Acknowledging a year of sadness and anger over the past year since the Kommetjie submarine disaster, the SA Navy held a ceremony to rename three buildings at the Simon's Town Naval Base, to honour the fallen submariners.
Three submarine buildings at the Simon's Town Naval Base were renamed on Friday 20 September, to commemorate three submariners who died on board the SAS 'Manthatisi on 20 September last year.
Master Warrant Officer William Mathipa, Warrant Officer Class One Mmokwapa Mojela and Lieutenant Commander Gillian Malouw-Hector died on 20 September 2023, when high waves swept seven crew members of the SAS 'Manthatisi submarine overboard.
At the time of the incident, the SAS 'Manthatisi was en route to Table Bay from Simon's Town for a South African Navy Festival, scheduled to take place from 23 to 25 September 2023.
The submarine was near Kommetjie when the incident occurred at around 2.30pm. Rescue operations saved the lives of five personnel.
Lucas Makwapa Mojela building
On Friday, South African Navy chief, Vice-Admiral Monde Lobese, announced that the Submarine Squadron Headquarters building -- affectionately known as the Orca Building -- will be renamed the Lucas Makwapa Mojela building "because of the leadership role that Mojela played in the submarine corps".
"He was always so positive and led by example, which is a worthwhile trait for anyone who works in a leadership position in the Submarine Squadron."
Gillian Malouw-Hector building
Lobese said the...
