntshobane