Pretoria - The Department of Communications on Tuesday launched a stamp in commemoration of the 11 Field Postal Unit of the South African National Defence Force (SANDF).
Communications Deputy Minister Stella Ndabeni paid a visit to the Waterkloof Air Force Base in Pretoria to launch the 11th Field Postal Unit Stamp in celebration of World Post Day.
"Stamps reflect the broad spectrum of our culture, national identity, history and environment, social and economic development. A stamp also acts as an ambassador for the country and what is depicted on the stamps is of utmost importance," Ndabeni said.
In terms of government policy, commemorative stamps are issued to honour the country's heroes and heroines, as well as to honour special occasions of national, continental and international interests and significance.
The 11 Field Postal Unit (FPU) was dedicated to providing an efficient field postal service to the SANDF and its members, wherever they may be deployed, during operations and large-scale field exercises, Ndabeni noted.
11 FPU, a reserve unit, is fully operational in Africa to this day and is the only reserve unit that has been deployed continuously since the first South African troops were deployed in Central Africa during 2001, she said.
Members of 11 FPU are reserves who sacrifice their time to serve their fellow combatants wherever they may be deployed. All reserves called up for service at Field Post Offices are full-time employees of South African Post Office (SAPO).
"...11 FPU plays a major role in supporting the SANDF. It is a specialist unit, not an extension or duplication of any service rendered by any other unit within the SANDF. As a leader in ensuring that communication channels between deployed soldiers abroad and their families are maintained, its activities are regulated and supported by SAPO," she said.
The department and SAPO were appreciative of the role played by SANDF in ensuring there was delivery, irrespective of the geographical location, the deputy minister added.
"I want to applaud the SANDF for the role it plays in ensuring a disciplined and effective force. It is through devotion and patriotism that our country will be respected and protected from foreign tendencies that would want to undermine what we have achieved and fought for," she said. - SAnews.gov.za
