By Frans Sello waga Machate I Thohoyandou, South Africa
THOHOYANDOU – As the last fighter jets disappear over the horizon and the ceremonial display of military might concludes, the people of Limpopo are counting a different kind of legacy from the Armed Forces Day (AFD) 2026 celebrations. According to Premier Dr. Phophi Ramathuba, the event has transformed the Vhembe District into a beacon of social renewal, economic opportunity, and disaster resilience.
Speaking the the media on the sidelines of the main event outside Thavhani Mall in Thohoyandou on Saturday, Premier Ramathuba emphasized that while the province was honored to host the South African National Defence Force (SANDF) and President Cyril Ramaphosa for the Armed Forces Day, the true significance of AFD2026 lies in its profound impact on the daily lives of its citizens.
The Premier reflected on the somber reason for Limpopo’s unique relevance. "Out of the 14 SANDF members who perished on a recent peacekeeping mission in eastern DRC, eight come from Limpopo," she stated. "There can never be any province that is more relevant to host the Armed Forces Day than Limpopo." This connection forged a powerful bond between the community and the uniformed men and women stationed across the region.
The most visible impact of the military’s presence came through its social investment programs, anchored by initiatives similar to Project Owethu, which saw defence force medical personnel fan out across the province’s five districts.
"We have seen at Elim Hospital where 170 elderly men and women, who were blind due to cataracts, had their eyes opened by the members of the military healthcare services," Ramathuba detailed, her voice filled with gratitude. "In Letaba Hospital, more than 30 orthopaedic cases were successfully operated on."
The sheer scale of the humanitarian effort is staggering. "In total, we’ve seen over 51,000 individuals being touched by different health interventions," she revealed. "Sekhukhune, Waterberg, all these districts have been touched. More than 5,000 in Sekhukhune, more than 17,000 in Waterberg. That tells you that even with social responsibility, our people have benefited."
The arrival of the defence force was not just planned; it was providential. The Premier recalled the devastating floods that gripped the province just as the troops arrived earlier in January.
"When we were busy rescuing, out of those we lost, we could have lost many lives, but they were there to rescue," she said, recounting a dramatic rescue. "The woman who was holding a tree, would have perished had they not been there at the right time. Even the 27 human remains we were able to retrieve is because the military have been here."
While the rescue and medical work are immediate, Premier Ramathuba is laser-focused on the long-term continuity plans and says the AFD2026 is not an ending, but a beginning.
"We have called upon the engineers to assist. They’ve started the work of assessing with the National Department of Public Works," she confirmed. "We want to start seeing Welisizwe bridges being constructed. They are resistant to climate change; they can never be easily flooded. We want to see that work starting of rebuilding Limpopo."
According to Ramathuba these engineering projects will ensure that communities cut off by floods are reconnected, allowing scholars to reach schools and goods to reach markets. The Premier stressed that this is a sustained partnership: "Our contract with them is that for the next 12 months, they will continue with those projects until we conclude them."
Beyond the infrastructure and health, the Premier highlighted the "small, medium economic impact" on local entrepreneurs; the lifeblood of the rural economy.
"Vho-Nyamukadi, who sells fruit on the street, is smiling more than you are because this will put a plate of food on the table. Vho-N’waghavaza, who sells at the village when people gather, are there," Ramathuba said, painting a picture of economic inclusivity often overlooked in major events. She added that the Limpopo Tourism Agency is currently quantifying the occupancy boost experienced by local lodges and hospitality SMMEs.
Ramathuba added that the most crucial continuity plan is the transfer of skills; as the army personnel are operating alongside local medical officers and public works teams, saying the SANDF is leaving behind a more capable provincial workforce.
"For us, it’s to make sure our young people begin to understand and appreciate that the South African National Defence Force is not only about carrying a gun," the Premier stated. "There are doctors trained by the Army, nurses trained by the Army, and engineers who build bridges that stand the test of time."
Premier Ramathuba concluded with a powerful message to the rest of the country and potential investors: "For us, we are a rural province, but watch the space. We are starting to urbanize the very same rural. You are in Thohoyandou here, and that’s the only way we can go."
By successfully hosting a national event of this magnitude and leveraging it for massive social impact, Limpopo has proven it is a province ready for business, resilient in the face of disaster, and unwavering in its commitment to its people.
