Glen Waverley RSL
22nd October 2016,
Guest of Honour
Brigadier General Stephen Erasmus SD SM MMM
Eleventh SAMVOA Formal Mess Dinner
22nd October, 2016
Glen Waverley RSL,
Guest of Honour; Brigadier General Stephan Erasmus SD SM MMM.
On Saturday 22nd October, 2016, the National Executive of SAMVOA proudly hosted its eleventh annual formal mess dinner at the Glen Waverley RSL. There was a lot of interest in the Guest of Honour as Stephan was our esteemed Regional Chairman of SAMVOA New Zealand had he had served illustriously in the SADF as a Command Staff Officer and Armed Forces Attaché’ to Taiwan.
1962 – 1992: Stephan served 30 years in the SADF, pursuing a varied and highly successful military career. Stephan started off his career in 1962 as a recruit in the SA Army Gymnasium. After completing his training, he further pursued his military studies at the Military Academy in Saldanha Bay.
He spent several years at the Armour Training Unit, where he was responsible for training mid- to senior- level officers. His next posting was as an Officer Instructor at the SA Army Staff College and then onward to SA Army Headquarters.
In 1977, Stephan was appointed as the Armed Forces Attaché to Taiwan and spent 4 years in this role, which was one of the highlights of his career. On his return, he built his career based on various communications (IT) roles he was appointed to at Army Headquarters and later at Defence Force Headquarters.
In 1992, he decided to take an early retirement and do something different by joining the Transvaal Provincial Administration (TPA). Later, he, his wife Elizabeth and their
In 1999, Stephan immigrated to New Zealand with his wife, Elize and 3 children, Stephan was appointed as a civilian consultant to various portfolios within the Royal New Zealand Navy (RNZN) and the Royal New Zealand Defence Force (RNZD
1999 – 2003: He was Manager, Communication and Information Systems Unit (IT Manager), RNZAF Base Auckland The Whenuapai Air Force Base constituted one of the primary domains of the RNZ Defence Force Wide Area Network (WAN), with Stephan being responsible for managing the critical support functions, including the Local Area Network (LAN) administration, help desk and technical support services, cabling network (including switches and hubs) and telephone PABX system.
2003 – 2006: Deputy Director, CIS Services, Communications & Information Systems Branch, RNZDF. Stephan had the responsibility of ensuring 1st and 2nd line computer support for the entire RNZDF, including help desk support and training. He also managed the decentralised computer support teams across all RNZDF bases and HQs.
2006 – 2011: CIS Relationship Manager (Navy), CIS Branch, RNZDF. Stephan acted as chief liaison for computer support between the Navy and CIS Branch, reporting to the Chief Information Officer, RNZDF. He was also tasked with ensuring all naval officers were kept updated on CIS developments, including consultation and assistance with problem solving.
For many years, Stephan was Regional Chairman of SAMVOA New Zealand and he brought much to this Region in experience and being so well regarded.
The Formal Mess evening began for the 55 guests with Drinks at 1930H at the downstairs reception. Mike Black, the Mess President presented the South African Sherry before the call to dinner was made by the Mess Vice President, CJ Luke. The Guest of Honour and guests were piped into the mess area by our piper, Karl Brown.
Grace was said and the Host, Veteran Tony Macquet welcomed everyone.
The menu was the following, with alternate servings.
• The Entrée was:
o Coconut Pampoen Soup.
o Bosveld Minestrone.
• The Mains were:
o Char Grilled Bush Pig Cutlets, topped with a soft macadamia and herb crust, served with sweet potato mash, buttered vegetables and drizzled with Bearnaise sauce.
o Bloubul Eye Fillet of Beef, cooked medium and served with a medley of roast potatoes and seasonal vegetables and topped with a red wine jus.
• Desserts were;
o Taaitert Pudding, drizzled with butterscotch sauce and a dollop of double cream.
o Kaapse Mousse, Chocolate mousse blended with Kahlua liqueur, served with whipped cream and a strawberry garnish.
