Cape Town – She’s known as the Human Navigator, an honour bestowed on her by her colleagues because she led 15 colleagues to safety from behind enemy lines in the Central African Republic.
Yesterday, Parliament applauded medic Corporal Molatelo Aphinia Nkoana for her bravery, which was recounted by the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula.
Parliamentarians also warmly clapped when informed of the bravery of another female, Susette Gates, who works in the South African National Defence Force (SANDF)
Both heroines were present and introduced to MPs by the Mapisa-Nqakula as she tabled her first Defence Budget Vote on Thursday.
Mapisa-Nqakula praised Corporal Nkoana for showing bravery which went beyond the call of duty in the CAR capital of Bangui in March.
“During the heat of battle, she volunteered to go out and assist with casualties sustained in the field. Whilst returning to the base, the convoy was ambushed by Seleka rebels. Without vehicles and maps to guide them to base, 16 members were cut off from their company and realized that their hiding place was surrounded by rebels. They were behind enemy lines,” Mapisa-Nqakula said.
Medical officer Corporal Nkoana took the lead.
“For two long days and nights, they moved under command and guidance, carrying casualties of war. She kept the commanders informed of their position and situation at all times. Her actions saved all 16 of our soldiers including two who were shot.”
When Gates and her colleagues became aware of the imminent rebel attack, they vacated their accommodation, relocating to a safer place. She left behind the cash contingency used to support the mission in the CAR.
“She knew that should the money be discovered it would fall into the wrong hands and be used to fuel rebel activity. At the height of the battle she returned to the base to fetch the money and accounting documents at great risk to her life.”
She was confronted by the rebels who wanted to take the bags she’d retrieved. But she convinced them that she was carrying clothes left behind. She hitch hiked to the airport with French troops.
Gates returned to South Africa with R3 million in foreign currency.
“Ms Gates and Corporal Nkoana represent all the finest qualities of the new SANDF. They are heroines and true patriots who displayed loyalty to their country and fellow servicemen and women,” Mapisa-Nqakula said. – SAnews.gov.za