• Coffee, tea and beverages from the bar.
During the proceedings, our Mess President welcomed Barrington and spoke of his many senior positions in the ADF and war experience in Vietnam. Barrington responded in his own style and we all enjoyed a very interesting presentation.
The Toasts were made:
1. South Africa, the Mother Country, wishing her peace
2. Australia, our new home, may we be worth citizens.
3. Fallen Serviceman and women, “Lest we Forget”.
Veteran Walter Skilton played a very well-received medley on his pipes, which included some favourite South African tunes.
Veteran CJ Luke, as Mess Vice President, controlled the evening well and all went as planned
Attended by:
Roy and Pricilla Arrow
Ian and Sylvia Batholomew
Neale Bavington
Mike and Colleen Black
Ross Brown and Colleen McMahon
George and Dr Mellisa Cooney
Gustav and Talana Cook
Donovan and Christina Croucamp
Stephan and Elizabeth Erasmus
Bryton and Harriet Fennel
Charlie Griffin
John and Val Hanlon
Marius Heymann
Patrick Honeyborne
Barrington Ingram
Barend and Loezette Jonker
Sandra and Michael Kahn
CJ and Maggie Luke
Tony and Dee Macquet
Max and Annali Newman
Ken and Barbara Northwood
Kevin and Debbie Rother
Kevin Shaw
Walter and Alison Skilton
Neil and Lee Slaughter
Derick and Vanessa Smith
Richard and Linda Southey
Glen and Helen Stander
Pierre van Blommestein
Mike and Louwna Weber
Peter and Diana Wilmot
SAMVOA National Chairman's 2015 Distinguished Service Awards:
Veteran Demetri Friend - In recognition of his dedication to duty and to the ideals of SAMVOA. As Regional Master-at-Arms - South Africa, as well as being responsible for Medals: S.A. Legion NHQ, Johannesburg, Demetri has been a steadfast SAMVOA member and he has been a vital link in our supply-chain of SADF and SANDF medals to members in Australia and New Zealand. In his role he has gained the respect of his peers and he remains a true ambassador for SAMVOA.
Veteran Gert Nel - In recognition of his dedication to duty and to the ideals of SAMVOA. As Regional Chairman - South Africa, Gert has been a steadfast SAMVOA member and he has been a vital link in developing South Africa to becoming SAMVOZA, being of service to veterans living in South Africa, Rest of Africa and Europe. In his role he has gained the respect of his peers and he remains a true ambassador for SAMVOA.
Colonel Graham C.L. du Toit MMM - In recognition of your dedication to ensuring that we, the Veterans, never forget the supreme sacrifice made by our fellow servicemen and women on land, sea and in the air. The respect and admiration you have gained from your peers and the members of SAMVOINT from around the globe is testament to your commitment to preserve these memories indefinitely.
We salute you, Graham.
Lest we Forget.
Veteran Gert Nel PCF - In recognition of his dedication to duty and to the ideals of SAMVOA. As Regional Chairman - South Africa, Gert has been a steadfast SAMVOA member and he has been a vital link in developing South Africa to becoming SAMVOZA, being of service to veterans living in South Africa, Rest of africa and Europe. In his role he has gained the respect of his peers and he remains a true ambassador for SAMVOA.
Veteran Kevin Rother - In recognition of his dedication to duty and to the ideals of SAMVOA. As Regional Quartermaster - Victoria, you have developed this role into a position of reliability and trust. Not only that, but you have rallied the Rugby Union supporters to support games, which has proved to be an excellent COMOPS own Forces exercise. Further, you contribute positively and with passion in keeping the SAMVOA story alive and you set a great example to your peers.
CHAIRMAN'S CUP WINNER : Western Australia Region
SAMVOA Bugle Winner : Veteran Heidi Fourie MMM
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